Diet-to-Go Blog
  1. 10 October Fruits & Veggies with Recipes to Match!


    Fall Fruits and Veggies

    People embrace October for all sorts of reasons — cooler temperatures, the stunning golden, brown, and red fall colors, the comfort of returning to a steady routine after the hustle and bustle of summer, and, of course, the seasonal produce!

    Fall is the peak season for a wide range of fruits and vegetables — affording plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crisp deliciousness raw or as the star in healthy, scrumptious recipes for all meals.

    Below, we highlight five seasonal October fruits and five seasonal vegetables, along with some flavorful recipes to go along with them. Enjoy!
     

    Autumn Fruits

     

    1) Pumpkin

    Pumpkin
    We’re starting our list with the most obvious fall produce, the notorious pumpkin, and, subsequently, pumpkin spice. And it’s notorious for good reason: researchers at John Hopkins University found that pumpkin spice’s powerful scent triggers nostalgia and pleasant, cozy memories. But pumpkin is more than just the seasonal star of coffee shop lattes and chain restaurant pies. Pumpkin is also rich in vitamin A and chock full of vitamins that boost immunity, protect eyesight, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However you enjoy it, it’s worth adding as an autumn diet staple.
     

    Recommended Recipes:


    Whole Grain Pumpkin Spice Waffles
    Pumpkin Overnight Oats
    Healthy and Easy Pumpkin Soup
     

    2) Apples

    Apples
    Ah, juicy, crisp, clean apples. What’s more fall than that? Apples are good for your heart and hut health, an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber and may even help prevent cancer. There are more than 7,500 apple varieties — yes, you read that right — giving you ample ways to enjoy this delicious fall fruit. Plus, there’s something special about booking an apple orchard trip with the family and picking them yourselves. Make a day of it!
     

    Recommended Recipes:


    Cinnamon-Apple Pork Chops
    Healthy Apple Muffins
    Spelt Salad with Apples, Cheddar and Scallions
     

    3) Cranberries

    Cranberries
    Cranberries may elicit thoughts of the holiday season, but you can actually enjoy them best during the autumn months. Among their numerous health benefits is their helpfulness when it comes to treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries may help stop bacteria from sticking to urinary tract walls, which can, in turn, help treat and prevent infection. They’re also helpful for cardiovascular health and promoting oral health. When you know how to prepare them properly, they have a unique, tangy taste that can elevate desserts, breakfasts, and side dishes alike.
     

    Recommended Recipes:


    Healthy Cranberry Coffee Cake
    Cauliflower Cranberry Superfood Salad
    Cranberry Orange Energy Bites
     

    4) Pears

    Pears
    If you’re struggling with inflammation, then you’re going to want to add pears to your diet. They’re excellent for that; some reviews have even found they reduce diabetes and heart disease risk. Pears, like apples, have many varieties (about 3,000) — most with a soft, butter-like texture that even elicited them the nickname “butter fruit.” Pears are versatile in cooking, too, adding a nice flavor to savory dishes and desserts.
     

    Recommended Recipes:


    Roasted Pears with Bacon and Blue Cheese
    Healthy Pear Oatmeal Crumb Bars
    Pear and Prosciutto Pizza
     

    5) Star Fruit

    Star Fruite
    You may be a bit surprised to find a tropical fruit on this list but, believe it or not, star fruit production is highest from October and December in addition to April to June. If you’ve never tried this bright yellow fruit, it’s got a unique, waxy texture and comes in two varieties — sweet and sour. It’s got anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties and an immunity-boosting ability that’s perfect for the cold season. Just be sure you know which one you’re buying, or you might get a lip-twisting surprise when you bite into it!
     

    Recommended Recipes:


    Star Fruit Salad
    Star Fruit Chips
    Low-Carb Grilled Salmon with Starfruit Salsa
     

    Autumn Vegetables

     

    6) Beets

    Beets
    Ah, beets. Many of our childhoods included cold, canned beets dumped alongside some chicken and rice — an unfortunate usage that deterred many people from these actually tasty vegetables. In fact, beets can help improve blood flow and improve exercise performance as they are packed with fiber, iron, vitamin C, potassium, and more. When prepared well, beets can be a delectable side dish that will make those childhood memories feel like nothing more than a dream.
     

    Recommended Recipes:


    Honey-Roasted Beets
    Colorful Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa & Spinach
    Dark Chocolate Beet Brownies
     

    7) Brussels Sprouts

    Brussels Sprouts
    Love them or hate them, brussels sprouts made a comeback in the last decade, often adorning the appetizer section of many upscale and trendy restaurants. There’s a good reason for that. Besides potentially helping you stave off several types of cancers and other health issues like high cholesterol and diabetes, brussels sprouts taste amazing when roasted or caramelized. You can find them just about anywhere and pair them with pork, chicken, or beef — or serve them as a standalone dish.
     

    Recommended Recipes:


    Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Garlic
    Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
    Brussels Sprouts Pasta Carbonara
     

    8) Cabbage

    Cabbage
    A heavy head of cabbage without browning and wilting leaves is just the thing to look for in October. Like all vegetables, cabbage has tons of vitamins and nutrients, and it is particularly helpful in keeping inflammation in check, improving digestion, and helping with heart-related things like keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels low. Cabbage is also the staple of any good slaw, but it’s also quite the ingredient to add to other dishes, too.
     

    Recommended Recipes:


    Napa Cabbage Wedge With Sesame Ranch
    Healing Cabbage Soup
    Butternut Apple Cranberry Sandwich with Pickled Cabbage
     

    9) Cauliflower

    Cauliflower
    Cauliflower is a versatile, nutty-flavored vegetable that has become a staple in gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets due to its ability to replace things like pizza crust and potatoes. Among its many health benefits is how helpful it is in preventing colon cancer and boosting immunity (hello, fiber!). Look for it fresh with a firm head, no dark spots, bright green leaves, and a sturdy stem.
     

    Recommended Recipes:


    Crispy Cauliflower Tacos
    Cauliflower Gratin with Manchego and Almond Sauce
    Curried Cauliflower Soup
     

    10) Broccoli

    Broccoli
    Most of us may have started out hating broccoli as children, only to slowly but surely develop a taste for its fresh taste and crisp texture the older we got. Broccoli is helpful for keeping blood sugars stable. Its antioxidants prevent cell damage in your eyes. It reduces inflammation and may help prevent cancer and support heart health. The nutritional benefits are staggering, as is its ability to elevate countless dishes, whether as the main or as a scrumptious side.
     

    Recommend Recipes:


    The Best (Roasted) Broccoli of Your Life
    Broccoli Stir Fry
    Broccoli and Potato Soup



     

    Whether you’re a fan of the fall season or not, you’re sure to find something you enjoy on this fun list. Pick out a few recipes for some healthy weekend dishes to go with your Diet-to-Go meals — you’ll be glad you did!

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    Author: Caitlin H
    Diet-to-Go Community Manager

    Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

     

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