Pumpkin Puree Recipes: Use up your canned pumpkin this week

I thought you might want some pumpkin puree recipes to help inspire you to keep preparing healthy meals through the holiday season.  Each of these pumpkin recipes calls for a little puree, so if you have extra on hand, now you know what to do with it!

Happy November Friends!

We have less than 60 days in the year which gives me a sense of panic, but also makes me want to focus on finishing the year strong with my goals! I have several in mind that are business related, but my health goal is to continue improving my running distance while keeping up my strength training. I’ve taken a break from lifting weights for a little while (after finishing LIFT 4) and I’m focused on body-weight workouts that are a blend of pilates and yoga. I find this workout is a great compliment to running because it helps me maintain precious muscle mass while also keeping my knees and joints strong and well supported. If you want to try it, let me know, I can get you a free access for a month.

Ah, the things you need to think about when you’re trying to stay fit after 40!

Paleo Pumpkin Puree Treats - Gluten and Sugar Free

Speaking of staying fit, a huge part of maintaining great health, particularly for women over 40, is staying away from sugar and processed carbs. So it may seem ironic that I’m sharing some baking recipes today, but here’s the thing - all these recipes are sugar-free, gluten-free, and they all call for canned pumpkin puree. Easy peasy! 

Most are paleo-friendly and some contain protein (you can omit the protein if you want to keep it paleo). As you know, I’m a huge fan of infusing protein powder into my treats not only to raise the nutrient value but also to add bulk without the extra calories.

Pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling?

I feel like it's worth mentioning that there is an enormous difference between using straight up canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling.  Although they look deceivingly similar by label, pie filling has a ton of added sugar and preservatives, where as pumpkin puree is just straight up pumpkin.  So be careful to read labels when you're shopping for pumpkin in a can.  I've made this mistake myself, several times.

Paleo Pumpkin Bread

This one doesn't have protein in it as that's not in line with the paleo diet (but you could add some if you wanted!).

Protein Pumpkin Muffins

I love these because the added protein makes you feel fuller, longer.  PS...  Please don't mind the hideous photography.  It has improved slightly over the year (well, honestly not that much).

Paleo Pumpkin Muffins

Not to be confused with the protein muffins above, this recipe is strict paleo, but the muffins taste just as good (if not better).

A Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte

If you're a fan of pumpkin spice you're going to love this latte.  It blows Starbucks out of the water and there's no empty calories or chemicals.  Plus you're going to need the latte to drink with all the pumpkin goodies you're making this weekend!

 

Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

Oh this is a good one.  I use Shakeology in this recipe, but you can use any protein you like to recreate a pumpkin pie in a jar.  It's quick and simple, dairy-free, vegan and paleo. 

 

That's it!  Hope you enjoy this little Friday Pumpkin infusion.  Enjoy the weekend.