White Bean and Pumpkin Soup with Ham, Gluten Free

This gluten free lite bean and pumpkin soup will warm even the coldest heart! Growing up we ate a lot of beans or as they are properly called, legumes. People with Celiac disease, especially those just diagnosed, often experience malabsorption of vital nutrients due to damaged intestinal microvilli. This puts Celiacs at higher risk of folate deficiency. Legumes — a class of vegetables that includes beans, peas and lentils — are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available. They are also rich in folates, potassium, iron and magnesium, low in fat and contain no cholesterol. They contain beneficial fats and soluble and insoluble fiber. A good source of protein, legumes can be a healthy substitute for meat. This is all great stuff but the reason we ate a lot of beans is because they are cheap!  We couldn't always afford meat so we had beans, in every possible shape and form.  I love beans now but I have to admit I went through a period that I just avoided beans at all cost. 

Egg Muffins, Gluten Free

The all incredible, edible egg!  What a perfect little power breakfast to grab on the run.  Inspired by the little quiche muffins that I used to eat in Panera Breads, but without the flour. I hate egg whites and I am not too fond of hard boiled eggs either, unless they are smothered in mayonnaise...lol.  These baked little muffins provide a great source of protein. Numerous vitamins, including vitamin A, potassium and many B vitamins like folic acid, choline and biotin, are also packed into this oval-shaped staple [Source: USDA]. In fact, very few foods share the same diverse nutrient makeup available in a single egg. Many of these are specifically needed for the health of the nerves and the brain. I also added low-fat cheddar cheese and lots of spinach which in addition to its high nutritional content is also also extremely rich in antioxidants.

 
I have a 15 year old son who refuses to stop for breakfast.  However, he is at the age where appearance is important and he wants to get "brolic, buff, diesel." these high protein muffins provide good leverage for me to get him to eat breakfast.  I explained how important it is to eat foods that are high in protein content. So when I hand him 2 of these on the way out the door he eats them willingly and happily cause they are delicious! I love having them after a good run. They are filling, yet light. You can make them with whatever you like; use ham, turkey or any other choose your favorite veggies and make them full vegetarian.  These can easily be made dairy free as well.

These are so easy to make as well!  This recipe makes 6 muffins, you have your breakfast for the week!
and only 3 points per muffin.