crunchiness with a bit of added flavor.
2. Pumpkins
These are definitely the classic for the fall, and they can do more than just spice up your lattes and muffins. Pumpkins are packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants and weight-busting fiber, for a small number of calories.
There are plenty of ways to take advantage of the pumpkin goodness — you can puree it, stew it or bake it into your favorite recipe, or just eat the seeds for a high-fiber snack that won’t ruin your diet.
3. Apples
While apples are known for being healthy and keeping doctors away, they have gained a bad rep over recent years for the high amount of pesticides used to harvest them year-round. The good news is that far fewer chemicals are used on apples that are bought in-season, which is typically fall and winter.
Now is the time to run to the grocery store for all the apples you desire. You can even head to your nearest apple orchard to pick your own, (almost) pesticide-free apples. Apples are still worth all the trouble because they have been found to reduce the risk for hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
RELATED: 35+ Best Fruits & Veggies To Eat This Fall
4. Pears
For some strange reason, pears never seem to top the lists of people’s favorite fruits, but these flavorful treats shine during the fall season. Like apples, pear skins are full of soluble fiber, which has been shown to help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Plus, pears are packed with vitamins C, K, and B which can give you an energy boost. You’ll also get in calcium, magnesium and potassium, which can help to strengthen your immune system for the colder months. During the fall, look for Bosc and Bartlett pears, which are in season in the U.S. You can eat them alone or add them to a smoothie for a twist.
RELATED: 4 Healthy Fall Comfort Food Recipes
5. Turnips & Rutabagas
If you have a southern grandmother, then you probably know all about turnip greens. These leafy veggies thrive in the fall season, along with the turnip itself. Eating turnips and their veggie cousins rutabagas have been shown to help reduce people’s risk for prostate and lung cancer thanks to their hearty amounts of vitamins A and C. Eating the leafy turnip greens can also boost bone health thanks to calcium and heart health because of Vitamin K. You can try roasting or stewing the turnips themselves, and slow cooking the greens to warm up during the chilling months.
RELATED: Cutting Carbs? Try These Veggie Swaps to Fill Your Plate
Sharita Jennings is a health policy attorney, ACE-certified group fitness instructor and nutrition specialist. She leads fitness classes in Washington, DC and provides online coaching and tips on her site, GetFitLikeThat.com.