Everything you've been waiting for is here: the first crisp wind, the fragrance of a pumpkin spice latté, the first few falling leaves. With the arrival of autumn, the season has officially begun. Especially as the summer months draw to a close and we begin to replace our bottles of rosé with warm spiced cider, our thoughts turn toward all of the delectable fall fares that are about to hit our tables. When it comes to autumn cuisine, apple pies might be delicious on occasion, but there are many more nutritious options to look forward to.
These seasonal components are packed with energy-sustaining elements that will keep you going during the chilly months ahead. They also lend themselves to lower-calorie cooking, which might aid in weight reduction if that is something you are interested in pursuing as part of your lifestyle. They are nonetheless tasty and healthy enough to warrant a place in your diet, even if they are not organic.
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1. Apples and pears
You now have a legitimate reason to go apple picking. Apples, according to Maxine Yeung, M.S., R.D., owner of The Wellness Whisk, are a fantastic source of fibre, packed with vitamins, and relatively low in calories, according to SELF magazine. The same is true for apples and pears. There are a plethora of various ways to prepare and serve these fall staples, both sweet and savoury. Sprinkle a few on top of your salads, dehydrate some for snacking, or just eat them plain. As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
2. Squash
There are a plethora of diverse and delicious varieties of winter squash. Spaghetti squash is one of Yeung's favourite vegetables. Because of its flavour and texture, it's a favourite among the carb-cutting community. It has a taste and texture that's quite similar to true pasta, but it's higher in fibre and far lower in carbohydrates. Her instructions for baking a spaghetti squash are as follows: "split the squash in half, season with a dab of olive oil, and bake until soft," she says. Then, using a fork, scoop the insides out of the shells, and voila! You have spaghetti! In a way, yes.
Additionally, she likes butternut squash, which she adds to soups or roasts with a few sprinkles of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice to enhance the flavour.
3. Squash seeds
Yeung enjoys roasting the squash seeds that remain after she has harvested them and then using them as salad or soup toppings. This recipe can be made with practically any squash—she favours butternut, but pumpkin is also a good choice here. In addition to being high in vitamins such as folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C, seeds are also a good source of plant-based protein, much as nuts are. They're also a terrific high-protein snack to have on hand at your desk for when you start to feel the effects of the afternoon slump setting in.
4. Cauliflower
A well-known shapeshifter, this cruciferous vegetable is also a favourite among carb-cutters and a seasonal favourite to watch out for in the early autumn harvest season. You may use it to make low-calorie versions of pizza crust, rice, bread, and a variety of other dishes.
5. Figs
Yeung notes that "although they are accessible all year round, they are at their peak ripeness during the autumn." Figs are high in fibre, making them a terrific way to satisfy your sweet appetite while also filling your stomach with nutritious nutrients. Yeung like eating them as a snack with a touch of cheese or nut butter, or quartering them and adding them to salads as a garnish.
6. Sweet potatoes
They're not only delicious when topped with marshmallows, but they're also healthy (though they totally are great like that). Due to the fact that they are high in complex carbohydrates, you should surely include them on your dinner plate when you are unable to bear the prospect of eating another whole grain (because let's face it, a lady can only eat so much quinoa!). Try them roasted, mashed, or even pureed into a soup to see what you think.
7. Cinnamon and nutmeg
It's not only for eggnog that you may use these low-calorie spices. Yeung advises using them in roasted vegetables, soups, and salad dressings, to name a few applications. Make use of your imagination; they may be used in a variety of applications and surely deserve a permanent spot in your pantry. Furthermore, cooking with them will make your whole home smell like an autumn Yankee candle, and who wouldn't want to be surrounded by such fragrance?
