Roast Your Fall Vegetables for Healthier Meals

By Donna Stark

You have been told over and over again that you need to increase your intake of vegetables and fortunately for you, we are in the best season to do so! Fall vegetables are everywhere. They are filling the shelves at the grocery store and tumbling out of the baskets at the farmers market. But for some people, knowing how to cook them or how to choose what to serve them with can certainly be a challenge. Sound like you? Well, if you have some vegetables sitting at home because you just aren't sure what to do with them, keep reading! You may be making it harder than it needs to be.

Roasting Those Vegetables

Roasting your favorite fall vegetables may end up being your most favorite way to cook them. It's easy, it's inexpensive, and it's the best way to fill your home with amazing aromas! You can roast just about any vegetable ... just cut it into bite-sized pieces, coat with olive oil, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices on top, and place them in the oven until they become browned, tender, and caramelized. Even the pickiest of eaters in your home will love them!

Try New Flavors

Sure, the humble sweet potato is usually the go-to vegetable for roasting, but there are so many other options you can try. In fact, most vegetables are perfect for it! So grab some eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, beets, and parsnips the next time you are shopping and create one fabulous mixture! Think about all the nutrition you will be providing your body by doing so!

Get Creative

Now that you are comfortable with trying new vegetables and roasting them just right, it is time to pull out your creativity and plan some extraordinary meals for yourself and your loved ones! Here are some great suggestions on how to use your roasted vegetables.

• Side dish for that perfectly cooked fish, steak, or chicken
• Homemade pizza toppings
• Homemade tomato sauces or soups
• Pasta or risotto add-ins
• Salad or couscous toppings
• Fajita, burrito, or taco fillings
• Vegetarian sandwiches
• Healthy snacks (kale chips or chickpea bites)

Get Eating!

All of us should be adding more vegetables to our diets because there is no easier way to fill up on the nutrition our bodies require. So take advantage of the season's fresh harvest and try roasting your vegetables for a healthier take on your weekly meals.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cumming, Ga.