Do you know what really spooks me about Halloween? Not the ghouls and ghosts, but the huge amount of sugar kids – and often adults – end up eating.
When my sons were younger, they would cleverly go “trick or treating” around the neighborhood on rollerblades so as to cover more ground and collect as much candy as possible. They would return home after a long evening and I remember gasping in horror as they unloaded their pillow case full of candy onto the floor.
What a shame that sugar, in all its forms, is acidifying, unhealthy, and can hurt your bones by interfering with the transport and absorption of crucial bone healthy nutrients! So with Halloween around the corner, let’s focus on pumpkins instead of candy (even if you don't celebrate Halloween, you're sure to learn something). They’re good for your bones and delicious. In fact…
Pumpkins are a Foundation Food
A rich source of bone-building silicon, pumpkins also offer outstanding antioxidant protection thanks to their high beta carotene content, which is what gives them their bright orange color.
For this Halloween I want to help you enjoy a luscious and guilt-free pumpkin dessert. I’ve come up with a deliciously sweet yet bone-healthy recipe that’s easy to make. And the best part is that you won’t use any bone-harming sugar! Instead, you can use stevia – a bone healthy sugar substitute.
And now for the delicious bone-healthy pumpkin recipe.
“Bo(o)ne” Healthy Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
This alkalizing recipe makes 12 servings.
Ingredients
3 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (if you use canned, make sure it’s BPA-free)
1/4 cup stevia
5 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Heat almond milk to just below boiling,
3. Lightly beat eggs, then add pumpkin, stevia, coconut oil, cinnamon and vanilla. Mix until well blended.
4. Gradually whisk in the hot almond milk. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
5. Evenly divide pumpkin mixture among a dozen 6 oz custard cups. Place cups in baking pans. Add hot tap water to the pans until the water is halfway up the sides of the custard cups.
6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Custard centers should be slightly wobbly.
Enjoy!
Hi Vivian, I am staying in N.Y. with my son, but leave on Wednesday the 23rd July. As regards slimtevia, the froctose we talk about is not HFSyrup, & apparently, can lead to problems e.g. cancer – please do some more research on fructose, as it is still made in a laboratory & is not natural fruit fibre, like eating a fruit.There is another stevia product on the market, which is not bitter. I can let you know if you want, but at the moment I am scared of buying the one you recommend.
Thanks so much for your advise.
Yours sincerely,
Joy
Thanks for mentioning that, Joy! The Save Our Bones philosophy is all about making your own informed health decisions, so if you have researched and are not comfortable with a product, drug, food, or anything else, then I commend you for being true to your knowledge and personal choice. 🙂
I was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago. I take an estrogen blocker, letrozole every day. The letrozole and thyroid disease have caused me to have osteoporosis of the spine and osteopenia of the hips. I have been on Actonel for three years and my doc wants me to take prolia. I refused the Prolia and quit the Actonel but am worried about the Letrozole causing more bone loss. will the Osteoporosis Reversal Program be able to keep up with the bone loss from my cancer therapy? Also, I ordered True Osteo calcium but just saw the comment about not taking it if you have had estrogen driven cancer with vitamin K. Please advise. martha
Martha, I wish you a full and healthful recovery from your cancer.
As for whether or not you should take TrueOsteo in your condition, please talk to your doctor or someone familiar with your health history. If there is any risk in your taking TrueOsteo, he or she should be able to tell you. 🙂
I have broken my hip bad shorten my leg by 3″ now I’m 5/8 off
I was on actonal for five years was good at first about taking my
D and calcium but got sloppy with them
I would exercise five days a week not eat very much
If I gained weight would exercise more.
The doctor wants me to do daily injections or the twice a year shot
Says if I do not do something I will end up bed ridden or wheel chair
My bone test in 2008 was bad from 2006
Took another one in 2010 worst yet
I have now been good about taking my calicum and d
Since 2010 but they say not enough to help me
I do not get much exercise as my hip still hurts been since 2010 fixed
I have disc bulge and nerve damage lower back. Also
Arthritis I do not want to end up bed ridden
A friend of my husbands mom was like me she eneded up on pain meds
Could not get around told her she was at the point no bone drug would help her too late
Renee, first of all, thank you for being a part of the Save Our Bones community and for doing your own health research. Good for you!
From your comment, it sounds like your doctor is trying to convince you that, without drugs, you’ll end up in a wheelchair. How frightening that must be!
I suggest you read my blog post on doctor scare tactics to help you out:
https://saveourbones.com/osteoporosis-doctor-scare-tactics/
There’s no need to be intimidated! 🙂
Thank you ever so much for all the helpful information you give to us!!! I truly appreciate it!!!
Veronica
Hi! Vivian,
I Know This Wasn’t The Subject Matter Of Your Article Today, But I Was Told By A Friend Of My Husband’s That His Wife Is On The Acai Berry Diet That She Asked Her Dr. About. Is It A Healthy Diet To Go On; And Is It
Safe For Your Bones? Please Answer These Questions For Me As Soon As You Can! I Would Appreciate It Very Much!
LOVE, LESLIE (Ms. L.)
Hi Leslie, I sure appreciate you as part of the community!
Now to answer your questions, the acai berry fruit is healthy in general and good for your bones as well. It contains antioxidants. minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, and magnesium and valuable phytonutrients such as resveratrol and ellagic acid. You can get the same nutrients from other more commonly available fruits, such as raspberries, grapes and blueberries. However, the acai berry is highest in antioxidants.
Love,
Vivian 🙂
Halloween is the most ridiculous, unhealthy, dangerous and un-Christian holiday there is. Big Business and even churches are all supporting it more each year. How much good food those pumpkins rotting on porches could have made for all those ‘starving kids’. During the holiday season the kids will get all “sugared up” to make it a big flu season ahead. (More income for Big Pharma)
I use the green powder stevia to make pumpkin (winter squash or carrot) pies and no one can tell the difference. It can be about the most healthy desert and so quick to mix using a blender.
many thanks for your article,the Calsium you recomend only contains 32mg. of magnesium,is this not to low ? 60/40,balance is what i understand is the norm. also what about zinc? I have found one, not saying it is better but would like any feedback. Pure Plant-Sourse Green Calcium a natural marine plant. GreenNutritionals.micrOrganics. web,www.greencalcium.com.au cherrs June,
You’re right, June. You still need to supplement with extra magnesium. That’s easy to do with a good multivitamin 🙂
I tried to order your ebook on your new Slimfast book after paying my $67 for the Slimfast product, but had no success in downloading this book.
Please send me help in downloading it.
Hilda Kurowski
Hilda, I’d love to help you, but there’s no Slimfast book available here… I hope you’ll get the download issue resolved soon!
I have been eating a diet similar to the one in Save our Bones as per my blood type and an allergist for quite a while. I still test high in acid on PH paper from my urine. I have also been taking algae based calcium for about 9 mths, vitamin D and magnesium. My current Dexa-scan was -3.5, although current opinion is that it is genetic (both parents and their parents had osteoporosis). My Dr is insistent that I take some drugs (Prolia etc.) but I have been extremely hesitant. (I am 58 years old). I taught aerobics for 22 years and still exercise many times a week and feel I am quite strong and healthy. Unfortunately my bones don’t agree. Your recommendation?
I think your bones will agree even less with Prolia! Remember that while bone density is important, it is not what prevents fractures… Since you’re already seeing an allergist, I wonder if you could be gluten intolerant, which can lead to nutrient malabsorption. I’ve seen many cases of undiagnosed gluten intolerance causing unexplainable bone loss. Once the gluten is removed and along with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, bone density quickly improves.
I would like to know which calcium supplement you recommend. I recently purchased a bottle of “Food Based Calcium” from Rainbow Light thinking it was plant based organic material. To my horror I find that although there are good herbs contained in it (horsetail, nettle, silica) the actual calcium in it is derived from limestone!!! I have recently been told I officially have osteoporisis so am doing the ph diet plus bone density exercises you recommend but I need a good calcium source. Can you help me please Vivian?
Of course I can help you, Eileen! This is the organic calcium I recommend:
https://saveourbones.com/confused-about-calcium-read-this/
Get that ____ ribbon out of the way,I
want to read the article!
Sorry about that, Allan! Can you please describe what blocks your view of the blog post? I’d like to get this solved ASAP 🙂
You have written before about how good Slimtevia is. What do you think about the product Stevia in the Raw? The ingredients are listed as maltodextrin and stevia leaf extract?
I don’t think Stevia In The Raw is something I’d even think of buying. If I recall correctly, it has mostly filler in it, which means that about 90% of what is in it is not stevia at all. Any type of stevia that measures cup for cup or spoon for spoon like sugar is not stevia worth thinking about. If you get good stevia, then it will only need a fraction of the amount than sugar to sweeten equally. Cancer Defeated recommended Slimtevia, but they also recommend others. I get stevia by the pound that cost about $60 a pound but last me for about a year. A serving size is 1/64th tsp. It only takes me 1/2 tsp. to sweeten a gallon of tea. I like the granual type instead of the powder because it desolves easier. You can even mix it with water in a small dispencer bottle to make a sweetner to take with you to restaurants. If you want to look at some of those to compare the products just follow this link. https://www.iherb.com/search?kw=nustevia%20pure%20extract
Greg, what bothers me about Stevia is how white it is. The original stevia plant is green so the white stevia we buy must be bleached.
My sister used to buy the green stevia plant from the health food shop and grind it in her coffee grinder.
I also grow my own and blend it.
I am interested in Slimtevia, but my internet security client indicates that there is great risk if I vsit their site.
Also, I would like to know if you recommed using carob.
Thank you for all your helpful information! Lucy
Hi Vivian
Could you please get Slimstevia shipments opened to send to Canada?
Thanks
Vivian, you are a jewel. You have given so much of your time and information to your community that I am shocked at some of the comments I read today.I have been part of your community for a year and a half and I know that I am healthier because of you and always look forward to what you have to share.
I appreciate your comments Patsy, and most of all, I appreciate YOU as a part of the Save Our Bones community!
two days ago I fell and nothing broke! Two years ago I fell and my wristt broke due to osteoperosis. I discovered thee Save our Bones one the internet and am sure that is why nothing broke this time. Thank you.
Yeah! That’s what I call healthy bones! Keep up with the Program, Elizabeth 🙂
Wish I could print the recipe. Sounds good.
would like more information regarding exercises for bone building please.any possibility of a free e mail exercise .
Here are some exercises for osteoporosis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4RxXMoVV1E&feature=related
Here are two of my exercise demonstrations, so you can get started:
https://saveourbones.com/osteoporosis-exercises-hip/
https://saveourbones.com/osteoporosis-exercises-spine/
Actually, I am skeptical of the products you endorse that can only be sold on the internet. If they are indeed the best for you then they should be easily available to pick up in most stores where one shops. I also dislike having to read through a long promo to finally know the cost.
After all I have read, researched…it certainly has said stevia is a natural best substitute for sugar and am inclined to think Slimtevia is new with no info from Drs. nutrisionist.
There is just so much on your web you are promoting that I am not able to research at Mayo, Johns Hopkins etc. I have enjoyed your bone info but all the other promos are making me very skeptical.
Phyllis, I’m sorry that you get sidetracked when I share products that I like with our community. For me, the community is like a family, and if I’d stumble on a great product, I’d share it with them just as I feel I should share it with everyone in the community. The best part is that nobody has to buy anything 🙂 So please, feel free to use the “Search” box at the top right and research information to your heart’s content!
There are several stevia products on the market, but the ones that are good and worth the costs are not in your major stores because they are in it for the money. If the good stevia products ended up in WalMart it would cost a few hundred dollars. You can only get cheap stevia at most chain stores that are mostly filler which is very bad for your body and the rest of the stevia is mostly the part of the plant that is bitter. I buy stevia by the pound that has no bitter taste and last for almost a year. It only takes me 1/2 tsp. to sweeten a gallon of green tea. The real and good stevia is worth every penny you pay for it. I pay about $60 a pound and it last all year long. If you’d like to take a look at those just follow this link. https://www.iherb.com/search?kw=nustevia%20pure%20extract
I love the stevia I get and my friends and family I give some to love it also. 1/4 tsp. is like 1 cup of sugar with no bitter taste at all. Stevia’s rebaudiacide is the good part of the stevia plant while the steviacide is the bitter part of the plant. Make sure any stevia you buy is made up of the rebaudiacide only!
Currently 327 voters, Which choice is most wanted? Will you be trying to fulfill our requests? That sounds like a lot of work. Thank you
That’s exactly why I’m asking for the “vote”! Because I want to know what everyone wants, so I can fulfill the requests 🙂
TYfor the info you take time to get for us you are a JEWEL to me Great Job
Thanks for your kind words, Harold! They mean a lot to me…