Name: Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 frozen bananas; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 1/2 cups non-dairy milk; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon dried ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon dried ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon dried ground nutmeg

Get your autumn pumpkin spice fix with this healthy pumpkin pie smoothie!

I have to admit that I’ve never had a pumpkin spice latte. I’m not even sure where the seasonal craze came from. I have had health coaching clients who live for fall so that they can get their seasonal spice fix, though, and I created this smoothie for them.

Most of the “pumpkin spice” foods and drinks that you’ll find widely available at this time of year don’t actually include any pumpkin at all. They’re flavored with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg – all spices that seem to exemplify the season. Without them, pumpkin pie would be quite bland, and is doesn’t have much flavor.

Pumpkin is good for you!

What pumpkin does have though, is a lot of nutrients. Pumpkins are packed with vitamins and minerals, and they have an anti-inflammatory affect on the body. They’re great for fighting off diseases and health ailments, they’re beneficial for the skin, they help improve digestion, and they’re loaded with L-triptophan, so they can help promote good mood, too.

This pumpkin pie smoothie makes a terrific easy breakfast, it’s perfect for an afternoon snack, and it can even serve as a sweet treat for dessert!