Fall is in the air… There’s nothing better to solidify that Fall is here than the taste of pumpkin and pumpkin spices.   Mmmmm….

Here’s a great smoothie to put you in the spirit!

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Makes 1 16 oz Smoothie

2 tbsp of chia, hemp or flax seeds or 2 tbsp whey protein powder*

½ banana

½ cup organic pumpkin

½ tsp pumpkin spice (blend 1 tsp, cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp allspice, ¼ nutmeg)

½ cup of coconut milk (or ¼ coconut crème)

1-2 cups filtered water, as needed/desired.

Place all ingredients (*except whey protein, if using) in a blender, add desired amount of water, and blend at high speed until smooth.  (Then add whey protein powder and blend lightly to stir in.)   Enjoy!!

With the extra coconut milk/crème, you can make Cardamom-Infused Coconut Whipped Cream and double the yum factor!

The health benefits of pumpkins are tremendous.  Pumpkins are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, some B vitamins, potassium, fiber, and tryptophan.  So they not only support the health of your eyes, skin, immune system and mood but also regulate your blood sugar and bowel movements! AND the seeds are good to eat too!! The seeds are super high in zinc & zinc is one of those minerals that is hard to get in our food.  Zinc is extremely important for hormone balance.

With all the benefits of pumpkin – for skin, eyes, mood and even fighting off colds, you can’t go wrong.

For more fall breakfast ideas, join me on the 5-day Breakfast Challenge.  It starts Monday, September 21.  Click here to register.  Hope to ‘see’ you there!