Tis the season of the pumpkin! When we think of fall, we think of…pumpkins!

I also love how the leaves change colors to mimic the colors of pumpkins, too. It’s like the leaves and pumpkins are in sync with each other for the season. Have you noticed that, too?

Pumpkins are everywhere!

We can go to a farm or farm stand to support local businesses and pick out pumpkins. I like to go for the pumpkins with a little bit of character. I gravitate to the ones with unique shapes, a rough edge or a patch of a different color. It’s also convenient to some pick up while doing household errands at the grocery store. Do what is most convenient for you!

Boost creativity by carving pumpkins as a fun and relaxing activity alone, with a significant other or with friends or family! This is an exciting way to distract ourselves and our kids from our handheld devices and use our imagination and express our artistic side.

While we are busy crafting and carving out our masterpieces…do you know what else we can do?

Make pumpkin seeds!

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of healthy fats and magnesium! Magnesium is important for functions of the brain, heart and muscles. The journal, Plants, highlights all of the health benefits of eating nature’s nutrient-dense snack. Pumpkin seeds are the perfect “pick me up” midday snack for those moments when our energy is quite zapped. Just watch how much salt is sprinkled on those seeds, especially those of you with certain heart issues or high blood pressure! We can flavor your seeds to taste savory or sweet. Allrecipes has some great ideas for how to roast these delightful superfood-snacks.

Did you know you can eat pumpkins just like you would with squash? You can roast pumpkin with a variety of spices and herbs that satisfy your taste buds!

Speaking of heart, pumpkins and pumpkin seeds are a great source of fiber, healthy fats and potassium which are all great for promoting a healthy heart.

Plants emphasizes all of these incredible advantages to eating one of these favorite fall treats.

Pumpkins are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. This is a great immune system boost with the one-two punch against those respiratory bugs that like to linger in the fall and winter seasons. You know the bugs I’m talking about. The bugs like influenza, RSV and Covid that like to linger on your doorknobs.

Pumpkins are a good source of Vitamin A. I think of Vitamin A as the A+ nutrient for our vision. Vitamin A helps us have a healthy night vision. Vitamin A also helps with another word that starts with the letter “A”…acne. That’s right. This vitamin is great for helping us have healthy skin.

These colorful vegetables are loaded with fun and nutrients. Who knew eating pumpkins could have so much to offer for our health and our bodies?

Have I convinced you to pick up some pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, yet?

I’m wishing you all a healthy fall season!

I am closing out this post with a poem I wrote about this beautiful season of change! I hope you enjoy it. 

The Season of Harvest and Change
Embrace the season of harvest and change.
Enjoy the fall activities with your driving range.
Harvest nutritious crops by supporting your local farm.
Consume pumpkin’s antioxidants to save your body from radical chemical’s harm.
Give our bodies more fiber for a healthy gut.
Boost your immune system out of its rut.
Take a walk in nature to see the vibrant colors of the trees.
Breathe in some fresh crisp air with the breeze.
Nurture your wellness with the season of fall.
Family, festivities, food, and football

-Raechel “Rael Thymes” ©️ 2024