By Stefanie Djuric and Dawn Blocklinger, Bloomington Hy-Vee Dietitians

Super foods are defined as foods that not only provide essential nutrients, but also deliver an added benefit that protects our health. Whether it’s a carotenoid, polyphenol, or anthocyanin guarding us, research shows many of these foods have one thing in common: they contain tannins, which give them their unique colors. Each color is known to provide one or more beneficial phytonutrient that prevents disease. It is no wonder dietitians consistently encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables with the colors of the rainbow.

Making It Simple
To date, over 900 phytonutrients have been discovered. Each one has a unique quality that protects and prevents cellular damage and boosts the efficiency of vitamins and minerals. Repeated studies for years have proven that people who eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, of various colors, are healthier, longer. This situation is similar to adding fertilizer to your lawn. The lawn grows greener, stronger, and more resistant to disease. Fall in the Midwest brings us a harvest of wonderful super foods. Take advantage of this bounty while protecting from disease. Eating more than five servings of fruits and vegetables of different colors every day will indeed protect you from disease.

Food for Thought
The number of fruits and vegetables recommended per day sounds like a lot of calories. But consider the calories in these examples of fall foods:

• 1 loaded potato skin=calories in 12 cups of baby spinach
• 1 serving (2 wafers) nutty bar snack=110 grapes
• 1 packet of fruit-flavored snacks=2 cups of watermelon
• 1 ounce nacho-flavored chips=1 whole small cantaloupe
• 1 small container of fruit-flavored beverage=5 cups steamed broccoli

For information and suggestions on the benefits of these super foods, try these websites:
www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/benefits/nutrient_guide.html
www.choosemyplate.gov/

For more information, you may contact Stefanie or Dawn, registered dietitians, at 309-663-3054, or e-mail 1035dietitianmailgroup@hy-vee.com. Hy-Vee is Bloomington’s newest full-service grocery store located at 1403 N. Veteran’s Parkway. Dietitians are on-site at the store every day of the week to help you with specific dietary needs, or to answer any questions you may have.

^{Photo credits: RapidEye/iStock, cislander/iStock}

Fall Foods With Color

Yellow/Orange: Carrot, Pumpkin, Squash, and Sweet Potato
Red: Apples, Cranberries, Tomato, and Watermelon
Purple: Beets, Plums, and Purple Grapes
Green: Broccoli, Cabbage, and Chard Kale

Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Serves: 4

All you need:
1 c. chopped, unpeeled tart apples
1/4 c. packed  brown sugar
2 tbsp. coconut oil
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
Crushed graham crackers (optional)

All you do:
In a medium bowl, stir apples, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon to coat. Place squash cut-side up in an 8-by-8-inch microwave-safe baking dish. Fill each half with about ½-cup apple mixture. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts per serving:
150 calories, 3 g fat, .5 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat,
0 mg cholesterol, 35 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber,
22 g sugar, 1 g protein.
Daily Values:
10% vitamin A, 25% vitamin C, 6% calcium, 6% iron.