Pumpkin Chia seed muffins

Why not throw two of the most amazing Superfoods (pumpkin and chia seeds) together and make a delicious muffin? These little treats are perfect for breakfast or even dessert.

Learn about the healthy benefits of both Chia and Pumpkin in my “These 8 are great” post

Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients:

2 tbsp chia seeds
1 1/2 cup wholewheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
16 ounces canned Organic pumpkin (make sure there is only pumpkin listed on the ingredient list)
2 eggs
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup organic maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix all of the wet ingredients.
Gently fold the wet ingredients along with the nuts into the dry ingredients.
Spoon into your muffin tins.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when you poke it in the middle.
Let muffins cool.
Can be stored in the freezer

Per Serving:

Calories: 167
Calories from fat: 55
Total fat: 6g (Sat. fat 1; Trans fat: 0g)
Choleterol.: 23mg
Sodium: 213mg
Total Carbohydrate: 26g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 12g
Protein: 3g

Chia Seeds have many benefits as an energy food. These are tiny seeds are the one of the best sources for omega-3 fatty acids, and also contain protein, minerals and antioxidants. They are highly soluble as well. When added to a drink, they will act like a sponge, absorbing the liquid. This has the added benefit of giving you the feeling you’re satiated. This will suppress that urge to eat longer. Sprinkle a couple tablespoons of chia seeds in any of your baked food, oatmeal, drinks, smoothies, dips, and yogurt.

Pumpkin gets its bright orange hue from beta carotene. Beta carotene is a precurser to Vitamin A which aids in helping your body to fight infections, maintain clear eye sight, along with other great benefits. It is high in potassium and fiber, and is a building block to vitamin A. Perfect to roast with some simple seasoning, make fabulous soups and is even great to add in to smoothies, baked dishes, and oatmeal.