Pumpkin Season

Hellllooooo Fit Diva!!!  I had to keep going on about more pumpkin ideas!  I mean..why not?  Any time I can find ways to make the unhealthy, high calorie version lighter so we can still enjoy life makes me Happy!!!!!! And then I get to share the ideas!

To no ones surprise, October is national pumpkin month! EVERYTHING becomes pumpkin and it never gets old..well, maybe by December it does!  Haha! Theres something about pumpkin: pumpkin spices, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin crackers, pumpkin beer, pumpkin desserts…gets us in the mood to shift seasons and enjoy yummy pumpkin goodies of course. My job…to create healthy, “stay eating clean” versions of all the yummy treats or at least some of them;) We must splurge once in a while!!

Canned Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin is magical year round. Most canned pumpkin puree is just “pumpkin”. It should not have any added ingredients when you look at the nutritional label. Trader Joe brand is organic and has a wonderful fresh taste.
Over the years, its popularity has grown so much that markets often find themselves running out of the stuff. Keep cans of organic pumpkin puree in the pantry at all times. Pumpkin is super low in calories (40 per 1/2 cup), no fat and is loaded with fiber. Use it as a substitute in high fat baking. Such as butter or oil replacement. It makes great muffins or bars that are high in protein as well.

Pumpkin has some pretty incredible health benefits too!

It helps fight off free radicals, prevents premature aging, reduces the risk of hypertension, and can even help trigger feelings of well-being and happiness.  Pumpkin is also a fantastic way to refuel your carb macros after a workout plus all the potassium (500 mg 1/2 cup) to restore your electrolytes.

More Pumpkin Recipes

Diva-licious Recipe

Here are a few of my favorite recipes and Diva-Licious treats I have found at traders Joes for YOU to enjoy during this beautiful Autumn season:

Bella’s Pumpkin Protein Spice Bars

Ingredients:

• 3 cups oats (not instant)
• 3 scoops vanilla protein powder (whey) Isagenix brand for all natural is my Favorite
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp gr ginger

Directions:

• Mix all dry ingredients together
• Then mix in another bowl:
  1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  1/8 cup of honey
  3 packs of Stevia
  Whisk together and ADD to dry mix.
• Stir until smooth
• Spray 8×8 baker or your silicone muffin holder, pour batter and cook on 350”15 min.
• Cook until outer edges are cooked and middle is soft. Whey cooks fast. Rather be slightly under than over cooked.
  *You can sprinkle slivered almonds on top before backing or spread a light layer of any nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew) on top after baking as a “frosting”. I personally like the melted nut butter on top!
• Makes 12-14 squares:
  150Cal
  5 G Sugar
  20 g Carb
  3 G Fat
  13 G Pro

Diva-licious Recipe

Diva’s Pumpkin Spice protein coffee

A lot of times you will have left over pumpkin puree, so now what? Its easy to add a spoonful to oatmeal in the morning or even whip it together with non fat greek yogurt and add some stevia, cinnamon and a tsp of almond milk…sounds gross but its actually a great afternoon or evening sweet treat! BUT….you can add a spoonful to your morning or mid day coffee.

• 1 cup of coffee
• splash of half & half or creamer of choice
• 1 large tablespoon of pumpkin
• tablespoon of vanilla protein powder
• stevia
• cinnamon
• whisk together with an electric or by hand whisker
  Adjust stevia and cinnamon to your taste! YUM!

Diva-licious Recipe

Mini pumpkin pies  …perfect for just a taste!

1/12th  of recipe (1 mini pie): 41 calories, 0.5g total fat (0.5g sat fat), 67mg sodium, 6g carbs, 1g fiber, 1.5g sugars, 2g protein

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 small square wonton wrappers (often stocked with the tofu in the refrigerated section of the supermarket)
• 3/4 cup canned pure pumpkin
• 3/4 cup light/low-fat ricotta cheese
• 2-3 packs of 100% stevia
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2-1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: dollop of cool whip, cinnamon or even shaved dark chocolate

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray.
• Place a wonton wrapper into each cup of the muffin pan. Press it into the bottom and up along the sides.
• Lightly spray wrappers with nonstick spray. Bake until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, thoroughly mix remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.
• Spoon pumpkin mixture into wonton cups, about 2 tbsp. each.
• MAKES 12 SERVINGS
  PS…you can create any mini pie you want for entertaining with these wonton wraps

Pumpkin Snacks

If you don’t shop at Trader Joes….well, you must start! haha Here are just 2 of my fav pumpkin treats I have discovered. One Diva approved & the other….buy with caution because you MUST eat with caution and will power. Don’t open it after having a glass of wine or 2 haha! I will let you guess which of the 2 below is the naughty treat!

Hope these ideas and recipes help motivate you to make some healthy pumpkin treats!

If you make any new pumpkin recipes…send them my way please!!  I will post them on my site and give the winner a complimentary training session!!  #motivation

Happy Pumpkin Making!!

Ciao Bella Diva