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Tag: squash

What to Eat in October?

When crisp cool air sets in it’s time to start shifting your meal plan to the comforting and delicious foods of autumn. Pumpkins and apples might come to mind when you think of seasonal fall foods but the list of produce at the peak of freshness in October is very long. Get your oven ready for roasting because this is the time for Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, just to name a few. When it comes to fruit, oranges, figs, cranberries, and grapes top the list in October. Some might argue that October is one of the best months for seasonal fruit and veggies.  

Regional and seasonal foods not only taste better, but they are also more cost-effective. Local varieties of root vegetables like beets, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are readily available in stores and they’re loaded with antioxidants. The added nutrients make you feel full and satisfied without excess calories. Stone fruits such as plums and peaches are in season until the end of October. The high level of anthocyanins in these fruits help boost your immune system and fight off illness. It’s time to celebrate the flavors of autumn with classic recipes from Clearly including cranberry and butternut squash quinoa salad and pumpkin soup. https://clearlybrand.com/dietitians-corner

Making the Most of Pumpkin Season

Pumpkin centric recipes are a theme this time of year. From lattes to bread and soup to casseroles, pumpkin becomes a staple ingredient in October. The beautiful thing about pumpkin is its versatility and its nutritional value. Pumpkin offers vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium which have multiple heart health benefits and the ability to help lower blood pressure.

Easy and delicious ways to add pumpkin to your diet is by adding roasted pumpkin chunks to veggie dishes or casseroles. Pumpkin seeds also go great atop salad, yogurt and smoothie bowls. Desserts flavored with pumpkin aren’t necessarily the best way to add nutrients to your meal plan. However, using pumpkin purée as a substitute for butter or oil in baked goods is a great way to incorporate vegetables to smoothies or sweet breads.