We are not talking about getting into an actual fight – we are talking today about fall foods that help you fight infection and stimulate your immune system to stay healthy. Fall is here and the temperatures are dropping slightly to a more tolerable level to the point where we may even be able to sit outside for a meal on the lanai! Right? Unfortunately, with fall, typically comes the “germ” season and increased incidence of infections – especially with the kids back in school. We encourage you not to take this lightly and do all you can to stimulate your immune system to stay strong and healthy – and it starts with eating healthy food. Our Farmer’s Markets are up and running now, so there is ample opportunity to find some lovely delicious fresh veggies and fruits!
What are some of the best superfoods to consume this fall? Here is our list: Pumpkin, butternut squash, kale, apples, Brussels sprouts, beets, figs, kumquats, maitake mushrooms, pears, radicchio, sweet potatoes, pomegranates, tomatoes, bell peppers, cinnamon, garlic, and ginger. These foods contain all sorts of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, antioxidants, zinc, and beta-carotene. We encourage you to try to find ways to incorporate these power-packed superfoods into your regular eating plans.
There are SO MANY ways to consume these delicious foods! Here are a few of our favorites:
Pumpkin: Using fresh pumpkin allows you to scrape out those delicious pumpkin seeds and clean them, toss with a little olive oil and sea salt, and roast them – what a great snack! We also like using organic non-sweetened canned pumpkin puree for its ease of use. You can boost the nutritional value of your morning smoothie or oatmeal with some pumpkin and/or pumpkin seeds; make pumpkin bread or muffins (or even brownies!); mix into coconut milk curry with veggies; create a creamy soup with pumpkin, chicken broth, celery, onions, and carrots; and our recent favorite, add some pumpkin into pasta sauce and/or to increase the nutritional value and add richness of flavor. (So good – you must try it!)
Butternut Squash: This delicious fall veggie can be roasted, steamed, baked, or broiled – even veggie haters find that they like it! Cubed and roasted with some olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika is one of our favorite ways to make it! Making it into a delicious creamy soup, adding chunks to your chili or vegetable soup, or mixing it with sauteed spinach or kale and pasta are some of our other favorites!
Brussels Sprouts: Come on, we’ve all had soggy sprouts in our youth that tasted terrible. But now, they have become THE best veggie out there. The easiest way to make them is again just tossing with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper and roasting in a 425-degree oven. A more delectable way to make these nutrient-packed babies is to roast them as above, then toss with some goat cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Talk about delish! We also like shredding them and making a B-sprout slaw using a Veganaise and apple cider vinegar-based dressing, along with some shredded carrots, onions, and raisins.
These fall fighters are not only good for your health but are seriously delicious! Let’s get out to the Farmer’s Market and pick up some of these fall fighters to keep ourselves strong and healthy this season!