It’s the season for pumpkins!
If you or your family are interested in having more energy, satisfying cravings and keeping weight off in healthy ways, I recommend switching your Pumpkin Spice Starbucks Latte (which has 50 grams of artificial sugar) with this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. It’s dairy-free, sugar-free and tastes delicious.
It’s so easy to make using organic canned pumpkin. You can also steam fresh pumpkin if you have the time. You will be amazed how comforting and naturally sweet it tastes.
I love adding warmth with a sprinkle of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. It truly tastes like the holidays.
My whole family loves this smoothie. I hope you do, too!
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Makes 1 smoothie
Ingredients:
1/4 cup organic pumpkin puree
1 banana
2 cups liquid ( I like using 1 cup almond milk, one cup coconut water)
A few ice cubes (if you like your smoothie very cold)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice mix
a sprinkle of cinnamon
add 1-2 pitted dates for added sweetness if desired
Optional add-ins that I love:
Add any plant-based protein powder to your smoothie on the days when you’re doing a longer or more strenuous workout. Sun Warrior Protein Powder is my personal favorite.
Add 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseeds for an extra dose of healthy omega 3’s, fiber and magnesium.
Add a teaspoon of hemp seeds for a boost of plant-based protein and healthy fat.
Directions:
Put all ingredients into a Vitamix or high speed blender, pour into your favorite glass, sprinkle with more cinnamon or pumpkin spice mix and enjoy.
The idea of putting pumpkin or squash in a smoothie may sound unusual, but remember pumpkin and squash are starchy vegetables that combine beautifully with many types of foods and spices.
So how do you put this all together and make it work in your daily life?
I suggest having this as a breakfast, as an afternoon snack or make one to accompany a big green salad for lunch.
By adding whole foods like this to your diet, your intense cravings for processed foods decrease.
Here’s a little reminder why refined artificial sugar ruins our health:
Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
Sugar can suppress the immune system.
Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
Sugar can make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen.
Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention.
Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
Sugar can cause depression.
This should be motivation enough to get blending.
Happy Fall!
