Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

I am so elated it is Autumn because of one word....Pumpkin! There are so many lovely varieties of this winter squash. It can be prepared in numerous fashions as well. What a joy to play in the kitchen!!! Pumpkins are so very nutritious in addition to being delicious! There is over half an ounce of fiber in one cup, 394 mg Potassium, 1.2 gr Protein, and 197% of the daily value of Beta-Carotene (precursor to Vitamin A). One handful of seeds is your zinc intake for the day.

Pumpkins are a versatile food. They can be eaten cooked or raw, savory or sweet. The seeds and flesh are edible. Getting our nutrition from our food, versus supplements is always a better route. There is not a supplement around, being an isolated portion of the food that will ever be just as good as the real deal.

Today I thought it would be fun to share a yummy recipe and video. Here is a great way to start your day...a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie! It includes "raw pumpkin puree." Watch the video to see how to make it!

Smoothie Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Raw Pumpkin Puree (organic canned will do)

1-2 inch Chunk Raw Ginger

1 Cup Whole Coconut Milk (homemade or organic BPA free canned by Native Forest) or Unsweetened Almond Milk (again homemade is best)

1/2 Tsp Raw Vanilla Bean Powder

1 Tsp Organic Allspice

1 Tsp Ceylon Cinnamon

1 Tsp Chia seeds

2-3 Tbsp Hempseeds

2 Medjool Dates

2 Cups of Ice

*Optional: 1 Tbsp Carob Powder

*Optional: 2 Tsp Maca (gelatinized)

Watch the video below to see how to make raw pumpkin purée!