It’s Pumpkin Season!

Written by: Sara

I feel like summer was just around the corner and all the sudden it’s the end of September and autumn has officially started a few days ago…but fall has its own magic which we also love! It’s the season when the mornings become crisp, and the leaves change colours. It’s all about picking apples at the orchard and putting up fall décor which always includes pumpkins. But pumpkins are more than just a décor element. Along with acorns and various types of squash, pumpkins are a real super food with many healthy benefits!

Fiber, Vitamin A and C

Pumpkins contain large amounts of fiber which fuels the digestive tract to improve gut health while also supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health. The beta carotene which gives pumpkins their orange hue converts to antioxidant rich Vitamin A in the body which supports eye health, radiant skin and helps boost immunity. Pumpkin is also a rich source of Vitamin C which is essential for our immune system to keep us strong and healthy especially as the weather cools.

Great for weight management

Low in calories but high in nutrients and fiber, pumpkin will help you stay full in between meals. Although this super food is rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals but largely made-up water, it is low in calories and a great option for those who are looking to reduce their calorie intake for weight management.

On Healthline you’ll find a great article which summarizes the nutrients and benefits of this super food.

There are so many ways to incorporate this super food into your diet:

·       You can oven roast cubes of pumpkin, acorn and squash for a low calorie but delicious side dish or appetizer.

·       Oven baked half squash can also be stuffed with other healthy ingredients to make a savoury dish.

·       I also love making a big pot of creamy squash soup for which you will find the recipe in our upcoming newsletter

·       You can also make your own pumpkin puree which can be used to make healthy treats, pumpkin spice lattes or overnight oats, for which you’ll find the recipe below.

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

Ingredients

·       2 tbsp Greek yoghurt

·       2 tbsp pumpkin puree

·       ½ cup milk / nut milk

·       2 tbsp maple syrup

·       1 tsp vanilla extract

·       ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

·       ½ cup rolled oats

·       1 tbsp hemp hearts

·       1 tbsp chia seeds

·       Toppings can include Greek yoghurt, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin spice.

Instructions

·       Add Greek yoghurt, pumpkin puree, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and pumpkin spice to bowl a stir with a spoon until combined and smooth.

·       Add the oats, hemp hearts and chia seeds and stir until it’s even.

·       Pour the overnight oats into a jar and place in the fridge overnight. Enjoy the next days hot or cold and add your favourite toppings!