The Flavors of Fall—And What They Can Do For Your Dancing
As autumn gets into full swing, it’s time to wave goodbye to summer produce and start embracing the rich, savory fruits and veggies of the harvest season. They come with a host of nutritional benefits, sure to help you power through months of Nutcracker rehearsals and increasingly chilly temperatures.
Here are a few to get you started:
Apples
Aside from the fun of going on an apple-picking trip, the fruit is a good source of fiber and the antioxidant quercetin, which improves endurance. There are thousands of varieties to choose from, each with their own unique benefits.
Pumpkins
Basically the poster-child for the fall season, pumpkins also have tons of health benefits. One cup contains 11 percent of the fiber you need daily, and plenty of potassium, which helps keep your muscles strong and prevents cramping. Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium—important for energy production and bone development.
Cauliflower
A great source of vitamin C, which is an excellent healer: It can help repair skin wounds like blisters, rebuild ligaments after a sprain and create collagen. Cauliflower is also a go-to for New York City Ballet soloist Georgina Pazcoguin, who blends and sautés it to make her own “breakfast rice” every morning.
Sweet Potatoes
These orange root vegetables are a good source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is known for its role in promoting healthy vision, and helping the eye adjust to dim lighting.
