Energizing Citrus Pumpkin Porridge

Today I'd like to share with you an energizing kick-in-the-butt breakfast which is sure to start your day with a bang. We all have those mornings where you hit snooze one too many times and end up running around to get ready for work.  The ones where you see everything in a haze, groggily downing your fifth cup of coffee to stay awake.  That was me yesterday.  This is my solution.

This little bowl of bliss is not only scrumptious, but packs a nutritious punch as well!  I've combined some of my favorite ingredients to form a super-bowl of sorts that wake you up and keeping you going until lunchtime.  Of course I was thinking of pumpkin when making this.  Did I mention that it is my one of my favorite fall ingredients?  Pumpkin is chock full of vitamin A which helps keep your eyesight sharp as well as beta-carotene providing cancer fighting antioxidants and has skin smoothing power! If that isn't enough it's high in both fiber and potassium, keeping you satisfied until lunch and helping your muscles get a jump start on the day.  It also contains immune-boosting vitamin C to ward off winter colds that are sure to make your mornings slow.  Pretty cool pumpkin, pretty cool.  

Each of the other ingredients in this porridge are just as impressive nutritionally as the pumpkin. For instance, chia seeds boast three times more calcium and contain 20% more protein per ounce than milk.  On top of that they also contain eight times more omega 3's than salmon per serving!Those are some super facts.  But I'm going to end my rant on how awesome this breakfast is health-wise.  It's delicious and really does wake you up and give you an energy boost.  Love, love, love it!  I topped my bowl with some extra shredded coconut, toasted walnuts, and lemon zest.  Personally I find this dish to be plenty sweet from the orange juice, however feel free to add some honey or maple syrup to taste if you have a bit of a sweet tooth!  Have I persuaded you to make this yet?

This recipe makes one serving.  I recommend doubling or tripling the recipe and storing it in a sealed container in the fridge so you can quickly heat it up on the go.  Then you can rest easy knowing that when you need that boost, help is just a microwave away!  Hope your Friday is filled with excitement, and of course, delicious food!

Energizing Citrus Pumpkin Porridge

dairy free, gluten free, vegan (makes one serving)

1/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats (make sure they are certified gluten free if necessary)

1 Tbsp chia seeds

2 Tbsps unsweetened shredded coconut

3 Tbsps pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

dash of salt

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil.  Turn down to a simmer, stirring regularly. When you have a thick, porridge consistency remove from heat.  Sprinkle with desired toppings and dig in!  

If you are making this the night before, or a big batch to eat throughout the week, store in an air tight container in the fridge.  When ready to eat, heat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of almond milk until warm.