Pumpkin Granola Cookies (Vegan, Paleo)

Pumpkin is one of my favorite fall foods, for it's flavor, comfort and nutritional profile. The deep, rich orange comes from carotenoid pigments, which provide antioxidants like beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, which is touted for it's role in eye health, but is also essential for immunity - and staying healthy through fall's cold and flu season!

It also provides plenty of fiber to keep blood sugar stable, your stomach fuller for longer and your colon happy and healthy. Coconut flour also contains a good dose of fiber and has medium-chain triglycerides that your body breaks down and utilizes more readily than other fats.

Adding maple syrup not only bumps up the sweetness, it contributes more minerals and imparts more of a rich, deep flavor than refined sugars.

By Casey Giltner, Nutritionist