in the kitchen by BRANDI GIVENS
in the kitchen by BRANDI GIVENS
RD, CPT
THE ATHLETE’ S AUTUMN EATS:
COMFORT FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOU
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With our days of dinking in the summer sun behind us once again, it’ s time to bundle up in hoodies for crisp-weather play. For many of us, the cooler temperatures can change our appetites as quickly as we change athletic wear. We naturally begin to kindle cravings for comfort food, or dishes that fill our bellies with satisfying warmth.
The term“ comfort food” often implies that a recipe is loaded with empty calories, but this doesn’ t have to be the case. The fruits and veggies harvested in autumn offer a bounty of nutrients that can help keep us fit in the fall, when weather restricts us from getting on the court as often. Here are some of my favorites.
Apples
While apples are readily available all year, most varieties are at their peak in the fall. From the sweet Fuji to the tart Granny Smith, they all contain compounds like quercetin, which aids the immune system. The fiber and polyphenols in apples have been shown to help reduce cholesterol.
Comfort Cooking: Try making a homemade applesauce with cinnamon and serving it warm. Or add chopped apples to your oatmeal in the morning, either raw or cooked.
Pears
Juicy pears are also full of soluble fiber and a type of sugar alcohol called sorbitol, both of which help keep the digestive system moving along.
Comfort Cooking: For a seasonal dessert, try poaching pears in red or mulled wine. Or slice pears and serve with cheese for a simple appetizer.
Brussels Sprouts
If you detest the thought of these cute little crucifers, you may be missing out! Fresh recipes are much tastier than the bland methods of the past. Plus, a serving of
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