We might be halfway through October, but we’re still smack-dab in the middle of Fall and have plenty of weeks to continue enjoying some classic meals and treats. There is a ton of produce in season during these weeks, but some scream FALL more than others.
What fruit is more classic Fall than pumpkin? This one ingredient gives us some of our favorite pies, lattes, chilis, and much more.
But beyond being incredibly delicious, pumpkins come with severalhealth benefits. Pumpkin protects your heart, lungs, and kidneys, and helps battle high blood pressure, all of which are essential for overall health.
Here are just 5 of those benefits:
1. Full of Vitamins & Can Boost Immunity
Pumpkin is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and zinc.
For other foods that can help strengthen your immune system, check out this post.
2. May Reduce the Risk of Disease
Pumpkin can aid in reducing the risk of chronic disease thanks to its high levels of antioxidants.
This makes it useful protection against cell damage caused by free radicals (molecules produced by your body’s metabolic process that have been linked to chronic illnesses).
3. Strengthens Eyesight
Yes, you read that right! Eating pumpkins may strengthen your eyesight and reduce your risk of sight loss.
Be sure to thank the plentiful nutrients in pumpkin for this awesome benefit!
4. Promotes Healthy Skin
All the nutrients pumpkins are loaded with are vital for strong and healthy skin.
This recipe couldn’t be simpler, so it’s a great way to start this list! It’s highly nourishing and very cozy during these colder months. Plus, there are so many reasons to eat soup (which I discuss in depth here).
I LOVE how colorful, tasty, and nutritious these power bowls are. They’re also packed with protein, so they’ll make a great lunch when you need extra energy!
We’re using bright, fresh, seasonal ingredients like fresh pumpkin and pomegranate to create a stunning salad worthy of being served alongside your most time-honored traditional family holiday meals.
And the orange vinaigrette dressing is practically drinkable – so double up the dressing recipe so you can use it for several meals!
I can’t be the only one who is a sucker for a good morning donut!
But unlike most donuts, these oatmeal pumpkin donut holes aren’t full of refined sugars, fats, and unnecessary gluten. Everyone in your family is going to adore this breakfast.
If this weekend’s plans involve pj’s, family, and possibly decorating for the holidays, I have a special hot drink recipe for you to serve while creating cherished memories.
Think of it like a (healthier) combination of a pumpkin spice latte and hot chocolate – perfect!
Maybe it doesn’t seem as strange anymore – but pumpkins and jalapenos go together super well!
These muffins make a terrific addition to your morning savory breakfast alongside some scrambled eggs. OR you can pair them with a big bowl of chili (maybe even this pumpkin chili).
“Soaked” oats save a lot of time in the morning, but they’re also easier to digest than unsoaked oats.
This breakfast has seriously saved my sanity and our morning routine. Having something ready to eat when we woke up + knowing it was packed with carefully chosen ingredients made my life much easier!
Here’s another breakfast muffin recipe, but sweet rather than savory. And these are SUPER easy to make. Basically, all you have to do is throw all the ingredients into your blender, bake, then enjoy!
I love a great homemade pie crust and have nothing against the crust, but this crustless pumpkin pie is a fantastic idea if you want to cut back on gluten or just don’t want to struggle with baking your crust. Plus, it’s so delicious and silky-smooth that you won’t miss the crust!
Now, these little pumpkin pie tarts do come with crust. They’re worth the effort and now have a permanent spot on my annual fall baking list! It’s another fun recipe to make with your kids.
These babies are utterly indulgent in the best possible way. I LOVE truffles, and these are perfect for October. Try doubling or even tripling the recipe so you have enough to share with your family, friends, and maybe even your kids’ friends!
For more delicious pumpkin recipes and other ways to use this Fall fruit (outside of meals, treats, and drinks, check out this post: Benefits of Pumpkin + 10 New Ways to Use It
I hope you have a blast experimenting in the kitchen with these recipes! Perhaps you’ll find a new favorite. Let me know in the comments below!