Exceptional Nutrition Every Day

Hand-Picked Tips

October is the epitome of fall. Our meals become a bit heartier and seasonally delicious with all the fall produce. Winter squash is both plentiful and at its peak right now. It’s perfect for roasting, pureeing into a soup, using as a pasta substitute, and more. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice are everywhere this time of year too. One way to reimagine our sweets this fall is to incorporate seasonal spices into recipes, without adding extra sugar, fat, and calories.

Fall also brings stews, soups, and sauces simmering on the stove. Like any dish, to make a great sauce, it is important to balance the five basic taste sensations – salt, sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and umami. Making a homemade sauce may seem overwhelming, but luckily, the secret of a great sauce relies on simplicity. A good oil is essential for making sauces because it carries fat-soluble flavors, builds a smooth texture, and binds ingredients together. But all oil is not created equal. In fact, there really isn’t a “one-oil-fits-all” scenario. Different oils have varied flavors and nutritional properties. Learn which oils are essential in the kitchen and how to match the right oil to your cooking method.

October always goes out with a bang with Halloween. On a holiday where candy and sweets seem to overwhelm, it is important to always provide balance and boundaries. This October, enjoy all the foods the season has to offer.