Superfoods are just that… super foods! They offer lots of nutrients for a small calorie price, A.K.A. nutrient dense foods. This makes most superfoods excellent choices for weight loss. Here are some of my favorite fall superfoods and ways to enjoy them.
Beets
All root vegetables (carrots, turnips and rutabagas) are fall superfoods, but beets stand out from the rest. Nutritionally, they are jam-packed with folate, vitamin C and magnesium and their flavor is one of a kind. Beets contain a wealth of fiber -- half soluble and half insoluble. Both types play roles in fighting fat. Roasted beets are the perfect side dish to any fall meal. Simply roast in the oven, slice, and dress with raw onions, your favorite herb, and an oil and vinegar based dressing. They also taste great in soups and cut fresh for salads.
Leeks
Leeks are another underrated fall vegetable. They are rich in calcium, potassium and folic acid, and may protect against heart problems and prostate cancer. Leeks are considered to be milder than onion, and can be used just about anywhere you can use onions. Leeks add a lot of flavor and texture to dishes without adding a lot of calories. And because they're high in fiber, they aid in digestion, and their iron and manganese content helps regulate metabolism. Leeks can be made into delicious fall soups, and are also popular in quiches and omelets too.
Persimmons
The persimmon isn’t very popular in this country but is popular abroad. But, don’t let this little orange fruit intimidate you. This beautiful and super-fragrant fruit is hard to beat. Nutritionally, they are a good source of Vitamin C, manganese, potassium and calcium. Persimmons are known for their stomach-soothing properties, because eating the fruit may help bloat and constipation. Persimmons come into season in October and November and once you find some perfectly ripe fruit, they can be added into deserts like bread puddings, cookies and jams. They are also the perfect topper to fresh lettuce salads, in plain Greek yogurt or eaten as snacks.
Pomegranates
Just as delicious as they are nutritious, this fall superfood is a favorite of many. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and are a good source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. For being so small, pomegranates are surprisingly high in fiber. And since high-fiber foods keep your body satisfied for longer, eating pomegranates aid in weight loss. Just slice the pomegranate open and pick out the many seeds in each fruit. If this is too time consuming for you, pomegranate juice is another way to consume the many vitamins and minerals. Pomegranates seeds can also be sprinkled on the on top of hearty fall salads and desserts.
