By Justin and Clara Hamel
The holiday season is often a time for indulging in rich meals and festive treats, a time for gathering and sharing liberal amounts of savory and sweet deliciousness.
An unfortunate consequence of this indulgence may be a lingering feeling of heaviness, sluggishness, disrupted digestion or simply feeling out of rhythm with your normal dietary habits. This is a perfect opportunity for a gentle reset. Nothing major, just a switch to wholesome foods that help restore energy, support digestion and move you back into a healthy routine.
Over the next two weeks we will be sharing a few revitalizing recipes designed to help you feel lighter, more energized, and grounded as you move through the holiday season. Each one focuses on whole ingredients, delightful flavors, and supportive nutrients, to balance the excess of the holiday season without sacrificing enjoyment.
The first recipe incorporates a holiday staple that is generally reserved to flavor pies, breads and lattes—the mighty pumpkin.
PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE BOWL
Step 1: Start by combining the following in a blender and blending till smooth.
• 2 frozen ripe bananas (This is a great way to use those over-ripe bananas, just make sure to peel prior to freezing!)
• ½ cup pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened, not pie filling)
• 2 medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tablespoons almond butter (or cashew butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ cup oat milk (or the milk of your choice)
- Optional: add in a few scoops of a high quality protein powder to up the protein content
Step 2: Once blended, pour into and bowl garnish with the toppings of your choice. The possibilities are endless, but some ideas are: granola, a drizzle of almond butter, bananas, pumpkin seeds, pecans, shredded coconut or a bit of grated dark chocolate.
Pumpkin deserves a space in any diet beyond the holidays as it packs a powerful nutritional punch. Not only is it high in fiber, but it is also full of vitamins A, C and E, along with potassium, magnesium and powerful antioxidants.
These nutrients help support healthy vision, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote steady energy throughout the day. To get a healthy and nutritious pumpkin fix try the following recipe.
This recipe reflects that nutritious food does not have to be restrictive. It tastes positively indulgent and can easily be modified to fit different tastes. Recipes like this are simple reminders that caring for our bodies can be both satisfying and tasty!
Dr. Justin Hamel and Clara Hamel have a combined over 30 years of experience in health fields. Reach them at 1° Performance & Longevity, located at 46 N. Central Park Plz., Suite 101, in Jacksonville, on Facebook or by phone at 217-243-6358.
