Well Being Nourish Founder and certified Health Coach Alice Bianchi provides advice on getting enough fruit during the October break.
Beijing is already experiencing the seasonal changes to autumn with fresh breeze and windy evenings, our body needs to adjust itself to the new weather and we would like to give you some tips on how to do this.
Autumn is the season of “mists and mellow fruitfulness” and it certainly is a great time for fruit, and vegetables too. Lots of delicious varieties are in season, such as blackberries, plums, apples, pears and pumpkins, just to name a few.
Apples are a source of loads of nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, vitamin C and dietary fiber. They are great to eat raw, baked with sultanas, or in warming puddings such as crumbles, tarts and strudels. When made into a sauce or chutney, apple is a perfect partner for grilled meats, especially pork.
Pears are another delicious autumn fruit. Pears contain minerals such as zinc, plus vitamins C and E, and some B vitamins. They make a great snack on their own, or with some cheese.
Blackberries are delicious on their own, added to apple crumble or made into compote to serve with yoghurt. Plums are lovely as they come, or try them sliced with brandy and brown sugar.
But what really hits this time of the year is the brilliant FIG! Although dried figs are available throughout the year, there is nothing like the unique taste and texture of fresh figs. They are lusciously sweet with a texture that combines the chewiness of their flesh, the smoothness of their skin, and the crunchiness of their seeds. Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Since many people not only do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, but do consume high amounts of sodium as salt is frequently added to processed foods, they may be deficient in potassium. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension. Figs are a good source of dietary fiber: fiber and fiber-rich foods may have a positive effect on weight management.
When I mention figs, how can I not mention my lovely new creation, the Raw Fig Goji Squares? If you want the recipe, have a look at
this!
Photo courtesy of Well Being Nourish
About the Author
Alice Bianchi is a certified health coach based in Beijing. She has a passion for working with individuals and families to improve their health and lifestyle. Alice strives to create a supportive environment to motivate her clients to achieve their current and future health goals. She received her training at Institute for Integrative Nutrition-New York (IIN) and is a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). She has obtained Continuing Education from Venice University, Beijing Capital Normal University, Taipei University, Peking University and has been living in China for the past seven years. Alice is also actively involved in the Slow Food Beijing planning activities (www.slowfood-beijing.org). For more information, visit her blog at www.wellbeingnourish.com.
