JENNA SWIFT Jenna is the Managing Director at Swift Nutrition ( www . swiftnutrition . com . au ). She is a highly experienced Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Nutritionist with dual qualifications including a Masters in Dietetics and Bachelor Degree in Nutritional Science . Jenna also completed further study in the field of Sports Nutrition at the Australian Institute of Sport .
FALL IN LOVE WITH AUTUMN FARE
Discover a few lesser known facts about seasonal eating , from nutrition expert Jenna Swift .
here are many benefits for
T eating seasonally , which you ’ re probably already aware of . For
example , we all know that eating seasonally is better for us , because produce grown outside its natural season or environment often interacts with more toxic compounds such as waxes , chemicals and preservatives in order to grow or look more appealing .
Autumn Fruits
Avocado Apple Banana Fig Grapefruit Honeydew Kiwifruit
Autumn Vegetables
Asian greens Beetroot Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Capsicum Carrot Cauliflower Celery Cucumber
Mandarin ( Imperial ) Orange ( Navel ) Persimmon Plum Pomegranate Quince Rhubarb Grapes
Daikon Eggplant Fennel Leek Lettuce Mushrooms Onion Spring onion Parsnip Peas
What you may not realise though , is that the natural cycle of produce is perfectly designed to support the health of your body . For instance , autumn foods such as apples can be ideal transition foods to help your body cool down before winter arrives . Similarly , in spring , the abundance of leafy greens can help you alkalise , detox or drop a few kilograms after a long winter of heavier foods .
Autumn Herbs
Chilli Chives Coriander Dill Garlic Ginger Lemongrass
Potato Silverbeet Spinach Squash Swede Sweet potato Tomato Turnip Watercress Zucchini
Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme
In the summer you can remain hydrated and cool down by enjoying fruits , berries , cucumber , watermelon and other summer fruits . Building a lifestyle around seasonal produce can help facilitate the body ’ s natural healing process .
The other fantastic thing about eating seasonally is that it can inspire more creative cooking at home – which , in itself , can also deliver many benefits . For example , if you get the kids to help create a multi-coloured salad using vegetables of the season , then they ’ ll be more inclined to want to eat the end result . And because you ’ re cooking your meals , it enables you to start regaining control over what you put in to your body ( and your family ’ s ), which can be better for your health because you ’ ll know exactly what goes into the food you ’ re eating .
So whether you shop at a local farmer ’ s market or if you join a fresh food cooperative , eating seasonally will encourage you to embrace your creativity to come up with new , fun and delicious dishes based on the ingredients you come across throughout the season . Given that consuming a variety of foods is an extremely healthy way to eat , seasonal eating ensures an ever-changing menu which helps you avoid menu boredom as well .
As you can see , seasonal produce offers many benefits for both the environment and your health . If you haven ’ t already embraced seasonal eating , then make this autumn the time to start .
AUTUMN 2018 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE 9