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Squash: The Healthy Fall Favorite

By October 13, 2022November 1st, 2022Recipes

It’s that time of year again – the leaves are changing color, a chill is in the air, and pumpkin spice everything is everywhere. That can only mean one thing: it’s time for squash season! This underrated veggie is a healthy fall favorite, and there are so many delicious ways to enjoy it. Whether you’re Team Butternut or Team Acorn, read on for some tasty recipes that will get you excited about squash. Packed with vitamins and minerals, squash is a great way to warm up your body during chilly autumn days. So pull out your crockpot and stock up on some fresh squash – let’s get cooking!

Cooking with squash 

Fall is here, and with it comes apples, pumpkins, and squash.

 

You see, squash is very nutritious and I guess, you may not realize just how good it is for your body. Squash has many varieties, and each variety offers something different. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or want to boost your immune system with some new recipes – there is sure to be an option. Here are just a few examples of how we can cook up this delicious vegetable.

Zucchini Noodles

 

Zucchini noodles are so easy to make! If you have a spiralizer, then just follow the directions for making them and enjoy them as an autumn meal. You can add these noodles to salads or use them as an ingredient. Put pesto on top of the zucchini noodle base; cover with complementary ingredients such as tomatoes (sliced) and olives/olive oil. 

 

If you don’t have a spiralizer, just slice them up. They’ll be good for about six days in the fridge before getting too crispy on top.

Butternut squash enchiladas 

 

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all the delicious squash that is in season. Butternut squash is a particular favorite, and it makes a wonderful filling for enchiladas. To make this recipe, simply sheet-pan roast the squash with onions, sweet potatoes, dried herbs, and spices. Then cube up the roasted squash and use it to fill your enchiladas. The result is a dish packed with fall flavor and perfect for any occasion. If you haven’t tried butternut squash enchiladas yet, now is the time!

 

Sheet pan delicata squash

 

Delicata squash is a variety of squash that has very tender skin. You can put this on a sheet pan and roast it in the oven. This recipe is perfect for the fall season. The beauty of using a sheet pan is you can roast multiple vegetables at once. So, in addition to the delicata squash, you could also roast some Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes. This recipe is simple and easy to follow. The only thing you need to do is cut the vegetables into uniform pieces, toss them with olive oil, and then roast them in a preheated oven. The result is a delicious and healthy meal your family will love.

 

Winter squash varieties

 

Winter squash is a nutrient-dense food that provides a variety of health benefits. There are many different varieties of winter squash, including kombucha, acorn, delicata, and butternut squash. Each type of squash has its own unique flavor and texture, making it a versatile ingredient in many fall recipes. 

 

In addition to being delicious, squash is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support your health in a variety of ways. For example, squash is a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and prevent constipation. Additionally, the antioxidants in squash can help to reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. 

 

Summer squash varieties

 

The green and yellow zucchinis are great for digestion, nerve function, immune boosting, blood sugar regulation, heart disease prevention, and lowering inflammation. It’s an all-around low-calorie, fat-free, and gluten-free food. So it sounds like a one-stop shop to me. 

 

The Zucchini 

 

It is very good at hydrating the liver. It has a mild liver cleansing ability and it helps to calm and soothe the digestive tract, pushing out unwanted bacteria and fungus, and allowing for better absorption of nutrients. Zucchini is a good choice for people with gallstones because it helps to reduce inflammation. You can cook the squash in many different ways, like sauteing or making noodles out of them. The zucchini noodles can stay in the fridge for up to six days. 

 

More about the Winter Squash 

 

Winter squash is a good remedy for acid conditions. It helps clean out the stomach, liver, and blood. Winter squash is high in vitamins A, C, and E and minerals such as zinc, calcium, and potassium. These are essential for a healthy immune system and a good nervous system.
The yellow and orange pigments are known as carotenoids. They’re especially beneficial for protection against heart disease, breast cancer, and macular degeneration. Winter squash is also known to help reduce inflammation. It’s excellent for conditions such as asthma, fibromyalgia, and the -ITISs (arthritis and bursitis).

 

Winter squash is a wonderful choice for any weight loss or nutritional program. It can be made with savory pepper, chili powder, and cumin to give it an added flavor kick. You also have plenty of options when choosing how you want your dish served; steaming them (or baking), roasting, and mashing them into delicious dishes that are sure to not only warm up anyone’s insides but their taste buds too.

 

Try my Butternut Squash Soup Recipe 

You will need: 

  • 1 small Onion, chopped 
  • ½ cup Celery, chopped  
  • 2 tsp Olive oil 
  • Sea salt (to taste)
  • 1 big potato chopped into cubes
  • 1 Butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
  • 1-quart Vegetable broth 
  • Fresh dill 

 

First, saute the onions and the celery in a little olive oil and add sea salt. Add one big cubed-up potato then the butternut squash, peeled and cubed. Next is to add one quart of vegetable broth and let it cook until everything’s nice and soft. The next step is to blend it. It’s a thick, creamy, delicious soup, and you can finish it off with fresh dill.

Spaghetti Squash 

 

If you haven’t had spaghetti squash in a while, here is a simple recipe. 

  1. Slice down the squash in half then scoop out the seeds. 
  2. Put them on a cookie sheet face up and bake in the oven for about 40 at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  3. When you put a knife in and it goes through, it’s done.
  4. Let it cool before scraping it out with a fork into a bowl. 
  5. You can put tomato sauce on it or pretty much any sauce you like as it is very versatile. 

 

The Delicata Squash 

 

This squash is unique as it has very thin skin as opposed to some other varieties. When cooking with this particular type, you can put the whole vegetable on an oven-safe cookie sheet, and coatings of avocado oil. You could also add salt or pepper before roasting if desired.

 

Squash is a favorite fall food for many reasons. It’s versatile, healthy, and delicious. And there are so many different varieties to choose from. If you haven’t cooked with squash before, why not try some squash this season? It’s a great way to get into the habit of eating healthier, and you’ll see it all around us in abundance. Our team can help you find the perfect variety for your taste buds and cooking style. Ready to get started? Schedule a discovery call today!

 

I believe natural medicine is the best way to help you achieve your goals and live a happy life. If this sounds good to you, please check me out on my website or schedule a discovery call with me. During this call, we can discuss your symptoms in more detail and come up with a plan tailored specifically for you.

 

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DISCLAIMER:  The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional 

 

Dr. Andrea Purcell

A trusted and well-respected Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Purcell has been in private practice for over twenty years. Dr. Purcell is a published author and has a women’s specialty practice for hormone balancing, weight loss, mystery illness, and gastro-intestinal concerns. Dr. Purcell assists her patients by identifying the underlying cause of disease and removing obstacles that impede the body's natural ability to heal. Drugs and surgery are used as a last resort. She believes that increasing health on the inside shines through to the outside.