PUMPKIN SPICE WHAT?!?

It’s that time of year again – crisp days, cold nights, vibrant colors on the trees and the smell of autumn in the air. Oh, and let’s not forget about the Fall foods: apples, cider donuts and pumpkin everything!  What better time to start your morning with a low-sugar/no sugar added pumpkin spice smoothie?!

Because I eat so low sugar I get my kicks on the savory side of food and am partial to a super spiced smoothie with ginger being my favorite smoothie spice.  Ginger is not only delicious but is a great anti-inflammatory food and can often help settle an upset stomach.  I always grate fresh ginger directly into my blender using a rasp.  You can find a rasp at almost any food store these days and it makes adding ginger to your recipes a cinch!  If you are not partial to ginger, then reduce the amount or leave it out completely.

Low-sugar/no added sugar PUMPKIN SPICE smoothie

1C unsweetened almond milk (or your milk of choice)

1 scoop of SunWarrior Natural protein powder (or if you tolerate Stevia then you can sub with SunWarrior Vanilla)

1 large scoop of roasted squash (or canned pumpkin)

Small handful of pecan halves

1 dash of vanilla extract (leave this out if you  use the Vanilla protein powder)

½ - 1-ich piece of fresh ginger, grated or a few dashes of powdered ginger

½ tsp of cinnamon, dash of nutmeg, ground cloves (easy with these - they can be bitter and you can always taste the smoothie as you go and add more later if needed)

Small handful of ice

Blend in a high-powered blender (VITAMIX or Blendtec)

Drink and Enjoy!!

TIP: when cooking with spices I always smell the spice before I add it ..some days I’m just not feeling certain spices and this is a good way to keep myself from ruining a meal or smoothie.