Seasonal Foods and Fall Flavors for Delicious and Highly Nutritious meals!

Seasonal foods and fall flavors for delicious and highly nutritious meals!

It’s fall and that means pumpkin errrythang! And, of course, there are a host of other delicious fall ingredients that get tossed in the mix. Many will be featured in this week’s blog recipe from the Jillian Michaels, My Fitness App!

But first, let's discuss eating seasonally and why people talk about it so often! As you may know, certain foods only grow naturally in specific seasons. That’s why “seasonal food” refers to periods of the year when the particular fruit or vegetable in question has the most flavor and nutrient value.

For this reason, it’s also associated with local eating to a certain extent because you aren’t shipping foods that are “out of season” in the U.S. in from other parts of the world where the weather is different – which is of course also better for our environment.

So, while I don’t adhere to seasonal or local 100% and you certainly won’t compromise your health if you don’t, making efforts where you can will mean even better nutrition and a happier planet – so every little bit counts.

Here are some of the top seasonal foods for fall: Apples, Brusseles Sprouts, Root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, potatoes etc.), celery, and of course butternut squash and pumpkin!

Since the recipe in this blog features our my top fall fave let’s go over all the awesome health benefits in pumpkin!

It’s high in fiber and low in calories so it aids digestion. The seeds are great for your mood, eyes, and even your heart health. The phytosterols in them have been shown to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol. The squash itself is loaded with beta carotene (as is our other seasonal veggie, the carrot), which can help to fight off certain cancers. And these same carotenoids that help keep cancer cells at bay can also help fight free radicals to keep our skin smooth and vibrant. And to make matters even more exciting they are loaded with vitamin C to help fend off colds and boost immunity. So eat up! Check out my seasonal pumpkin pomegranate salad recipe from the Jillian Michaels, My Fitness app below. I even have the different versions of it from the varying meal plans so you can pick the one that best suits your lifestyle.

OMNIVORE / VEGETARIAN / PESCATARIAN

Pumpkin Pomegranate Salad

Serves 2

510 Calories per serving

Ingredients:

3 c. pumpkin or butternut squash, cubed

Pinch of Salt + Pepper

1/2 c. goat cheese

1/2 c. pomegranate seeds

1/4 c. Pecan Halves

4 c. Arugula

2 tbsp. olive oil

3. tbs balsamic

Olive Oil Spray

How to make:

1. Place pumpkin on a baking sheet and coat lightly with olive oil spray, sprinkle with pinch of salt, and drizzle one tablespoon of balsamic.

2. Place the baking tray in a cold oven and roast for 20 minutes at 400F, or until pumpkin is soft.

3. Place arugula, pine nuts, pomegranate into a big bowl and toss.

4. To make dressing: mix and whisk olive oil, balsamic, and pinch of pepper in a small bowl.

5. Remove pumpkin from oven and let cool.

6. Put pumpkin and dressing into large salad bowl and toss thoroughly.

7. Separate salad into two bowls and sprinkle 1/4 cup of coat cheese over each one.

8. Enjoy your bowl of delicious nutritious fall goodness.

PALEO / GLUTEN FREE - VEGAN

Pumpkin Pomegranate Salad

Serves 2

400 Calories per serving

Ingredients:

3 c. pumpkin or butternut squash, cubed

Pinch of Salt + Pepper

1/2 c. pomegranate seeds

1/4 c. Pecan Halves

4 c. Arugula

2 tbsp. olive oil

3. tbs balsamic

Olive Oil Spray

How to make:

1. Place pumpkin on a baking sheet and coat lightly with olive oil spray, sprinkle with pinch of salt, and drizzle one tablespoon of balsamic.

2. Place the baking tray in a cold oven and roast for 20 minutes at 400F, or until pumpkin is soft.

3. Place arugula, pecans, pomegranate into a big bowl and toss.

4. To make dressing: mix and whisk olive oil, balsamic, and pinch of pepper in a small bowl.

5. Remove pumpkin from oven and let cool.

6. Put pumpkin and dressing into large salad bowl and toss thoroughly and separate salad into two bowls.

7. Enjoy your bowl of delicious nutritious fall goodness.