Fall is the season of comfort foods. With the holidays approaching, it’s a good time to try vitamin-packed fruits and vegetables that you may not regularly eat. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories and fat, while containing loads of vitamins and fiber. These foods are at the peak of flavor right now, so try adding them to your meals this week!
• Zucchini
o Good source of vitamin C
o Can be baked into quick bread
• Cauliflower
o Excellent source of vitamin C, good source of potassium and fiber
o Mashed is a good substitute for mashed potatoes
• Squash
o Good source of beta carotene
o Roast or puree into a velvety soup
• Sweet Potatoes
o Rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene and also full of fiber, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C and potassium
o Bake whole or roast with olive oil
• Brussels Sprouts
o 1/2 cup contains a lot of Vitamin K
o Very good source of folate and iron
o Try roasted with a drizzle of olive oil
• Pumpkin
o Rich in potassium
o More than 20% of the DRI of fiber
o Good source of B vitamins
• Pears
o Loaded with fiber and vitamin C.
o Baking or poaching pears bring out the natural flavor and sweetness
• Turnips
o The roots are a good source of vitamin C
o Turnip leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A, K, and folate