Clean Autumn Eats

Holly Lowery – Contributing

Its that time of year again; when we all pull our jackets out of storage and bundle up in layers of knits, scarves and mittens. The change in the seasons can easily cause a change in our diets. And with a pumpkin spiced latte in every other college student’s hand, it is increasingly difficult to resist every delectable holiday treat that crosses our path! Good news though; I have some holiday meals and treats that will satisfy your taste buds, but won’t bloat your bellies!

Savory Autumn Salad:

spinach

arugula

chopped toasted walnuts

raw pumpkin seeds

raisins

sweet potato, steamed till soft

Toss all of these ingredients together and top with:

“Cheesy” Pumpkin Dressing:

1/2 cup raw cashews

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp red wine vinegar

1/8 cup water

1 tbsp canned pumpkin
sprinkle of cinnamon

1 tsp agave (honey will do if you don’t have agave)

*Blend until smooth, add more water if you would like a creamier dressing

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Cut one acorn squash in half, clean out the seeds, set aside

Boil 1-2 cups quinoa (brown rice will do if you don’t happen to have this protein packed grain on hand)

1 large apple peeled and chopped, tossed in cinnamon and sucanat (sugar cane natural)

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

1/3 cup almond or other non-dairy milk

1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

pinch of dried nutmeg
Sauté the onion in a tbsp of olive oil until soft. Combine apples into the onion sauté and simmer until soft. Remove the onion/apple sauté from heat and stir into the cooked quinoa. Stir milk, nutmeg, and soy sauce into the quinoa mixture, simmer for five minutes. Coat the inside of the squash with a small bit of olive oil and agave. Pour the rice mixture into the squash and bake for 20-30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Last but certainly not least is a guilt free holiday drink! Pumpkin drinks are Fall’s favorite accessory, but why not make a healthier version at home that you can enjoy anywhere, any time? This can be added to your coffee, tea or chai latte and will give it that sweet, savory note that you’ve been craving.

12oz can of pumpkin

2 tsp cinnamon

pinch of clove

pinch of nutmeg

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Combine in a sauce pan and simmer for 10 minutes. Thats it! Stir in a spoonful or two in to your morning cup of caffeine, and enjoy that guilt-free treat you’ve been searching for!