Some of our favorite produce is fresh during the summer months and eating healthy may seem harder come colder weather. Even though Fall is here and the weather is cooler, there is still plenty of fresh produce to eat. Here are five foods you should eat this October.
1. Pumpkin
October is undoubtedly the best time of the year to get a pumpkin. Yes, of course, when I think of October my first thought is Halloween and carving pumpkins… but did you know you can get a pumpkin to eat too!? There are ways to incorporate pumpkin into your daily life… the meat of the pumpkin is great for roasting and don’t forget about the seeds, simply roast in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and salt and keep them on hand as a healthy, fall snack.
Enjoy Pumpkin Flavors with this Recipe:
Pumpkin Spice Granola + Pecans and Pumpkin Seeds
2. Squash: All Types
There are so many types of squash out there and some of the most common types we cook with in the fall season just happen to be two of my favorite… Butternut Squash and Spaghetti Squash.
Butternut Squash
I love making my Butternut Squash Soup, this is the sweetest squash of the bunch. When choosing your squash, choose one with a longer neck, it will contain fewer seeds and more flesh!
Try my Roasted Butternut Squash + Carrot Soup
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti Squash has a milder flavor and has a spaghetti like, stringy texture. Roast the squash in the oven at 400 degrees F for 40 minutes, allow to cool and use a fork to loosen the strands toss with your favorite sauce and you can eat multiple bowls without any guilt.
For step-by-step instructions on How To Roast The Perfect Spaghetti Squash, click here.
Try These Spaghetti Squash Recipes:
Spaghetti Squash Bowls + Skillet Shrimp and Roasted Veggies
Spaghetti Squash with Zucchini + Basil and Parmesan
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes are hands down one of my favorite foods. They are naturally sweet and taste delicious by simply baking them. My guilty pleasure is french fries and these Sweet Potato Baked Fries are a must try!
Simple Baked Sweet Potato Fries:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cut sweet potatoes into long strips. In a large bowl toss sweet potatoes in olive oil, just enough to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and garlic powder. Spread sweet potatoes in single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender and golden brown, turning occasionally.
4. Green Beans
Green beans are packed with protein, iron and Vitamin A and with only 35 calories a cup, you will want to include green beans in your meal all month long. I roast Green Beans and they are delicious.
How to Roast Green Beans:
Simply toss in olive oil and season with salt pepper, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes.
5. Apples
October is the perfect month to eat all different types of apples. Fuji apples are one of my favorites and are in peak season. Venture out of your normal Red Delicious and grab a Fuji apple for your next snack.
For an October inspired, protein filled snack pair diced apples with Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter by BNutty Peanut Butter. It’s only available for a limited time so DON’T MISS OUT. Check out all the delicious flavors here.