5 Fall Foods That Are Great for Your Heart

As the days grow shorter and the evenings become cooler, many people in Frisco, Texas, begin to think about their favorite fall foods. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that are both delicious and heart-healthy. 

At Heart Care, we understand the importance that nutrition plays in heart health. But we also know that food should bring joy and satisfaction, and that embracing foods that are both healthful and tasty can make it easier to improve and maintain cardiovascular health. We’re happy to take this opportunity to share some of our favorites with you. 

Consider updating your family’s fall favorites

When it comes to foods that define fall for your family, keeping those traditions alive is important. If you and your loved ones look forward to pumpkin pies, apple breads, cider donuts, or other sweet treats, you might be surprised to learn how easy it can be to make healthier versions. 

Set aside some time to look for lower-sugar recipes that still deliver delicious results. Add more fruit to boost flavor and add nutrients, and explore whole-grain or grain-free flours for baking. 

Try these 5 fall foods to shake up the season

It’s easy to fall into a rut when it comes to preparing meals for yourself or your family. Many of us find ourselves relying on a relatively small list of recipes we are comfortable with. Time constraints can nudge us toward convenience foods over home-cooked meals. 

Fall is an excellent time to reset the way you approach cooking, and to try foods that you haven’t had in a while or that might be entirely new for you or your loved ones. Here are some of the most heart-healthy fall foods. 

Winter squash

These members of the squash family are abundant (and often inexpensive) during fall. They deliver a powerful boost of fiber, as well as vitamins and beta-carotene. Winter squash are easy to roast or add to soups or stews, and each has a distinct flavor profile. 

Root vegetables

If you haven’t tried sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets, or rutabaga in a while, consider giving these vegetables a try. Like squash, they’re packed with fiber and essential nutrients. They’re also easy to prepare by simply giving them a good scrub and tossing them in some olive oil before seasoning and popping them into a hot oven. 

The wide world of greens

Many greens are at their peak once the weather chills, and they’re easy to incorporate into your meals. Rich in antioxidants, greens are known to lower cholesterol and help regulate blood pressure, two key areas of heart health. Kale, collards, swiss chard, mustard greens, and turnip greens are just a few options. 

Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving

Many households only have turkey on holidays, and forget about this poultry option for the rest of the year. Few things can beat a perfectly roasted turkey, but this bird can also come in other forms, such as ground meat, tenderloins, or breasts. Replacing some of your red meat-based meals with turkey can reduce your consumption of saturated fats, which is excellent for heart health. 

Soups and stews are endlessly versatile

If you’re struggling to find ways to work more vegetables and whole grains into your diet, soups and stews are the perfect solution. You can find thousands of recipes online, and once you master the basics, you can get creative. You can incorporate every single food mentioned above into delicious and healthy soups and stews. 

Nourish yourself all year

The choices you make now will shape your health in the months and years to come. Fall is a great time to set new goals and learn new skills to bring you closer to success. 

By expanding your nutrition to include some of these options, you’re giving your body a chance to thrive. You might also create some new family favorites. 

The team at Heart Care is always here to assist you with any preventive, diagnostic, or treatment services you need to keep your heart as healthy as possible. When you’re ready to book a visit, you can contact us online or by phone to get started.