I know what you’re thinking – pumpkins are for carving, right? Well, they may be good for that, but they’re much better for eating!

Packed with vitamin A, dietary fibre, vitamin C, potassium, zinc, and plenty of other goodness, pumpkins are worth way more than being relegated to a Halloween decoration.

Roast pumpkin is especially delicious – slice your pumpkin into thick wedges or peel it and cut into cubes (keep the seeds, we’ll get to them in a sec), drizzle with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and bake in the oven until soft. Add cumin, garlic powder or paprika before roasting to boost the flavour even more.

Back to the seeds – you didn’t forget about them, did you? Pumpkin seeds are amazing, they contain magnesium for your heart, zinc for your immune system, tryptophan for restful sleep and healthy fats and antioxidants for loads of other health benefits.

Roast the seeds in a low oven, sprinkled with salt or spices, for about 15 minutes, to get a tasty, health snack.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try pumpkin seed butter. That’s right, I said pumpkin seed butter. The same way you blend peanuts to make peanut butter, you can make pumpkin seed butter. Be warned, it looks a bit like sludge, but don’t let that put you off! Honestly, it tastes fantastic. Try scooping it up with veggie sticks, for an even more nutritious snack.   Meridian Foods produce a lovely one so you do not have to blend your own.  Alternatively add a tablespoon of Linwoods flax, sunflower & pumpkin to your porridge or smoothies.

Pumpkins are not the only vegetable to consider in this range though – butternut squash is another to add to your dinner table. It’s jam-packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene… Beta-carotene? That’s the thing that gives veggies their orange colour too, and it’s really good for your eyes – why do you think everyone says carrots help you see in the dark?!

Cut in half, brush with olive oil and place cut-side down on a baking tray. 45 minutes or so and it’ll be softened and delicious. Eat as is, or blend into a fabulous soup!

So don’t let your pumpkin turn into Cinderella’s carriage or a jack o’ lantern this Halloween, make yourself a delicious dinner instead. If nothing else, promise me you’ll save the seeds!

Fiona Stephen is a nutritional therapist based in Barnet, North London. Find out about the nutritional therapy packages available or contact Fiona Stephen Nutrition to discuss your requirements.