Pumpkin Spiced Smoothie

A Fall Favorite Flavor - Pumpkin Spice Everything , usually coffee specialty drinks or baked goods full of sugar, additives and high calories (a typical Grande Pumpkin Spiced Latte is about 450 calories!!) . So due to the fact that more canned pumpkin is now available and the season continues, I'm featuring my Pumpkin Spiced Smoothie again for the NOVEMBER Smoothie of The Month - just about 250 calories of real, fresh ingredients! I wanted to create a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional Pumpkin Flavored Treats, which by the way, don't usually even have real pumpkin as an ingredient - artificial flavors are most often used! So, here is my Pumpkin Spiced Smoothie. After sampling, my daughter said she thinks it's my best smoothie yet! INGREDIENTS: 1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk 2-4 Spoonful's Organic Pumpkin Pie Mix or Pumpkin Puree (I used Pumpkin Pie Mix contains the extra spices - All Spice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg) Add more for a stronger pumpkin flavor 1/2 Frozen Banana Chunks 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder 1 Spoonful Ground Flax Seeds 1 Pitted Date 2-3 Dashes of Cinnamon 2-3 Dashes of Pumpkin Pie Spice

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) than a Grande Pumpkin Spiced Latte and Less Fat and Calories than most Pumpkin Baked Goods - cookies, breads, pie, candy, etc.

**Variations to experiment with and use: 2-3 Cooked, Canned or Frozen Sweet Potato Chunks, Handful Almonds or Cashews or 1 Spoonful Almond or Peanut Butter