With fall here and winter approaching, cold and flu season is upon us, and we’re all looking for ways to boost our immune systems against viruses and infections. Pumpkin contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that not only promote immunity but also regulate blood pressure and decrease your risk of heart disease. Chickpeas are another excellent source of nutrients. High in fiber and vitamin B, they can help support your gut health, assist with weight loss, and improve your heart health. Rich in protein, chickpeas can also help you feel satiated, leading you to snack less and feel fuller more quickly.
Eating nutritious foods doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Try this recipe for pumpkin hummus which combines the nutritional benefits of pumpkin and chickpeas into one delicious dish. It’s the perfect snack to munch on instead of fatty, processed foods that won’t make you feel full.
Looking for more ways to eat healthy? Schedule a consultation with the registered dieticians at TPMG Nutrition Services in Newport News and Williamsburg, VA.
Pumpkin Hummus Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can garbanzo beans/chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/3 cup tahini
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seed oil (can substitute olive oil)
- ¼ cup salted pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
Directions
- Combine garbanzo beans, canned pumpkin, tahini, olive oil, orange juice, sesame oil, cumin, garlic, and salt in food processor.
- Cover and process until smooth.
- Transfer mixture to bowl and garnish with pumpkin seed oil.
- Top with pumpkin seeds and pomegranate seeds.
About Gale Pearson, MS, RDN, CDCES
Gale Pearson, MS, RDN, CDCES is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 25 years of experience working with patients on dietary and nutrition wellness planning. Gale received her undergraduate degree from Hampton University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Howard University.
With extensive experience in nutrition counseling, Gale works with her patients to develop strategies to improve their eating habits and lifestyles, in turn helping them to manage their weight and medical conditions. She credits witnessing her patients’ symptoms and overall health improvement as a result of the lifestyle changes as one of the most gratifying and rewarding aspects of her career.
At TPMG Nutrition Services in Newport News and Williamsburg, Gale provides one-on-one consultations, nutrition and weight management counseling, and diabetes education.
