Embrace the Fall Season with Squash: Your October Superfood Focus

Squash: Your October Superfood Focus

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, we welcome the arrival of fall and all the wonderful things it brings. One of the best parts of this season is the abundance of fresh produce, and among them, squash stands out not only for its versatile uses but also for its numerous health benefits. This October, let’s focus on squash as our superfood of the month.

Understanding Squash: Varieties and Health Benefits

Squash comes in many varieties, each with its unique taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Some popular types include butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and pumpkin. Butternut squash, with its sweet and nutty flavor, is a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Acorn squash, named for its acorn-like shape, is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Spaghetti squash, when cooked, has strands that resemble spaghetti and is low in calories and high in fiber. Last but not least, pumpkins, which are technically a type of squash, are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants. Focusing on nutrient dense, healthy foods will not only help you feel better and look great, but it has great effects on your mood, your brain, and your skin. Read our blog post here all about how what you eat affects your skin, brain and more.

Squash offers numerous health benefits. Its high fiber content aids digestion, while its rich antioxidant content helps reduce inflammation and protects against chronic diseases. The high levels of vitamins A and C boost the immune system and promote healthy skin. Squash is also low in calories and high in water content, making it a weight-loss-friendly food.

Delicious and Healthy Fall Superfood Recipes

Squash can be incorporated into your diet in various ways. Here are a few healthy recipes to try this fall:

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: This comforting soup is perfect for chilly autumn evenings. Roast butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender. Sauté onions and garlic in a pot, add the roasted squash, vegetable broth, and seasonings. Blend until smooth and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Try this slow cooker butternut squash for the ultimate fall fix! Click here for the recipe.

Spaghetti Squash Pasta: A healthier alternative to traditional pasta, spaghetti squash pasta is easy to make and delicious. Simply roast the squash, use a fork to create spaghetti-like strands, and toss with your favorite pasta sauce and veggies. Try our absolute favorite- a low carb favorite of mine! Click here for the recipe.

Stuffed Acorn Squash: Hollow out acorn squash halves and fill them with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices. Bake until the squash is tender and the filling is hot. Looking for a recipes? Try one of our favorites here!

DIY Squash Mocktail Recipes

Here are a few squash-based mocktail recipes that you might enjoy:

Spiced Bitter Orange Squash Mocktail: This non-alcoholic aperitif is made from a squash cordial flavored with orange, cinnamon, anise, and other spices. It’s a great way to kick off an autumn dinner. Find the recipe here!

Squash & Sorghum Shrub: This recipe incorporates squash into a shrub, a type of vinegar-based syrup that’s often used in cocktails. Combined with sorghum, a type of grass that’s often used as a sweetener, it creates a unique and flavorful drink. For this beautiful drink, click here!

Butternut Squash and Sage Shrub Cocktail: This mocktail uses butternut squash and sage to create a shrub. When mixed with soda water, it makes a refreshing and savory non-alcoholic drink. To use this recipe click here!

No Sugar Added Citrus Squash Mocktail: This alcohol-free sparkling drink is made with lemon, lime, and orange, along with squash for a unique twist. Find the recipe here!

Sunrise Mocktail: While not directly including squash, this recipe could easily be adapted to include a squash puree or syrup for a fall twist on a classic mocktail.

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DIY Facial Masks with our October superfood

Squash isn’t just for eating; it’s also great for your skin! Here’s a simple DIY facial mask recipe:

Combine two tablespoons of pureed cooked squash, one tablespoon of honey, and a splash of milk. Apply the mixture to your face, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse. This mask will hydrate and brighten your skin, thanks to the vitamins and antioxidants found in squash and honey. For a full recipe and how to apply, click here!

Fun Activities for Kids, Adults, and Families!

Squash can also be a source of fun and creativity for kids. Turn squash painting into an afternoon activity. Use non-toxic paint and let your kids’ imaginations run wild. You can also use smaller squashes for a game of squash bowling. Set up some pins (or plastic bottles) and use the squash as a bowling ball. Check out our September superfood blog post which included SO many fall guides, kids activities, and more! Click here to read more kids activities with squash and pumpkin. Also, check out our “Fall festivals near me” post which gives you all the information about great fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and more in Virginia, and beyond! Click here to read this post.

Decorating Your Home with Squash

Bring the beauty of fall indoors by using squash as part of your home décor. Arrange different types and sizes of squash on your dining table for a natural centerpiece. Hollow out a large pumpkin and use it as a vase for fall flowers. You can also carve or paint squashes for a personalized touch.

Embracing Wellness this October

Self-care is an essential part of maintaining overall wellness, particularly as we transition into the cooler, often busier months of the year. Here's why October is a great time to focus on self-care:

This October, let’s focus on health and wellness. Squash, with its health benefits and versatility, is an excellent addition to our diet. Let’s also take time to create a warm and inviting environment in our homes, embracing the fall season and all the comfort it brings. Whether it’s cooking a nutritious meal, trying a DIY squash facial mask, or decorating our homes with this beautiful produce, there are many ways to celebrate and enjoy squash this month.

So, why not make squash your superfood focus this October? It’s a delicious, healthy, and fun way to embrace the fall season. Happy October!

Self-care is an essential part of maintaining overall wellness, particularly as we transition into the cooler, often busier months of the year. Here’s why October is a great time to focus on self-care:

1. Boosts Immune System: Self-care plays a crucial role in boosting your immune system. As the weather changes, it’s more important than ever to keep your body in top shape to fight off illnesses. Try our IV Therapy drip, which supports your immune system, to ensure that you stay on the top of your game all winter long.

2. Enhances Mental Health: With the shorter days and less sunlight, some people may experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Regular self-care can help maintain mental health during these times. Focusing on self-care is especailly important during the winter, as many experience SAD and don’t even realize it. The Oasis supports SAD, by providing self-care treatments in floor to ceiling rooms so that you can see outside, experience the sunlight, while getting facial treatments, IV Therapy, or other treatments that support your well being.

3. Increases Productivity and Happiness: A national survey cited that self-care can enhance self-confidence (64%), increase productivity (67%), and happiness (71%). By taking time out for yourself, you’re not only improving your wellbeing but also your performance in other aspects of life. Sometimes its a simple walk outside, or a quick 30 minutes set aside to paint your nails, that goes a long way! It doesn’t have to be a whole day off (though we condone it!) to provide great lasting benefits. Another idea is our fall facial, giving you the ultimate luxury treatment, wrapped in all the fall feels. Our fall facial will leave you glowing with confidence, relaxes, and rejuvenated in a matter of an hour. Click here to learn more.

4. Encourages Mindfulness: Self-care activities often involve mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or meditation. These can help reduce stress and anxiety, lower pain levels, and even improve attention span.

5. Promotes Positive Health Outcomes: Research suggests self-care promotes positive health outcomes, fostering better physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. Commit to a walk a day, a light run once a way, 15 minutes of resistance training (you could do this at your desk or office even!). You’ll be surprised how great you will feel.

This October, prioritize time to rest, perhaps over coffee with a friend, or by decluttering your space. Remember, self-care isn’t just about grand gestures; it can be as simple as paying attention to your breathing or having a quiet night in. Make self-care a part of your daily routine and experience the benefits it brings to your life.