Fall might be the season of pumpkin spiced lattes, massive Thanksgiving turkey dinners, and more Halloween candy than anyone can handle, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be a time for healthy eating. Nutritionists know that plenty of fall foods are actually packed with nutrients. Some are even considered superfoods!
These seasonal favourites, whether served up as warm comfort foods or enjoyed as a small snack, can help clients reach their healthy eating goals—even while indulging in delicious seasonal treats. Read on to learn more!
Pumpkin: A Fall-time Superfood Recommended by Grads of Nutrition and Health Diploma Programs
Pumpkin pies and sugar-packed artificial pumpkin spice flavouring have tended to give pumpkins a bad rap. However, when unprocessed pumpkin puree is included in recipes, nutritionists know that this fall-time favourite is a top superfood. Pumpkins come packed full of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and fibre. Whether added to a warm bowl of oatmeal, blended into a soup, or added into smoothies, there are many delicious as well as healthy ways you can recommend your future clients add pumpkin to their diet.
There are many ways your future clients can add pumpkin to their diet
Cranberries Are a Tart Superfood Packed With Antioxidants
Cranberries are another versatile fall-time favourite. Dried cranberries can be added to granola, yogurt, and salads. Fresh cranberries can be cooked into muffins, breads, and savoury pot roasts. Even frozen cranberries can be blended into smoothies for a quick and healthy breakfast.
Cranberries can be a healthy addition to many recipes
The versatility of this little fruit isn’t the only reason why grads of nutrition and health courses love recommending it. Cranberries are filled with free-radical fighting antioxidants as well as fibre and vitamin C. However, once you become a nutritionist, you’ll need to remind your clients to avoid adding in extra sugar when cooking with cranberries. Their tart taste often induces people to add sugar to recipes, offsetting any benefits.
Brussel Spouts: A Less Popular Superfood Grads of Nutrition and Health Courses Still Love
While pumpkins and cranberries are known for their versatility, the same can’t be said for Brussel sprouts. This notoriously unpopular vegetable might not be everyone’s favourite, but graduates of nutrition and health diploma programs know that it’s a top superfood and worth trying to incorporate into a client’s diet.
Brussel sprouts contain plenty of folate, vitamin K, fibre, and many cancer-fighting compounds. If you have clients who would like to eat a little healthier, but who might feel reluctant about adding Brussel sprouts to their menu, suggest they try them roasted in the oven, or shredded and lightly sautéed. Hopefully your clients will soon be converted over to this superfood, and enjoy the lasting benefits that come with a healthier diet.
Spaghetti Squash: A Superfood that Offers a Tasty Alternative to High Calorie Comfort Foods
As temperatures dip down the thermometer, many people turn to warm comfort foods for a cozy fall-time dinner. However, it’s no secret that many comfort foods like mac and cheese offer little in the way of nutrition. Once you become a nutritionist, helping your clients find healthy as well as delicious alternatives can prove to be a rewarding challenge. Fortunately, spaghetti squash might be an easy one to recommend.
Spaghetti squash is a healthy comfort food your future clients are sure to love
This tasty squash can act as a wonderful low-calorie alternative to pasta, since it only has 30 calories a serving. Topping this superfood with a favourite pasta sauce, or baking it in a warm casserole can make for a healthy fall-time comfort food.
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