Eat with the seasons and eat local….

I am always mixing up my diet and making sure that I have variety and I eat for the season. I try to take advantage of local foods, that minimize my carbon footprint, and also try to avoid foods that are not organically grown.

To eat locally, you generally are changing your diet based upon the seasons. In the fall, I find that eating root vegetables is something I look forward to, along with pumpkins and more apples. Some folks try to avoid such foods because they contain carbs, but you don’t have to stay away from all carbs only refined carbs and those that quickly turn to sugars. 

Pumpkins are a ground fall vegetable. Starting with the seeds, they are high in fiber and a rich fiber source. The flesh of the vegetable can be added to soups and smoothies. This veggie is high in vitamins C and E. In addition, pumpkins are an effective antioxidant. 

Root vegetables are rich in micronutrients. Beets for example are rich in nitrates which convert to nitric oxide in your body. This compound helps keep the blood vessels flexible and can help control your blood pressure. There are a lot you can do to use them. Use them in salads, roast them, or sauté them. The possibilities are endless. 

I love sweet potatoes, and these root vegetables remind me of fall and Thanksgiving. However, I eat them year-round. This root is rich in beta carotene. This compound is converted in the body to vitamin A, which is a nutrient essential for good vision and immune function. Many people are deficient in Vitamin A. I have written previous blogs on Vitamin A which I recommend you review. Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium (important for blood pressure control), calcium and vitamin C. When eating sweet potatoes, try them baked like a baked potato, and try to avoid the sugars, syrups and marshmallows that sometimes accompany them. 

Lastly, fall is all about apples. It’s true that an apple a day can help keep the doctor away. I always have apples handy and eat them with almond butter. Apples are rich with quercetin, which is an antioxidant that helps to sharpen your memory. Further applies are rich in vitamin C, and a great source of fiber. 

These are a few fall vegetables to eat. Try to eat with the seasons and relish the variety it will bring. Try to stick with organic and locally sources veggies.