Pumpkin everything during the fall isn’t basic; it’s smart. Eating seasonal produce is the best way to give your body what it needs this time of year. Read fall nutrition tips from a chef and nutrition coach to stay healthy this season.
By Chef Mareya Ibrahim Jones, The Fit Foodie
As the leaves start fall and the temperatures dip, your body begins its own kind of seasonal shift. Fall is natures cue to slow down, cozy up, and refuel with foods and supplements that support your immunity, steady your energy, and lighten your mood as the daylight hours shorten.
Think of it as your seasonal reboot; just like you swap your sandals for boots, your nutrition should transition, too. In this article, Ill be sharing tips to stay well in the fall using the foods that nature has given us at this time of year, along with some of my favorite supplemental nutrients to supercharge my autumn health routine.
Why Nutrition Is Critical in the Fall
Autumn is gorgeous, but it can be sneaky. The shorter days, cooler air, and schedule overload can leave you feeling run-down, moody, and dry as a fallen leaf. Heres why:
- Less sunlight = less vitamin D: Shorter days can zap your vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin that supports immunity, bone strength, and mood regulation.
- Serotonin takes a dip: Reduced daylight lowers this feel-good brain chemical, which can make it harder to stay upbeat and energized.
- Circadian rhythm chaos: Those early sunsets can throw off your sleep cycle, making it tougher to stay awake in the evening (hello, 8 p.m. yawns).
- Immune system under pressure: Rapid weather swingsfrom warm afternoons to chilly nightsput stress on your bodys defenses. Add busier schedules, kids going back to school, and higher cortisol, and youve got a perfect storm for feeling wiped out.
- Dry, dull skin? Youre not imagining it: Humidity drops in humidity and switching on the heater suck the moisture out of your skin. Circulation slows, sebum production decreases, and suddenly your glow goes MIA.
Seasonal Foods Keep Your Healthy in the Fall
Mother Nature knows what shes doing. The foods that thrive in autumn are exactly what your body craves to strengthen immunity, fuel your energy, and keep your skin supple.
Here are your fall food MVPs:
- Pumpkin and squash: Loaded with Vitamin A and fiber to support gut health and immunity.
- Apples and pears: Crunchy, hydrating, and rich in antioxidants and gut-loving fiber.
- Root veggies (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes): These slow-burning carbs help you stay energized and satisfied. Theyre all loaded with their own micronutrient blend offering support for everything from eyes to blood vessels.
- Cranberries and pomegranates: Tiny but mighty sources of polyphenols that help fight inflammation.
- Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, chard): Full of Magnesium, Iron, and Vitamin K to support mood, muscle function, and bone health.
- Onions and garlic: Immunity powerhouses that get even better when paired with Zinc and Vitamin C.
- Citrus (oranges, lemons, tangerines): A juicy boost of Vitamin C to feed your immune system and your skin barrier that locks in moisture for that dewy complexion.
Fit Foodie Tip: Hit up your local farmers market for the freshest, most nutrient-dense produceand support your local growers while youre at it.
Supplements for Autumn Wellness
Even with the best seasonal eating, some nutrients need a little backupespecially as the days grow shorter.
Heres my fall supplement toolkit:
- Omega-3s: Keep skin plump and hydrated while reducing inflammation.
- Vitamin C: Essential for collagen synthesis and immune defense. You can never have too much Vitamin C (literally, your body excretes what it doesnt use), especially during seasonal changes. As the weather cools, I often double up on my daily dose of Lypo-Spheric® Vitamin C, the easiest way Ive found to make sure my cells have the nutrients they need to protect me.
- Zinc: I take this in my Lypo-Spheric® B Complex Plus to support my immune system (zinc is an under recognized immune system hero) and skin repair during the chilly, dry season.
- B Complex: B vitamins are fuel for your body, essential for converting food into energy. But the biggest benefit in the fall is their support of mood that can take a hit when you see less sunlight. Look for one with biotin, like Lypo-Spheric® B Complex Plus, for skin and hair benefits.
- Probiotics: Balance your gut microbiomethe command center for both immunity and mood.
- Adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola): Natures stress managers help you stay steady through seasonal shifts.
- Vitamin D3 + K2: A must-have combo when sunlight gets scarce.
- Magnesium: This mighty mineral supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and sound sleepyour antidote to fall fatigue.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips for Fall
- Hydrate: Just because its cooler doesnt mean you can slack on water. Dry air and heating systems dehydrate you faster than you think.
- Exercise: Movement boosts circulation, mood, and immune function. Bonus: outdoor walks help you soak in what sunlight you can.
- Prioritize sleep: Keep your bedtime consistent, get morning light exposure, and use Magnesium to support melatonin production.
- Stress less: Try breathing exercises, prayer, or mindfulness to keep cortisol in check.
- Eat warm, soothing meals: Think soups, stews, roasted veggies, and hearty salads with those in-season, nutrient-dense root vegetables and dark greens.
And if you need a cozy way to sip your nutrients, black tea deserves a spot in your fall rotation:
- Its rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus.
- Packed with polyphenols and antioxidants, it helps neutralize free radicals.
- And yesit keeps you hydrated!
Recipe: Pumpkin Chai Latte with Oat Milk
If fall had a flavor, this would be ita creamy, lightly spiced hug in a mug that delivers immune-supporting antioxidants, fiber, and warmth in every sip.
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened oat milk (or your favorite plant milk)
- 2 black tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of black pepper (to enhance nutrient absorption and balance sweetness)
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, heat oat milk over medium-low until steaming (not boiling).
- Add tea bags, cover, and steep for 34 minutes. Remove tea bags.
- Whisk in pumpkin purée, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and black pepper until smooth and frothy.
- Pour into mugs and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a swirl of foam.
Fit Foodie Tip: Add a scoop of collagen or adaptogenic mushroom powder for extra immune and skin support.
Putting It All Together
As you transition into fall, think nourish, not deprive. Let seasonal foods fuel your energy, targeted supplements bridge the gaps, and simple daily habits keep your immunity strong and your glow steady.
Because thriving through the season isnt about surviving the snifflesits about embracing the rhythm of change and showing up as your most vibrant self.
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