A Fall Favorite Flavor - Pumpkin Spiced Everything! These specialty drinks or baked goods are typically packed full of sugar, artificial additives and high calories (a typical Grande Pumpkin Spiced Latte is about 450 calories!!). So I'm featuring my Pumpkin Spiced Smoothie as the October Smoothie of The Month as a healthy, low calorie, super delicious sweet treat (about 250 calories of real, fresh ingredients), or as a protein packed breakfast or post-workout drink.

 INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup Vanilla Almond Milk

3-6 Heaping Spoonful's Organic Pumpkin Pie Mix or Pumpkin Puree From a Can(I used Pumpkin Pie Mix since it contains the extra spices - All Spice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg) Add more for a stronger pumpkin flavor

1/2 Frozen Banana Chunks (or half of banana)

1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

1 Spoonful Ground Flax Seeds

1 Pitted Date

1 Spoonful Organic or 100% Vanilla Extract

2-3 Dashes of Cinnamon

2-3 Dashes of Pumpkin Pie Spice

*Option to add spoonful of almond or peanut butter

Blend all ingredients and top with another dash of Cinnamon. For desired thickness, may add extra ice or other half of frozen banana. A delicious breakfast option, post-workout, fueling snack or dessert treat!

Health Benefits: Vitamin A from the Real Pumpkin, Protein, Fiber, Omega 3's, Magnesium, Potassium and other Vitamins & Minerals, Lower Calorie (about 250 calories) and Less Fat than most Pumpkin Baked Goods - cookies, bars, breads, pie, candy, etc.