With the feasting season quickly approaching, we are here to remind you that your diet is not doomed! The autumnal season is loaded with detox powerhouses; these pieces of produce will naturally help you get back on track. Nutrient-rich foods like ginger, kale, and beets not only have flat-tummy powers, but they also taste good. Eat these good-for-you salads, soups, and quick post-workout smoothies to move past those sugar lapses. Learn about our eight favorite Fall detox foods to help you get cooking!
Ginger
Tummy problems? Turn to ginger. Not only can this spicy root relieve your digestive system, it is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Ginger might also boost the immune system [1], assisting in detoxification by promoting a healthy sweat, ridding your body of infections.
Recipes to try with ginger:
- Carrot ginger smoothie [2]
- Spicy Asian salad [3]
- Spicy ginger salad dressing [4]
- Ginger immunity tonic [5]
Apples
Just the excuse to bob for apples, this fruit is high in insoluble fiber and pectin [6], which soaks up toxins and sweeps them through the intestines. Apples also contain glucaric acid, which helps the body get of rid estrogen-like chemicals and food additives.
Recipes to try with apples:
- Apple and cabbage salad [7]
- Apple and peanut butter stacks [8]
- Apple cinnamon quinoa bake [9]
Kale
Looking to reduce inflammation and alleviate stress? Turn to kale! This leafy green [10] can also lower your cholesterol and support your digestive tract. With a number of ways to enjoy this nutrient-rich veggie (steamed, raw, blended), you can't go wrong.
Recipes to try with kale:
- Mint kale smoothie [11]
- Baby kale sesame chicken salad [12]
- Shredded kale salad [13]
- Baked kale chips [14]
Beets
Beets have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. They are also filled with folate, fiber, and potassium. To get the most out of your beets, enjoy them raw — this Fall veggie loses nutritional value as cooking time increases.
Recipes to try with beets:
- Beet, carrot, and ginger juice [15]
- Grilled chicken, beet, apple, and spinach Salad [16]
- Balsamic beets and greens [17]
Brussels Sprouts
Mom was right! You should eat those brussels sprouts! On a nutritional level [18], brussels sprouts are low in calories and high in vitamins C and K; they're also full of fiber. The sulfur-rich veggie is also a detox superstar [19] loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants and even some omega-3 fatty acids. When it comes to eating and cooking, they taste pretty great and can be enjoyed in a number of Fall recipes.
Recipes to try with brussels sprouts:
- Roasted brussels sprouts with walnuts [20]
- Brussels sprout chips [21]
- Creamy vegan soup [22]
Pomegranates
A Fall favorite, pomegranates are known to fight certain types of cancers and fill a diet with tons of vitamins. Pomegranate seeds [23] are known to help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of stroke, and even aid in weight management. In some cultures, it is known as the magic fruit!
Recipes to try with pomegranates:
- Pomegranate and squash salad [24]
- Pomegranate wild rice pilaf [25]
- Cranberry and pomegranate sauce [26]
Sweet Potato
While sweet potato fries aren't healthy [27], sweet potatoes themselves are actually a great detox food. Not only do they help you lose weight [28], they're a powerful source of vitamin A and have high levels of anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
Recipes to try with sweet potatoes:
- Tempeh and sweet potato collard wraps [29]
- Spicy sweet potato salad [30]
- Black and white bean soup with sweet potatoes [31]
- Sweet potato pizza crust [32]
Onions
They don't give you good breath, but they will help you on your way to a detox. Onions contain flavonoids [33], which reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Onions are one of the most polyphenol-packed foods you can eat, an essential chemical in helping your body work properly.
Recipes to try with onions:
- Vegetable detox soup [34]
- Kale and onion dip [35]
- White bean and onion cream soup [36]