Anytime is a good time for pumpkin! Pumpkin pie happens to be my favorite holiday pie, however there's no need to wait for Fall to roll around to incorporate the warm spices and nutrient-packed pumpkin into your meals. This Pumpkin Pie Smoothie is one of my favorite Summer smoothies! Filled with plant-based protein from Sun Warrior, Warrior Blend Vanilla, protein powder, plus real pureéd pumpkin, real ginger root, pumpkin pie spice, a few pecans, coconut milk and chia seeds for creaminess, honestly it would make a great summer dessert/'milk' shake, too.
Pumpkin is packed with nutrients including beta caroteine which is great for eye health, vitamins A, C, iron, folate, and a great source of potassium which helps with muslce recovery, plus it's a great source of fiber. It may also boost the immune system and help reduce high blood pressure. Why wait for Fall?
Canned pureéd pumpkin is available year-round in grocery stores. Be sure to get the type with only "pumpkin" in the ingredients and avoid the "pumpkin pie filling", as it will be loaded with unnecessary sugar.
Both chia seeds and coconut milk pack a lot of fat. Chia seeds also help thicken smoothies along with lots of crushed ice making them more like shakes, plus include healthy Omega-3 fats. If you'd like to cut the fat calories down, replace the coconut milk with 1/2 a frozen banana for similar creaminess, but a slightly more 'banana' flavor.
I love the pecans in this, incorporating more of that pumpkin pie crust flavor to the smoothie filling. And, I use fresh ginger root, because it's absolutely delicious, but also helps ease the tummy when feeling a bit off. Spinach is optional and I tend to add it to every one of my smoothies, however it will change the color (but not the flavor).
If you try this smoothie, please let me know in the comments below. What did you think? What changes did you make? Or, Pin it for future reference.
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