Foods and Drinks to Keep You Cozy This Fall

When you think of autumn, many things probably come to mind. For many people, it is the crispness of the air and the falling leaves. Others think of candles, warm drinks, and baking. One thing autumn is definitely known for is its seasonal flavors. Autumn foods are typically warm, fresh, and have a little sweetness or spice to them. Here are some suggestions of things to incorporate into your diet this fall to keep you feeling happy and cozy in the cold weather.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great food for fall. Sweet potatoes are good for you and guilt-free. In fact, just one sweet potato contains over 350% of the recommended daily value of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes can be eaten with brown sugar and marshmallows to make a sweet treat or can be eaten with ketchup or salt and pepper to make a savory addition to a meal. And if you’re a little more adventurous in the kitchen, sweet potato fries are always a hit.

Pumpkins

Just like sweet potatoes, pumpkins are also a healthy fall favorite that will never leave you lacking in vitamin A. Pumpkin tends to be eaten in pumpkin pie in the latter portion of the year, but there are plenty of ways to cook with pumpkin. Pumpkin bread and pumpkin soup can provide the extra warmth and energy you need to stay cozy this fall.

Apples

Apples are such a common staple in the standard American diet that they are often taken for granted, but don’t forget that fall is prime apple season. Not to mention the plenty of recipes that apples can be used in, like fresh apple pie and apple crisp. You can even simply cut them up and sprinkle some brown sugar and cinnamon on top and have a quick and delicious sweet treat in just a few minutes.

Hot Chocolate

There is nothing quite like sitting in front of a fireplace and sipping on hot chocolate. Don’t feel guilty for partaking of this decadent hot beverage, it’s definitely a cold weather rite of passage. While you can get hot chocolate packets anywhere easily, there’s nothing quite like making it yourself and truly enjoying the fruit of your labor.

Apple Cider

Apple cider is one of the most popular fall drinks, and for good reason. It’s inexpensive, counts as a serving of fruit, and it’s delicious! Since it’s made from fruit, it’s also a good way to get more fiber in your diet. If you’re so inclined and of legal age, hard apple cider is also a very common treat in fall, and the alcohol is great for keeping you warm.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great way to kick off your morning any time of year, but warm meals become increasingly more desirable as the temperature drops. You can always make oatmeal yourself with oats and water, or you can get flavored packets at your local supermarket. Fresh fruit, berries, granola, and nuts can make healthy and decorative toppings to your oat-based breakfast.

Fish

When the days get shorter and more time is spent indoors, it’s easy to start feeling the winter blues a little early. Eating fish is actually a great way to combat this due to the high concentration of omega-3 fats and vitamin D contained therein. Fish can be a bit pricey, so it’s a good thing that it doesn’t take more than a mere three ounces of salmon to start feeling the health benefits that come from eating it.

Pastries

While it isn’t recommended to live on a diet of pastries, the cold weather is the best time to consume them. As your body burns extra calories from trying to stay warm, you should feel free to treat yourself to a delicious cinnamon roll or a sweet danish every once in a while. You might find that they are winter comfort foods for a reason.

As with anything, eating is about balance and moderation. As long as you make sure you are eating plenty of healthy fruits, vegetables, and grains, the occasional sweet treat should not be a problem, and in fact, could truly be beneficial to your mental well-being during the cold part of the year.