In preparation for Thanksgiving festivities, I wanted to share my new decadent pumpkin cake recipe. This recipe is gluten-free and vegan, but can easily be modified to suit your needs and taste buds (e.g., if you desire to use eggs). The cake contains many healthy ingredients (flax, chia and hemp seeds, spices, and pumpkin, of course, to name a few), but it also contains sugar. If you are like me, there are times when one piece leads to another, and it’s a slippery slope before I’ve had too many pieces…
To enjoy this or any dessert in moderation, without regrets, I recommend applying mindful eating tools. If it works with a raisin, it will work with any dessert, as long as we pay attention to the process.
I would also like to share 3 tips for staying healthy over the holidays + beyond:
- Get enough sleep. Try for at least 7 hours. After a good night’s sleep, the hormones that control our appetite are in balance, and we are less likely to overeat.
- Remember to enjoy food, in moderation.
- As much as possible, fill your plate predominantly with plants to crowd out the pro-inflammatory foods such as processed food, meat and dairy. Your body (and especially your digestive system) will be grateful for all the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and fiber you’ve nourished it with! Of course, before making any changes to your diet, talk to your doctor, especially if you are on medications (such as medications for diabetes or high blood pressure).
If you have any general questions about a health topic or any aspect of wellness, we would love to hear from you! For any specific medical concerns, including changes to your diet, lifestyle, supplements or medications, please consult with your healthcare professional.
Have a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with love, true connection and joy,
Dr. Bojana
