Introduction
Fall is a great time to enjoy the changing of the seasons and all the delicious foods that come with it. But if you’re trying to lose weight, you may be wondering which fall foods are best for weight loss. Eat This Not That has done the research for you and compiled a list of the best fall foods for weight loss. From pumpkin to apples, these foods are packed with nutrients and can help you reach your weight loss goals. Read on to find out which fall foods you should be eating to help you slim down.
The Verdict on the Best Fall Foods for Weight Loss — Eat This Not That
Fall is a great time to focus on weight loss. With the cooler weather and the abundance of seasonal produce, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious foods to choose from. Here are some of the best fall foods for weight loss.
Eat This:
- Apples: Apples are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, and they can help you feel full for longer. Try adding them to salads, oatmeal, or yogurt.
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and vitamin A. Try adding it to smoothies, soups, or baking it into muffins.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Try roasting them with olive oil and herbs for a delicious side dish.
- Squash: Squash is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Try roasting it with olive oil and herbs for a delicious side dish.
- Beans: Beans are a great source of protein and fiber. Try adding them to soups, salads, or chili.
Not That:
- Candy: Candy is high in sugar and calories and can lead to weight gain. Try swapping it out for a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.
- Fried Foods: Fried foods are high in calories and fat and can lead to weight gain. Try swapping them out for baked or grilled options.
- Processed Foods: Processed foods are often high in sodium and sugar and can lead to weight gain. Try swapping them out for whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Sugary Drinks: Sugary drinks are high in calories and can lead to weight gain. Try swapping them out for water or unsweetened tea.
By making smart food choices, you can enjoy the flavors of fall while still reaching your weight loss goals. Try adding some of these delicious and nutritious fall foods to your diet and you’ll be on your way to a healthier you!
We usually hear a lot about the unhealthy treats to avoid when the fall season rolls around, but what about the fall foods that actually benefit our health?
Eating seasonal foods can help you meet your weight loss goals by encouraging variety in your diet and increasing the level of nutrients you get throughout the day—and the fall season brings a unique list of foods to try.
So incorporate these best fall foods for weight loss into your diet this season, and for more healthy eating tips, make sure to check out The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
According to Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and a member of our medical expert board, winter squash like spaghetti squash, acorn, and butternut squash are perfect healthy additions to your fall meals.
“With fiber and a variety of nutrients, these squash are a somewhat lower-calorie alternative to other carbohydrates,” says Goodson. “They can be roasted, baked, and used to add flavor to your favorite dishes without a lot of extra calories.”
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Goodson also loves apples as a weight-loss food for the fall because of their high fiber content and natural sweetness.
“Fiber helps you get full faster and stay full longer, ultimately helping you manage portion sizes,” says Goodson. “With about 4 grams of fiber per apple, they’re a win for snacking.”
She also suggests taking advantage of their natural sugar content by using them to sweeten dishes like oatmeal, baked bread or muffins, or even salads.
We honestly can’t get enough of oatmeal. Its health benefits are through the roof, and with tons of fiber, nutrients, and prebiotic properties, oatmeal is one of the best fall foods for weight loss.
“Oatmeal is full of fiber, specifically beta-glucan fiber that helps your heart and your gut,” says Goodson. “The fiber and few grams of protein found in oats can help you start the day with a stable blood sugar and better yet, stable energy levels.”
Goodson also suggests “adding in nuts, seeds, nut butters, or milk to your oatmeal for an added protein punch to help you feel more satisfied throughout the morning.”
Here’s The #1 Oatmeal for a Healthy Gut, Says Dietitian
Yes, technically pumpkin is a type of squash and we have already mentioned “winter squash” in our list of fall weight loss foods. However, canned pumpkin is so convenient and easy to eat that it deserved its own spot on our list.
Canned pumpkin is not only delicious, but it’s extremely low in calories and sodium and has 4 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein per serving.
You’ll still benefit from eating roasted or baked pumpkin, but the reason canned pumpkin is a great food for weight loss is because it’s so easy to add to your smoothies, coffee creamer, or oatmeal for natural flavor without the added calories.
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