Fall's Best Foods to Lose Weight and Get Healthy

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By Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.

Golden butternut squash, robust orange pumpkins, crunchy red and green apples -- fall produce is downright gorgeous, not to mention delectable. Even better? Autumn's fruits and veggies actually can help you lose weight, and it's all in the fiber. Fiber takes longer to break down and digest, keeping you satisfied (and full!) longer between meals. Since we need at least 25 grams per day, fruits and vegetables make an important contribution to our fiber quota. Plus, as you enjoy autumn's first apple or home-style sugar-baked sweet potato, you're protecting your health as well as treating your taste buds. That's because fall produce is packed with vitamins and disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals.

While all produce is good for you, the following six all-stars provide you with the most nutrients per bite. Get them at a farmers market or from a pick-it-yourself orchard for the best freshness and flavor. For a healthy, balanced diet that helps you lose weight and stay full, weave these winners into a food plan that also contains whole grains, lean protein, lowfat dairy and healthy fats. See "Hold the Snickers" (to the left) to find out how much produce you could eat for the same number of calories found in a single candy bar. Then check out our six scrumptious, power-packed recipes. Each contains one or more of the best foods for weight loss, energy and health -- plus lots of other healthy stuff too.