The Verdict on the Best Fall Foods for Weight Loss
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.
Winter squash
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."
Apples
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.
Oatmeal
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
Canned pumpkin
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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