During the autumn and winter months, type 2 diabetics can not only enjoy the taste and aroma of cooked pumpkin, they can also reap the nutritional benefits of this winter squash. One cup of canned pumpkin provides only 83 calories and 20 grams of carbohydrate, while giving you 7 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, and 763% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. Pumpkin can add deep flavor and nutritional value to sometimes-bland diabetic breads, soups and low-sugar desserts.
For a simple side dish that packs much more nutrition than mashed potatoes, try heating a can of pumpkin in a skillet and seasoning with ginger, curry, or pumpkin pie spice. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar substitute and a dash of salt. The About.com Guides to Low-fat Cooking, Low-carb Diets, and Vegetarian Cooking also provide some very diabetic-friendly pumpkin recipes. I've compiled twelve of those ideas here and separated them into breakfast, lunch/dinner, and snack ideas for your diabetic meal plans. All of these links provide serving size and carbohydrate information, so take note to work the correct portion size into your meal plans.
Diabetic Pumpkin Recipes: Breakfast Ideas
Diabetic Pumpkin Recipes: Lunch and Dinner Ideas
Ground Beef and Pumpkin Skillet Meal
