Nutrition Tip of the Week

Perhaps we eat more simply because bathing suit season is over, and we can start hiding excess calories beneath our winter clothes. Whatever the reason, it's important to realize that fall foods (soups, stews, breads, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, apples, pumpkins and all types of greens) can actually be healthier than foods of other seasons. They are typically packed with great nutrients, such as fiber, protein, beta carotene and vitamin C.

Here are a few tips to keep the fall tasty and healthy:

1. Soups are great for you if they're not made with cream or cheese. Just watch serving sizes -- we tend to eat whatever's in our bowls.

2. Stews can be hearty and fattening. Use loads of fresh vegetables, and go light on the meat and potatoes.

3. Avoid unconscious eating while watching football and the new fall TV lineup. Never bring the whole bag or bowl of anything to the couch or coffee table-- pre-measure it in the kitchen beforehand. When it comes to chips, make sure they're baked, not fried.

4. For pizza, watch the toppings--they can double the calories.

5. Celebrate the fall harvest in other ways besides making pies. Apples are low in calories when they're off the tree, not in a pie.

6. If it's gotta be pie, try making pumpkin pie with artificial sweetener, egg whites and low-fat milk. And of course, just have one piece. Keep in mind that pumpkin seeds have about 300 calories per 1/4 cup.

7. Turkey is healthy, as long as you keep it lean and white.

8. Get out and enjoy the fall weather. The air is cooler, the leaves are turning