Pumpkin Problems - In my defense, I eat pumpkin all year!

In my defense, I eat pumpkin year-round. When I did my first big grocery hall in June to fill the pantry, I went to three stores in search of canned pumpkin. I put it in smoothies, make apple dip, and add pumpkin pie spice to my coffee on occasion.

So I know everyone is tired of reading about pumpkin things and girls buying/tweeting/instagramming pumpkin things, but I'm going to include a pumpkin-inspired post anyway because I know you secretly enjoy it too :)

Exhibit A: Trader' Joe's Pumpkin Products (Link changes seasonally! Right now it's all pumpkin!)

TEA

I haven't actually tried TJ's Fall and pumpkin flavored teas yet, but I heard they were delicious so I of course added them to the cart!

PUMPKIN SPICE COFFEE

We don't have a Trader Joe's in New Orleans. When Ryan was doing a lot of traveling last year, he grabbed the Pumpkin Spice coffee from TJ's in Nashville. It's super yummy, but also quite strong. I usually prepare my regular coffee grounds and add in one scoop of TJ's pumpkin spice coffee. It's the best. I'm very happy about having a TJ's so close to me in Houston :)

CANNED PUMPKIN

Why would this obvious pumpkin find be on my list? Well, so many people get pumpkin flavored things that they forget you can actually eat real pumpkin. AND it's really good for you. How so?

• Pumpkins are an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory food! This means it helps with joint health, organ health, stress relief and soft tissue injuries!
• Incredibly high vitamin A content: a 1/2 cup of pumpkin has more than 300% of your daily value. 
• Contains carotids, which help prevent premature aging and cardiovascular disease
• Contains about 3 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup

I also created a couple of pumpkin recipes early in the season:

Apple Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

One of my favorite ways to eat pumpkin is to mix 1/2 cup with a tablespoon of almond butter, 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon of honey, and a punch of vanilla. I've been making this pumpkin dip a few times a week and eating it with apple slices. It's a great way to get in a lot of nutrients :)

Question: What are your favorite pumpkin treats?

Good night!