Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
Pumpkin spice is all the rage right now, but if you are anything like me you could care less about consuming all things pumpkin spice. I mean I have seen pumpkin spice toothpaste, burgers, vodka, dog treats (because clearly our dogs should be obsessed too), oh and pumpkin spice bleech.
REALLY?
So you might be wondering why on earth I created a delicious (I might add), pumpkin spice chia pudding?
Here is the thing, I remember the days when I was fluctuating between constipation and diarrhea and the truth is it's not fun. You may even be feeling scared to leave the house and go too far from home out of worry where the closest bathroom is. You know those "emergency stops" while you are out and about.
I want you to be able to go on road trips with your family, I want you to be able to go out walking without worrying that 15 minutes into your walk you've got to go, like NOW!
Keeping your fiber intake balanced can help to keep your colon clean and also create a healthy formed stool, not too soft and not too hard, which is why this recipe is just the one for you. Here is why this pumpkin spice chia pudding is going to stop the urgent bathroom breaks and keep your stomach feel light and comfortable.
Pumpkin
A fabulous source of soluble fiber helping to bulk stools and avoid the runs.
Chia Seeds
A balanced fiber of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Meaning keeping the colon walls clean and bulking waste into a healthy formed stool to regulate your bowel movements from either too slow (pooping every couple of days) or too fast (urgent, got to go now! and maybe even some accidents)
Cinnamon
Studies show that cinnamon can help to relieve indigestion, gas, nausea and even stomach cramps.
Ginger
Helps to relieve embarrassing gas and IBS like symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Also great for nausea so you can actually enjoy eating foods again.
Clove
Gets rid of the belly bloat after meals and relieves the feeling of fullness after eating by soothing the lining of your gut. No one likes to feel like they are carrying a food baby.
Nutmeg
Relieves intestinal gas. ie. let's get rid of the embarrassment of passing gas at dinner, shall we?
Now THAT is why I eat pumpkin spice and you should too! Of course we are talking about the good stuff made from whole foods and spices, a lot of love and a strong desire to start pooping like a champ without the pain or embarrassment.
Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
Makes 3 medium or 6 small puddings
Ingredients: Pumpkin Spice Mix:
1/4 cup ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp allspice powder
Chia Pudding:
1.5 cups almond milk
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp stevia powder
1 tsp (or to taste) Pumpkin spice mix
Pumpkin Filling:
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp stevia powder
1 tsp (or to taste) pumpkin spice mix
Optional Toppings:
diced apple (I enjoy an macintosh apple)
diced pecans
Manitoba Harvest hemp hearts
Method:
In a small bowl combine pumpkin spice mix ingredients and set aside.
In a mixing bowl combine ingredients of chia pudding and whisk together. You will want to whisk this again in 10 minutes to avoid clumping. Set aside for at least 1 hour.
In another small mixing bowl, combine pumpkin filling ingredients. Stir to combine and set aside while chia pudding is setting.
Once chia pudding is gelatinized, combine your chia and pumpkin filling and top with desired toppings. I really enjoyed some macintosh apple cubes with diced pecans. Hemp hearts would also be a delicious way to add extra protein.
Note: Will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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