Pumpkin on its own is a VERY nutritious member of the squash family. It is high in Vitamin A, Potassium, and Fiber which is a rare combination and hard to come by in even the most nutritious of foods! The issue comes when what we’re truly eating ceases to be pumpkin at all. It’s merely a concoction of sugar, artificial flavorings and dyes that entices us to embrace our favorite qualities of the season in the form of food! And what’s even scarier is FOOD companies are getting even better at it!
Here’s what you may not know. A Pumpkin Spiced latte. The signature caffeinated drink of the Fall season features over 50 grams of carbohydrate and 49 grams of SUGAR!! That’s the equivalent of drinking an entire can of soda not to mention the rich calories from fat that accompany it. My recommendation: Skip the whip, ditch the full fat milk and you will cut the calorie content of that drink in half. Will it still have sugar? Yes, but it can help you enjoy that occasional treat (which is perfectly OK and normal) while still being smarter about your consumption!
There are many other delicious and healthy ways to embrace the season of Fall! Plan a family movie night with pumpkin carving and ghost stories. It will be a healthy way to engage with the family that’s not centered around eating!! Craving some DELICIOUS seasonal pancakes that can keep your pumpkin cravings at bay?? Try this recipe!
1 ripe banana
1 cup organic pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
2 scoops of Afterburn Whey protein
¼ almond meal
¼ cup egg whites
¼-½ tsp of pumpkin spice
¼ tsp of vanilla extract
Mix ingredients in blender. Set griddle to 300-350. Spray with coconut oil, or coat in Free range organic butter. Mix in some chopped walnuts for culinary flair. And most of ALL enjoy!!!
I’m going to challenge you to take action against the norms of the season, place your health and family first and FALL into your fitness :)
E
Thank you Emmitt! You can find him helping moms get fit and healthy at Burn Boot Camp in Holly Springs-
158 W. Holly Springs Rd. Holly, Springs, NC 27540.
