Author: Lily MazzarellaPumpkin is rich in beta-carotene (a pre-cursor to infection-fighting vitamin A), vitamin C and fiber. Warming spices enhance digestion and improve circulation. And a hot cup of non-sugar chai tea gives this smoothie a comforting little kick.
Ingredients
8-12 oz hot chai tea (Yogi makes a nice organic chai). Water or nut milk can be used as well.
1 cup fresh cooked or canned organic pumpkin
3 1-inch chunks of banana (you can chop these in advance and keep in the freezer)
1 1⁄2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1⁄4 tsp organic ginger (dried or fresh; dried is hotter)
1⁄4 tsp organic cinnamon
1⁄2-1 tsp organic vanilla (or to taste)
1 serving protein powder of choice (we recommend NutriBiotic’s Raw, Organic, Sprouted Brown Rice Protein OR Great Lakes Hydrolyzed Collagen)
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in your blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Adjust for desired consistency and spice level.
*You can heat the liquid portion of this in the beginning, or gently heat the whole smoothie at the end. A Vitamix will heat a smoothie to room temperature (or warmer) just by running longer. If you are using non-denatured Whey powder, make sure to heat to *just* warm as higher temps will destroy some of the whey’s beneficial components.
*If more sweetness is desired, add 1-3 drops liquid Stevia
*The no-sugar version of this smoothie leaves out the banana, and uses more cinnamon, vanilla, and stevia (if desired).