It’s October, and I know everyone loves this month for so many reasons. We begin to take a break from the scourging hot sun and enjoy the crisp air during a football game. We witness the beautiful colors of the changing leaves as they dwindle through the air and we all love Halloween! What is it, about Halloween that makes everyone so antsy and thrilled? I mean, it can’t be the scary movies and the haunted houses because half of the people out there are too scared to watch scary movies, yet they are obsessed with Halloween. Literally, no one likes scary movies but everyone loves Halloween. Meanwhile half of Halloween is about getting scared. Unless you think skeletons and "Scream" masks are cute. So maybe it’s the chance to be a kid again and dress up! Or maybe it’s even just seeing the little kids get excited to be someone new for a day. Sometimes it’s just the opportunity to decorate the house and prepare for the holidays to come. Well, an undeniable favorite that never seems to get enough credit is the pumpkin.

Pumpkins serve a huge purpose in this holiday and month. We paint them, carve them, take pictures with them, enjoy their scent in a candle or hand soap, but guys, come on! Let’s focus on what’s really important. The best part is…we eat them. Okay, I don’t mean we literally take a bite out of a pumpkin from the side of the road (unless you do, then more power to you!) but we enjoy the benefits of a pumpkin in a million different ways. My absolute favorite is its taste. If you're thinking, “Well, I literally never eat pumpkin unless it’s a Pumpkin Spice Latte” well, don’t you worry because 1) That doesn’t even count, and 2) I am here to share with you the endless ways we can sneak pumpkin into our diet!

First, let’s talk about what’s so good about pumpkin. And I don’t mean just the taste. Pumpkins contain antioxidants that help with your joint health, organs, stress relief, and soft tissue injuries. It contains high levels of vitamin A, C, and fiber. The seeds are high in protein while the pulp and seeds are rich in magnesium. Lastly, pumpkin contains a lot of potassium and zinc, which is good for the immune system! So there are several reasons not to feel guilty about all the tasty pumpkin treats that I am about to share with you.

Pumpkin Soup - Good when you’re sick

Pumpkin Roll - My favorite and good all the time

Pumpkin Smoothie - Good for a breakfast in bed

Pumpkin Scone - Good to go with your pumpkin smoothie

Pumpkin Ravioli - Good to switch it up for the holiday

Pumpkin Chili - Good for dinner with friends

Pumpkin Waffles - Good to add another flavor to the list of lovable waffles already out there

Pumpkin Ice Cream - Good for calcium

Pumpkin Pie - Good and always a classic

So don't neglect your taste buds because I never met a pumpkin I didn't like!