Healthier Pumpkin Spice Muffins for the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is all about the food. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we eat more sugar and carbohydrates than our bodies can manage. We end up with weight gain, upset stomach, bloating, and a lack of energy.

Choose Sweeteners Wisely

It is possible to have seasonal and holiday treats that won’t make you feel worse. Choose recipes that are grain free, and use natural sugars. This recipe is sweetened with maple syrup. Sweeteners like honey and maple syrup are lower on the glycemic index than most sugars that are in our pre-made foods today. For example, Maltodextrin has a glycemic rating of 110, honey is 50, and Maple syrup is 54. The lower the number on the glycemic index, the less it effects blood sugar and body fat. It is also important to choose quality products. Look for 100% maple syrup that is organic. You don’t want pancake syrup that has a lot of additives and more sugar. Organic maple syrup and honey also offer the benefit of containing other vitamins and minerals that contribute to your body in a positive way. In contrast, refined sugar does not contain any beneficial nutrients. If you are having to watch your sugar intake for health reason, these should still be eaten in moderation, but are a great alternative to the holiday sugar-fest.

Grain-free Coconut Flour Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients

½ cup of coconut flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cloves

¼ teaspoon of allspice

Pinch of salt

4 eggs

2/3 cup of pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup coconut oil melted

6 tablespoons maple syrup

¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Grease or line a muffin pan

2. In a medium bowl whisk together coconut flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. In a large bowl whisk together remaining wet ingredients (except for nuts) until smooth.

3. Add the flour mix to the wet mixture and stir until all lumps are gone

4. Divide batter into 12 muffin cavities and top each with chopped nuts.

5. Bake for 23-25 minutes

For Those Who Are Counting Carbs, Sugars, and Proteins

Carbohydrates: 11.3g

Sugar: 7g

Protein: 3.2

We are not professional chefs or bakers. We did not create these recipes. We are just sharing the recipes we love. This recipe was originally taken from leelalicious.com