Pumpkin Green Smoothie

Last Thanksgiving day I woke up and was confronted with several prepared holiday desserts sitting on my counter top - just staring at me asking to be eaten. Can you relate?! A few years ago, I would have started the day with a slice of pumpkin pie, a cookie, brownie, or something else sweet just because it was a holiday and I felt like I could treat myself.

But these days, I try to avoid sugar, especially first thing in the morning. My experience with myself and my clients is that if you start your day with sugar, your body will continue to crave carbs and sugar throughout the day. This can cause you to overeat or fill up on the wrong types of foods all day long. It can also turn on "fat storage" hormones like cortisol and insulin and tell your body to store fat and not burn it for energy. This can leave you feeling lethargic and a bit slow in the brain - not cool!

So instead, I thought I'd try something new in my blender to help me feel like I was getting a "special holiday treat". One of my traditional green smoothies, but with pumpkin puree and holiday spices. The result...AMAZING! So amazing in fact, I had to have one for the next three mornings straight:) And I HAD to get it up on the blog to share with you.

Pumpkin Green Smoothie (PRINT RECIPE)
Makes 2 smoothies

Ingredients:
1 cup spinach
1-1 1/2 cups romaine
1 scoop protein powder of choice*
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon almond butter**
1/4 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup - 1 cup ice cubes (depending on how cold and icy you like it)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into a blender and process on high until smooth.
2. Enjoy!

Hope you enjoy this just as much as I do!
~Billie

*We recommend a protein powder that is low in carbohydrates & sugars and high in protein. Use the 10/15/20 rule—you want 10 or LESS grams of sugar, 15 or LESS grams of total carbohydrates and 20 or MORE grams of protein per serving. Nutritional information assumes you follow the above rule when selecting your protein powder

**You can also do sunflower seed butter or just an additional scoop of protein powder if you prefer here.