Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe

HELLO FALL! 

It is finally here, my favorite time of year. Being that I live in Northern Michigan, we get 4 true seasons each year; Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. I love summer for obvious reasons but Fall is my absolute favorite. It is usually still warm enough to get outside and be active, but cool enough to break out your favorite sweaters, leggings and tall Hunter boots. The colors around us start changing, the air gets crisper and the oven begins to fill our home with aromas like Pumpkin, Apple, and various spices. It is also the time to take the family to your local farm or orchard to get pumpkins, go for hayrides, get your cider, donuts and so much more. Why wouldn’t this be my favorite time of year? 

I LOVE PUMPKIN FLAVORS

It is no secret to those that know me, that I LOVE EVERYTHING PUMPKIN flavored! I typically don’t talk about it until Fall though as to not make myself seem too crazy! But it is true, I love pumpkin coffee, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin ice-cream and so on! Because most of these items aren’t typically healthy, I try to find ways to make them healthy myself at home or look for healthy options in the store. And if I am completely honest, I indulge a lot more on these items this time of year. My way of dealing with that is being more active, getting in an extra workout, drinking more water and simply moving more. It’s all about balance.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKINS

Did you know that pumpkins are very healthy for you? Well, it is true! Pumpkins are a great source of Fiber and potassium. They also are high in beta-carotene which gives pumpkins their bright orange color. Beta-carotene is essential for vision, growth and an overall healthy immune system.

RECIPE

Last year, I found a great pumpkin recipe I want to share; Pumpkin Pie Smoothies. If you love pumpkin and Fall as much as I do, you will love this simple recipe.
Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large ripe banana
• 1 cup of almond or soy milk (use whichever substitute here that you like best).
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• 5 ice cubes

Directions
Pour all of the ingredients into the blender, cover and blend until smooth. Makes 2 servings.

Nutritional Facts
160 calories
2.5g total fat
33g carbohydrates
5g protein (add more protein by including a scoop of your favorite protein powder).
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Stay tuned for more pumpkin recipes over the coming weeks and month. Comment and share your favorite traditions and/or recipes this Fall, I’d love to hear from you!
 
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