Oh, hi. Let me introduce you to my latest obsession: the double cocoa pumpkin smoothie. Filled with good-for-you ingredients like antioxidants, protein, fiber, and vitamins, this smoothie is straight-up delicious...and has no added sugar! (I like my sugar in cookies, thankyouverymuch.)
You know what else it doesn't have? Banana. Now, I love a banana (sorry, Ree) and like them in smoothies now and then. BUT, I don't want every smoothie I drink to taste like banana. Do you feel the same? Here's your banana-free smoothie recipe.
Can a smoothie cause happiness? I think it can. I love the way this tastes, and it doesn't leave me hungry 30 minutes later.
So, I just finished reading a book called Fiber Fueled, and it really drove home the point to me that I am doing a poor job of consuming a variety of plants. Sure, I eat spinach and sweet potatoes and strawberries...but I haven't been doing a great job of getting a variety of plants (veggies, fruit, seeds, nuts, beans, etc.) into my diet.
Fiber Fueled goes into depth about WHY this is important...and is quite convicting and evidence-based. But this is not a post about a book; this is a post about a smoothie. My current favorite smoothie.
The smoothie starts with a base of nut "milk" or beverage - however you like to refer to it. You can use almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, a medley nut milk. (I like this one from Trader Joe's). The smoothie is great with any of them.
You'll add in pumpkin puree from the can, sunflower seeds, cocoa powder, cacao nibs (yum!), and avocado.
Add some seeds to the mix. You can add just one, like ground flax, or add a mix of seeds...I like to use flax, chia, and hemp hearts. Whatever you have on hand is great, but variety is fun!
I also add in one scoop of vanilla protein powder. The one I've been using lately is Vital Performance Vanilla. It's lactose-free and contains grass-fed collagen.
Whir this up with ice. If you're feeling fancy, top with pumpkin seeds or cacao nibs - or both!
Double Cocoa Pumpkin Smoothie
8 ounces nut milk, such as almond
1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 scoop vanilla protein powder, such as Vital Performance Vanilla
2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chia, ground flax, or hemp hearts (or any combination)
2 teaspoons cacao nibs
1/2 avocado
1 cup ice
Put all of the ingredients in the blender and process on the smoothie setting, or until smooth.
Enjoy! Happy October!
