BF Top Five: All About Pumpkin!

It’s fall and you know what that means. Bring on the pumpkins!

First let’s talk about why a pumpkin is a great food to eat. Not only are they absolutely delicious in your favorite fall dishes (and, as Starbucks has shown us, even in our coffee!) but they also have:

• 3g of fiber per one cup serving!
• Seeds rich in phytosterols, which lower your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• Beta-Carotene, which has many health benefits and may be linked to a reduced risk of cancer

For even more benefits, check out this nifty Huffington Post article.

So without further adieu, here’s Bariatric Foodie’s Top Five Things to Do with Pumpkin.

Make Protein Pumpkin Custard Ramekins!

These things are nifty and can be right-sized for you! They do freeze well when wrapped properly. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and they can also be popped in the microwave for about 20 seconds to get the warmth back!

Get the recipe.

Pumpkin Protein Shake Starters

I love this concept! Mix pumpkin and spices, then freeze in an ice cube tray. Pop them out and put them in a freezer-safe bag and voila! Anytime you want a pumpkin flavored protein shake simply add some milk, one or two of your starter cubes and protein powder. No more having to figure out what to do with a leftover can of pumpkin if you just need a little!

See the method for making these.

Pumpkin Chili

Yes, chili! Adding pumpkin to chili gives it a velvety taste and a slight tang that’s oh-so-good! Next time you go to make chili, try a little pumpkin! You’ll thank me!

Get the recipe.

Pumpkin Turtle Cheesecake Trifle

For your next family gathering bring this – but don’t tell anyone it’s healthy! I guarantee it’ll get inhaled. Layers of cheesecakey pudding (and use my Protein Pudding making method to give it even more of a boost!) with pumpkin and caramel. Yummy!

Get the recipe.

Roast 'em!

Canned pumpkin is readily available at stores but if you’d like to try your hand at roasting your own, here’s our easy and fool-proof method. As a mom I can attest to the fact that this comes in really handy if you have more than one kid going to the pumpkin patch!

Learn more.