The Benefits of Eating Seasonally

Fall is here, and so is the opportunity to incorporate freshness into your meal plan! 

Have you ever heard of the term “seasonal eating”? This means building your diet around the fruits and vegetables that are in season and being harvested at a particular time of the year in a specific geographical location. Living in sunny California certainly affords us a whole host of options for fresh and healthy produce year round, but there are still some foods you should consider picking at the market before others in order to have a meal that boasts the most benefits. 

Why eat seasonally?

Below, we’ve listed some of the reasons you should consider basing what is on your plate on what is in season. 

1. Full of antioxidants! Fresh fruits and vegetables have higher levels of beneficial antioxidants such as Vitamin C, folate, and beta-Carotene, which help protect our bodies’ cells from being damaged. 
2. Natural defense! There are higher levels of phytonutrients (or plant nutrients) in produce that is eaten in season. The rich antioxidant properties of phytonutrients are beneficial for promoting overall health. 
3. Meet natural nutritional needs! 
4. More flavor! With seasonal eating, you are consuming fruits and vegetables that were picked at their prime, which means you will get the most out of the produce not only from a nutritional standpoint, but from a flavor perspective as well.

What produce is in season during fall?

Here are a few of the many fruits and vegetables you should seek out next time you’re at the grocery store or your local farmer’s market.

1. Apples
2. Artichokes
3. Bell peppers
4. Eggplant
5. Peaches and Nectarines
6. Pears
7. Persimmons
8. Pomegranates
9. Winter Squash
10. Zucchini

Discover how seasonal eating could fit into your health and wellness plan. With the help of a Hoag Nutritionist, you can unlock optimal health by discovering what will work best for you and your body. Our concierge medicine programs were designed so that our patients get more out of their care, including benefits such as nutrition and fitness counseling with our team of experts. Come in for a free consultation to meet our physicians and find the best care partner for you!