While the summer is undoubtedly for grilling delicious meals on the bbq, the fall is for slow-roasting and cozy soups and stews. Eating with the seasons gets you more bang for your buck and a nutritional boost! It’s also one of the golden rules when following a “clean” eating diet. So here’s a seasonal food guide to help you with your meal prep this fall.
Why Eat Seasonal?
Out in the garden, growing with the seasons leads to better yields. In the kitchen, seasonal eating leads to more flavorful and nutritious meals because you’ll consume food closer to the time of harvest. Now that’s fresh!
Buying food in season is more affordable because there’s more of it, and it hasn’t traveled long distances to make it to market. Eating seasonally also means supporting local food networks; your local economy gets a boost, and you have the opportunity to get to know your farmers a little better.
So while you may love strawberries and zucchinis, know that they’ll be fresher and more affordable in the summertime. Before or after, you won’t enjoy the same great taste or benefit the same way you would if eating in season.
What To Eat This Fall?
Apples are a no-brainer this time of year. From pies and other baked goods to homemade applesauce, there’s plenty to enjoy with this fall staple.
Pumpkin is another one of my favorites. The orange gourds aren’t just for carving; add them to delicious soups and stews or incorporate the puree into some of the best muffins and bread you can imagine!
If you’re looking for something beyond apples and pumpkin, try one of these fall stars and incorporate them into your meal prep:
- Butternut squash
- Delicata squash
- Leeks
- Eggplant
- Cranberries
- Pears
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Turnips
- Beets
- Kale