Ordering a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks is saved for special occasions since I can't bring myself to spend $5 on a coffee and with the weather still in the 90s it's hard to justify that price. Starbucks is something I rarely treat myself to so I'm grateful I have a very generous boss who often treats us to Starbucks and I can indulge without the guilt. Of course when I say indulge I mean order a grande nonfat and no whip. Still not the best nutritionally speaking.
Pumpkins are filled with complex carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin A.
Whip up this pumpkin pie smoothie and enjoy a guilt free treat for breakfast like I did or a grab and go treat. Tastes like the pumpkin pie filling without the crust. Just a heads up I did not add the 1 tsp cinnamon since I did not have it on hand and it ended up being perfectly spiced from the pumpkin pie spice and ginger. The recipe below produces a thick shake, like I'm talking stick to your ribs thick. I prefer a smoothie that I don't have to work so hard to get through a straw looking like a fish. Next time I'll thin it out by adding more almond milk. The best thing about smoothies is that they can be adapted to suit your tastes.
Makes 1 Serving
Stars of the Show:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin, canned or freshly cooked
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 3/4 -1 cup almond milk, depending on how thick you like it.
- 1/2 scoop (approximately 2 tsp) vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon, optional
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- pinch of ground ginger
Put all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
