Healthy Ways To Use Pumpkin {18 Must Try Sweets, Snacks and Dessert Recipes}

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We take a break in our regular snack food programming to help bring some balance to your diet this holiday season: Healthy Ways To Use Pumpkin!

18 Healthy Ways to Use Pumpkin - Healthier Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

It’s tough to get through the fall season without being inundated with autumn’s favorite squash: the pumpkin! The fall food season seems to be all about pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin cheesecake, and pumpkin cookies.

While these are delicious treats, they aren’t always so great for your waistline.  Here you will find some healthy ways to still enjoy pumpkin, but without all the added calories, fat and sugar.

If you’ve changed your mind and want to indulge in some decadent pumpkin desserts instead, be sure to check out our 15 Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes To Try This Fall.  You’ll find everything from breakfast sweets like pumpkin muffins, cinnamon rolls, donuts, and scones to goodies like pumpkin cookies, brownies, cheesecake, cereal treats, magic bars, fudge, and ice cream!

15 Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes
15 Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

Health Benefits Of Pumpkin

In addition to how delicious it tastes and how versatile it is, there are also some great benefits to choosing pumpkin as an ingredient for your fall recipes.

Here are some top benefits:

Flavor
One nice thing about pumpkin is that it can be a really neutral ingredient to add to your meals, but can be spiced up to work in sweet as well as savory dishes. Canned or cooked pumpkin goes a long way in desserts, soups, and so many different foods and drinks. You can add it to smoothies or use canned pumpkin in your cake mixes.

Low In Calories
Did you know one cup of pumpkin is only 30 calories! This means you can eat quite a bit of this veggie and all its immense flavor with a low amount of calories.

High Nutrient Content
Pumpkin is loaded with nutrients. In addition to the lower calories, enjoying pumpkin this fall can also increase the nutrients you are consuming. Some of the nutrients vary based on whether you are eating the “meat” inside the pumpkin, or the actual pumpkin seeds. Here are some nutrients you will get:

  • Potassium – To start with, your pumpkin meat will contain potassium, which is great for helping to lower your blood pressure and boost your overall heart health.
  • Beta carotene – Beta carotene is found in fruits and vegetables that are an orange color, and that includes pumpkin.
  • Vitamin C – If you need more vitamin C, but aren’t a fan of citrus fruits, you can get a good amount of it in your pumpkin meat. This is not only a beneficial vitamin on its own, but it can help you to absorb iron.
  • Zinc, omega 3s, magnesium, and tryptophan – These are just some of the healthy nutrients you will get from pumpkin seeds. 

Healthier Pumpkin Recipe Ideas

Now that you know all about the health benefits of pumpkin, you may want to check out some healthier recipes to use it in. Here are some quick ideas:

18 Healthier Pumpkin Sweets, Treats and Dessert Recipes

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18 Healthy Ways to Use Pumpkin - Healthier Fall Recipes