So we are into September and the weather is changing, there is a chill in the air and the leaves are starting to fall. But do not despair, whilst the weather is about to change it is the season for lots of tasty new foods!
Autumn sees delicious and nutrient rich fruit such as apples, pears, plums and figs. Not to mention blackberries and elderberries. All of these fruits can be eaten on the go providing you with an abundance of vitamins and minerals to support your training and help stave off the almost inevitable autumn sniffles. They can also be eaten with yoghurt, put in fruit salads or used to make a crumble as a nice post workout treat. We have also got the back end of the summer fruits such as nectarines and peaches which are still hanging on for a bit longer. Pumpkins should not just be reserved for Halloween, and autumn is the perfect time to make use of this tasty fruit.
In terms of vegetables leeks and butternut squash are all the rage now too! They go fit perfectly in stews, one pot meals and soups for a warming dish on a chilly autumn evening. Sweet corn is still going and they make a nice addition to any dish either on or off the cob, as do green beans.
One of the benefits of eating these seasonal foods is that not only are you getting them at their peak when they are at their freshest and most nutrient dense. It is also a lot cheaper as you are not paying a surplus for transportation from other countries or production methods that allow the foods to be grown out of season, which will also mean the food is fresher! You will probably get better value for money at a fruit and vegetable market than a supermarket, so if you have one close by get down there!
In a future article I will give you some recipes to get you started!