Our Favorite Fall Foods for a Fit Body and Beautiful Skin

Though it may be difficult to tell that autumn is back here in temperate San Diego, one telltale sign of the new season is the plethora of delicious yet nutritious fall fruits and veggies available in grocery stores and at local farmers’ markets. Here, Dr. Abhay Gupta shares some of his favorite nutritious fall foods that will help you stay fit and healthy this autumn, as well as help you maintain gorgeous, healthy skin.

Apples. We could tell you that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but you already know that. But do you know why apples are so good for you? The answer is that they are full of fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer and regulates digestion. Apples are also comprised of about 80 percent water, so eating them keeps you hydrated.
In addition, apples are rich in antioxidants that fight skin cell-damaging free radicals, which also attack the collagen in your body, leading to sagging skin. One of the antioxidant nutrients apples contain is vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system (and may protect against certain cancers), so you can avoid that pesky cold this fall.

Try baking apples with cinnamon and a touch of honey for a comforting fall treat that won’t ruin your fitness efforts.

Pears. These are another fall treat that are a good source of fiber, which, in addition to helping you feel full longer, helps maintain blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol levels. Pears also contain free radical-fighting and immunity-boosting vitamin C, as well as boron, a nutrient that will help your body retain calcium. As we get older, calcium is a must for strong bones.

Pumpkin. Nothing symbolizes fall more than pumpkins. These orange gourds are a great source of vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, and phytosterols, which have been shown to decrease bad cholesterol. Pumpkins also contains beta-carotene, another antioxidant that protects against free radicals and keeps your skin looking healthy. Although you should limit your intake of those tasty pumpkin lattes, you can add pumpkin to many other foods to satisfy your favorite autumn craving, including delicious, warm soups.

Brussels Sprouts. These fall staples are an excellent source of iron, which is vital to the formation of red blood cells. They also contain vitamin K to support sound bone health. In addition, eating vitamin C-packed Brussels sprouts helps support your immune system.

Cauliflower. Cauliflower may not be as colorful as the other fruits and veggies on this list, but they still pack a nutritious punch. In fact, they are as nutritious as dark leafy greens. They contain vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and folate. Folate is important for pregnant women to help prevent neural tube abnormalities.

Beets. Roasting these tasty root veggies will definitely remind you it’s fall. More importantly, beets contain a phytonutrient called betalains, which has anti-inflammatory properties (in addition to antioxidant properties). Minimizing inflammation helps maintain sound blood vessel health — and keeps your skin looking great.

This autumn, enjoy these delectable yet healthy seasonal treats. Doing so will keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. It will also keep your waistline in check, and help you maintain sound overall health. Not to mention, by eating these fall fruits and veggies, you will actually feel like it is autumn in San Diego.

Need Assistance Looking Your Best This Fall?

Perhaps you already eat a healthy diet full of tasty fall produce and exercise regularly, but still have bothersome “problem areas” that are plagued by stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to your healthy lifestyle efforts. If so, don’t worry. Dr. Gupta offers a range of body contouring treatments to help you get the fit figure you deserve.

Or, perhaps after spending too much time in the sun this summer, your skin could use a little help achieving a more even tone and texture. Dr. Gupta can help you with this, too. He specializes in medical-grade laser and other skincare treatments to give you the healthy, glowing skin you desire. By undergoing nonsurgical laser treatment or a facial, you can look your best in time for the New Year.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Gupta to learn more about your cosmetic surgery or nonsurgical treatment options, please contact Gupta Plastic Surgery by calling (858) 408-6100.

Fun Fact of the Month: Did you know that while “fall” is an American term, “autumn” is originally a British term? Before we started using these two terms, the season was referred to as “harvest.”