November is already here! Which means holidays, food, and so many more treats. While they can all seem enticing, but off limits, it is possible to enjoy the flavors of the season, aka pumpkin spice, and still keep your waistline happy and your health on track.
Most of the pumpkin treats you’ll find actually contain very little pumpkin at all. PSL from the coffee shop are usually just artificial flavors, pumpkin muffins and breads are more just spice, and pumpkin pies are loaded with extra sugar.
Fortunately, it”s easy to make some swaps and have pumpkin flavored foods that are delicious, healthy, and actually contain pumpkin.
This month, I’ll be sharing a few of my favorite recipes, starting with this smoothie.
Pumpkin pie smoothies are a fantastic way to get the pumpkin pie flavors you love, but without the extra loads of sugar, artificial flavors, and unhealthy ingredients. Pumpkin is a fantastic source of iron and fiber, and is said to be healthy for your heart, digestive tract, and even help prevent cancer.
This smoothie recipe pairs all of these benefits with protein from high quality yogurt and natural sweetener from maple syrup. It blends together quickly and tastes just like a scoop of your favorite pie.
Decadent Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Makes 1 large smoothie
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, vanilla, or coconut)
3/4 cup vanilla, unsweetened almond milk
1 frozen banana
1-2 tsp maple syrup (if using sweetened almond milk, leave out)
1/2tsp cinnamon*
1/8 tsp ginger*
1/8 tsp nutmeg*
*You can add more or less spices. The more you add, the grittier your smoothie may get.
Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. If needed, add more liquid or scrape the sides and blend again.
I’ve got two more pumpkin recipes coming your way later this month (with some bonus recipes!). What is your favorite way to eat or drink pumpkins this season?
Enjoy!
