NBA FIT Pumpkin Recipes
Amie Valpone, HHP, AADP Culinary Nutrition Counselor and author of The Healthy Apple, www.thehealthyapple.com
Who would have thought that jack-o-lantern could be considered a ‘Superfood’? Before you toss the insides of your carved pumpkin, be sure to save them for a tasty recipe. Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse. A half cup of this festive fall favorite will only set you back only 15 calories. What’s more, it’s packed with fiber, iron and zinc and is a great source of beta carotene and vitamin C. But the nutritional benefits don’t stop at the raw pumpkin, those tasty pumpkin seeds are incredibly delicious and healthy, as well, packing a hearty dose of iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus fiber and protein.
With all of the health benefits, pumpkin is sure to keep your immune system powered as we head into the fall season. If you don’t have access to fresh pumpkin, fret not. You can easily opt for canned pumpkin, which is available in the baking aisle of most food stores. Although canned pumpkin has slightly less fiber than fresh, it surpasses its raw partner in beta carotene as a result of being heated during the canning process. Here are a few of my favorite pumpkin recipes. I’m interested in hearing how you find them, as I’m always curious to see what your taste buds are saying about my dishes. So, go ahead and get carving—just be sure to save the good stuff for your bellies!
Click on some of these fun recipes below and Begin your Healthy Cooking!
Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Muffins
Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin, White Bean and Chicken Stew
Pumpkin Bean Cakes
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