Eight Pumpkin Recipes with Fewer Calories than a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkins image via Shutterstock

Pumpkins are an excellent source of vitamin A and naturally low in calories, but don’t be fooled into thinking that your favorite pumpkin latte is equally as good for you. A grande Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks has 381 calories. Drink one per day, and you’ll pile on the pounds along with your sweaters this season. But it is possible to enjoy the flavors of fall without the extra calories. Here are recipes that have fewer calories than that pumpkin latte in your hand (all calories counts are per serving.):

1. Pumpkin Nut Muffins (162 calories each)
via Skinny Taste

Pumpkin for breakfast? Yes, please. These muffins are made with egg whites, canned pumpkin and whole wheat flour, so you can eat two for the calorie price of one pumpkin latte.

2. Pumpkin Pancakes (133 calories)
via Fit Sugar

Pancakes made with fresh pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour and ground chia seeds add extra health benefits to traditional pancakes.

3. Southwestern Pumpkin Burgers (331 calories)
via Eating Well

A new twist on fall flavors, these pumpkin burgers are both crispy and spicy.

4. Pronto Pumpkin Soup (180 calories)
via Meal Makeover Moms

Warm up on a cold day with this soup recipe from Boston-based dietitians. You can use chicken or vegetable broth (to keep it vegetarian if you prefer).

5. Salt and Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds (170 calories)
via Eat Simply

Love salt and vinegar chips but hate the calories and fat? Try these pumpkin seeds made with olive oil and sea salt for some pumpkin on the go.

6. Pumpkin Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies (171 calories for two)
via Skinny Taste

A dash of pumpkin pie spice adds a little kick to these whole wheat flour-based cookies. Plus, you can eat two cookies for the calorie cost of one pumpkin latte.

7. Pumpkin Ravioli (162 calories per four ravioli)
via Health

This recipe uses wonton wrappers in place of pasta for what could be the lightest ravioli you’ve ever tried.

8. Baked Stuffed Pumpkin (281 calories each)
via Cooking Light

Using a mini pumpkin as a dish creates a fun and easy way to bake the fresh pumpkin, apples, Israeli couscous and cranberries in this healthy and hearty recipe.

What’s your favorite way to use pumpkins in healthy recipes?  Tell us in the comments!