Fall in Love with Breakfast - Pumpkin Style

Fall is hands down my favorite season and here is why:
Cool weather
Pumpkin
Layered clothing options
Stepping on crunchy leaves
Pumpkin
Colors of Autumn
Outdoor fireplaces
Oh and did I mention pumpkin? :)

Ok, so you see the theme. In honor of the first day of Fall I am posting my five favorite, healthy, pumpkin, breakfast recipes, one recipe each day starting today. I’ve included nutritional content for easy tracking. Enjoy and feel free to post some of your own favorites.


Pumpkin Facts
Besides tasting delicious pumpkin is a very healthy choice. Did you know pumpkin is full of vitamins such as:
Alpha-carotene
Beta-carotene
Fiber
Vitamins C and E
Potassium
Magnesium
Pantothenic acid

On top of all that, pumpkin offers protection from many things we worry about today.

Diabetes Protection
According to Livestrong.com , pumpkin contains a protein-bound polysaccharide that is reported to actually increase the level of insulin in the bloodstream, which helps lower blood sugar.

Heart Protection
Located in pumpkin seeds and pumpkin oils are omega-3 fatty acids, , including alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, which support cardiac health.  ALA in pumpkin seeds and pumpkin reduces cardiac death by preventing  heart attacks

Cancer Protection
Pumpkins, along with other winter squash, contain compounds called  cucurbitacins. These compounds have proven to be effective at  slowing the development and growth of cancerous tumors of the breast, colon,  lung and central nervous system.

 Now to the good stuff…

Day 1 Pumpkin Protein Pancakes


(GF) Pumpkin Oatmeal Protein Pancakes Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Servings: 3 servings | Difficulty: Easy 

---

Ingredients:

6 egg whites
1 cup rolled oats, dry
1 cup cottage cheese, Low-fat 1%
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not the pie filling)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla

Directions: In a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth. Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. For each pancake pour 1/4 cup of batter onto griddle. Flip when they start to bubble. Cook until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batches, spraying the griddle as needed. Makes about 10 pancakes.

Nutritional Info Per Serving Pancakes only: Makes 3 servings 
217.7 Calories 3.1g Fat 23.5g Protein 20g Carb, 4.4g Fiber


Optional toppings:  You will need to add the calories and/or macros from your chosen topping

• Mancakes High Fiber Syrup -  serving size: 2 T  Fat-0  Carbs-11g  Protein-0g Fiber-5g made from a blend of cane sugar and stevia 
  
• Fruit puree - pumpkin is a good one :)
  
• Nut butters, Agave or pure maple syrup in moderation