Pumpkin Recipes for Weight Loss

Written by Jordyn King BS, MS Nutrtition Science

It’s now October and Halloween festivities have just begun. Fall decorations are coming out and you know it’s pumpkin season as well. However, soon enough we will be asking ourselves what to do with our leftover pumpkins. There’s actually a lot! Did you know you don’t have to throw your pumpkin away,  you can use parts of the pumpkin to make delicious healthy recipes. Pumpkins also have so many benefits; which include a rich source in vitamin A, high in antioxidants, high in fiber and is great immunity boost. So remember, don’t throw out your pumpkin. Here are 5 healthy recipes that can help with that!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Have you ever roasted your own pumpkin seeds after carving? Despite their small size, these seeds are packed with a lot of nutrients and health benefits. They are rich in proteins and unsaturated fats like omega-6 fatty acids. They also contain a host of other essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, folate, iron, vitamin B2, and beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is important for eye health.

Pumpkin Fries

Have you ever tried pumpkin fries? You can just take part of the inside of your pumpkin and cut the pumpkin up into thin like fry slices. This Baked Parmesan Pumpkin Fry recipe is so addicting! They are sweet, salty and the best part is they are healthy! This recipe does take a little bit longer to prep, but the taste is worth it! Especially when that sweet and salty combo comes in the form of crispy, oven-baked fries. They are great with the combination of cayenne pepper and some cinnamon. YUM!

Pumpkin Soup

You can use some freshly sliced left over pumpkin to make this pumpkin soup recipe. Use your crockpot as well to have ready to eat and a seasonal smelling home after a long day at work! This is a warm and cozy seasonal soup that is perfectly spices. I usually add some cinnamon and pumpkin seeds on top to add flavor and increase protein and fiber content. This healthy soup is low in calories per serving.

Calories: 220kcal | Protein: 3g |

Pumpkin Avocado Pudding

These pumpkin sweet treat puddings are healthy and delicious. This is a perfect dessert to share with your family too! Rich, chocolatey, velvety goodness that is packed with nutrition. This chocolate pumpkin avocado pudding is a perfect dessert to make for October.

Pumpkin Dip

Yes, you can even have pumpkin for dessert and still lose weight! Do you ever crave pumpkin for dessert? cause I do!Try this super easy and decadent dip at your next Halloween gathering. This recipe is delicious but I add a little bit of nutmeg to the dip to add a little flavor for fall season.

Did you know pumpkin is a great source of fiber? Pumpkin can be an excellent resource to lose weight. Pumpkin can also help you with boosting your metabolism, regulating blood sugar and burning fat. Now, with that being said, This doesn’t mean those decadent pumpkin pies are low in calories with sprinkles of pumpkin spice. This just means when you can add pumpkin and seasonal produce to your healthy nutritional options such as apples, oatmeal, yogurt and sweet potatoes, especially breakfast items. This is a great protein flavor to add to more protein to breakfast options to start off your day!I hope you enjoy! Now that you have some great healthy low calorie ideas and recipes in using your leftover pumpkins not just for the carving contests, but as a seasonal fall favorite food!

To start your sustainable weight loss journey today, check out our calorie-tracking tutorial. The first step of weight loss is being aware of how you eat and our calorie-tracking method can get you there! If you’re looking for curated advice and support from nutrition professionals to guide you closer to your goals, visit The Millennial Nutritionist’s services to learn more!