The Power of Pumpkin (For Runners)

Ah, yes, we can’t say it enough: Pumpkin-spice-everything season is here! And we’re obsessed with a lot more than just pumpkin-spice lattes. In fact, on a quest for a more nutritious pumpkin pie recipe, we came across this wholesome treat (modified just slightly from the original).

… But first, here are five reasons that, as a runner, you really should be eating all the pumpkin this year:

1. With fewer daylight hours and more miles logged after dark, you need to keep your eyesight sharp. Thankfully, pumpkin is jam-packed with Vitamin A, an important vitamin for healthy vision in dim light.

2. Pumpkin seeds are high in phytosterols, a heart-healthy chemical that lowers LDL cholesterol and keeps us running strong.

3. As runners, we spend so much time out of doors and under the elements that our skin takes a beating. Pumpkin, yet again, for the win! It's rich in antioxidants (carotenoids) that fight cancer cells and may help keep our skin wrinkle free.

4. It’s an ideal fall and winter carbohydrate fueling choice: Just one cup of pumpkin has three grams of fiber and just under 50 calories.

5. One cup of cooked pumpkin offers nearly 400 mg of potassium, which makes it an excellent post-workout recovery food for restoring proper electrolyte balance.