Now that autumn is well and truly here, we’re absolutely loving the new range of fresh produce available to liven up dinner time again! There’s something very special about all the earthy colours and deep, flavoursome dishes this season is so famous for, don’t you think? We’re all about eating fresh, local organic foods wherever we can- and we love indulging in a diet mainly consisting of foods as close to their natural state as possible. Remember, everything you put inside your body shows on the outside, so take care with what you eat and the rest will follow. Here are three little super foods to eat during autumn- let us know what you think!
Winter Squash
The beloved pumpkin, an autumn staple, falls under this umbrella- but we want to celebrate all squash here at Little Soap HQ! So they may not be the prettiest looking of vegetables, but it’s what’s inside that counts. And winter squash have some pretty powerful properties!
- The antioxidants in squash will help to relieve symptoms of arthritis or aching point joints, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties.
- Squash are high in vitamin C, an essential vitamin for this time of year, and a powerhouse when it comes to protecting heart health.
- Squash are loaded with beta carotene, which means that your dry, itchy and eczema prone skin will love them. They’re also a good source of omega three.
- Squash are an excellent source of fibre, helping to maintain the digestive system and eliminate toxins.
We love how versatile squash can be. Roast, boil, mash, puree… and liven up your autumn smoothie too. Add some cooked squash to beetroot, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and almond milk- delicious!
Dates
Oh, dates are wonderful for those of us trying to maintain a low sugar diet, or those of us wanting to cut down on 
‘naughty’ sweet treats a little. Because they’re so sweet, they can be used in a variety of healthier desserts and snacks, so that you can indulge your sweet tooth without compromising your healthy lifestyle. Not only that, but dates are packed with minerals that will make you smile.
- Dates are very low in fat and can help with weight loss and to lower cholesterol.
- Dates are a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and development, and for helping us to stay fuller for longer.
- Dates contain vitamins B1, B2, B5, A1 and C.
- Dates are a good source of natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose and fructose, so not only do they taste amazing but they will help to raise blood sugar levels after a workout.
- Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium. This means they help to keep bones healthy.
- Eating dates will help to maintain a healthy nervous system, thanks to good doses of potassium- which also helps to lower cholesterol.
- Dates are also a good source of iron.
- Soaking dates in water before you eat them will help to maintain a healthy digestive system.
- Dates contain vitamins C and D, which help to maintain a glowing complexion.
If you’re still not convinced, then why not try this amazing recipe:
Vegan protein bar
You need:
- A quarter of a cup of organic quick-cook rolled oats
- Four scoops raw cacao protein powder
- One cup organic nut butter
- One quarter of a cup of organic pumpkin seeds
- One quarter of a cup of organic dates, chopped into small pieces
- One and a half cups of organic coconut cream
- Half a teaspoon sea salt
- 30g 70-80% dark chocolate
To make the bars, pour the coconut cream into a mixing bowl and add the oats. Allow to sit for 20minutes. Then stir in the nut butter, pumpkin seeds, dates, salt and protein powder and mix well. Spread evenly into a glass baking dish. Use a knife or grater to slice the chocolate into thin strips and scatter over the top. Allow to set in the fridge overnight before cutting into bars. Delicious!
Sweet potatoes
These are amazing any time of the year but during autumn we just can’t get enough of sweet potatoes! They’re packed full of goodness and they taste oh so delicious!
- Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin B6 which contributes towards the maintenance of heart health.
- They’re a great source of vitamin C, crucial in the battle against autumn coughs and colds, and essential for health teeth and bones.
- Sweet potatoes are a good source of iron and vitamin D.
- Sweet potatoes are high in magnesium, which helps us to relax and allocates symptoms of stress; it also helps with maintaining health arteries, bones and muscles.
- Sweet potatoes are sweet, but they release their sugars slowly, so they won’t create a spike in your blood sugar levels.
What are you eating this autumn? We’d love to hear about your favourite dishes- get in touch via Facebook or Twitter and let us know!
