Summer is nearly over and as the seasons change it's time to start telling ourselves to put that ice cream down and bid a fond farewell to BBQs. Hmpf.
But it's not all doom and gloom, seasonal autumn food is delicious, flavoursome and healthy: a perfect stepping stone between summer and winter.
From peppers to pears, get your healthy hat on before the sweet cravings of winter take hold and you find yourself gorging on Terry's chocolate oranges and chocolate coins in the weeks before Christmas.
Here are seven of our favourite September superfoods
September Superfoods
Apples(01 of07)
Why we love them: Fall's staple fruit is loaded with fiber, which can help keep you full longer, says Altman. Plus, apples have also been linked to lower cholesterol and risk of obesity, and contain a solid amount of immunity-boosting vitamin C. How to enjoy: Eat 'em raw, especially during September, when local farms and orchards are open for picking. Just make sure to leave the skin on (that's where the fiber is). "Combine it with a protein, like 10 almonds or some organic peanut butter, for a more balanced snack," says Deborah Klein, R.D., author of "The 200 Superfoods That Will Save Your Life."Or, when the weather starts to cool, make an easy baked apple, says Altman, by sprinkling a little cinnamon and apple juice concentrate over your apple and popping it in the oven (or even the microwave!).Flickr photo by David Berkowitz (credit:Flickr: David Berkowitz)
Red Bell Peppers(02 of07)
Why we love them: Peppers in general, but the red variety in particular, pack a surprising amount of vitamin C -- more than an orange! -- plus a hearty dose of potassium, says Altman. The crunchy veggie also contains skin-soothing vitamin A. Plus, their naturally sweet flavor may help curb your sweet tooth, says Klein, keeping you out of the cookie jar.How to enjoy: Try roasting bell peppers on the grill at your end-of-summer barbecues or blending them with chickpeas and tahini for a nutrient-rich, homemade hummus. Or use them in place of crackers or chips when eating dips, says Altman, for a healthier crunch.Flickr photo by Au Kirk (credit:Flickr: Au Kirk)
Pears(03 of07)
Why we love them: Like apples, pears are rich in fiber and vitamin C, and peaking in their harvest as summer comes to a close. The juiciest ones especially can keep you hydrated and stop you from overeating, since all that water can help you feel full.How to enjoy: Like apples, you'll get the most bang for your buck if you eat pears with the skin on. Altman also suggests poaching them, and Klein adds them to smoothies.Flickr photo by mmmavocado (credit:Flickr: mmmavocado)
Tomatoes(04 of07)
Why we love them: There are just a few short weeks left of tomato season, and we can't get enough of the low-calorie, vitamin-C-rich fruit. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, which has been shown to help fight some cancers. How to enjoy: Cooking helps activate the lycopene, so get your fill of tomato paste or sauce in September (as long as it's not a brand that's too high in sugar or sodium). Enjoy them raw on sandwiches and in salads, too, or in dishes where a tomato can really enhance the flavor, says Altman, like an egg-white omelet. Salsa, with its metabolism-boosting heat, may be an even better choice, says Klein.Flickr photo by geishaboy500 (credit:Flickr: geishaboy500)
Grapefruit(05 of07)
Why we love it: This citrus fruit is available nearly year-round, but the grapefruit season kicks off in September, Health.com reports, particularly in Florida, according to this interactive map. Just half a fruit contains more than 75 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, and research suggests eating that half before a meal could help you lose weight. How to enjoy: Slice a ripe one in half as part of breakfast or try this tasty-looking dessert recipe. Peeled and segmented, grapefruit can make a tangy addition to a salad. Or squeeze, and drink the juice or swirl it into a cocktail. (A note of caution: People taking certain medications shouldn't have grapefruit juice.)Flickr photo by Muffet (credit:Flickr: Muffet)
Cucumbers(06 of07)
Why we love them: Super low in calories, cucumbers are also one of the most hydrating foods, at 96 percent water. They are also a good source of magnesium and potassium, both of which are important for healthy bone development. How to enjoy: While you can always enjoy raw cucumbers, pickling season happens to be at its best around Labor Day, when summer's crop of cukes have firmed up a bit, according to LA Weekly. Making your own is easier than you think! Cukes also make for a refreshing chilled soup, or chop them with tomatoes, onion, red peppers and mix with some lemon juice for an easy Mediterranean salad, says Altman.Flickr photo by karenandbrademerson (credit:Flickr: karenandbrademerson)
Blueberries(07 of07)
Why we love them: All berries have a host of health benefits, but blueberries, a "superfruit," says Klein, in particular, are a September star. They're low in calories and rich in antioxidants that have been linked to lowering cholesterol, diabetes risk and slowing cognitive decline. How to enjoy: Blend some up for a refreshing summer smoothie, stir them into whole-grain breakfast cereal or try them in a marinade or glaze for meat. Altman suggests adding them to oatmeal or Greek yogurt or even in salads. Klein freezes some in a baggy, and pops them right from the freezer for an icy treat. Flickr photo by shallowend (credit:Flickr: shallowend)