Embrace pumpkin season with this flavorful Pumpkin Smoothie. It has all the flavors of your favorite pie without all the calories. {gluten free, vegan}

Fall is finally here and we are embracing all things pumpkin. When you walk through the store it's hard to believe how many products come in pumpkin flavor.

candy
bread
cereal
milk
creamer
nuts
hot chocolate

Crazy!

You don't have to leave your house to enjoy a healthy, high protein breakfast packed with pumpkin pie flavor. This baby is easy to make and I'll bet you have all the ingredients in your house right now.

Let's do this!

First of all, why should you be incorporating pumpkin into your life? Well, it's full of goodness and I'm all about eating seasonally.

Our bodies crave what's in season and eating a wide variety of colored fruits and vegetables ensures that we are getting lots of antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

full of Vitamin A and beta-carotene
high in Vitamin C
high in antioxidants
contains potassium
contains fiber
nutrient-dense but low in calories (that's a great combo)

How to Make a Pumpkin Smoothie

Making smoothies is one of the simplest and healthiest ways to make a good for you breakfast. Smoothies need a liquid, something to thicken them up, ice and some flavor.

It's that simple.

For this one, I used almond milk as my base. I love Califia plain - no added sweeteners. I added one banana and some almond butter for thickness. For flavor, I used pumpkin puree from a can.

Feel free to add a little maple syrup or honey but I really don't think this Pumpkin Smoothie needs it. I topped mine with pecans and cinnamon.

The healthy fat from the nut butter will help keep you satisfied until lunch. You can also add your favorite vanilla or even chocolate protein powder.

How to Make a Pumpkin Smoothie Bowl

If you prefer to have this in bowl form all you have to do is make it thicker.

The best way to do that is to dice your bananas and freeze them overnight. These are great to have around to make Matcha Smoothie Bowls or guilt-free Chocolate Banana Ice Cream.

If you prefer green smoothies check out my guide to Simple Green Smoothies.