Leaves are changing colors, the air has a crisp coldness to it, fall is here and with it comes pumpkin-flavored everything! Whether or not you are a fan of this beneficial squash, there is no denying it is the ultimate fall flavor.

Pumpkin is so much more than pie and spiced coffee drinks. Pumpkins are a great source of potassium and beta carotene  which are needed for a healthy body. With such great health benefits, I say the more pumpkin the better!

Try out this delicious and nutritious pumpkin smoothie!

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
• ¼ cup Pumpkin
• ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1 Tablespoon of PB2 -I know it sounds nutty (no pun intended), but it really is good
• 1 1/2 cups Vanilla Soy Milk

Directions:

• Blend all the ingredients.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or roasted pumpkin seeds.
• Enjoy!

Another great way to sneak some pumpkin into your breakfast is to put them into pancakes! I recommend this delicious recipe by Cookie + Kate.

How can you incorporate this fall squash into entrées? Just think grilled, baked, and boiled.  Pumpkin is also great in soups, stir fry, pastas, curries, and so much more!

We all know that pumpkin pie is a stable for the fall season as well as a Thanksgiving dessert, but it’s not for everyone! Why not try a pumpkin roll, or a pumpkin dump cake this season!?!? My personal favorite is a delicious pumpkin roll with amazing cream cheese frosting loaded inside! Oh my yum!!!

Looking  for a lower-calorie alternative to pumpkin roll or pumpkin pie?!? Try this lower-calorie whipped pumpkin cream pie!

Phew. That was a lot of pumpkin for a lot of meals. Just remember that pumpkin is not just for the fall. Sometimes the best meals are those made with creativity and ingredients we often don’t think about using. Try something new and you may find it turns into your favorite meal!

Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Recipes!