“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”
Ann Wigmore
My roommate’s grandfather who fought cancer over a decade was prescribed healthy, organic eating as a way to fight cancer. This nutrition recommendation of more natural foods with a colorful variety still holds true today.[1]
Nutrient dense foods such as complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats contain vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants that may aid in preventing, fighting, and recovering from cancer.
As an aspiring dietitian and food lover, I love seeing the power of healthy eating, and enjoying it too! In fact, Winnie the Pooh shares the same sentiments towards food as I do.
“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”
“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?”
“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said.”
A.A. Milne
There is nothing like starting your morning off with a delicious breakfast, especially on these crisp fall mornings where the sunrise and fallen leaves cast a golden hue across the landscape. Pumpkin over night oats captures this delicious fall morning in a jar.
Not only is eating breakfast a yummy way to start your day but it also provides energy for your body to perform throughout the day, whether you are receiving chemotherapy or going to a Zumba class.
In the hustle and bustle of doctor appointments, meetings, or workouts, eating a breakfast that is delicious and filling can be difficult. Pumpkin overnight oats provides a breakfast option that checks all the boxes:
- Fast
- Inexpensive
- Healthy
- Portable
- Versatile
Perfectly Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- cup old-fashioned oats (rolled or regular)
- cup milk (Almond, soy, or dairy all work just fine.)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Directions
- The night before combine all ingredients in a Mason jar or food storage container with a lid.
- Let the ingredients soak in refrigerator overnight.
- Enjoy in the morning!
Bonus: For extra fun, you can top your oats with a scoop of Greek yogurt or cranberries!
May you enjoy this seasonal and fun breakfast as much as I do!
Hannah Feiten, Senior Student in the Lipscomb University Didactic Program in Dietetics
