Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie (GF, DF, RFS)
Normally in the cooler months, I’m prioritizing warm, cooked meals. We tend to naturally crave more comfort foods, warmth - soups, stews, curries, casseroles, roasted vegetables, etc. This also helps with digestion and gives our gut a little bit of a break! But with how warm it’s been all the way into the start of October (80 degree days? no thank you), I haven’t been craving my usual fall staples as much!
But I have still been enjoying pumpkin spice everything, lots of cinnamon, apples, fall flavors, just in different forms. This pumpkin smoothie has been perfect to satisfy the craving of fall flavors, while also having something a little more light, refreshing, and cooling! We have a balance of fiber, healthy fats, protein, and carbs to keep you full and satisfied, support blood sugar balance, and get some extra nutrients in without thinking twice. Smoothies are one of my favorite ways to pack in nutrients (along with soups but we’ll wait for those) but if they’re not “built” right, you’re hungry shortly after, you have an energy crash, or just don’t feel satisfied. That’s why I always sneak in some form of protein and a frozen vegetable along with fruit and a healthy fat to add a bit more stability and lower the chance of a large glucose spike.
This smoothie tastes like pumpkin pie in a cup, you can make it thick into a smoothie bowl by adding less milk, or even thinner if you want an easy sip by adding more milk. Make it your own and adjust to find your perfect balance!
Ingredients:
1/2 frozen banana (I like to slice mine into coins and store in the freezer for easy blending)
1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 tbsp nut/seed butter (I like peanut butter or almond, but any will work)
1 scoop Further Food Pumpkin Spice Collagen (code: WELL15) or 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2-1 cup almond milk (less for thicker smoothie, more for thinner)
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
Recipe:
Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Blend until completely smooth, adding more milk if needed until you reach your desired consistency.
Option to spread coconut yogurt on the inside of your glass. Take the coconut yogurt on the back of a spoon and spread it inside the cup.
Pour the smoothie, sip, and enjoy!
Do you like smoothies or smoothie bowls better? I usually like bowls but this year I’ve been liking smoothies with some bee pollen on top for added crunch!