Protein Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe
Fall season calls for plenty of root veggie recipes. Last week I gave you the low down on pumpkin seeds, so here are the benefits of pumpkins themselves!
One of the first things we tend to recall about pumpkins are their glowing bright orange colour which indicates they are high in an important cancer fighting antioxidant, beta-caratone. A component of vitamin A, this micronutrient is oh-so important for your immune system, the health of your eyes and your skin. Vitamin A has also been shown to support digestive healing, which suggests it may be effectively used with ulcers and other areas of inflammation in the digestive tract. Pumpkins also contain Vitamin C, which provide additional benefits for the skin (a pumpkin fountain of youth..?) and the immune system, to prevent the colds that tend to come with the colder seasons.
Pumpkins are also a good source of fibre. As you may know, fibre is an essential part of our diets to help us eliminate the toxins we can naturally accumulate or come in contact within our environments. It also helps keep our appetites satiated to prevent over-eating. Being a complex carbohydrate, pumpkins are beneficial to provide us with energy and help feed the good bacteria in our guts. Pumpkins are also a good source of the minerals zinc (the healthy hormone, healthy sperm, healthy baby mineral) and potassium. And lastly, on an energetic note, pumpkins are a root veggie that grow from the ground. Who knows? They could very well be helpful in offering you a sense of grounding when you’re feeling a little disconnected. Without further adieu, here is one of my favourite ways to get all the benefits the humble pumpkin provides. Enjoy!
Protein Pumpkin Smoothie
- Fresh or frozen pumpkin. Canned will work as long as the only ingredient is pumpkin and be sure there’s no sugar added. Choose organic whenever possible.
- Hemp hearts (approximately 3 tbsp) or a scoop of plant based protein as a protein source. A few soaked almonds or walnuts will work too.
- Plain unsweetened organic full fat (3.5%) or greek yogurt – approximately 2 spoonfuls
- Unsweetened nut milk
- 1/2 banana optional
- Pure organic cinnamon – if you love cinnamon go nuts.
- A few drops of pure vanilla extract
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional – but this really makes it taste like fall!)
- Chia seeds & cinnamon for the topping
Put everything into your blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add a few splashes of filtered water or extra almond milk to reach desired consistency. Serves 1. Makes a great breakfast, post-workout or mid afternoon snack.
