Pumpkin Pie Protein Hot Cereal

Halloween is over. But it’s gifted you with leftover pumpkin! Not sure what to do with all that pumpkin puree awesomeness? How about adding it to you morning hot cereal!

Honestly, is there anything better than pumpkin? As soon as the first leaves turn color, people become pumpkin obsessed. And for good reason. Not only is pumpkin comforting and decadent, this seasonal superfood is actually a really healthy add-in.

Pumpkin is a great source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene. As with other orange-colored fruits and vegetables, pumpkin is rich in these antioxidants, which the body converts into Vitamin A. These nutrients help the body maintain healthy skin, keen vision, and a well-tuned heart. Carotenoids are also studied for their ability to prevent cancer.

The fibrous insides of a pumpkin make it stand to reason that pumpkin is also an excellent source of fiber. Foods high in fiber help us feel fuller for longer. Fiber also aids in weight loss, making recipes with added pumpkin (like this one) a healthy choice.

Pumpkin is loaded with potassium. For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, potassium helps the body recover after a workout. Potassium does this by balancing the body’s electrolytes and keeps muscles functioning properly. But even for those who don’t enjoy a healthy active lifestyle, everyone needs potassium. It’s essential for heart function, and adding potassium into the diet is associated with a reduced risk of stroke.

Creating your own pumpkin puree is ideal. But, canned pumpkin is a really great choice, too. Just make sure that you do not use a canned pumpkin pie mix, as this contains added preservatives and sugars.

This hot cereal breakfast gives you all the macro-nutrients you need. It has protein, courtesy of the Sunwarrior Warrior Blend protein. It contains carbohydrates, found in the steel cut oats. And it has healthy fats in the coconut oil.

It’s important to get an adequate amount of protein and carbohydrates, especially in the morning. To prevent fatigue, boost energy, and fuel our systems, our bodies need those macro-nutrients to get going in the morning.

Making this recipe ahead of time gives you one less thing to do on a busy morning. Such a great grab-and-go breakfast option!

The aroma of the spices makes this hot cereal extra comforting and particularly fall appropriate. The velvety texture feels like a custard or pie filling, but it is totally healthy.

So go ahead and jump on the pumpkin band-wagon!