Plan Your Low Calorie Diet Before The Holidays

If you are trying to stick to your low calorie diet or you are point counting with Weight Watchers over the holidays, then you’ll need to plan ahead. I hope the following resources will support you in this effort.

For me, I am trying to find a low calorie recipe for honey toasted pumpkin seeds. I’ve been searching the internet near and far, but all Google seems to pull out are the savory kind.

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with minerals and important vitamins including vitamin K, vitamin Bs and Es just to name a few. They’re also a great source of minerals like calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium… Carve the pumpkin, but don’t throw away the seeds!

Although pumpkin seeds are healthy, they are also high in calories. 1/4 cup equals 186.65 calories. So stick with a handful and let the kids and friends enjoy the rest.

Toasting Pumpkin Seeds

Scoop out pumpkin seeds
Place seeds right away into water
Transfer to colander and rinse seeds thoroughly
Rub seeds between fingers to remove pulp and strands
Preheat oven to 275 F

Stir together 2 cups pumpkin seeds, 2 TBS vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Coat well.
Take baking sheet, spread the pumpkin seeds evenly in one layer. Bake 65-75 minutes or until lightly browned – stirring often

More Savory Versions For Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

Instead of oil use:

1 ½ TBSP melted butter or margarine
½ tsp salt
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
If desired add a little freshly pressed garlic

Combine Ingredients, mix thoroughly, and place on shallow baking dish

Or:

Just add a little cinnamon and salt to basic recipe

If you have a roasted pumpkin seed recipe that works with honey for all the sweet tooth lovers out there… please add it here…

As promised, here are a few ideas to help you stick with your healthy diet:

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