By Ashley Purnell
Close your eyes and think of fall. What’s the first smell that comes to mind? Pumpkin? Cinnamon? Apple? There are so many foods and flavors associated with fall, most of which are unhealthy. It may be tradition to order the seasonal drinks at the coffee shop or spend a day in the kitchen baking your grandma’s famous desserts, but those choices have consequences on your health. Read on to learn what foods you should avoid this fall.
Pumpkin Flavored Coffee
If you’re a big fan of pumpkin, don’t give into pumpkin season at your favorite coffee shop. Skip the coffee shop altogether and make your own at home where you can control how much of what goes into your drink. The flavored coffees contain a large amount of sugar, condensed milk, pumpkin puree, plus add the whipped cream on top.
Pies
There’s something about fall that puts people in the mood to bake. Maybe it’s all of the delicious seasonal ingredients or possibly the chilly weather, either way, be conscious about what you eat. Pies are seen more in the fall and winter, especially as the holidays draw closer. It seems everywhere you turn there’s a pumpkin pie, apple pie, or another enticing flavor taunting you. Loaded with carbs and sugar, even fruit filled pies are your waistline’s worst nightmare!
Fall Breads
There are few things better than the smell of fresh baked bread, especially when they are made with fall ingredients. It’s a trap! The tempting aroma may fill your house, and also your clothes! The sugary ingredients turn already high glycemic bread into a decadent dessert loaf. Skip the added sugars and carbs and opt for a healthier delight.
Instead, try these delicious fruits and vegetables that are in season during fall:
Apples
Reach for a Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Gala, or one of over 20 more varieties of apple each with their own flavor to add to your salad or eat as a snack. Don’t forget to eat the skin—it contains healthy flavonoids. Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away? That’s because apples are full of antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Harvest season: August-November
Pumpkin
While pumpkin is on the high end of the glycemic scale, it’s rich in potassium and a good source of vitamin B. If you’re currently following the TLS Weight Loss Solution lifestyle and low glycemic eating, opt for a pumpkin extract to still enjoy the favorite fall flavor.
Harvest season: October–February
Sweet Potatoes
The way you prepare sweet potatoes makes a difference in their GI. Instead of baking sweet potatoes, opt for the lower GI option of boiling them. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, a good source of iron, plus have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Harvest season: September–December
Squash
Did you know that there is a difference between summer and winter squash? Winter squash has a fine texture and a slightly sweet flavor, unlike summer squash. Season winter squash with warm seasonal spices such as cinnamon and ginger. Plus, squash contains omega-3 fatty acids and are an excellent source of vitamin A.
Harvest season: October–February
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