Pumpkins for Breakfast!

Now that fall is officially here, our bodies are going to naturally start craving heartier and more grounding foods as the seasons change. It is important to honor this change and feed your body with seasonal fall foods like pumpkins, squash, and sweet potatoes.

One of my favorite fall foods is pumpkin. While most people think pumpkins are for making jack-o-lanterns or decorating, pumpkins are actually quite the nutritional powerhouse.

Here are just a few nutritional qualities of pumpkins:

§  The bright orange color means pumpkins are high in carotenoids which help with eye function and prevent free radicals from entering the body.

§  Pumpkin seeds contain protein and are great for snacking.

§  Pumpkins contains Magnesium which helps bone health and can help prevent sugar cravings.

§  Pumpkins contains L-tryptophan, which is a feel good chemical that helps fight off depression.

With all the health benefits, it’s easy to see why pumpkins are much more than just decorations. Here is a quick, mood-boosting smoothie that will keep you going all morning long!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie:

Ingredients:

1 peeled and frozen banana

½ cup pumpkin, canned

¾ cup unsweetened almond milk

1-2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp honey (optional)

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients and enjoy!