From the countless diets I’ve tried, I used to think healthy food had to taste boring and bland.  Diet meant restriction and not enjoying what I ate.  I equated enjoying food with gaining weight.

Can you relate?

When I first switched to an anti-inflammatory way of eating, I learned that real food can actually taste amazing and be good for me.  God knew what he was doing when he created colorful fruits and vegetables that had different flavors and nutrients!

When you reduce or eliminate processed foods from your diet, your tastebuds have a reawakening.  Whole foods made with various spices can be quite satisfying to your tastebuds while nourishing your body with the nutrients you need!

Try to eat a variety of colors and experiment with different spices to find new combos you love!  If you need more easy ways to eat more fruits and veggies, check out this post and this YouTube video.

Head to this seasonal food guide/ to look up what is in season where you live!

If you’ve been following me on Instagram or Facebook, I’ve highlighted four foods this month that are great for fall- pumpkin, apples, Brussels sprouts, and pomegranates.  They are packed with nutrients and are anti-inflammatory!

Here are some simple recipes to enjoy these nutritious fall flavors!

Ingredients:

• 15 oz. garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3 T. olive oil
• 2 T. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 T. maple syrup

Directions:

Mix in food processor or blender.  Serve with apples or Siete Cinnamon chips!

The health benefits of pumpkin are: high in beta-carotene, anti-inflammatory, and great for eye, skin, & heart health!

Ingredients:

• Package shaved brussels
• 4 strips bacon, crumbled
• ½ C. chopped pecans
• 1 apple diced

Dressing:

• 2/3 cup mayo (Primal Kitchen)
• 4 T. Lemon juice
• 2 T maple syrup

Directions:

Mix dressing ingredients in small bowl.  In large mixing bowl, mix slaw ingredients.  Stir in dressing to coat.

This is an excellent side dish with tons of flavor!

The health benefits of Brussels Sprouts are: low in calories and high in anti-inflammatory compounds, contain kaempferol, which appears to promote heart health and cut cancer risk and rich source of vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting and bone health.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Apples (organic)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice

TOPPING INGREDIENTS

• Gluten Free granola (I used purely elizabeth pumpkin cinnamon granola.)
• Coco whip, optional

Directions:

1. Cut apples in half through the stem and use a knife or a spoon to remove the core, stem, and seeds. Brush a teaspoon of oil on the apples and  then sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.
2. Place apples in air fryer basket and spoon gluten free granola on top of the apple halves evenly.
3. Cook for 15 minutes on 350.
4. Serve warm with coco whip if desired.

This is an easy fall dessert!

The health benefits of apples are: high in antioxidants, contain fiber and prebiotics, which is good for your gut, linked to a lower risk of diabetes, better bone health, and improved immune function and helps memory!

Ingredients:

• Cube and Roast 2 sweet potatoes (400 for 30 minutes)
• Pomegranate ½ cup
• Pepitas 3 T
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• ¼ cup Goat cheese, crumbled

Dressing:

• 2 T pom juice
• 2 T acv
• 1 T honey
• 2 T olive oil

Directions:

1. Mix dressing ingredients in a mason jar.
2. Cube 2 small, sweet potatoes and put on sheet pan with a little avocado oil. Roast in 400-degree oven for 30 minutes.

Mix sweet potatoes, pomegranate, pepitas, spinach and goat cheese.  Drizzle dressing over salad.  This makes a beautiful side dish that’s delicious!

The health benefits of pomegranates are: have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, help lower blood pressure, ease arthritis pain, and are good for brain function, and can help with workout/athletic performance.

Eating seasonal produce that’s packed with nutrients and flavor is a great habit for a healthy lifestyle!  I want to encourage you to keep trying new foods and new ways to prepare them to make healthy eating fun!