The pumpkin is a member of the squash family.
Pumpkin is a nutritious food that is low in fat and loaded with antioxidants and fiber. Canned pumpkin is easy to find at your local grocery store and is available year round. Canned pumpkin can easily be added to everyday meals and snacks to add nutritional value. Pumpkin is very versatile in that it can add a sweet flavor to some foods or a warm spicy flavor to others. Follow simple, healthy recipes to easily and practically incorporate pumpkin into your diet.
Instructions
Pumpkin Yogurt
1. Mix 1 tbsp. of canned pumpkin into one serving of plain or vanilla yogurt. Greek yogurt is also a healthy alternative that has a high-protein content and zero fat.
2. Add cinnamon according to your taste. Nutmeg can also be added for a nutty, warm flavor.
3. Add a handful of granola to the top. The granola gives the yogurt a crunchy texture that resembles pumpkin pie.
Fruit Dip
4. Combine one 8-oz. package of Neufchâtel cream cheese, 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin and 2 tbsp. of honey in a bowl. Neufchâtel cream cheese is similar in taste and texture to traditional cream cheese, but it contains one-third less fat.
5. Mix for one minute or until the ingredients appear smooth.
6. The flavor of apples goes well with pumpkin.
Serve alongside fruit and crackers. Slices of apple, pear or banana will meld nicely with the flavor of the pumpkin. This low-fat dip is a creamy, sweet snack.
Sandwich
7. Combine 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin with 1/2 cup of peanut butter. Using natural peanut butter will reduce the sugar content of the mixture. Mix the ingredients together until they are smooth.
8. Cut a banana into thin slices. Spread the banana slices evenly over the surface of one piece of whole-wheat bread.
9. Spread the peanut butter and pumpkin mixture over a slice of whole-wheat bread. Combine the bread slices to create a healthy protein-packed sandwich. The sandwich can be enjoyed as a breakfast item or to get a pre-workout boost.
Tags: cream cheese, peanut butter, canned pumpkin, Canned pumpkin, Neufch cream, Neufch cream cheese
