4 Healthy Ways to Use Pumpkin

By Brandi Swieter

With pumpkins galore available from stores and farms alike, many people take advantage of the overabundance to start creating delicious fall desserts involving the “fruit.” Not all methods for creating these meals are healthy, though, which should be considered with all the holiday festivities and foods coming up to consume. At least four healthy ways exist to use pumpkin that make it more worthwhile to the diet.

Substitute Cheese With Pumpkin Puree

To add a dash of pumpkin taste to a macaroni and cheese dish this fall, cooks can substitute some of the cheese in the recipe with pumpkin puree. Pumpkin contains Vitamin C, so it’s a great way to add some vitamins to the dish and making it a healthier meal while also cutting back on the fat.

Pumpkin Squash Side

Too many people use mashed potatoes as a side dish, not realizing the amount of calories and fat within it. This is particularly true if people use a lot of salt and butter to add flavor to the food. Pumpkin squash acts as a healthier alternative that some may enjoy. Cooking it gives the dish a similar texture to the potatoes that may curb some cravings for the white food.

Pumpkin Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a favorite snack among many, but they often come far too salted. Pumpkin seeds are another healthy snack option that people often enjoy in the fall. Rather than buying a bag, people should carve a pumpkin and bake their own to avoid the added salt and sugar. Mix them with nuts for an especially filling snack.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin pie is a favorite among many this time of year, but it isn’t the healthiest option. Enjoy a healthy alternative by creating a pumpkin pie smoothie instead. Put half of a banana, one cup of almond milk, a quarter cup of pumpkin, one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a full scoop of vanilla protein powder in the blender and mix well.

Fall has arrived, and it’s important to take advantage of the pumpkin that comes with it. Make sure to create some healthy alternatives and don’t only consume sugary pumpkin pies and pumpkin spiced pancakes. Those who want to better their health even more can visit a chiropractor in the fall as well. The Joint Chiropractic can offer a readjustment, along with some healthy tips on other foods that should get eaten to improve overall health and wellness.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Peachtree City, Ga.