Just because Halloween is over does not mean pumpkin season is over!  The season of autumn is synonymous with pumpkin these days. I'm not sure when the world became obsessed with pumpkin everything but you can enjoy almost anything now with a hint of this comforting, nutrient rich veggie. Of course we have Pumpkin Spice Coffee, but we also now have chipotle pumpkin simmer sauce, pumpkin yogurt, pumpkin spiced almonds,  pumpkin goldfish (what?), pumpkin ice cream (yum), pumpkin spice popcorn, pumpkin coffee creamer, and even pumpkin spice bagels. In another month or so, the pumpkin craze will be over (until next fall) so most of us feel the need to take full advantage of the pumpkin overload right now.

Why pumpkin? Pumpkin is high in Fiber, Vitamin A, Potassium, Vitamin K, Iron, and Magnesium. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc. Canned pumpkin is also incredibly versatile and can be added to oatmeal, pancake mix, chili, sweet potatoes and even yogurt!

Beware...Cooked pumpkin...

You are an athlete. You frequently train at a high volume and high intensity day in and day out.  Did you know that intense training puts you are risk to have a lowered immune function? Constant activity coupled with sub-optimal nutritional intake will cause your immune system to weaken. If your immune system is not optimized, you will become sick more often and the illnesses you contract, will last longer.

The topic of immunity is not talked about enough in the world of sports. Low immune function is a negative side effect of poor nutrition that many athletes don't recognize. It is yet another argument for ensuring that you learn how to eat well and fuel your body appropriately. You lead a busy lifestyle as an athlete and may not have learned about the impact of nutrition on performance AND on overall health. It's not your fault. No one taught you how to eat in school. You learned as you went and...