Carved pumpkins symbolize the beginning of the Halloween season. However, these orange decorations serve more than one purpose -- they are actually full of nutritional value and should be incorporated into everyone’s daily diet.

Pumpkins are rich in potassium and full of powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene. They also contain loads of fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and healthy weight-loss routines. Pumpkins have powerful enzymes that cleanse and hydrate the skin. And if you're tired of bananas, pumpkins' high potassium content makes for a perfect post-work out snack that naturally restores the body’s electrolyte levels.

Make these recipes if you want to incorporate this healthy power food into your diet:

Breakfast: Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal 

Say goodbye to your boring cinammon and sugar oatmeal. Try this recipe to wake you up and spice up your day. For an extra healthy kick, add raspberries, blueberries and sliced strawberries to your oatmeal. Fruits contain natural sugars --- which are an excellent source of energy for your body --- that won't cause you to crash like coffee or candy will.

Lunch: Roasted Pumpkin Apple Soup

Gloomy skies? Brighten up your day with this savory recipe. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, so get out that that tuperware and take some with you to work. This soup will get you on your feet and through the long workday. Add a side of celery and carrots to your soup for an extra-fibrous digestive boost.

Dinner: Roasted Pumpkin Sweet Potato Pilau

The beauty of this recipe is that it can be modified in many different ways to fit your dietary needs. For gluten-free diets, substitute the pilau with quinoa. Although the recipe does not specify, any type of meat would be sufficient with this dish. For vegetarians and vegans, tofu works excellently.

Tip: tofu is relatively tasteless on its own. Since it is so absorbent, it readily takes on the flavor of marinades.

If you are looking for a good tofu marinade, try this homemade recipe. It works with almost every dish:

1/2 pound of tofu (firm or extra firm tofu is recommended)

1/2 cup of soy sauce

1/4 cup of Dijon mustard

Mix the soy sauce and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Then, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and add it to the mixture. Let the tofu sit for thirty minutes before cooking it. This marinade also tastes great with chicken. 

Dessert: Ginger Pumpkin Pie with Toasted Coconut

No holiday dinner is complete without a delicious homemade pumpkin pie. This recipe is perfect because it adds a tangy twist to the traditional pumpkin pie dish. Oh, and it's healthy, too. Pair this recipe with your favorite ice cream and cup of tea for a perfect end to your day.

Reach Staff Reporter Niki Hashemi here or follow her on Twitter.