Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie

Pumpkin is the quintessential fall food. Its rich, creamy texture is perfect for smoothies, and it’s also a great source of antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C.

It also provides filling fiber (3 grams per half-cup serving) as well as potassium (about 200 mg per serving), which is helpful for promoting efficient muscle recovery after a tough workout.

This green smoothie tastes just like you’re eating pumpkin pie for breakfast. We won’t tell anyone it’s healthy if you don’t.

Ingredients:

1 cup water or (unsweetened) milk of choice

½ cup pumpkin puree

½ a medium frozen banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup ice

1 large handful baby spinach

Directions:

Layer ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Enjoy straight up or to make into a smoothie bowl, pour into a bowl and top with chia seeds, coconut flakes, or nuts.

Jessica Cording, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian, health coach, and writer with a passion for helping others experience a happier, calmer life and a balanced relationship with food. For those in need of some healthy-eating inspiration, Jess created five day's worth of delicious make-ahead lunches to make it even easier to eat well on a busy day. For more information on Jess, check out her website and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Main Photo Credit: Dmytro Balkhovitin/shutterstock.com; Second Photo Credit: Rutina/shutterstock.com