Sweaters. Boots. Bonfires. Hot Chocolate. Crisp Air. Pumpkin spice & everything nice!
We all know fall has arrived when pumpkin spice... takes over everything! Pumpkin spice flavored drinks come pouring into coffee shops. Donuts and pumpkin pies arrive in grocery stores. Even pumpkin spice scented candles and hand soaps. Not only is pumpkin a staple of autumn but it is good for you.
Key Benefits of Pumpkin:
1. Keeps your eyesight sharp: Pumpkin is rich in carotenoids and contain beta-carotene. Just like carrots, the body converts the beta-carotene to a form of Vitamin A which aids in vision protection.
2. Healthier & younger looking skin: Beta-carotene not only helps with vision but it also helps protect us from the sun's UV rays & future wrinkles. It is also great as an all-natural face mask that exfoliates & soothes
3. Aids in weight loss: Pumpkin is rich in fiber and may sometimes be overlooked. Fiber rich foods help you feel fuller longer with less caloric intake. Feeling full, eating less = shedding pounds!
4. Boosts immunity: Pumpkin contains an excellent source of Vitamin C. In conjunction with it's Vitamin A, it helps fight infections & keep your immunity in tip top shape!
5. Post workout recovery: Pumpkin contains an essential nutrient, potassium, which helps prevent muscle cramping & helps the body restore it's balance of electrolytes. Keeping you happy & making recovery a snap!
To keep up the spirit of fall, here's a few clean and healthy recipes we'd like to share with you - try one... or all!
Let us know which is your favorite & comment us some of your favorite Fall favorites :)
Pumpkin Pie Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup Medjool dates 1 cup pecans ¼ cup pumpkin seeds ½ heaping cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes 2 table spoons hemp seeds ½ cup pumpkin puree 1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp cloves 1/8 tsp ground ginger Pinch of sea salt
Preparation:
1. In a food processor, process dates, pecans, and pumpkin seeds until finely chopped, but not fully pulverized. Add in the remainder of the ingredients and process 20-30 seconds to combine.
2. Roll mixture into small balls. You can roll in chopped pecans or coconut, or sprinkle pumpkin bites with a dash of cinnamon.
3. Store in the refrigerator. You can keep them for about a week.
Dairy Free Pumpkin Pudding
Ingredients:
1 can full-fat coconut milk 3 teaspoons gelatin 1 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree 1/3 cup organic raw honey or organic maple syrup 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Preparation:
1. Pour half of the coconut milk in small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over top. Allow it to soak up the liquid for 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining coconut milk, pumpkin puree, honey, and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved. Do not let it boil.
4. Pour mixture into a large heatproof bowl, and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the liquid. This will prevent a gelatin ‘skin’ from forming on top.
5. Place it in the refrigerator for 6 hours or until set. The pudding will be almost solid when chilled.
6. Remove the plastic wrap and use hand beaters or a mixer to beat for 3 to 5 minutes on high, until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve with gingersnap cookies or use it as a pie filling!
Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 banana
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup Greek yogurt- made from pasture raised cow milk
1/2 cup milk- whole or fat free - organic pasture raised cow milk - may substitute by coconut or almond milk
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Blueberries, raspberries, cinnamon, or walnuts for garnish
Preparation:
1. Place all ingredients in a blender, and process until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and garnish with berries, cinnamon, and/or walnuts
3. Enjoy!
