Paleo Pumpkin Smoothie

It's September, so it's officially acceptable to bust out the fall flavors. Especially everyone's favorite...pumpkin. But, it's nice to have an excuse to start using pumpkin in everything, because it is an extremely healthy addition to your diet. 

Pumpkin can aid in weight loss, keep your eyesight sharp, reduce your cancer risks and is good for your heart. There are tons of health benefits of pumpkins, and so over the next few weeks we are gong to offer some recipes that have sneaky and not-so-sneaky pumpkin flavors to keep your fitness and nutrition on point as the weather dips a little cooler. 

This week's recipe is a go-to, anytime smoothie that is quick, easy, drinks like a dessert but has the vitamins and minerals your body needs to run. 

Paleo Pumpkin Smoothie

Gather: 

•        ½ cup pure organic pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
•        1 cup unsweetened almond milk
•        ½ frozen banana
•        ½ tablespoons maple syrup (or Raw Local Honey)
•        ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
•        1 teaspoon cinnamon 
•        1/8 teaspoon ginger
•        1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
•        1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
•        1/8 teaspoon allspice   (or, just use pumpkin pie spice, which combines all of the above spices.) 
•        1/2 cup ice (or more…depending on how smoothie-like you like your drink)  

Method: Add all ingredients to blender and pulse until smooth. A scoop or two of vanilla or chai protein powder would be a great addition if you want to make your smoothie a little more calorie dense. 

Let's kick this season off right, by being conscious of our food choices and and staying vigilant about our goals. 

See you back here next week with another delicious pumpkin recipe.