Thanksgiving is, essentially, the benchmark of fall. Gathering with loved ones and enjoying dishes—from generations-old recipes for desserts or turkey, to fancified new sides—is the highlight of the season. However, these comfort foods can often lean more toward heavy ingredients and excessive sugar rather than nutritional, whole foods.
Dr. Aimee Wrubel, physician and natural wellness expert at Vitamix, encourages home cooks to celebrate with the bounties of the harvest, and introduce more plant-based ingredients to their table. See below for some of her favorite seasonal classics that don’t sacrifice flavour or health:
- Pumpkin. What is autumn without this fan favourite? Pumpkins are filling, delicious, and provide a boost of key vitamins. For a savoury spin, add some to your soups, or bring out pumpkin’s natural sweetness with a hint of cinnamon.
- Mushrooms. These fall fungi add rich, savoury flavour to dishes like soups or pastas, perfect for a heart-warming holiday meal. They’re high in fibre and protein while low in calories.
- Sweet Potatoes. It’s time this fall root vegetable got its due praise. They have all the variety of your ordinary potato—if not more—and serve as a great source of fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C.
- Apples. These fruit provide a sweet, healthy boost to your day, without the crash—not to mention their vast versatility in the kitchen, from cider and bisque to smoothies and more.
- Chocolate. Dark chocolate especially is a great option to satisfy your sweet cravings. Try mixing it into nutrient-dense desserts like this Avocado Chocolate Mousse.
Remember: prioritizing health and whole-food ingredients doesn’t have to mean missing out on the delicious traditions of fall. —Vita Daily
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October 11th, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Eating In @agganderson