Fall Friendly Fruit for Your Healthy Diet
By Genevieve Cunningham
For most parts of the country, the hot and sticky summer air is a thing of the past, and the cool and crisp air of fall is well on its way. While this most certainly brings cozy sweaters and holidays and warm drinks to mind, it may also bring some changes to your diet. Fall food tends to be a little heavier and sometimes a bit calorie dense. But, your diet doesn’t have to change for the worse just because fall is here. Take a look at these three fall friendly fruits that will keep the spirit of the season alive, but help you keep your diet on track.
Quince
Have you even heard of this fruit? The quince is a fruit that many explain as a cross between a pear and an apple. It’s a bold yellow color, hard in texture, and is shaped a bit like a squashed pear. It’s super low calorie, with only about 50 calories per serving, and it is packed with fiber and Vitamin C. The only tough part about quince is that it is not eaten raw like normal fruits, and instead must be cooked. After it’s cooked, the texture changes from a hard, almost inedible feel to a more grainy texture like a pear. If you haven’t had this one yet, hit up your local grocery store or farmer’s market and give it a try.
Figs
Figs are a funny little fruit with a long season. You can often find them any time of year, though the hot spots remain the beginning of summer and the beginning of fall. A fig is heavier in calories, with a cup equalling a whopping 250 calories or more. But, it’s also a healthy way to get your carbohydrates. It’s fairly dry in texture, slightly grainy when bitten, and is sweet without being overwhelming. It can be eaten raw or cooked into multiple dishes for you and your family to enjoy.
Kumquat
A kumquat is a tiny little fruit that looks a bit like an elongated orange. You’ll get Vitamin C, potassium, and various other nutrients at only about 15 calories per fruit. To eat a kumquat, you simply take a bite. This is a fruit that is eaten whole, skin and all. The kumquat gives a nice sweet and sour combination, as the skin is very sweet, while the inside is tart. It’s a great choice for changing up your routine and keeping your diet interesting and healthy.
Eating healthy in the cooler months is entirely possible. It just takes a little imagination and research to find the right kind of fall foods to keep your diet in check. Use these three delicious fruits as a starting point. You’ll get to change it up, bring some healthy benefits to your body, and enjoy a few new foods to keep your tastebuds interested.