It’s as predictable as the sunrise. Back to school time rolls around, and fall produce appears in the market. Pumpkins and squash, collards, sweet potatoes and apples are just a few of our fall favorites. See recipes below.

They bring an appreciation of the changing seasons, as well as beautiful color and lots of nutrition to the table.

5 Reasons Seasonally Eating is Smart

Today’s supermarkets carry almost all foods all year long. We are lucky to be able to eat whatever we want. But eating what is in season has some important benefits.

1. When you eat foods that have just been picked, you know that you’re eating it when it is at its best and its freshest.

2. Food that is freshly harvested has more vitamins and minerals then food that has been stored for a while.

3. You also can get seasonal food from nearby farm stands and markets. This not only supports local businesses, but is also good for the environment.

4. Food that is grown nearby doesn’t have to be shipped or transported. It has a smaller carbon footprint.

5. Seasonal foods are also likely to be cheaper then foods that are out of season.

Fall foods like pumpkin, collards, squash and sweet potatoes help us prepare for the cold months ahead. Here’s why they’re so good for you.

Pumpkins

There’s much more to pumpkin than jack o’ lanterns and pumpkin spice lattes.

They also high in potassium, iron, and fiber. They make delicious desserts, but can also be used in soups and side dishes.

And don’t throw out their seeds! Roast them and eat them for magnesium, zinc, and Omega 3 fats.

Collards

One of the healthiest of the dark green vegetables, collards have 7 grams of fiber in every cup and are rich in vitamin A.

They also contain magnesium, potassium and protein and can be used in any recipe that calls for spinach.

Squash

Squash contain vitamin A, C, E, and B6. They also are loaded with niacin, thiamine and folate. Their antioxidant compounds help to boost the immune system and fight inflammation.

Sweet Potatoes

The orange flesh of a sweet potato is one of the best sources for beta-carotenes.

They ‘re also so high in vitamin A that just 3.5 ounces of their flesh has one third of all the vitamin A you need for the day.

Want to start adding these ingredients to your diet today?

Here’s a great recipe for a quick, light and delicious meal using pumpkin and collards in a colorful and healthy way.

Quinoa Curry Pumpkin Collard Wraps

INGREDIENTS

1 cup cooked quinoa

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon curry powder

salt to taste

handful alfalfa sprouts

1 cucumber, peeled and cut into thin strips

1 avocado, cut into thin strips

6 large collard leaves (or 12 smaller ones)

Tahini sauce

DIRECTIONS

Combine quinoa, pumpkin puree, and spices. Mix until smooth.

Cut off the thick vein from the collard leaves and lay them out flat in front of you. If you are using smaller leaves, layer them on top of each other.

Add a few spoonful’s of the filling to each leaf. Top with cucumbers, avocado and alfalfa sprouts, then roll collard leaf into a wrap.

Serve drizzled with tahini sauce or use the sauce as a dip.

Sourced from  http://danettemay.com/5-reasons-to-eat-seasonal-veggies-this-fall/

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Healthy Happy Day!

Shari