Ahhh.. Crisp weather and the turning of the leaves indicate Fall has arrived!
Here are some of fall's favorite foods right for the picking! Not only are they delicious, the choices are LOW GYCLEMIC to keep your energy level sustained all day!
1. Apples. They really do keep the doctor at bay! Keep them in your bag and you have one of nature's best foods! Make sure you eat the peel, for it contains powerful anti-oxidants! Studies show apples help reduce cholesterol, aid on bone strength, and eating a 3 day helps in weight loss!
2. Sweet Potatoes - They are loaded with Vitamins, A, b and c! Talk about a "Beauty" boosting food, they keep skin clear and smooth due to an antioxidant beta-carotene which aids in the process of new skin cells and shedding old ones.
3. Pumpkin Seeds - Bake your seeds from your pumpkin and have a nutritious treat! Studies show they fight off depression due to L-tryptophan, known to be naturally effective against depression. The high contents of Zinc help fight osteoporosis.
4. Peppers - they are loaded with vitamins A, C and K, anti-oxidants and high fiber! Choose red peppers for the benefits of lycopene, an anti-oxidant which is great for the skin and know to prevent cancer!
5. Tomatoes - Loaded with Lycopene helps to prevent cancer and heart disease.
6. Berries - enjoy them in season when the price is affordable! Mix them with protein powder and have a delicious morning shake! Dark berries, such as blueberries and blackberries contain powerful anti-oxidants. Raspberries have the same benefits as well as cancer- fighting phytochemicals.
7. Cucumbers - a natural diuretic and known to aid in lowering cholesterol.
8. Squash- A high fiber food which will keep you feeling "full"... longer! They contain vitamin C as well as beta-carotene, and folate, known to aid in the prevention of cancers, heart disease, and diseases of inflammation such as arthritis and asthma.
The best way to enjoy these favorite foods is to support your local farmer's market. In fact, make it a regular stop in your week-end routine! Support your community and get healthy at the same time!
To your health!