Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

So since it’s Halloween week, I can write about pumpkins two days in a row, right? 🙂

Yesterday, for some reason, I woke up craving a smoothie. But not just like a light, fluffy girl smoothie. I’m talkin’ bout a thick, filling, getcha-goin’ smoothie.

Ok, so maybe I was craving a milkshake. Don’t judge me. Buuuuut since a milkshake on a Monday is mildly inappropriate, I settled for a smoothie. And I’m so glad I did. It was GOOD, y’all. And no guilt! Even better.

It was super simple to make, and it was the perfect creamy consistency. If you like pumpkin-flavored desserts, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with this pumpkin protein smoothie.

Canned pumpkin, Greek yogurt (I love fage), and frozen banana slices are the key ingredients in this little treat.

I didn’t have vanilla Greek yogurt on hand, so I just used plain Greek yogurt and added a little vanilla extract instead. It worked out fine, but I will definitely try vanilla Greek yogurt next time.

I seriously can’t say enough how creamy this smoothie was. I LOVED it. But if you like your smoothies icy rather than creamy, just add less milk and more ice. Or you can just omit the milk completely if need be. Either way, it’ll be fantastic. The perfect fall (guiltless) treat…with protein!

Ingredients:
– 1 frozen banana
– 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt*
– 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice*
– 1/2 cup skim milk
– Sweetener, to taste*
– 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
– 1 cup ice*

Directions:
Add all ingredients to blender in the order listed. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes, depending on the strength of your blender. Pour in your favorite glass, add a little more spice on top, and enjoy.

*Greek yogurt is not necessary; you can use regular vanilla yogurt, but the protein count will be greatly decreased — if that matters to you. 

*Feel free to add as much pumpkin pie spice (and cinnamon) as you’d like. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can use nutmeg, cloves, and ginger instead. 

*The original recipe called for maple syrup as a sweetener, but I used Truvia instead. You can use whatever you feel comfortable with. 

*For a thicker, icier consistency, add more ice. 

I hope you enjoy this smoothie as much as I did. I’m usually always let down by homemade smoothies; but I can honestly say this recipe is a keeper. I mean, drinkable pumpkin pie. How can you not love that?

Do you have a favorite pumpkin treat? If so, please share!

Stay fit, friends. Xo

P.S. And just in case you were wondering, cats LOVE pumpkin!