Fall foods are some of the easiest to turn into simple, comforting meals. Think roasted sweet potatoes, a crunchy kale salad, or warm apples with cinnamon.
For those of us over 40 trying to eat well without making every meal a project, these are a few foods worth adding to the grocery list.
Sweet potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are my favorite. I love pairing them with salmon for dinner or scrambled eggs for an easy breakfast.
Another super-easy option: cook them whole in the slow cooker, similar to a baked potato. Just wet them and cook on low for about 4–6 hours, depending on their size and your slow cooker, until tender.
Sweet potatoes add fiber and vitamin A to your plate.Â
Keep it simple: Cook a few at once so you have an easy side ready for your next meal.
Kale
My favorite way to eat kale is in a kale salad. The leaves hold up well in the fridge, which makes it a good option for preparing ahead. And my favorite version has the best dressing—that’s what makes me look forward to eating it.
Keep it simple: Wash, dry, and chop the kale ahead of time. Add dressing and toppings in smaller batches so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
Apples
Apples are an easy fall staple that takes very little effort. Slice one to have with peanut butter, chop it into oatmeal, or warm it with cinnamon for something cozy.
Keep it simple: Leave a few where you can see them so they’re easy to grab when you need a snack.
Butternut squash
Butternut squash works well roasted, blended into soup, or added to a grain bowl. Its slightly sweet flavor pairs nicely with simple seasonings like olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Keep it simple: Buy it precut or frozen if peeling and chopping a whole squash feels like too much work.
Brussels sprouts
Roasting is an easy way to prepare Brussels sprouts. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until the edges are browned and crispy.Â
Keep it simple: Buy them pretrimmed and roast alongside your sweet potatoes so you have two vegetables ready with one round of cooking.
