Written by Flourish Heights Contributor, Precious Nwokeleme
Fall is finally here!!! One of the best things about Fall is the in-season fruits and vegetables we get to enjoy. From apples to different varieties of squash, there are so many to select from, and so many ways to incorporate them into your favorite dishes. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your eating routine can help protect against tons of conditions and diseases, can keep you feeling energetic, satiated, and vibrant on the inside and out. Now, what more do you need in life?
1.Pack your smoothies with tons of produce!
If you’re looking for an extra nutrition boost, smoothies are the way to go! They’re one of the easiest and quickest ways to add more fruits and vegetables to your routine. Smoothies are made with a variety of fruit, sometimes milk, and ice but adding vegetables like kale are a great way to add more nutrients without altering the taste. Smoothies can be enjoyed anytime throughout the day, there are no rules at all — for breakfast, snack or dessert. A great fall vegetable to add to smoothies is Kale. Kale is a heart healthy green vegetable that is a great source of beta carotene (an antioxidant), Vitamin C and K.
2. Add your favorite fruit to a bowl of warm oats.
Are you an oats lover? Oatmeal is packed with tons of fiber, and adding additional fall produce such as pears or apples are a great way to jazz it up. As the weather gets colder, a warm bowl of oatmeal is a great breakfast item, to keep you nice and cozy. So yes, grab your favorite produce, then sprinkle some cinnamon and ginger for extra wonderful flavors and enjoy.
3. Switch up your snack and try fruit instead!
Snacking has become an emerging trend that everyone does primarily because of how busy everyone and traditional meals are becoming less common. Although there is nothing wrong with snacking, the type of snack can make a difference.Try switching it up this fall with some fall fruits, and vegetables like carrots, squash, beets, pomegranates, and pears. Prepping ahead is a smart way to make sure they are handy.
4. Get fancy with mushrooms!
If you find yourself eating the most at dinner, then is a great place to add more vegetables to your meal. We love mushrooms! Mushrooms are delicious in salads, soups and stews. Mushrooms are good sources of B vitamins and minerals, they can help to lower cholesterol, and lower your risk of diabetes or help manage it.
5. Try new veggies in your eggs.
Eggs are not only delicious, and a great source of protein but they are also versatile. Don’t be boring. Simply adding some green beans, tomatoes, and onions are great ways to add vegetables while enjoying a great omelet or scramble. How about adding some Fall veggies like cauliflower and broccoli? These two are a powerhouse of nutrients so why not.
Let us know what ways you plan to add more fruits and vegetables to your eating routine this Fall.