Tis the season of everything PUMPKIN!
Pumpkins don't just make a great latte or the perfect Fall decoration for your front porch, they're full of nutritious goodness too. Below are just a few of the health benefits you can reap by adding pumpkin to your favorite dishes this Fall (and year 'round)-
Pumpkins don't just make a great latte or the perfect Fall decoration for your front porch, they're full of nutritious goodness too. Below are just a few of the health benefits you can reap by adding pumpkin to your favorite dishes this Fall (and year 'round)-
- Rich in Vitamin A: 1 cup contains more than 200% of your recommended daily intake
- High in Fiber: 3 grams of fiber per 1 cup serving
- Potassium Rich: 1 cup contains 564 mg (that's 142 mg more than a banana!)
- Low in Calories: Only 49 calories per 1 cup serving
- Cancer Prevention: Plant sterols in the pumpkin seeds have been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers
Here's a perfect recipe for a great pumpkin Fall treat and an easy way to take advantage of all of the goodness pumpkins have to offer.... Enjoy!
Pumpkin No Bake Energy Bites:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 1 packed cup) chopped dates
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds or flax seeds
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked)
- 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
- 1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas)
Method:
- Combine the dates, honey, pumpkin puree, chia (or flax) seeds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until smooth & combined.
- Transfer mixture to a large bowl & stir in the oats, coconut flakes & toasted pumpkin seeds until evenly combined. Cover & refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Once mixture is cool (& easy to work with), use a spoon to shape it into balls 1-inch in diameter. Enjoy!
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 2 Balls
- Amount per serving:
103 Calories 4.1g Total Fat
2mg Sodium 151mg Potassium
16g Total Carbohydrates 2g Fiber
2.5g Protein
Pumpkin No Bake Energy Bites:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 1 packed cup) chopped dates
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds or flax seeds
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked)
- 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
- 1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas)
Method:
- Combine the dates, honey, pumpkin puree, chia (or flax) seeds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until smooth & combined.
- Transfer mixture to a large bowl & stir in the oats, coconut flakes & toasted pumpkin seeds until evenly combined. Cover & refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Once mixture is cool (& easy to work with), use a spoon to shape it into balls 1-inch in diameter. Enjoy!
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 2 Balls
- Amount per serving:
103 Calories 4.1g Total Fat
2mg Sodium 151mg Potassium
16g Total Carbohydrates 2g Fiber
2.5g Protein