THE PERFECT PUMPKIN PIE PUDDIN'

With Thanksgiving a week away, we can all agree that “nom nom” is on the brain…in other words, food, food and more food! Thanksgiving without decadent dishes, drinks and desserts would be like Christmas morning without presents or Hanukkah without a Menorah. I remember in my yo-yo diet days I would restrict my calories and workout like the energizer bunny just so that I could eat to my hearts content on Thanksgiving. I thought if I could just save up all the extra calories I wasn’t eating for the days leading up to the holiday, I wouldn’t have to worry about my jeans getting a little tighter just because I allowed myself a single “cheat day”…. a term I now refer to as a four letter word! But what I didn’t realize is that all of the starvation led me to feel HANGRY on Thanksgiving day and completely rid me of all self-control and to be honest, any desire to be in control. I wanted to relax and eat whatever I felt like but the reality was that, as I sat in my sweatpants with plates of empty food in front of me, I felt more guilty than ever before. And guess what happened the next day? Restriction and negative body talk, rinse and repeat until I got back on whatever fad diet I was doing at the time. Flash forward to Thanksgiving today and I have a much healthier relationship with food and my body and it’s one of the reasons I am so passionate about sharing this balanced and blissful place with the women I get to work with every day.

One of my most valuable tips for going into Thanksgiving with confidence is to find healthy swaps for the hearty dishes you crave and then save room for the dishes you feel the most emotionally drawn to…. Grandma’s famous sweet potato pie or your mom’s secret stuffing perhaps? Start your morning with a hearty breakfast filled with protein, fat & fiber so that you’re satisfied and not walking into your family get-together or Friendsgiving with “binge brain” ready to swipe up whatever snack you see first! Get in some form of movement whether it’s a 15 minute yoga flow on YouTube, a walk around the neighborhood or a pilates class like my favorite one at Studio MDR…bring a friend or family member for accountability too! Before you go into the day, set your intention and strive to find a place of balance where you treat (not cheat) yourself to the foods you love, contribute healthier alternatives, take breaks between bites to breathe and focus on being fully present!

Today I’m so excited to share with you my protein packed PUMPKIN PIE PUDDIN’! This would be the perfect way to start your morning because not only is it festive and delicious, but it’s filled with protein, fat and fiber to turn off hunger hormones, keep you focused on the present moment AND is wonderful as a pre or post workout meal or snack! If you plan on eating for breakfast, I recommend enjoying to yourself. If bringing as a delish dessert contribution, you could divide the recipe in half like you see in these photos to feed two people. Double, triple or quadruple the recipe depending on how many hungry and happy mouths you plan to treat!

PUMPKIN PIE PUDDIN’ (Sexy Sugar Cleanse Phase 2 approved, serves 1-2)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Organic Pumpkin Puree

Further Food Collagen Peptides (optional but suggested for protein & glowing skin!) Use my code BODYBLISSBYJESS for 10% off your order

1 cup MALK Unsweetened Cashew Milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)

1/4 cup Chia Seeds

10-15 drops organic Stevia or Monkfruit for zero sugar sweetness (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice

Toppings: pistachios & cacao nibs

Directions: Add all of the ingredients (except for toppings) to a glass jar with a lid. Stir until all ingredients are combined thoroughly. Pop in the fridge for 4-6 hours or overnight for best results. Once your pudding is thick and creamy, pour into container of choice (preferably something festive), add toppings of choice and viola!

Bonus: Enjoy each bite with gratitude, think about the flavors and what you enjoy about each one. Put your spoon down between bites and take time to fully enjoy and savor the experience. You’ll thank me later!

ALL OF YOUR INGREDIENTS: Cashew milk, collagen protein, chia seeds, stevia, pumpkin pie spice and Toppings!

Adding your chia seeds to your MILK …. This whole recipe takes less then 5 mins to Prepare!

The FINISHED PUMPKIN PUDDIN’S PERFECT FOR DESSERT FOR TWO!