#1 Visit the Farmers Market
Farmers markets aren’t just for the summer season. Depending on where you live, farmers markets usually run from the end of April until the end of October. If you haven’t done so already, find a local farmers market near you and take some time to explore all of the fall produce. Shop the stalls, talk to the farmers and pick up some fall favorites like apples, pumpkins and squash.
Looking for a farmers market in your community? Check out the USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory.
#2 Prep Fall Produce
You’re more likely to eat fruits and vegetables during your busy week if the prep work is already complete, so set aside some time one day a week to sort through your fall haul. Wash fresh fruit, chop vegetables and store all produce in reusable containers so you can easily grab a snack before you head to the office or hit the gym.
#3 Get Grounded with Root Vegetables
Like any seasonal change, the transition from summer to fall can be busy. Take a minute to ground yourself by eating grounding foods like beets, carrots, ginger, parsnips, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes and turnips. Grounding foods will help you align more with fall as you embrace the changing of the seasons.
#4 Swap Out Your Smoothies
As the temperatures start to cool down, swap out your summertime smoothies for warmer fall foods like a homemade almond milk latte, pumpkin pie spice cream of nut porridge or a bowl of steel cut oats topped with warming spices like cinnamon or turmeric for an additional touch of fall flavor.
#5 Set Up the Slow Cooker
Nothing tastes better than a homemade meal, but who has the time to cook after a busy day at the office? Bust out the slow cooker and put it to good use. Some of our favorite slow cooker meals include bean-free chili, slow cooked pulled pork and beef stew. Save yourself time in the kitchen and make a bigger batch so you have leftovers for lunch all week long.
#6 Stock Up on Soups
Fall is the perfect time for soups and stews. Check out some of these delicious recipes to try this season:
- Bone Broth French Onion Soup
- Cauliflower Chickpea Golden Stew
- Curry Cashew Cauliflower Soup
- Matzoh Ball Soup
- Shredded Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Turmeric and Coconut Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque
Remember to freeze any leftovers and enjoy at a later time.
#7 Add Autumn to Your Salads
If you can’t bare to part with your summertime salads, add a touch of Autumn to them instead. Put fall produce to good use and give your salad a makeover for fall with these delicious recipes:
- Green Salad with Sprouted Seeds Falafels
- Parsnip Kale Salad with Turmeric Cashew Dressing
- Pomegranate Sweet Potato Salad
- Roasted Squash, Lentil and Kale Salad with a Maple Vinaigrette
#8 Build a Base
It’s nice to have a big batch of grains, or grain-free bases, cooked and ready to eat throughout the week. Not only do they make your dishes heartier, but they provide additional flavor and texture to your recipes. When you meal prep your weekly produce, make some grains, or grain-free options too. Some options include quinoa and brown rice, but if you prefer to go grain free, make homemade cauliflower rice, a big batch of sweet potatoes, zoodles or spaghetti squash.
#9 Be a Fall Baker
During the hot summer months, many of us refrain from baking, but as the temperatures begin to to cool off, it’s time to get your bake on. Whether you bake up a batch of grain-free pumpkin cinnamon rolls, maple sweet potato and pumpkin muffin scones or sweet potato raisin bread, get your bake on and enjoy delicious fall themed foods for breakfast or snacks all week long.
Be sure to follow these tips when meal prepping and remember to tag us @SimpleMills so we can see how your fall haul and how you meal prep for the week ahead. Happy Fall Ya’ll!