Hooray for Healthy Fall Foods!

The love for Spaghetti Squash

Enjoying healthy fall foods is so easy! They provide a variety of immune-boosting nutrients.  Spaghetti squash is a strong source of Vitamin A and C, potassium, and Omega-3’s. Of course, my favorite way to eat this is a play on traditional spaghetti.Healthy Fall Foods

Here’s one method for preparing the squash for spaghetti: 

  1. Cut it in half.
  2. Remove the seeds.
  3. Poke it a few times with a fork.
  4. Microwave it for about 5-7 minutes OR bake the squash at 400 degrees F in the oven for about 40 minutes (if baking, you can wrap it in aluminum foil to help steam it).
  5. Allow the squash a minute or two to cool.
  6. Use a fork to pull the inside of the squash into spaghetti-like noodles.
  7. Before eating it, top the squash with some marinara sauce, meatballs, and Parmesan cheese. Now, you have a creative fall dish!

Healthy Fall Foods

The season is changing and fall-themed foods are becoming more prominent in kitchens. Some of these foods have different health benefits, whether you’re enjoying a chai latte or a slice of pie.

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is extracted from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree. It contains antioxidants that are beneficial for combating free radicals that cause cell damage. It correlates with lowering sugar, having anti-inflammatory properties, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Apples – Apples are tasty when eaten fresh and crisp or baked into a warm apple pie. They contain antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are one of the latest topics in the world of nutrition. We find phytochemicals in the pigments of different colored foods. Red foods are associated with reducing the risk of cancer, aiding inflammation, and promoting heart health.

Pumpkin – Pumpkin is an excellent source of beta-carotene. Orange, yellow, and red fruits and vegetables contain this antioxidant, beta-carotene. This converts into vitamin A which aids your bones, immune system, skin, and vision.

Which healthy fall food will you try this week?