I am a pumpkin fanatic!  There, I’ve confessed…

I am obsessed with all things pumpkin – the smell, the taste, the color – just LOVE LOVE LOVE me some pumpkins!  So this week I am doing the serious happy pumpkin dance as we explore all things PUMPKIN!!!!!   Plus, I’m thrilled to feature the photography of my dear friend and talented photographer, Pam Manners!  You can find her lens artistry on Instagram at @pmanners57.  Big pumpkin thanks and hugs, Pam!

Check out the website every day for all kinds of things pumpkin – from recipes both sweet and savory, meal ideas as well as my ultimate “Pumpkin Passion” smoothie, to ways you can use pumpkin for home (including exercise… what????) and BEAUTY IDEAS!  Yes, it’s as god for you on the outside as on the inside!  It’s going to be a fun and fabulous week here at Cannon Cross Coaching, so stay tuned!

I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. Henry David Thoreau

Today I want to begin by introducing you to the nutritional and health value of pumpkin – it sure ain’t just for pies anymore.  It’s a year-round staple at the Cannon Castle!  One cup of cubed pumpkin will give you about double the Vitamin A recommended daily requirements.  Vitamin A can help with good vision and healthy bones, skin and teeth.  The fiber is good for your heart (and helps slow digestion so you feel full longer), the oil is rich in tryptophan which can help with sleep, and also contains phytoestrogens which are favorable in the deterrence of hypertension.

Here’s a great fact – pumpkin is almost 90% water, and has less than 50 calories per serving!! Source:   The seeds are chock full of zinc, and also contain Vitamin E, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and protein – 20% in a ¼ cup (which is about 180 calories)  And for  all you Vitamin B lovers out there – pumpkin is a great source of B-complex vitamins like folates, niacin, Vitamin B-6, thiamin and pantothenic acid.

So answer me this, is pumpkin right up there with the list of practically perfect foods or what???  Remember, we will be having a blast this week so be sure to visit daily for info, fun and surprises!  Please do share your favorite pumpkin ideas and recipes in the comments below!  See you tomorrow!

Research Sources:
http://dailyburn.com/life/health/pumpkin-health-benefits/
http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/21/health/health-benefits-of-pumpkin/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=82
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pumpkin.html