Spice up your menu this fall with these 4 healthy meal ideas

Autumn is one of the best seasons of the year. The leaves turn auburn and gold and float to the ground leaving colour on the streets and crunches under the boots of walkers. Gourds are in high demand—half to decorate and half to feature in festive meals. The wind isn’t cold, but crisp, and something about the world becomes inviting and cozy.

Halloween creeps around the corner, while sweaters, boots, and jeans become essential. As the holiday season gears up to take the forefront of everyone’s minds, we can sometimes get caught up in our bigger tasks and forget about the little things that make fall so much fun, casual family dinners being one of them. 

Celebrate the season with some healthy, delicious, fall-feeling dishes that will leave you feeling full and festive.

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers

This easy recipe allows for endless creative freedom and makes for a mindful fall meal. With a yield of six, this recipe will be the perfect low-calorie fall-treat for your family and friends. This meal provides plenty of protein along with its abundance in vegetables. For a healthier and more sustainable protein source, replace the red meat beef with grilled chicken. No matter what additions, substitutions, or subtractions you choose to use, this festive, healthy option will become an autumn staple. 

Sautéed Pork Chops with Apples

If you’re looking for something low-calorie, gluten-free, and allergy-appropriate, this sweet-and-savoury family meal will allow for a festive feeling and full bellies. Apples are a classic fall food, so what better meal for a chilled autumn evening than an apple-influenced dinner? Although the recipe serves four, it can be easily doubled. The preparation takes approximately an hour and 40 minutes to complete and has a 5-star rating on Eating Well. 

Savoury Pumpkin and Sage Soup

Pumpkins are arguably autumn’s mascot. As a low-calorie option for a pseudo-comfort food, this soup is perfect for curling up with your favourite Halloween movie. It only takes an hour to make but remains simple and enjoyable. It is easily paired with French bread or crackers. Perfect for sharing with big groups, small families, or even during your Thanksgiving celebration, this meal is sure to be popular with the whole family.

Vegetarian Chili with Grains and Beans

Not only is this option void of meat, but also allows for digestion aid and guilt-free enjoyment of a classic fall favourite. This meal is prepared in a slow cooker, meaning that you can blend your ingredients in the morning, and come home to a warm, healthy meal after a long day. It takes about 8 and a half hours to cook and yields about 8 cups, though it is easily doubled. This meal is perfect for busy days and often allows for leftovers.

The opportunities to create, enjoy, and share fall festive meals are endless. These recipes will allow for that wonderful fall feeling to fill your belly and the bellies of your loved ones with the same warm, comforting effect.