This year, why not try boosting your diet with these healthy fall foods. Remember that it is better to buy organic if possible for fresher fruit and vegetables, better taste, and lower amount or no chemicals applied to your food.
1. BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Brussels sprouts are high in fiber and will help to boost your metabolism by causing your body to work harder to digest your food. They are also rich in protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The best way to prepare Brussels sprouts is to steam them for 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender to pierce with a fork. This will maximize the nutrition and flavor of the vegetable. Next, lightly coat with butter, or substitute with a low-fat olive oil or extra virgin oil.
2. CAULIFLOWER
Cauliflower is a non-starchy vegetable and is associated with helping to lower risks of cancer. This vegetable contains Glucosinolates, which will activate your body's detoxification system. It also contains the minerals Potassium and vitamin C. The best way to cut back on your calorie intake is to mash cauliflower instead of potatoes. To cook cauliflower, bring water to boil, and then reduce heat to low. Allow the cauliflower to simmer for about 10 minutes or until it has become a crisp-tender. You should be able to pierce the florets with a fork. Drain water and mash. Mashed cauliflower contains about a ¼ of the calories that mashed potatoes do.
3. SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potatoes can be tricky. The majority of recipes will call for adding ingredients that will increase the amount of carbs and calories, but when prepared in a healthy way, this vegetable can have great health benefits. Sweet potatoes are high and fiber, and will boost your metabolism my working harder to rid your body of waste. A great way to prepare sweet potatoes is to roast them with other vegetables. Add all your vegetables together and add a little butter. Roast your vegetables in the oven on 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes. Add a little brown sugar, nutmeg and ginger if desired.
4. SPAGHETTI SQUASH
Spaghetti squash is a great fall food that will help boost your diet. This vegetable has only 42 calories and 10 carbs for every 1-cup serving, so this is a good alternative for pasta. It is also contains the mineral manganese and a wide range of vitamins. To prepare Spaghetti Squash, you first want to wash and dry the outside of the squash. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and poke several holes on the outside the same way you would a potato. The squash needs to bake in the oven for at least an hour; remove the squash from the oven when you can easily pierce the shell with a fork or knife.
Let squash cool for at least 15 minutes. Once cooled, slice the squash in half and remove the seeds from the inside of the squash. Next, use a fork to loosen all the "pasta-like" pieces from the inside. Cover your "noodles" with your favorite pasta sauce, and then return to casserole dish, with lid, to oven for at least 20 minutes.
5. KOHLRABI
This German turnip is a member of the cabbage family and can be eaten raw or cooked. This healthy fall food has a low amount of calories and carbohydrates, and has a fair amount of protein. Kohlrabi has the amino acids arginine and isoleucine which are known to help reduce body fat, so this is a great food to eat to help boost your diet this fall. To prepare this food, just peel and slice and add to your salad. You can even cook Kohlrabi in place of your favorite cabbage recipe.
Fall foods don't have to be packed full of calories and carbs to taste great. You can still choose to eat healthy and boost your diet with healthy fall foods. The vegetables listed above are just a few simple ways to add variety to your meals, and still taste good.
Robert Vena
NJ Acupuncturist
Acupuncture-in-NJ.com
