With backyard gardens thriving, the corner fruit stand open for business and the Farmers Market full of vendors, clean eating is a breeze in the summer months. As temperatures begin to cool and your summer garden has its final harvest, you may be left thinking the days of fresh fruits and vegetables are behind you. Well think again! With the cool temperatures comes a whole new possibility to healthy fall produce.
Below you will find the ABC’s of fall produce. These fruits and veggies are packed full of nutrients and are in season during the fall months and should be available for purchase at your local grocery.
The “A” List of Healthy Fall Produce
- Acorn Squash
- Fat , saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol free
- Good source of vitamin C
- Apples
- Fat , saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol free
- High in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber
- Low in calories
- Asian Pears
- Fat , saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol free
- Good source of fiber
The “B” List
- Brussel Sprouts
- Low in fat, sodium, and calories
- Cholesterol and saturated fat free
- High in vitamin C
- Good source of folate and dietary fiber
- Butternut Squash
- Fat , sodium, and cholesterol free
- Excellent source of vitamins A and C
- Good source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium
- Broccoli
- Low in fat and sodium
- Free of saturated fat and cholesterol
- High in vitamin C and folate
- Good source of dietary fiber and potassium
The “C” List
- Cape Gooseberries
- High in vitamins A and C
- Low fat
- Free of cholesterol and sodium
- Good source of potassium and fiber
- Cauliflower
- Fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol free
- Low in calories and sodium
- High in vitamin C
- Good source of folate
- Cranberries
- Fat, sodium, and cholesterol free
- Good source of vitamin C and fiber
The fruits and veggies listed above are a great place to start in the selection of fall produce, but many possibilities remain. Fruits and vegetables should be a staple in your diet due to the slew of health benefits they provide. As a natural source of antioxidants, fruits and veggies help your body to fend off disease. Low in calories, they aid in the prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease as well as reduce the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and some cancers. It is important to get the daily recommended dose in your diet, so eat up!
Ready for a diet change?
If you are struggling with weight loss and you are ready for a lifestyle change, we invite you to explore Total HealthcareMD. Our in-house nutritionist will customize a diet plan to fit your lifestyle and calorie needs. Additionally, as a physician supervised weight loss and lifestyle management program, Total HealthcareMD accepts most major insurance plans, making weight loss affordable. You can learn more about our weight loss program or schedule a free, no obligation consultation .