To keep energy levels high this season, try these 3 healthy pumpkin spice breakfast ideas!
I know, I know… pumpkin spice just isn’t cool anymore. But as a basic millennial, it’s in my DNA to crave PSL whenever it’s hot. drops below 80’F (I live in Florida, don’t make fun of me!)
Buuuuuuuut most of the pumpkin spice-themed items at the store are full of added sugar, low in fiber, and don’t contain a lot of protein.
Pumpkin spice cereal, granola and energy bars don’t stop there. Sure, it’s delicious but a bowl of pumpkin spice cereal with almond milk is going to fill me up for, I don’t know, 27 minutes?
Then I rummaged through my pantry for more sugar.
Instead, try one of these 3 healthy pumpkin spice breakfast recipes from home for less sugar, more protein, and extra nutrients!
Chocolate Pumpkin Overnight Oats (Vegan, Gluten Free)
In a mason jar or sealed container, mix 1 scoop 1st Phorm Chocolate Vegan Power Pro Protein Powder with 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, 3/4-1 cup milk of choice, 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Refrigerate overnight and sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons of grated unsweetened coconut and/or toasted pecans. Eat warm or cold.
Optional: stir in 1 tsp instant coffee for a pumpkin spice oat latte.
Tip: I recommend stocking up on a scoop of Thorne collagen powder to support healthy skin and hair.
Pumpkin Parafait (Vegetarian)
In the bottom of a clear glass, add 1/4 cup whole or 2% vanilla Greek yogurt (I recommend Chobani Zero or Chobani Complete). Coat the yogurt with a light layer of Pumpkin applesauce. I find them seasonally at Sprouts, thought there were lots of easy recipes online like this one. Be sure to use unsweetened applesauce if making it from scratch!
Then, add a layer of pumpkin spice granola (the recipe is here). You can also buy granola- I like Purely Elizabeth but for a sugar free option try Ezekiel cereal.
Add another layer of yogurt followed by another layer of pumpkin applesauce. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts and/or more low-sugar granola.
Tip: Make this recipe gluten free with granola or vegan gluten free with coconut yogurt.
Pumpkin Cottage Cheese on Toast (Vegetarian)
I know I may be missing some of you on this, but it turned out to be so delicious and so satisfying!
Mix 1 cup of Good Culture 2% cottage cheese with 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon. Spread Trader Joe’s Cranberry Harvest Sprouted Grain toast and sprinkle with crushed walnuts.
Tip: No Trader Joes near you? Any sprouted grain bread will work, or try your pumpkin cottage cheese spread on a Kodiak Cake Power waffle.
More Fall Recipes:
Kait Richardson is a registered dietitian nutritionist in Orlando, FL. She is a partner in private practice, Nutrition Awareness, where she helps frustrated yo-yo dieters achieve their health goals using 1:1 nutrition coaching. She is the co-host of Nutrition Awareness
Disclaimer: Some blog posts may contain one or more affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
