Pumpkins - Not just for carving

10/10/2018

This time of year, pumpkins can be seen decorating houses and showing up in pies, but what else is good about them? They’re actually full of a variety of vitamins and minerals while still being low in calories. Pumpkin can be used in pancakes, cakes, muffins but also savory dishes like soups, curries, or roasted with other vegetables.

• Pumpkins for carving are different than pumpkins for eating and the smaller varieties are used for pies since they have more flavor and a less stringy texture.

• Their bright orange color comes from their high amounts of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that is converted into Vitamin A.

• Eye health: Beta-carotene helps your retina absorb light. The combo of vitamins and minerals have been found to slow macular degeneration.

• Fighting infections: Vitamins A, C, E, iron, and folate all help to boost immunity.

• Healthy skin: Beta-carotene helps protect your skin from sun damage and improves its texture and appearance.

• Heart health: Fiber and potassium help promote good blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

SOURCES
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2601/2

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin-nutrition-review

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Amanda is a mother of three (10, 7, and 5) and has been married for 14 years. My weight loss journey started July 17, 2008, one day after my daughter's first birthday. Tipping the scales at 235 pounds at 5'3, being an over weight, over tired, out of shape role model no longer appealed to me and I knew it was time for a change. Three pregnancies later, I had lost a total of 105 pounds. I had run 2 marathons and dozens of half marathons. Something was missing. I was thin, but I wasn't fit. I wasn't healthy. I could feel it in my insides. I was 136 pounds and a size 8. Something didn't add up. I got my certification in personal training, nutrition, weight management, and dove into supplementation and whole foods. 90 days later, I gained 10 pounds and lost two pants sizes (8 to a 4).

Continuing on this path, all of my clients wanted to know how I was doing it. I always dreamed of creating a business that truly added value to people and improved their health. My husband, Grant, and I decided it was time to take that leap.

December 9, 2016, Simply Prepped Meals was born. Based around the mission of providing whole food based nutrition to people's doorsteps, we set out to create a new idea that fast food didn't have to be expensive or bad for you. Six months later, we built our permanent location in Cynthiana, IN. Then, January 2, 2018, we entered into a partnership with the YMCA of Southern Indiana to continue spreading the word of meal prep and eating with purpose.

Amanda coaches individually as well as continues to drive their business. Any questions about personal coaching can be directed to her at amanda@simplypreppedmeals.com

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