As the leaves have been changing color, and dropping from the trees, and the air has started to get crisp, that can only mean one thing: Fall is here and Winter is on it’s way soon.
With this change of season comes everything pumpkin -- from lattes and pies to candles and decorations. It seems like there's something pumpkin-flavored or scented everywhere you turn. While it's easy to get caught up in all the sugary sweets that come with the season, there are plenty of ways to enjoy pumpkin with some added health benefits.
Today I have for you five healthy pumpkin recipes that will help you embrace Fall without all the sugar.
Pumpkin Spice Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Start your day off right with this nutrient-packed breakfast bowl. Creamy quinoa is combined with almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree for a satisfying and healthy meal that will keep you full until lunchtime. Top it with some chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup for a little added sweetness. It’s filling, full of energy and smells delicious.
Pumpkin Spice Oat Waffles
Add pumpkin puree to blended-up gluten-free old-fashioned oats, and you're on your way to a waffle batter everyone can eat. They come out with a crispy texture and all that pumpkin spice flavor that will have them disappear fast. Add some cinnamon for some extra Fall flavor.
Pumpkin Chai Latte
Why stand in line when you can make a healthy pumpkin chai latte at home? When you blend real pumpkin puree with almond milk and pumpkin pie spice and add it to your cup of chai, you get creamy, dreamy results that are good for you, saves money and you know exactly what’s in there.
Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Fall is the perfect time for soothing soups. Grab a large pot, and you can use a fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin, you'll blend it together with cinnamon, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and black pepper, along with vegetable broth. Add some other veggies of your choice- onions, carrots, sweet potato and once it’s all cooked, use your immersion blender or vitamix to turn this into a smooth texture, and I toss in a can of full fat coconut milk to turn it into a creamy soup. Delicious and I make this one often all winter long.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
What would fall be without roasted pumpkin seeds? This recipe is super simple—all you need is some raw pumpkin seeds (be sure to remove all the stringy pulp first), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in a preheated oven until they're golden brown and crispy, then enjoy as a healthy snack or sprinkle them on top of salads or soups for a little extra flavor and crunch.
Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Chili is the perfect comfort food for cool autumn days. Chili recipes are easy and can be customized to your liking and what you have on hand. Try this combination of lean ground turkey, black beans, diced tomatoes, and pumpkin puree. Adding pumpkin puree not only gives this chili a delicious flavor but also helps to thicken it up while providing a flavor boost. You can use your favorite meat alternative to keep it vegan or keep it as a black bean chili.
Let pumpkin help you keep up proper nutrition this fall by using it in these innovative ways for delicious and nutritious meals.
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