Fruits (and Veggies) of the Fall Harvest

It's All in Season

Summer's ending, but that doesn't mean you can't find the ripest of fruits and vegetables. The fall months are a great time to find everything from apples to turnips. Some of the more popular in-season fruits include apples, clementines, cranberries, pears, pomegranates, and tangerines, while seasonal vegetables include eggplant, pumpkin, snow peas, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and cauliflower.

If You Can't Eat 'Em, Roast 'Em

So you've got your vegetables, you're ready to eat them, and then suddenly...? That broccoli suddenly doesn't look as appetizing as it should. Try roasting—it's a perfect way to prepare your vegetables for the fall months. It's quick and easy, and creates delicious results: crispy, chewy, caramelized goodness. Simply chop the vegetables of your choice, spread in a roasting pan (a cookie sheet will work, too), drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle on your favorite seasonings, toss, and bake in the oven on 450° F for about a half hour. Delicious!

Stay Smooth

If you're yearning to work more fruits in your diet, try this simple solution: smoothies. Take a few of your favorite fruits and blend them with orange juice and ice. Voilà! You've got a healthy and fruit-filled snack or dessert. Mix things up by trying different fruit combinations. How about a blueberry, raspberry, yogurt, and honey smoothie? Or a Strawberry Banana Smoothie? Up the health quotient by adding wheat germ, flaxseed oil, and/or protein powder to your drinks.

Why Does It Matter?

You've heard you should eat more fruits and vegetables since you were kid, but do you know why it's so important? There are a variety of reasons; some of the most important include:

• Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other nutrients important for good health.
• Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. So, they are great for maintaining a healthy, fit lifestyle. And if you are looking to lose weight, you can substitute fruits and vegetables for more high-calorie foods to help achieve your weight-loss goals.
• People who eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, as part of a healthy diet, are likely to have a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

It can take hard work to change your daily habits, but with a little determination you can do it. Don't forget to check out the Simple and Delicious database for some fruit- and veggie-packed recipes. Search by using "fruit" or "vegetable" as the main ingredient.