HOUSTON – Pumpkins are packed with vitamins and minerals, so if you're looking for a way to incorporate them into your diet, look no further.
Certified nutritionist Krystal Hammett shares three easy ways.
1. Use fresh pumpkin to make puree
Buy a small pumpkin, preheat the oven to 400 degrees, cut in half and coat with coconut oil. Bake face down for 45 minutes, then let cool. Scoop into a food processor and pulse for 2-3 minutes. Add salt if desired. You can make it in advance and store in the freezer (in a stainless steel or thick glass container).
2. Eat pumpkin seeds
You can enjoy them in many different ways:
- Eat them by the handful
- Sprinkle in salads
- Add to smoothies
- Incorporate in recipes
3. Buy canned organic pumpkin
Take the puree and add it to vanilla protein powder to make pumpkin smoothies or check out the Pumpkin Protein Bites recipe below.
No Bake Pumpkin Protein Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups dry, uncooked GF oatmeal
- 1/2 cup all-natural almond butter or sun butter
- 1.5 cup organic unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 2 scoops Vanilla Pea Protein Powder
- 1/4 cup whole chia seeds
- 1/4 cup Lakanto maple flavored monk fruit
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup Lily's chocolate chips
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine and stir all ingredients until the mixture comes together.
2. Form into tsp-sized balls and store in a glass or stainless steel container in the refrigerator.
This recipe keeps in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To connect with Krystal and for more information, click here.