WHAT’S IN IT

1 acorn squash, sliced in half lengthwise and seeds removed

1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 dates, pitted and chopped (or substitute pomegranate seeds, or use both!)
2 T unsweetened coconut flakes
2 T pure maple syrup
2 T almond butter (optional)

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Preheat oven to 400F

2. Place the acorn squash on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until fork tender.

3. Place the acorn squash on two separate plates and add dates, walnuts and coconut flakes dividing in half between the two pieces of squash (plus almond butter if you decide to add )

4. Drizzle the maple syrup over the walnut mix.

5. Serve and enjoy!

WHY IT’S HEALTHY

Despite its high-carb nature, winter squash helps steady the release of sugar and lessens our overall glycemic response to meals. Winter squash varietals have an amazing concentration of carotenoids that can be converted into active forms of vitamin A. Walnuts have a beneficial form of vitamin E that provides significant protection from heart problems. Phytonutrients found in walnuts are rare and valuable as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients which may explain the decreased risk of certain cancers—including prostate cancer and breast cancer—in walnut eaters. Walnuts are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Pure maple syrup contains up to 24 different antioxidants capable of reducing free radical damage that can cause inflammation and contribute to the formation of various chronic diseases. It also contains zinc and manganese in fairly high amounts. Zinc can help fight illness and improve immunity since it keeps your level of white blood cells up, while manganese plays a role a crucial role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation. Dark, grade B maple syrup typically contains more beneficial antioxidants than the lighter syrups. Saturated fat in coconut is a medium-chain triglyceride fat, the type that is more easily absorbed and metabolized by the liver and less likely to be stored as fat in your arteries. Coconut is a good source of manganese needed for healthy connective tissue, blood clotting and bone formation. Manganese also plays a role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, mineral absorption and blood sugar regulation. Other minerals in coconut flakes include calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium and zinc.