Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we're already thinking of all our holiday favorites: the Macy's Day Parade, spending time with loved ones, and of course, Thanksgiving dinner!  While this is the one time of year we go all out from sides to turkey + desserts, sometimes the most important meal of the day goes to the wayside.

That's right -- breakfast!  Studies show that people who eat breakfast on Thanksgiving are more likely to consume less calories. Skipping meals typically leaves you starving by the time dinner comes along, which may cause you to make irrational choices when it's time to pass the stuffing.

We've got the perfect healthy, festive take on a breakfast classic to get your T-give off to a great start. Pumpkin pancakes, anyone? This recipe is great because it is low in sugar by substituting honey for processed alternatives.  It is also high in protein from the added egg whites.  Lastly, raw pumpkin is a natural antioxidant and has immunity boosting benefits to keep you healthy.

paleo pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1 egg + 1 egg white

• 2 tbsp of honey

• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree

• Pinch of cinnamon and sea salt

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp vanilla

• 1 tsp pumpkin spice

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

1.) Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl (flour, cinnamon, sea salt, spices and baking soda).

2.) Combine all wet ingredients in a separate bowl (egg, honey, pumpkin puree, vanilla).

3.) Slowly mix dry ingredients into the other bowl, a quarter cup at a time.  Mix until well-blended.

4.) Add chocolate chips + mix well.

5.) Warm up a skillet and butter with non-stick cooking spray over low-medium heat.

6.) Drop 2 tbsp of batter onto skillet to form 4 inch pancakes.  Cook 2-3 min on one side before flipping, or flip when bubbles appear on top side.

7.) Repeat until all the mix is gone -- should create about 8, 4-inch pancakes.

8.) Serve + enjoy!

Make it decadent! 

• Add maple butter or syrup for a holiday sweetness.

• Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice.

• Sprinkle apple bacon overtop for a sweet + savory pairing.

Share your paleo pumpkin pancake creations with us on Instagram! Happy Thanksgiving. xoxo