Hormone Health Breakfast Idea - Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Protein Focus Ayurvedic Recipe

I'd love to share this recipe that I recently prepared which ticked a few boxes for me:

• Digestibility (the Ayurvedic way) - we use beautiful spices here to increase digestibility of heavier ingredients like almond flour

• Good amount of protein considering it is a bit of a treat for breakfast

• Wholesome and healthy treat for breakfast which satisfies that sweet tooth without any guilt :)

INGREDIENTS (makes 8 muffins)

• 200g almond flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1.2 tsp ground nutmeg

• dash of salt

• 4 eggs

• 3 tbsp (60g) maple syrup (you may increase to 4 tbsp for a sweeter tooth)

• 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (I used homemade but you can use canned)

• 8 tbsp almond butter (1 tbsp per muffin to spread on top after)

• 2 cups blueberries (enough to have on the side for 8 muffins)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees C fan forced.

2. In a large bowl mix together almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl whisk together eggs, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree*.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until well blended.

5. Fill muffin tin lined with paper liners (each cup half full). Bake in the oven for 22 min until fork that pierces the centre comes out clean.

• You may for sure use canned pumpkin puree but I fancied to make my own.

  I used 1/2 butternut pumpkin, cleaned all the seeds out, sprinkled some salt, placed on the baking sheet lined pan cut side down and baked at 180 degrees C for 1 hour. Then, scoop and blend. Voila...and you have enough to freeze for 1 more batch.

SERVINGS: 8 muffins

PREP TIME excl. pumpkin puree: 10 min

COOKING TIME: 22 min

NUTRITION INFO PER 1 MUFFIN (incl. almond butter topping and blueberries):

Calories: 332 kcal

Carbohydrates: 15.1 g

Protein: 12.2 g

Fat: 24.2 g

Fiber: 6.4 g

These muffins are little nutritious powerhouses and great to balance hormonal health and here is why

They are high in Fiber (26% daily value per muffin)

Fiber cannot be digested and provides little energy. Instead, it passes through digestive system without being broken down, holds onto water which helps to feel full and regulate bowel movement.

Good amount of Protein (12g per muffin)

Proteins don't just provide structure to your body (skin, muscle, collagen) but also they are hormones, enzymes, immune system components, antibodies and so much more.

High in Manganese (78% daily value)

Manganese helps form your bones, as well as connective tissue, like cartilage and helps your body detoxify free radicals.

High in Vitamin E (71% daily value) from almonds

Vit E is the most important fat soluble antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from damage.

P.S. I really enjoyed my muffin with some herbal chai tea.