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Denise Austin

My Favorite Pumpkin Recipes

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Nutrition

Pumpkin is such an underused ingredient! There are many benefits to consuming pumpkin. It's high in vitamins A and C, full of beta carotene and loaded with antioxidants. When you think of pumpkin recipes, I'm sure sweet breads and tasty coffee beverages are what come to mind. But I love to incorporate superfood ingredients like this into my diet as much as possible... it works for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Here are three of my favorite pumpkin recipes - give them a try this Fall and let me know what you think!!

If you love these recipes, pick up my latest copy of Fit Over 50! This is the Fall edition of my special interest magazine and it's full of delicious, but healthy, fall recipes for you to try this season; including Carrot Ginger Soup, Italian Stuffed Peppers and an Apple Cinnamon Crumble (it's all about balance baby!!). Pick it up at your local grocery or drug store today or order online here!!

Spiced Pumpkin Chili:
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 15 oz. can kidney beans
  • 1 15 oz. can black beans
  • 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup tomato puree
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbs chili powder
  • t tbs ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper

Sauté garlic and onion until tender. Add ground beef and brown until cooked through. Add beans (drained), diced tomatoes (with juice), pumpkin puree, tomato paste, water and spices.Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.


Pumpkin Overnight Chia Oats:

  • 1/4 cup oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened milk of your choice
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 serving of your favorite vanilla protein powder
  • pinch of cinnamon
  • pinch of pumpkin pie spice
  • pecans or walnuts to top

Mix all ingredients except for nuts well. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 2 hours. 


Pumpkin Protein Smoothie:
  • 1 Frozen Banana
  • A dash of Cinnamon, All Spice and Nutmeg (or pumpkin pie spice if you have it)
  • 1 Cup Your Favorite Milk (I love to use almond milk)
  • 1 Cup Pumpkin, Canned
  • 1 Scoop of Your Favorite Protein (I like an unflavored or vanilla)


Simply put all ingredients into your blender and mix it up! You can also add a little ice if you like a thicker texture.


I hope you give these recipes a try this fall and enjoy everything the season has to bring!

Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!

Denise