The weather is changing here in Chicago. Â Even if it’s warm in the afternoon, the mornings and evenings have a distinct chill in the air. Â I start seeking comfort foods like soup, hot cocoa, and warm bread. Â But, I don’t want to sacrifice healthy ingredients to achieve a fall, comfort food treat. Â This recipe is one of my favorites to combine seasonal autumn flavors with healthy ingredients. Â
September is National Childhood Obesity Month.  Weight is affecting the health of our children in unprecedented negative ways.  By substituting zero calorie sweeteners, we can create lower-calorie foods.  This Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe is a delicious, filling, after-school treat for you and your kids.
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
1/2 Cup of Pumpkin
Have you heard that you need to include “orange” foods in your diet? Â Many foods with the color orange, like pumpkin, contain beta-carotene which is good for vision, may help stave off cancer, and improve your skin. Â In addition to Vitamin A, pumpkin contains a healthy dose of Vitamin C and fiber. Â As a runner, I’m always looking for foods with potassium that restore electrolytes lost in a tough workout. Â I used canned 100% pumpkin.
1/4 Cup of Vanilla Greek Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics, calcium, protein and usually Vitamin D.
1/4 Cup of Vanilla Almond Milk
Almond milk adds protein and Vitamin E to this smoothie, as well as adding liquid consistency.
1/4 Banana
Bananas have such a strong flavor and nicely complement pumpkin, but you want to watch the amount of banana or it will overwhelm. Â The nutritional impact is as strong as the taste – potassium, fiber, vitamins and minerals aplenty.
1 Packet Sweetener, Monk Fruit In The Raw
Monk Fruit In The Raw is a wholesome, zero-calorie sweetener made with real fruit. Â It has a simple, sweet taste with no metallic or bitter aftertaste. Â Why “In The Raw”? Â We’ve trusted the In The Raw guys to bring us more wholesome, simple ingredients for years. Â Monk Fruit In The Raw is available in single serving orange packets or a Bakers Bag that measures cup for cup, just like sugar.
1/2 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
Directions:
Using a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Â Pour into glass, add dollop of yogurt and dash of pumpkin pie spice. Â Enjoy!
Drink your coffee with cream and sugar?
I’ve also been using Monk Fruit In The Raw in my coffee and it provides a zero calorie sweetness! Â It fits nicely in my sugar bowl, doesn’t it?!
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This looks so yummy and delicious – with the abundance of pumpkins this season I am sure to be making this smoothie.
This looks and sounds delicious!
oh, my! this one sounds F.A.L.L. I’ll be trying this one and may not be sharing! ha
I love smoothies and this looks delicious!