Pumpkin Smoothie

​Pumpkins are more than a Halloween decoration, they are nutrient dense food packed with vitamins and minerals while low in calories. They are versatile too. Pumpkin adds flavor to sweet foods such as pie, but tastes equally as good in soups and other savory foods. Pumpkins are filled with the anti-oxidant beta-carotene, which can fight

off cancer, they pack a punch of fiber to keep your gastrointestinal system healthy, and pumpkins are an excellent source of lutein which can reduce your risk of age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration. A pumpkin smoothie is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this super-food.

Start with some milk and pumpkin puree in the bottom of a blender. Be sure to use pumpkin puree (canned) not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling is sweetened and flavored. By using the puree, you control any added sweeteners and other flavors.

Add some yogurt. Plain or vanilla is fine

Pump up the fiber by adding ¼ cup whole rolled oats

Flavor everything up with some pumpkin pie spice, honey, and vanilla.

Add some ice cubes. Blend until smooth

Pumpkin Smoothie

2/3 cup milk
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)
¾ cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
¼ cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg)
1 Tbs sugar or honey
1 tsp vanilla
4-6 ice cubes
 
Place ingredients in blender in order listed above. Blend about 90 seconds.