"The Right Choice" nutrition program - By PNF

Fall superfoods!

The sun is setting sooner, the air is getting colder, and our winter slippers are sounding like a great idea. It is a great time to discover all of what fall has to offer. Eating foods in season is essential for having a healthy and balanced diet. Head to your local grocery or market, and try out these delicious seasonal gems.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie, pumpkin beer – it is pumpkin season! Pumpkin is full of fiber and vitamin A. These nutrients will protect you, and boost immunity as flu season rolls around. Pumpkin is important in keeping heart health, vision and waistlines in check (as long as we don’t over do it in the pie department). Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of protein. I like to make muffins or bread with either fresh pumpkin puree (or canned) and whole wheat flour. You can also throw some ground flax seeds and chopped walnuts for an omega-3 boost!

Beets

Beets are completely edible from their leaves to their roots. The leaves can be used in salad, or deliciously sautéed. The bulbs are great steamed, or roasted for a wonderful side dish or addition to your salad. The red color is caused by a phytochemicals, such as betanin. Betanin has been known to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification support. In order to benefit from these phytochemicals, it is recommended to keep steaming time down to 15 minutes or less, and when roasting beets-- under an hour.

Kale

Kale is the vegetable to add to your daily routine. Kale can lower your cholesterol, and lowers your risk for five cancers. Kale contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory benefits. The best way to consume kale is steaming it, our bodies’ better digest kale when it has been cooked. Raw kale still has great nutritional value, but just not as much. Enjoy kale sautéed, baked, as a soup or in your salad.

Other fall superfoods to try – sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, parsnips, rutabaga, pears, grapefruits and pomegranate.

Food for thought: Eat to live!

It’s time to take the emotion out of eating, and remember that food is fuel. Each and every morsel of food you put into your body will be broken down and used as energy to live. In order for the body to thrive, you need to put whole foods into your body. Your body is not made to survive off soda, refined sugar or processed foods. Switch to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and healthy oils today. Your body will thank you for it.

Make the “Right Choice” when thinking about starting a nutrition plan and call PNF @ 892-8333 or email pnf@myfairpoint.net.