This post was sponsored by Whole Foods 365 – a grocery store that I am frankly obsessed with. Thank you for supporting brands who support VK!

Say helloooo to cozy-on-up weather and chilly fall mornings with this Pumpkin Spice Seed and Oat Bowl bursting with warming flavors and autumn goodness. Although this post will technically go live while I’m warm and toasty on my honeymoon, (hello Maui!) you’ll know for sure that I’ll be making this recipe nonstop when I get home post-wedding and honeymoon bliss!

What I especially love about this recipe is the blend of seeds, spices, and rolled oats into a creamy porridge. Instead of typical cooked oatmeal, this bowl gets an extra boost of protein and fiber from both hemp seeds and ground flax seeds. This extra oomph of plant-power helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller all morning long.

Rolled oats are one of my favorite bulk bin items to grab. Not only are they incredibly inexpensive – they’re easy to use in so many dishes. Of course, making them into a nutrient-packed oatmeal is my favorite method! Oats are a delicious source of fiber, and contain a specific type of fiber (beta glucan) that has been clinically shown to help lower cholesterol. Fiber cannot be absorbed by the body, and must pass from the digestive system. When it does it tends to pull other things out of the colon (like cholesterol plaque) as it goes – a good thing!

Oats are also delicious for meal prepping and planning ahead. This recipe can be doubled and stored in the fridge in individual jars for easy grab and go breakfasts on fall mornings. Simply warm up each jar with a splash of water or almond milk and enjoy something cozy and warming – even on crazy mornings!

Other seasonal ingredients in this power bowl of oatmeal are pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice: a warming blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and more. Pumpkin adds another dose of healthy fiber to this recipe along with key vitamins (A & C) and antioxidants, like beta-carotene. Look for a can of organic pumpkin purée in a BPA-free can – Whole Foods 365 has plenty! Warming spices found in pumpkin pie spice are not only fragrant, they’re rich in antioxidants and may even support digestive function, too. I always use extra pumpkin pie spice and sprinkle more on top of each bowl, as I just love the rich flavors so much!

Creamy oats and nutty seeds + warming pumpkin pie spice + fiber-rich pumpkin = a delicious seasonal breakfast bursting with autumn flavors!

Pumpkin Spice Seed and Oat Bowl

Serves 2

Ingredients:

3/4 cup rolled oats (gluten-free, if desired)
1/4 cup hemp seeds
3 Tbsp. ground flax seeds
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 tsp. sea salt
3-4 Tbsp. maple syrup (optional)
Toppings: caramelized banana slices, peanut butter, coconut flakes, nuts, or seeds of choice

Instructions:

Add rolled oats, hemp seeds, flax seeds, water, vanilla almond milk, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, and sea salt to a small pot over medium heat.

Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir mixture every so often to prevent sticking. If the mixture is too thick, add in another splash of almond milk or water. Once oats are thick and creamy divide into two bowls. Garnish with toppings of choice and dig in!

Notes:

-Pumpkin pie spice is amazing – but if you don’t have a jar; make your own! Simply use a few dashes of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
-No pumpkin puree? You can also use butternut squash puree, sweet potato puree, or omit completely.
-This post was sponsored by Whole Foods 365: a grocery store that I’m frankly obsessed with. Thank you for supporting brands who support VK!