Halloween is a great excuse to talk about a superstar vegetable that I love to eat - pumpkin!

Pumpkin, a type of winter squash, is naturally fat free, and provides only 30 calories per one cup serving. Pumpkin is also a good source of fiber, beta carotene, potassium, and two antioxidants called lutein and beta-cryptoxanthin. Lutein helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration and beta-cryptoxanthin helps fight arthritis.

Pumpkin flesh tends to be sweet, making it a terrific ingredient for pies, soups, puddings, and breads. For a yummy pumpkin breakfast pudding, try my simple recipe listed below.

Pumpkin-Yogurt Breakfast Pudding:

• ½ cup 100% canned pure pumpkin
• 1 cup (8 ounce container) vanilla, nonfat yogurt
• 1-2 tablespoons wheat germ
• Optional chopped walnuts (lightly toasted)

Mix pumpkin puree with vanilla yogurt and top with wheat germ and chopped, toasted walnuts. Serve for breakfast... or enjoy after dinner for dessert.

Next, I'll talk about the nutritional benefits and versatility of pumpkin seeds.