There is no need to wait until the fall to get the benefits of pumpkin! Purchase some delicious pumpkin puree and enjoy the health benefits all year long.

This super simple snack recipe perfectly combines the sweet flavour of pumpkin puree with energy-boosting oats and healthy fat from ground flax.

Throw in some chocolate chips or coat the outside with delicious, high-quality cacao, and what do you get? A delicious, comforting snack-food that packs a serious nutrition punch!

This snack is my go-to solution for a quick energy boost, an on-the-go breakfast, or even an after-dinner sweet treat.

Nutrient Snapshot of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is not just a fall food-favourite!
This sweet-tasting winter-squash can be enjoyed in any season to take advantage of its incredible health benefits.
More than just a sweet treat, it’s also high in fibre, so say goodbye to blood sugar spikes!
About half of its carb content is from complex carbs, which gives it insulin-regulating properties.

Pumpkin is an anti-inflammatory and is rich in antioxidants.
Hello, superfood!

Pumpkin packs a punch as a cardiovascular-supportive food, with its wide range of nutrients, like alpha- and beta-carotene, vitamin c, manganese, and magnesium. These nutrients are heart-healthy, working to prevent stroke, and normalize blood sugar.

Pumpkin’s folate content reduces homocysteine levels (an inflammation marker), which helps combat heart disease.Most people equate greens with folate, but pumpkin and other squash contain high levels, making these food-choices great during pregnancy.
Adequate levels of this B-vitamin can help to protect against neural tube defects.

So, without further ado, here is the heart-healthy comfort snack you never knew you needed!

Bonus Tip:

Squash absorbs heavy metals and other toxins from the soil, so it is essential to buy an organic pumpkin.
Organic squash will help your liver, often working overtime to detoxify our bodies, considering the number of chemicals in our modern world.

Pumpkin Energy Bites

Tracy Houle

Enjoy this immunity boosting snack recipe.

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Ingredients

  

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups dry, uncooked oat flakes
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup cacao (optional)

Instructions

 

• Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
• Set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• OPTIONAL: Dip each bite into a bowl of cacao, coating the exterior to your liking.
• After 30 minutes, serve and enjoy!

Notes

Bonus Tip:

Squash absorbs heavy metals and other toxins from the soil, so it is essential to buy an organic pumpkin.
Organic squash will help your liver, often working overtime to detoxify our bodies, considering the number of chemicals in our modern world.