These days pumpkin spice is definitely the trend in food, beverages, candles, lotion, body wash, etc. – you name it! The pumpkin spice food and beverage fad can be not so nice for your waistline if it is consumed with more sugar than spice! A dose of fresh or canned pumpkin is an incredible source of vitamins A, B, and C as well as a great source of fiber, copper, and potassium. When pumpkin is prepared in a healthy way, it can be part of a tasty and figure friendly feast. To stay on top of your healthy weight goals during this splendid time of the year, steer clear of the pumpkin spice muffins, cookies, and pie and give these pumpkin treats a try:
Make a pumpkin soup. Here are some healthy and easy recipes:
Simple Pumpkin Soup
Mayo Clinic Healthy Pumpkin Soup
Roasted Pumpkin Apple Soup
Roast your pumpkin seeds! Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids. A handful of pumpkin seeds and a piece of fruit (produce and protein) make an excellent late afternoon snack. See here for some creative ways to spice up your pumpkin seeds:
Pumpkin Seed Recipe
Roast not only the seeds, but the pumpkin too. Instructions here:
Roasted Pumpkin
Make it a healthy, energizing snack:
No Bake Pumpkin Bites
Make a homemade pumpkin spice latte. Here is one of my favorite recipes (so much better than Starbucks):
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Make a pumpkin chili! Here are some recipes:
Pumpkin Black Bean Chili
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Make a healthy pumpkin smoothie:
Pumpkin Oatmeal Shake
Pumpkin Protein Smoothie (vegan)
Put it in your oatmeal!
Overnight Oats
I hope you find these tips helpful. Have a great week!
Sheri Berger is a Registered Dietitian having completed her B.S. in Food/Nutrition & Dietetics and a dietetic internship at Loyola University Chicago. Sheri has a diverse professional background that includes hospital and outpatient clinic support, preventative wellness programs, corporate wellness services, cardiovascular disease management, and working with seniors. Sheri enjoys engaging her clients in pursuit of their personal wellness goals and leading by example with her healthy lifestyle. Sheri has been certified in adult weight management since 2005. She belongs to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, California Dietetics Association, and the San Jose Peninsula District of the CDA. Sheri enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two daughters and she loves to run marathons.