Liv’s Fall Grocery List
It may still feel like summer outside, but fall is officially here my friends! This is my absolute favorite time of the year. The leaves changing on the trees, the hearty meals, the crisp mornings and not to mention the best fashion! That’s an entire blog post in itself. To kick off the best time of the year, I thought it would be wise to share what’s in my cart during this time of year. Eating seasonal produce is crucial for maximum nutrient benefits. Eating based upon seasons helps us fight off illness, it improves our skin, and it ensures we are eating minimally processed foods.
Once I started learning about eating seasonally, my entire world changed. Going to the grocery store became easier, meals started to become more exciting, and I could honestly feel the benefits of all of the foods. In this blog post, I’ll be breaking down my signature items that are on my grocery list and why they’re so important to eat during this time of year. I’ll even throw in a couple quick recipe ideas.
Dates. Dates are sooooo yummy! It wasn’t until recently, that I learned how many nutrients are packed into dates, especially for women. Dates can have positive correlations with our reproductive systems, and overall women’s health. They’re the perfect sweet treat to add to just about anything. My family loves bacon wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates. Which I typically make during the holidays. I love peanut butter stuffed dates and I love adding them into my smoothies or protein shakes for an extra layer of sweetness. Next time you crave something sweet, swap out an artificial sweetened snack for a date!
Ginger. We use ginger in just about everything at my house. From it’s amazing gut healing benefits, to cold preventing benefits, ginger is the must have item in your kitchen for the fall. Ginger is also a detoxifier. Make some ginger tea, add it into any asian dishes or marinades. You could even add it to a green smoothie! Ginger is so important and gives us so many nutrients not only during autumn, but all throughout the year.
Garlic. I was in college when I learned about the benefits of garlic. When I would feel the slightest cold coming on, I would make garlic toast. Yep, just toast some bread and grate some fresh garlic onto it. Garlic has several antibacterial and antiviral properties. It’s nutrient content also serves as a great food for heart health. I always buy fresh bulbs of garlic. You don’t need the pre minced garlic or the garlic in a jar. Fresh, raw garlic in its purest form will pack the biggest punch towards any seasonal cold or flu you may have going on. Not to mention, it’s delicious!
Chickpeas. Chickpeas are so underrated. They are a great source of plant protein with tons of fiber. They take on any flavor, so seasoning them and making up pretty much anything is super easy. Throw them in a salad, roast them for a crunchy snack or even make your own hummus! Chickpeas will keep you full longer. Chickpeas are so hearty and perfect for cozy autumn meals.
Coconut Water. I never understood the power of coconut water until I learned about it’s electrolyte capabilities. Did you know, that our bodies are naturally dehydrated when we start moving from summer into autumn? Coconut water is a great way to ensure we are staying hydrated to prep our bodies for dry, cold winters. Coconut water is great for recovery after an intense workout. It’s ability to give us that natural glow from the inside out is unmatched. Add coconut water into your favorite smoothie, or mix with an organic fruit juice.
Chiles. Chiles are huge pro metabolic foods. They help us burn fat and can speed up our metabolisms. Chiles not only add tons of flavor to your favorite dishes but they also reduce blood pressure, and can be known as anti-inflammatory foods. Chiles are also full of fiber, minerals and vitamins. Add any kind to your favorite soups, stews or pastas!
Apples. An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. I truly believe this. I have a love hate relationship with apples. Some days, I crave an apple, and other days it’s the last thing on earth that I would want to eat. While this is true, every single person I know who eats apples, also happens to be some of the healthiest people I know. Apples are great for digestive health, skin health, and immune health! Apples are great in autumn. This is why apple picking is so huge during the early autumn months. Apples are super nutrient dense and the recipes are endless. Apple tea, cinnamon spiced apples, sliced apples in your favorite salad, apples with your favorite nut butter. The possibilities are endless.
Red Meat. Our bodies need iron. They also need animal protein from time to time. When we buy organic, grass fed beef, we can benefit exponentially from the nutrients. Autumn is the perfect time to make pot roast, stew or grill some steak and make a delicious fall salad. Quality grass fed meat is full of different minerals such as magnesium, selenium, and zinc. All of which are crucial for female hormonal health. It also is full of protein if you’re working out and essential b-vitamins to promote better mood and energy. Finally, eating the occasional steak helps promote collagen which is the main protein in our body. As we age, it starts to deplete.
Kale. Kale is the most nutrient dense green there is. While it may be a trendy food, it has been around for years. kale is classified a superfood because of its ability to provide fiber, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. Kale also helps us eliminate waste and helps promote healthier more vibrant skin. Kale salads are my favorite way to incorporate kale into my diet, especially during the fall. Chop it really fine and mix it with some apples, dates, a light vinaigrette with a piece of salmon and you’re good to go!
Happy Fall Shopping!