CINNAMON SUGAR PUMPKIN SEEDS PACK A HEALTHY PUNCH

Like other seeds, pumpkin seeds are packed with healthy nutrients and are a great treat to satisfy your crunchy cravings. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium which is important for bone formation, omega 3 fatty acids that aid in maintaining good heart health, antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation and fiber that can help maintain a healthy weight by keeping you feeling fuller longer. Here are some easy ways to make these seeds just a little tastier!

 

                            Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

4 servings

                                        

                               Ingredients

                 2 tbsp. butter                                2 c. pumpkin seeds

                1 tsp. cinnamon                            2 tbsp. sugar

                                Directions:

            Preheat oven to 350° F. As the oven heats, melt butter in the microwave in 20-second                    intervals  until it's fully melted.  Scoop out the seeds from the pumpkin, rinse and dry.                    Toss pumpkin seeds in the melted butter  to  coat them, then toss with cinnamon and                     sugar. Spread the seeds out on a parchment-lined  baking  sheet and roast for 25 to 27                     minutes, or until lightly golden.

 

                Nutrition Facts per serving: 395 calories, 13g carbohydrates, 34g fat, 46mg sodium, 7g sugar

ACAI BOWLS

 There are many food trends out there including acai bowls, the new craze. The acai berry has been known for its many health benefits, but its strongest benefit is definitely its taste. Acai is a delicious tropical fruit and when it comes served as a bowl, it makes waking up a whole lot easier. An acai bowl is basically a really thick smoothie that's been topped with oatmeal, fruit or peanut butter, and then you wolf it down with a spoon. After eating a bowl, you will not only feel happily full, you will have satisfied a sweet craving and done something that was good for you. Win win!!! You can purchase frozen or powdered acai berries. Here’s how to make an acai bowl with or without the acai.

 1. In a blender, add: 1 frozen banana, 1 cup berries (blueberries, strawberries or frozen acai), 1 peach or 1/2 pear

1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa, and 1 cup  of milk of choice

2. Add extra fiber (shredded zucchini, carrots, kale, spinach, etc.)

3. IF NEEDED, add extra sweet (2 tsp of honey or pure maple syrup)

4. Blend well and pour into a bowl.

5. Add toppings one or more of the following:

FRUIT SLICES: Strawberries, banana, mango or golden kiwi

SEEDS: Chia, pumpkin, flax or sunflower seeds

NUTS: Walnuts, cashews, almond slices or peanut butter

OTHER: Shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, dried fruit

GRAINS: Oats, granola, other cereals, quinoa