Pumpkin + Collagen = Powerhouse for Glowing Skin!
Welcome October, and the official start to the season for my favorite skin fruit…Pumpkin!!
Pumpkin is loaded with nutrition and health benefits. I love to incorporate it into my cooking as much as I can while it’s briefly in season!
In it’s honor, I am sharing this quick, easy, and nutrient-rich recipe for my famous Pumpkin Collagen Protein Bites! This skin-healthy fall favorite is literally PACKED with all things the skin loves and needs, including:
🍁Vitamins C, A, Magnesium & Zinc to support collagen and a healthy immune system.
🍂Fiber and Omega3’s for a healthy gut and supportive of keeping inflammation at bay.
🍁Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein + Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) to enhance and repair skin, hair, nails and all tissues of the body. PLUS promote your cell’s mitochondria and optimal function for healthy aging.
…In a nutshell!
Here’s how to make this yummy treat:
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons pumpkin purée
4 tablespoons nut or seed butter of choice (I prefer almond, sunflower or cashew)
4 teaspoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup collagen powder (I prefer Thorne Fit Collagen – click herefor more info!)
3 tablespoons coconut flour
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (mini if preferred)
**Bonus – if you love chocolate like I do, take about 3/4 cup dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips, and melt over a double broiler with 1tbsp coconut oil. Once pumpkin balls are chilled, dip and top wih graham cracker crumbs, if desired! 😘
Method:
1) In in a medium-sized bowl, combine & mix the pumpkin purée, nut bbutter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract with a rubber spatula.
2) Add in the almond flour, collagen powder, coconut flour, ground flaxseed, and pumpkin spice to the wet mixture.
3) Stir until all the ingredients are fully combined, and the mixture starts to come together like a thick cookie dough.
4) Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the dough mixture.
5) Scoop out 1-2 tablespoon portions of the dough depending on the size you prefer, and roll them into small balls.
6) Place the formed pumpkin balls on the prepared baking sheet or plate. Ensure they are not touching.
7) Place the baking sheet or plate in the refrigerator and let the pumpkin balls chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps them firm up.
8) Once the pumpkin balls have set, serve and enjoy!!
XO Your Aesthetician & Health Coach,
Kimberly Nicole