Warm Vanilla Pumpkin Chia Pudding

Warm Vanilla Pumpkin Chia Pudding

Fall just speaks pumpkin. So this warm pumpkin chia pudding solves some challenges I hear from many of you. Cool weather makes you want a warm comfort food in the morning (though I’m a smoothie girl 365!). Then there’s the problem of more carbs than many of you want (or do well with to start your day with too many other options). So chia to the rescue. By using this and protein to make the recipe you can have your warm bowl and eat it too. Don’t skip the spices and though I don’t often tell you to use maple syrup, do here, it will add flavor too.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups unsweetened plain almond milk or oat milk
• Scoop of vanilla (or plain) protein powder per serving (2 or 3)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 cup canned organic pumpkin
• 1/2 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup chia seeds (black, white, or mix)

Instructions:

In a small pot add almond milk, pumpkin, vanilla, maple syrup, cinnamon, and chia seeds and whisk vigorously to combine. Set aside and let sit for 20 minutes to thicken. Once thickened, place pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat and stir continuously to warm throughout and thicken into a thin pudding consistency. Remove from heat. Divide the warm chia pudding between 2-3 bowls or jars and top with a sprinkle of nuts (pecans or walnuts) and/or seeds and cinnamon. Enjoy while warm! Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy chilled. Try it as a dessert after a light meal. Let me know how you use it.

Carbs, Protein, and Hormones

What’s the scoop with a high protein breakfast that’s low in carbs? Especially for women, it sets you up for a better hormonally balanced day. Your cortisol is (or should be – let’s work on that if it’s not) up in the morning. That means you’ve got energy. Unless you’re an athlete training for a big event you likely don’t need carbs to get you through. A blood-sugar stabilizing high protein, fat, and fiber meal keeps your insulin and cortisol levels where you want them. Skipping breakfast to fast? Be sure it’s working for you. For many midlife women – especially with thyroid issues – fasting may not be ideal. Yet, if you are having success you may up the benefit by shifting your first meal to a morning one, rather than blowing through it with no food. Your hormones later in the day will thank you. Eat an earlier dinner instead.

Other Breakfast Ideas You Might Like:

Power Protein Breakfasts Ultimate Smoothie Guide Make a high protein breakfast and post-workout meal easier (and save 10 or 15%) with Subscribe & Save when you purchase protein. (15% begins your 4th month) Strong women start with protein.