Choosing to live a healthier life starts with a combination of efforts ranging from exercise to mental health. When Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment identified heart disease and cancer as the two leading causes of death in our community, we knew we needed to step up and help our community members lead healthier lives. Healthier 901, led by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, is an initiative to collectively lose a million pounds in three years to achieve healthier lifestyles. You can create a free official account at Healthier901.com. 

Nutrition is also key to setting yourself up for success on your health journey. Let’s look at ways to incorporate seasonal fall foods into your meals.

Why is it Important to Buy Foods That Are in Season?

When foods are in-season, they can be more nutritious, sustainable and affordable than out-of-season fruits and veggies. Consider buying the following foods for a healthier, in-season meal on your next grocery trip.

How Can I Tell if Foods Are In-Season or Not?

There are a few ways to tell if foods are in-season. Browse around the grocery store before putting food in your cart. If you find fruits or veggies on sale, there’s a good chance that’s because they are in-season, and there’s an abundance of the supply.

Another way is identifying if the fruits or veggies appear fresh. Use your nose to see if they smell fresh. Look at the skin to see if it’s smooth and crisp.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also has this helpful guide for which foods are in-season throughout the year.

What if I Can’t Afford Fresh Fruits and Veggies?

We hear you. We know what it’s like to experience sticker shock at the grocery store. The good news is that frozen fruits and vegetables often have just as much nutritional value as fresh options. With frozen foods, you also have the benefit of them keeping longer in your freezer than fresh food in your fridge.

Or you can opt for canned foods. Just give them a rinse. If you rinse canned foods like corn, peas or green beans, you can greatly reduce the amount of salt you eat.

What Strategies Can Help Me Eat Healthier This Time of Year?

Planning and preparation are your biggest allies. With summer over and school back in-season, our lives get so busy. Taking 15 minutes before a grocery trip to Google fast, healthy dinners can be very helpful in planning out your week.

If you’re able, make enough meals so you can have leftovers for kiddos to take to school or you to take the work the next day. Having leftovers eliminates the need for you to plan an entirely different meal.

Try Out This In-Season Fall Soup Recipe from the American Heart Association

Ready to try your hand at an in-season fall recipe? Give this butternut squash recipe a chance.

If you want to learn more about the Healthier 901 community initiative, please visit our Healthier 901 website. You can create a free official account in less than 60 seconds.