A site for my favorite season!

winter

It seems that many people enjoy the fall. The weather is not too hot, yet it is not too cold, and something about that brings back childhood memories of playing in the leaves. The color changing leaves make for picturesque walks through the park and outdoor exploration. Continue reading

As you start incorporating more pumpkin into your fall recipes and learning about their health benefits, don’t forget to learn more about pumpkins themselves.

You can even teach these facts to your kids to get them more interested in the healthy pumpkin meals you put together.

Pumpkins are a Type of Fruit

Definitely one of the more surprising facts about pumpkins is that they are fruit, not vegetables. Many people consider pumpkins to be a vegetable, along with squash and other gourds, but it is in fact a fruit. Fruits are typically defined by being planted with seeds, which pumpkins definitely have.

Therefore, while a part of the gourd family, they are a type of fruit. This is also a warm-weather crop, similar to other types of winter squash, which is why it is available to be harvested in the fall season. Continue reading

When people think of pumpkin and dessert, they often think of a fattening pumpkin pie. While traditional pumpkin pie can often be made with additional ingredients to increase the fat and calories, it is definitely possible to make a healthier version.

Plus, there are also many other amazing healthy dessert recipes that use pumpkin.

Healthier Pumpkin Pie

There aren’t many people who don’t love pumpkin pie in the fall or winter seasons, but unfortunately it is often loaded with sugar, carbs, and fat.

However, you can still make a yummy pumpkin pie that cuts back on those macros and lets you enjoy it without all the guilt. Take your favorite pumpkin pie recipe and just make a few adjustments.

For example, use whole wheat flour for the crust instead of regular white flower, and use pure maple syrup and a sweetener like Stevia instead of regular sugar. This makes a huge difference. Your filling can usually be the same, but increase the health with non-fat milk or nut milk, Greek yogurt, and Stevia instead of sugar. When you add eggs, try to use brown free-range eggs as they are more organic. Continue reading

Toward the end of summer, I’m starting to look forward to fall. There’s just something about cooler temperatures and watching the leaves turn color.

Of course, it is also time for all of our favorite fall treats. Many of my favorite fruits and vegetables start to ripen and get ready in early fall. Let me tell you, it isn’t just about all things pumpkin. It’s also about apples.

If you’re looking for a fun fall activity you can do with the whole family on a crisp and sunny day in September or October, try apple picking. It’s a fun way to get everyone out of the house and in the fresh air.

As an added bonus, you get to come home with a big crate of apples that will last you through the coming months.

Start by finding a local apple orchard that lets you come out and pick your own apples. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find several apple farms just outside town, or you may have to take a little drive. Continue reading