A Heart-Healthy Fall Harvest
Although summer offers the biggest variety of in-season fruits and vegetables, October’s cooler weather brings an autumn harvest that is as diverse as it is delicious. Fall produce is perfect for satisfying our natural cravings for heartier fare, while still eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Research shows that following a more plant-based diet can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease, so the more quality, in-season produce you can incorporate into your diet, the better.
What Is In-Season?
There is an abundance of produce available in fall that works with all methods of cooking. Whether you’re grilling, roasting or slow-cooking your favorite dishes or going raw with salads and smoothies, there is plenty to choose from to keep your taste buds happy. Some of the fruits and vegetables you will find in the fresh produce section during fall include:
Apples
Arugula
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Collard Greens
Cranberries
Figs
Garlic
Grapes
Green Beans
Kale
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Pears
Pomegranates
Potatoes
Pumpkins
Radishes
Squash
Spinach
Sweet Potatoes
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Zucchini
Our Favorite Fall Recipes
Hearty fare doesn’t have to be unhealthy when you choose recipes packed with fresh fruit and vegetables. From soup to dessert, there are loads of plant-based recipes to try either on their own or served with lean protein and/or whole-grains. Here are some of our favorite fall cooking ideas:
Soups:
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Potato & Leek
- Creamy Tomato-Basil
- Sweet Potato & Chickpea
- Roasted Pumpkin
- Minestrone
Main Meals & Sides:
- One-Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
- Pumpkin Chili
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
- Hearty Vegetable Stew
- Balsamic Roasted Beets
- Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Desserts/Sweets:
- Apple Pie-Oatmeal Cookies
- Sticky Cinnamon Figs
- Apple-Cranberry Crisp
- Citrus Poached Pears
When you choose in-season fruits and vegetables to pair with lean proteins, fats and grains, healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. A little food prep on the weekend can have you set for the week. Making use of a slow cooker or instant cooker can also make for easy weeknight meals that are nutritious and delicious.
The team at Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists consists of North Louisiana’s leading experts in cardiovascular care. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 318-798-9400.