One of the best things about the Fall and Winter seasons, in my opinion, is squash.
I’m only a little bit obsessed with these big, beautiful gourds.
The winter squash family is chock-full of delicious and nutritious vitamins, antioxidants and fiber to help ease our bodies out of those active summer months outdoors, and into the more introspective, restorative months of wintertime. If you want in on the feel-goods, here are 5 reasons to consider welcoming a little more winter squash into your life this season:
What’s In A Name?
Don’t be fooled by the name “winter” squash; this family is actually in-season from October through February, which means they’re delightfully ready to satiate you through the Fall AND winter months. And that’s not all: squash is also a fruit, not a veggie. Mind blown? It’s true; just like a tomato, squash has seeds, and seeds are a fruit thing. Some of my personal favorite all-stars in the winter squash family are Pumpkin, Delicata squash, Spaghetti squash, Acorn squash, and Butternut squash.
Cold Season Beware!
It’s always a good idea to eat foods at the time of year that they’re naturally and locally in-season. But why, you ask? Can’t I just go buy pineapples and avocados any time I want to at the grocery store? Perhaps, and I’m certainly not one to deny you that year-round guacamole fix, but locally in-season produce has the added benefits of providing higher doses of the nutrients your body needs more of during that specific time of year. Mother Nature– so smart and thoughtful, isn’t she? For example, in the chillier winter months, colds and flus tend to spike, so our immune system needs some extra love. Winter squash happens to be super high in two main forms of Vitamin A: alpha-carotene and beta-carotene (found in their orange colors), not to mention Vitamin C. These three help to boost immunity, lung function, and even eye function, which gives us an extra edge in the times of year that generally get darker earlier.
Bust Up Those Wintertime Blues:
But wait– the winter squash super train doesn’t stop there! They’re also rich in B6, which is needed to produce Serotonin in the body (the feel-good hormone). Since darker, colder days often bring with them a higher tendency for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), that additional Serotonin can feel really helpful at this time of year. Additionally, winter squash in particular is super high in fiber, antioxidants and polysaccharides (long chain carbohydrates) which help to support healthy gut function, and balance our blood sugar. In other words, eat more winter squash and your body and mood will thank you for it.
Slow And Steady Means More To Love:
Unlike its sisters in the summer squash family, winter squash likes to take its time, and it requires about 100 days (more than 1/3 of the year) to grow. It prefers dark, rich soil to warm its roots in, and makes good use of its extra grow-time by producing harder skin and thicker coats. Once they’re ready for harvest though, watch out! These babies typically produce a TON of meat and seeds that can then be stored and kept fresh for a much longer period of time. Like a poster child for hibernation times, every last part of the winter squash can, and should, be eaten, savored, and even replanted for the next season. In addition, the dried gourds of these fruits have been used as dance rattles for ceremonial and medicinal rituals in some Native American tribes, and that’s what we call music to our ears AND our bellies.
Getting Creative (And Cozy) In The Kitchen:
Don’t be deterred by their tough exteriors, because our winter squash friends are positively perfect to cuddle up with for a hot, satisfying meal. There are so many ways to prepare the meat and seeds– from roasted and sauteed, to stewed in soups and even baked in desserts! At home, I love to make squash stew, roasted squash meat, and tasty roasted seeds for snacking. Check out my IG for a video on how to make the most delicious Butternut Squash Veggie Boats!
Pro Tip: If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a crockpot or slow cooker this season. You can throw everything in first thing in the morning, and it’ll be ready and waiting for you by dinnertime.
The Fall and Winter seasons are wonderful opportunities to rest, recharge, and recommit to some healthful self-care practices. Just like winter squash is the food of plenty with more than enough to go around for all, why not take a page out of its book and remember to slow down, take it easy, and enjoy your journey to the very fullest!
For a little extra regeneration and inspiration this season, be sure to check out some of our special offerings like the “Intuitive Gut” online course,” or the “21 Day Chakra Alignment” ebook. As always, feel free to reach out anytime, and happy healing, all!