Pumpkin Party

Back in New York, the weather is getting nice and cool, people are wearing boots, and God help me if I see another blog post for a pumpkin related recipe. Squash soup, pumpkin smoothies and muffins and hundreds of other recipes are popping up all over the blogosphere, and I can’t have any of it, partly because of the Candida Diet, but mostly because in Australia, if you say the words “canned pumpkin” they will look at you like you have two heads. Halloween is just starting to become a thing here (blame American TV shows and movies) but isn’t too popular yet.

So, a few days ago, my lovely friend Jenny decided that it was time to take matters into her own hands and throw a good-ol’ fashioned pumpkin carving party, in the spirit of Halloween and all things Autumn (even though it’s like, 88 degrees here in Brisbane and sunny all the time. ALL the time.)

First, we had to buy a pumpkin, which was no easy feat. But, four grocery stores later, we found one!

Anthony doing his very best pumpkin imitation.

We brought our pumpkins over, had some lovely snacks, and got to work.

We made awesome hummus, and Jenny provided delicious red pepper dip, veggies, and gluten free delights. It was so thoughtful of her to make everything gluten-free, and it was all yummy. She also roasted up all the pumpkin seeds, which made for an amazing treat.

At the end of the day, all our pumpkins looked great, and we stopped to admire our handiwork.

It was such a great day, and so nice to connect with fellow expats, who really understand the wonders of Autumn and the joys of pumpkin. Now, on to yesterday’s eats…

Breakfast:

Was my new favorite, a simple bowl of veggies (a whole onion, green beans, and a whole zucchini) topped with a few sprays of Bragg’s Aminos, a tablespoon  or so of tahini, and chia seeds. I find I’m not craving protein in the morning as I’m not really working out, so I’m trusting my body that that is the right choice for me right now.

Lunch was interesting.  I misread Tina’s tuna cake recipe and put a half-cup of coconut flour in, versus 1/2 tablespoon. Megaoops.  We added more tuna and egg to make a double batch, but they were still really dry.  I could taste the potential, though! I had them over spinach, tomato, pumpkin seeds and tahini.

Dinner:

Was an old fave – zucchini pasta with chicken sausage, broccoli, green beans and cooked carrots. Totally delicious.

Can’t wait to have some fun workouts to report, but so far with my foot, the most I can do is some push-ups, one legged planks, and some rolling around on the floor.
Have a great weekend, all!