Pumpkin pie was always my favorite as a kid.

While I’m not much of pie person now, I do so love the flavors of pumpkin pie especially, when there is a chill in the air! This morning was one of those days so I got creative with the Vitamix. I used ingredients I had on hand and it hit the spot for me. I want to share my concoction with any of you fellow pumpkin lovers out there. Before I do, you need to know how awesome pumpkin really is.

Did you know …

One cup of cooked pumpkin packs a walloping 200% of your daily recommended daily intake of vitamin A? It does! This help your gorgeous eyes see in dim light better, among other things.
Pumpkin is also high in fiber, which helps us stay satisfied longer and eat less.
More potassium than bananas to help post workout recovery.
The real beauty lies in the free-radical-neutralizing powers of the carotenoids in pumpkin. Research suggests they may keep cancer cells at bay can also help keep our skin wrinkle free. Score!

Use this recipe as a scaffold to build your own tasty treat sensation, because there are no rules when we get creative in the kitchen Peeps! Make it yours!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

½ can of Farmers Market Organic Pumpkin (love this brand)

½ cup of unsweetened almond milk, or any non-dairy milk you like

½ cup of Harvest Bay Coconut Water – (brand I use)

Scoop of protein powder
(I used vanilla flavored)

¼ tsp of nutmeg

¼ tsp of ginger

½ tsp of cinnamon

1 T. of coconut oil

2 T. chia seeds

Stevia, honey or maple syrup if you want to add some sweetness.

Toss it all in the blender and whirl it up! I add a couple ice cubes to give it a little chill. If I’m feeling like a special treat I add a dollop of cashew cream. Absolutely takes me back to childhood! Yum.

Hope you enjoy it. Be sure to let us know of any tweaks you make to yours!

Why are smoothies important for breakfast?

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and sometimes it just doesn’t fit into our schedule the way it should. How we begin the day determines how the rest of the day goes. It determines if we feel energized or if we feel dragging with a lack of energy. What we put in our bellies is directly related to how we physically feel. So if you are a skip breakfast and grab the coffee mug morning person then this blog post is totally for you.

We all need and crave energy. I know I do! Sometimes it is so easy to want to grab a quick bowl of cereal or even forget breakfast and just get through the morning on 1-2 cups of coffee for the energy needed to survive the day. I don’t want you to just survive through the day though; I want you to thrive through the day. I also don’t want you to go on the “crash and crave” roller coaster for the entire day. If you begin your morning with caffeinated coffee and sugar, you will crash, and you will be either too tired to make it through your responsibilities or you will be reaching for another cup of coffee to get through a few more hours.

Smoothies are another quick alternative to a fast breakfast that can help energize us throughout the entire day. When you toss in some greens, a little fruit, and a healthy liquid like coconut water, you are bound to feel energetic and ready to take on the day. Starting the day with a smoothie also gives you well needed antioxidants which help protect our bodies from free radicals, and it is a great low glycemic start. Eating a low glycemic breakfast will help curb your sugar cravings for the entire day and it will also help with not crashing.

Next time you want a quick breakfast, try a delicious smoothie that will leave you feeling energized and motivated. A morning smoothie provides your body with the nutrients it needs to produce natural energy and naturally boost your metabolism. So, what are you reaching for tomorrow morning? I know I will be pulling out my blender and getting ready for some long-lasting energy.

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