4 Fall Meals Made Healthy
By Brandi Goodman
The fall season starts off the overeating many Americans engage in throughout the holiday season. Calorie-heavy meals, sugar-filled desserts, and too many treats cause some serious weight gain and health concerns for lots of people each year. Make your meals healthier to combat this problem and add the nutrition you need into your diet.
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers full of meat, rice, and veggies make a filling meal for fall. Though this is generally considered a pretty healthy option compared to some other meal choices, there are still ways you can make it even better for your well-being. Substitute ground turkey, for example, over the typical ground beef. Make sure you're using whole grain rice that provides plenty of fiber instead of white rice that's been bleached. Pack in as many veggies as possible to get all those extra vitamins and minerals.
Beef Stew
Stew is another common dish to enjoy during the cold weather months. Let it marinate in the slow cooker all day and you'll have a delicious, hot meal when you're ready to enjoy it at dinnertime. Be sure to skip some of the broth and salt, though. This meal can be high in sodium if you aren't careful. Use a lean cut of beef and perhaps create your own broth rather than purchasing a version from the store. Add in all the veggies you want for plenty of nutritional benefits.
Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin is of course a favorite fruit for the fall. Many turn it into a creamy soup that's thick and flavorful. Be sure you're creating a healthy version by using coconut milk, sunflower oil, and a homemade vegetable stock. A Thai version using lemongrass, chili, lime juice, ginger, and onion will spice up this dish.
Cheesy Potato Soup
A cheesy potato soup is another well-enjoyed autumn dish. Opt for unsalted or low-sodium chicken to reduce the salt content. You'll also want low-fat milk, light sour cream, and a low-fat cheese to help lighten the fat and calorie content. This dish offers lots of protein and a healthy dose of fiber. Just be sure to stick with one serving.
The fall and winter months make it easy for people to overindulge, skip exercise, and put on weight. Don't make this mistake for yourself. Do what you can to make your fall meals healthier and get more nutritious options into your diet.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mesa, Ariz.