Looking for a healthy snack alternative that’s appropriate for the season? Look no further than your Halloween pumpkins, which contain Pumpkin Seeds that can be prepared in a healthy way to not only enjoy, but also to gain the health advantages of. In fact, Pumpkin Seeds are considered by nutritionists to be among the healthiest seeds you can consume. Pumpkin Seeds are great sources for adding important minerals to your diet – including copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and zinc. (And the best part? Pumpkin Seeds are usually available all year long – even though they’re considered freshest during the fall season!)

Directions for Just Stop! Pumpkin Seeds
Remove all seeds from inside your fresh cut pumpkin.

Next, using a paper towel, wipe the seeds off to remove excess pulp (AKA “pumpkin guts”) and spread the seeds out evenly on another paper towel and allow them to dry overnight. The next day, place the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer, sprinkle with garlic powder (not garlic salt!) and bake them in your oven at 150-degrees for about 15-20 minutes. (Baking them for a short time at a low temperature preserves their oils!)

Allow the seeds to cool, then use them as a snack (1/2 a cup equals an appropriate snack portion when on the Just Stop! Plan). You can also sprinkle a small handful on vegetables or any of the Just Stop! Salad recipes. They’ll add extra crunch, extra flavor and extra nutrition – all without adding to your waistline or wrecking your dieting success.

Happy Haunting – I mean, um…snacking!