To Pumpkin Spice or Not to Pumpkin Spice?
For me, the answer is simple, but not in the way you might think. I feel like my relationship with pumpkin spice is complicated, but really, it’s not. I love pumpkin (and all squash for that matter). I love spice. What I loathe is the cloyingly sweet pumpkin-spice fake flavor concoction.
Now, why should you care? Well because pumpkin is actually really healthy and good for you (and your dog!). The giveaway is that brilliant orange color - we all know by now that brightly colored fruits & veggies are good choices and full of nutrients. Winter squash like pumpkin, is full of diverse carotenoids, which act like antioxidants, and can have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Some are converted to Vitamin A in the body, important for vision health. And some can help boost immunity. Also, can we talk fiber? Lots of good fiber which helps to slow down the release of sugar in the blood stream, avoiding those blood sugar spikes that we don’t want.
This is not at all true of pumpkin-flavored products that don’t contain any actual pumpkin, as I’m sure you can imagine.
As a pumpkin and spice lover, my solution is to treat myself to a delicious seasonal breakfast with real pumpkin. As my photo shows (besides my terribly unmanicured hand!) I take a slice of whole grain bread to toast up (choose gluten free if that suits you, just remember to look for fiber of at least 2-3 grams per slice, and no more than 2 grams of sugar per slice), throw some plain, canned pumpkin on there (canned pumpkin with nothing added is just as good as cooking up your own pumpkin as far as nutrients, so either way), add some walnuts and spices, and there you go! It’s savory, so if I’m feeling I want a sweeter breakfast treat I first spread a thin layer of raw honey on the toast or even a little local jam, then add the pumpkin.
So there you go: Whole grain toast, Plain canned pumpkin, honey or jam (optional), spices (pumpkin spice blends without sugar are great, or just plain cinnamon - helps to curb sugar cravings and spikes as well!), walnuts (good, healthy hit of omega3 fats).
I will also add that the pumpkin can be added to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, etc. And it keeps in the fridge for about 4 days. You can also mix up your pureed pumpkin with the spices before spreading on your toast to better balance the flavor. I just go the lazy route.
Healthy, tasty, real pumpkin spice. Tis the season!