Healthy autumn recipes to inspire you

Now that fall is here, it’s time for us to take a look at some simple ways to stay healthy and fit even as we move towards Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is all too easy to overindulge in the autumn and winter, but today I want to share with you some satisfying and warming dishes that will fill you up and provide you with the nutrients you need to stay strong. Here are some healthy autumn recipes that you can try this month to help you stay healthy, lean, and strong.

Slow cooker pumpkin soup

There is no other food that says autumn quite like a pumpkin. This pumpkin soup recipe is so easy and you can leave it in the slow cooker all day to warm up the house and fill it with amazing smells.

Ingredients:

• 1 pumpkin
• 2 mixes squash
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp mixed herbs
• 100ml coconut milk
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp hot chilli powder
• 1 tsp allspice

1. Chop your pumpkin and squashes in half and scoop out the seeds. Chop into bite-size chunks, removing the skin if you want to.
2. Season your pumpkin and squash with salt, pepper, spices, and herbs, and place them into the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Chop up your bell pepper into chunks and add to the slow cooker.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and coconut milk.
5. Cook for 4 hours on high.
6. Once tender, use an immersion blender to blend your soup smoothly. You can take some of the veggies out while you do this and add them back in to make a chunky soup if you like.

Chocolate protein pancakes

If you want to stay healthy and you also have been upping your fitness routine, getting enough protein in your diet is important. This recipe uses protein powder, which you can pair with your 3D Energy drinks to make some irresistible pancakes that are ideal as a post-workout snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp chocolate protein powder
• 2 tbsp oat flour
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 200ml oat milk
• Mixed berries, honey and yogurt for serving

1. Add all of your ingredients to a jug and whisk until completely combined and airy.
2. Heat up a non-stick pan with a small amount of cooking spray. Once hot, pour in some of the pancake mix.
3. Cook for 1 minute on the first side until you see bubbles over the surface of the pancake.
4. Flip and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Pile onto a plate and add a dollop of natural yogurt, some mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey.

Chocolate and raspberry porridge

What could be a better way to start the day than a bowl of porridge? Porridge is full of slow-release carbs that will fuel your morning and stop you from craving snacks mid-morning. For losing weight this is by far the best way to start your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Nutella
• 150g frozen raspberries
• 75g oats
• 75ml oat milk
• Fresh raspberries for serving

1. Add your oats, oat milk, and frozen raspberries into a microwaveable bowl.
2. Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes – this will depend on how cooked and thick you enjoy your porridge.
3. Take out, add extra milk if you like to loosen, then add in your Nutella, stirring gently.
4. Top with some fresh raspberries and optionally some chia seeds.

Chipotle chicken enchiladas

These amazing enchiladas will be the perfect remedy for a cold rainy day but are packed with protein and spice to help you stay fit and shed those pounds.

Ingredients:

• 250ml enchilada sauce
• 100ml chipotle sauce
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tin red kidney beans
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 6 corn tortillas
• 100g cheddar cheese
• Avocado for serving

1. Season your chicken with your spices, wrap in foil, and bake in the oven at 200C for 1 hour.
2. Remove the chicken and shred it.
3. Add your chicken, red kidney beans, chipotle sauce, and 100ml of enchilada sauce into a bowl and mix around.
4. Lay your tortillas out and add some of your chicken mixture, roll up and add to a grease baking dish.
5. Once all of the tortillas are in, pour over the rest of your sauce and top with cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes in the oven until bubbling and golden.
7. Serve and top with some fresh avocado.

Meatless mince burrito bowl

A simple burrito bowl like this is the ideal choice for a meal prep recipe, and it will be the perfect way to keep your protein levels up during the day. This recipe makes 2 servings.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 200g cooked quinoa
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 200g black beans
• 100g sweet corn
• 1 avocado
• 1 lime
• Bunch coriander
• 16 cherry tomatoes

1. Season your chicken with taco seasoning, wrap in foil, and bake at 200C for 1 hour.
2. Shred the chicken using two forks or another way.
3. In a bowl, add your quinoa, black beans, and sweetcorn.
4. Slice your cherry tomatoes in half and add to the bowl.
5. Slice and dice your avocado and add half into each bowl, squeezing with some lime juice.
6. Add your chicken to the bowl along with any other additions such as sour cream or salsa. Top with coriander.

Grilled Greek chicken and salad combo

This simple Greek chicken with a feta salad is the ideal treat for your midweek meal and it will provide some fresh flavours and a simple recipe that can be meal prepped.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp tarragon
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 4 slices halloumi (or another hard cheese)
• 100g feta
• 1 beef tomato
• ½ cucumber

1. Butterfly your chicken breasts and add spices and oil, mix to coat.
2. Heat a frying pan on the stovetop. Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes on the first side.
3. Turn over and cook for another 4-6 minutes.
4. In a separate pan, add halloumi slices and brown on both sides – this will take about 6 minutes in total.
5. Peel and slice the cucumber, and cut into small chunks.
6. Dice your tomato and add to the cucumber bowl.
7. Cube your feta and add to the salad. Toss to mix.
8. Serve a chicken breast, some salad, and 2 slices of halloumi.
9. Serve with some tzatziki and Houmous for freshness.

Which one are you going to try? Any others to add to the list? Find a recipe for making your own cottage cheese in this recent post here!