Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl

Ugh. Y’all - it’s October 1st and here we are with another 90F+ day. LET ME STOP SWEATING AND GIVE ME SOME FALL ALREADY!

Whew. Glad to get that off my chest. And since it’s still too hot to function - let’s make the best of things and try something fun - fall flavors in a hot weather package…aka the Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl. The smoothie base itself is super simple and full of pumpkin spice flavor. And the toppings really take it to the next level.

Pumpkin may be a super hyped, super “basic” fall flavor but don’t underestimate the nutrition performance of the pumpkin. Pumpkin is a great source of antioxidants and nutrients including beta-carotene and vitamins A, C & E.

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This smoothie bowl is topped with almond butter, spiced pecans, and Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Spice Grain-Free Superfood Granola. I’ve been a big fan of Purely Elizabeth granolas for several years now because their products are so thoughtful and made with innovative, nutrient-rich ingredients you can feel great about eating and feeding to your loved ones. Purely Elizabeth also offers plenty of grain-free granola options that somehow still manage to be crunchy and have that right granola texture - impressive!

The Pumpkin Spice Grain-Free Superfood Granola is made with Ashwagandha - an ancient herb and powerful adaptogen that has many potential benefits for your body and brain including decreasing inflammation, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving brain function.

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Ingredients: (makes 2 smoothie bowls)

1 banana, sliced and frozen

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup riced cauliflower

1 date, pitted and soaked in warm water

1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Almond Milk, unsweetened

Spiced pecans

Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Spice Grain-Free Superfood Granola

Natural Almond Butter

Directions:

Place all ingredients in high speed blender and blend to desired consistency. (I start with 1/4-1/2 cup almond milk and slowly add until thick and smooth.)

Top with pecans, granola, dusting of cinnamon and drizzle of almond butter.

Chocolate PB Protein Smoothie

You know those mornings when you’re trying to get to the bottom of what your kid wants because they don’t seem to understand that it is unreasonable to throw a temper-tantrum at an hour in which you haven’t yet had enough caffeine to think properly? Then all the sudden it clicks and you’re like “oh I see - you’re STARVING and none of your usual breakfast items will work because you want dessert for breakfast…of course. I can’t believe it took my sleep-deprived brain so long to figure that out…” Well - this is my solution for that. And if I’m the only one who deals with those wacko AM scenarios then fine - I acknowledge my kids have questionable tastes. Anyway, here’s a smoothie good enough to qualify as dessert and still packed with nutrients, fat and protein to keep a tummy full and happy.

Ingredients:

1/2 banana, frozen

1 cup chocolate almond milk (could also use regular - this just amps up the chocolate flavor)

1-2 Tbsp peanut butter

1/2 - 1 Tbsp cocoa powder

1/4 cup rolled oats

1 Tbsp chia seeds

Big handful spinach

1 scoop vanilla protein powder or collagen peptides

2-3 ice cubes

Directions: Place all ingredients in high-power blender and blend until smooth. Add more almond milk (or water) as needed. (Hint: I like to blend up my spinach and oats in the almond milk first then add everything else - I think it’s the best way to ensure a smooth texture.)

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Banana - rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients such as potassium and magnesium

Peanut Butter - good source of protein and fat to fuel the brain and body

Rolled Oats - excellent source of carbs and fiber to support heart health, provide nutrients, increase satiety and support healthy blood sugar regulation

Chia Seeds - nutrient-dense with fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids along with an extensive profile of other vitamins and minerals

Spinach - leafy greens to support brain health and overall healthy body function; good source of iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C to support immunity

Protein/Collagen - added protein supports muscle development and tissue function as well as keeps you full for longer