As the temperatures cool down, it’s a great time to cook some healthy comforting food.  As we’ve all heard for some time now, it’s important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables – 5 to 9 servings is the recommendation. If you’re tired of the same old broccoli and green beans, how about something different? Locally grown produce is kinder to the environment and ensures that your produce is as fresh as possible. Fresher is better when you want to maximize the nutrient value of your produce.

Here’s a sample of what’s available in Colorado this fall and why it’s a great choice for your fall feast.

Beets – A root vegetable, beets have antioxidants in the root as well as in its top-greens. They offer protection against coronary artery disease and stroke, lower cholesterol levels, and have anti-aging effects.

Cabbage – Rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, a family of vegetables that includes Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, and broccoli. These veggies are known for their cancer fighting ability.

Celery Root – Also known as celeriac, celery root is a closely related variety of celery. It is a popular winter-season root vegetable used in soups, stews, served pureed or added to mashed potatoes.  Celery root also has cancer fighting antioxidants.

Greens – Kale has gotten a lot of publicity in recent years, but chard and collard greens are “the other leafy greens” you should try. They provide phytonutrients that promote good health and prevent disease.

Leeks – Part of the onion family, leeks contain many noteworthy flavonoid antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Leeks have been shown to reduce cholesterol formation and have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

Squash – Zucchini is just one of the many varieties of squash available in the fall.  Try butternut, acorn or delicata squash.  The health benefits of squash are derived from the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that they contain, most notably vitamin A, as well as  vitamins C, E, and folate.

See anything you’ve never tried?  If so, now is the perfect time to hit your favorite farmer’s market or farm stand and find your new favorite vegetable!

Andrea Groth Wellbeing Detective

Andrea wants to live in a world where the neighborhoods are walkable, bike lanes are plentiful, and the food is fresh, delicious and readily available.
A 20-year veteran of the health and wellness industry, she started her career in the fitness industry while earning a master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, and then on to the burgeoning field of worksite wellness. Andrea has competed in collegiate level soccer, worked as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, wellness coach, and master trainer, climbed 14ers, and completed cycling centuries and metric centuries. All of these experiences give her the opportunity to view well-being from many different perspectives.
When she’s not helping others to be their healthiest self, you can find her at a farm to table restaurant, down dogging at the yoga studio, or experiencing the Colorado landscape on a bicycle, snowshoes, cross country skis or on foot.