Fall is the perfect time to explore fresh vegetables that bring flavor, color, and plenty of nutrients to your plate.
For women who are pregnant, including those on a surrogacy journey, enjoying a variety of nutritious foods is a great way to support a healthy pregnancy. Fortunately, fall offers some fantastic options that are easy to prepare and can be incorporated into everyday meals.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, looking for a simple side dish, or just wanting to try something new, here are five seasonal vegetables worth adding to your grocery list.
- Spaghetti Squash
If you haven’t tried spaghetti squash, fall is the perfect time to give it a chance.
This bright yellow vegetable has a fun little trick. Once cooked, its flesh separates into long, thin strands that look surprisingly similar to spaghetti. It’s a wonderful way to switch up your usual pasta night while adding more vegetables to your meal.
Spaghetti squash provides fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients that make it a welcome addition to a balanced pregnancy diet.
Try roasting it and tossing the strands with garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings. You can even top it with marinara sauce or add some grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Beets
Beets might be one of the prettiest vegetables you’ll find at the farmers’ market. From deep red and golden yellow to striped varieties, they bring beautiful color to just about any dish.
They’re also a source of folate, fiber, and potassium. Folate is especially important during pregnancy because it supports the baby’s early development.
If you’ve only tried canned beets, give fresh roasted beets a chance. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and makes them a delicious addition to salads, grain bowls, or side dishes.
One of our favorite combinations is roasted beets with feta cheese and a light lemon vinaigrette. Just be sure to choose feta made with pasteurized milk during pregnancy.
- Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts tend to have a reputation. Some people love them, while others remember the boiled version they were served as children.
But if you haven’t tried them roasted, you might be pleasantly surprised.
These little green vegetables are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plant-based foods, which is particularly helpful when you’re focusing on good nutrition during pregnancy.
For a simple and delicious side dish, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, and a little seasoning, then roast until the edges become golden and crispy.
They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or just about any fall dinner.
- Pumpkin
When fall arrives, pumpkin seems to be everywhere. From coffee drinks and muffins to candles and seasonal decorations, it’s practically the official symbol of autumn.
But pumpkin itself deserves a little attention, too.
Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A as needed. Vitamin A plays an important role in healthy vision, immune function, and fetal development.
Pumpkin is also a source of fiber and potassium, making it a nutritious addition to your fall menu. Don’t forget the seeds. Roasted pumpkin seeds make a tasty snack and provide nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats.
While pumpkin pie will always have a special place at the Thanksgiving table, pumpkin is equally delicious in soups, roasted vegetable dishes, and savory recipes.
A warm bowl of pumpkin soup on a chilly fall evening? That sounds like a pretty perfect combination.
- Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables of the season. You can roast them, mash them, bake them, or turn them into crispy fries.
They’re naturally sweet, wonderfully filling, and full of nutrients.
Sweet potatoes provide fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Their combination of nutrients makes them an excellent addition to a balanced diet during pregnancy.
They’re also incredibly easy to prepare.
For a quick weeknight side dish, cut sweet potatoes into cubes, toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and roast until tender.
Or, if you’re craving something crispy, grab your air fryer and make a batch of sweet potato fries. Serve them alongside your favorite protein for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy the Flavors of Fall
One of the best things about seasonal cooking is discovering new ways to enjoy familiar ingredients. Fall vegetables bring plenty of variety to the table, whether you’re preparing a big family dinner or a quick lunch between errands.
If you’re pregnant, remember to wash fresh produce thoroughly, enjoy a variety of foods, and follow any dietary recommendations from your healthcare provider.
At Shared Conception, we love encouraging our surrogates to enjoy healthy habits that fit naturally into their everyday lives. Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as trying a new recipe or adding a colorful vegetable to your favorite meal.
Interested in learning more about becoming a surrogate?
Shared Conception is a full-service surrogacy agency dedicated to helping intended parents grow their families while supporting the incredible women who make those dreams possible. Visit Shared Conception to learn more about the surrogacy journey and how you can help make a difference in someone’s life.
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