FALL in love: A Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Fall in Toronto is the ultimate, isn't it? So pretty and cozy.
There is so much freshness is in the air... but there is also that chilly bite that keeps reminding me of what else is on it's way..
As the weather changes we naturally start to gravitate away from cooling foods like berry filled smoothies, and more towards warming things like root vegetables and spices. At the same time, the transition between seasons adds a bit of extra stress on the body, and because fall tends to be a more stressful time of year as we get back into the swing of work and school, our immune systems take a hit as they try to adapt to the extra load.
Making sure you stay nourished with healthy food and lots of self love becomes extra important during these shifts. So on that note, I'm soaking in the smell of crunchy leaves and treating myself to a very autumny pumpkin pie smoothie today. It's creamy, healthy and yummy as can be. Check out the recipe below!
The orange in pumpkins comes from the same place it does in carrots, beta carotene. Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our body from free radicals while encouraging the health of our skin, mucus membranes, eye sight, as well as strong immunity.
The blend of spices in organic pumpkin pie spice mix (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice) will stimulate your circulatory system and boost your immune system. (Check out this blog post I wrote on warming spices for my friends at the Living Kitchen Wellness Group.) Spices like these are a great addition to add warmth to meals on cooler days, and an important addition to smoothies since generally they tend to be very cooling for the body.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe:
6oz milk of your choice
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
1/2 a banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) and/or 1 tbsp of hemp hearts
1 tsp honey
a splash of vanilla
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp organic pumpkin pie spice
Blend everything together, adding a bit more liquid if needed for consistency. Enjoy!
I topped mine with some extra cinnamon, crushed pecans and hemp seeds for an extra delicious and nutritious boost.