Good start to the day

 

So you overindulged on Thanksgiving?

Then there are the left-overs…..well, not at my house, since we didn’t host this year.

Need a little redemption?

Need to get yourself back on track?

But still craving pumpkin pie?

Here’s the ticket…..

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal (my own recipe)

Ingredients

1/2 cup old-fashion oatmeal (150 calories)

1 cup water (0 calories)

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (42 calories)

1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (nil)

1/4 tsp. cinnamon (nil)

drizzle of pure maple syrup (52 calories in a Tbs)

teeny sprinkle of brown sugar (15 calories in 1 tsp)

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) (75 calories-Ironman Delicious Vanilla)

2 Tbs chopped walnuts (80 calories)

____________________________________________________

Total Calories with protein powder: 414

Total Calories without protein powder: 339

Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl and stir together.

Microwave for 2 minutes….my bowl is on the large size, if yours is not watch it and make sure it doesn’t boil over.

If adding in the protein powder stir it in once your oatmeal is cooked.

Top with a teensy sprinkling of brown sugar, chopped walnuts and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

A great start to your day that tastes indulgent, but is actually quite healthy!

Walnuts-

When it comes to their health benefits, walnuts definitely are not a hard nut to crack. This delicious nut is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a special type of protective fat the body cannot manufacture. Walnuts' concentration of omega-3s (a quarter-cup provides 90.8% of the daily value for these essential fats) has many potential health benefits ranging from cardiovascular protection, to the promotion of better cognitive function, to anti-inflammatory benefits helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that supports the immune system and appears to have several anticancer properties.

Old fashion oatmeal-

Lower cholesterol level, stabilize blood sugar and more!

Pumpkin-

Antioxidant Rich

Beta carotene---The rich orange color is a dead give away to the nutrients present in pumpkin. Research shows that people who eat a diet rich in beta-carotene are less likely to develop certain cancers than those who fail to include beta-carotene-rich foods in their diet.

Loaded with Potassium---Studies show people who have a potassium rich diet lower the risk for hypertension. Potassium rich foods include bananas, broccoli, avocados, pomegranate and many others.

Zinc---Not only is zinc a major boost for your immune system, it also aids in bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis.

High in Fiber---Diets rich in fiber may prevent cancer, heart disease and other serious ailments.

 

Cinnamon-

Anti-Clotting Actions

Anti-Microbial Activity

Blood Sugar Control

 

Pure Maple Syrup-

Maple syrup is sweet - and we're not just talking flavor. Maple syrup, as an excellent source of manganese and a good source of zinc, can also be sweet for your health.