Pumpkin. It’s Not Just for Lattes

Pumpkin is not only a hallmark of autumn and Halloween, but it’s also a highly nutritious food that can be incorporated into various dishes.

Pumpkins contain potassium, iron, and vitamins A, B-complex, C and E. Including more pumpkin in your diet may help improve immunity, heart health, eyesight and skin health.

Besides looking very festive, the pumpkin is full of fiber. Fiber helps us stay full longer, maintain blood sugar levels and aids in healthy digestion. 

A small amount of pure, canned pumpkin helps doggy digestion too. Exact amounts depend on the size of your dog.

Often thought of as a vegetable, pumpkin is scientifically a fruit, as it is something edible that a plant produces. Pumpkins grow on a vine; we pick them from the vine, and we don’t eat the vine. A vegetable is a plant that is edible, like a potato or carrot.

Pumpkin purée can obviously be made from fresh pumpkin; however, I prefer to buy the canned variety because it’s much easier. The only ingredient in it is PUMPKIN. Be sure to check the label if you pick the easy route too.

Some ways to incorporate pumpkin purée into your life:

• Add a couple tablespoons to your protein smoothie. Portion out and freeze the remainder of canned purée in separate baggies to toss in another day or add to a recipe.
• Stir a few spoonfuls into your warm oatmeal in the morning.
• Blend it into just about any creamy vegetable soup for added fall flavor or make creamy or broth-based pumpkin soup. Add spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
• Mix with equal parts ricotta. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with pasta. Or create a creamy pumpkin pasta sauce using pumpkin puree, garlic, cream (or a dairy-free alternative), and your favorite herbs. Toss it with cooked pasta for a comforting meal.
• Bake something with pumpkin as the star. Mix up your favorite pumpkin pie filling recipe and bake without a crust. Incorporate pumpkin purée into your recipes for moist and flavorful muffins, bread, pancakes, cookies. 
• Blend pumpkin purée into your homemade hummus for a unique and healthy dip. It pairs well with pita bread, vegetables, or whole-grain crackers.

And you thought pumpkin was only for those non-compliant lattes.

Fun Candy Info

In case you are wondering, according to a top online candy store, the most popular candy in America is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The worst candy—Circus Peanuts.

Should you overbuy for those darling trick-or-treaters, some places take unopened bags of candy to send to the troops, homeless shelters or charities. Chocolate varieties usually freeze well so that you can enjoy an occasional treat or save for holiday guests.

Wishing you a safe and festive Halloween.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“There is magic in the night when pumpkins glow by moonlight.” —Unknown