It’s been a hot minute since we dropped a pumpkin smoothie recipe and since October is zipping by, let’s bring in some pumpkin to our lives. Of course, we ought not neglect the protein. Else, said smoothie will leave you unsatisfied and looking for more grub faster than you can say WTH.
While I’m on a mission to help people consume more optimal daily protein amounts to support their muscle-bone-metabolic health, body composition, and athletic goals, I understand not everyone has a protein powder to use or understands the benefits (yet) of bringing this into the daily routine to make meeting protein targets easier.
So, this recipe does not use traditional protein powder, BUT it does call for an almond butter powder, which I’m newly LOVING.
If you’re a peanut butter fan, perhaps you’ve been using the peanut powders to still get that peanutty taste with the benefits of the protein content, but without the fat calories. If you’re getting tired of the peanut powders or want to change it up, I highly recommend trying the powdered almond butter.
I actually might like the flavor of the powdered almond butter more than the peanut powders… dare I say?
Anywho, here’s my latest Pumpkin Season Protein Smoothie recipe you gotta check out if you are at all a pumpkin lover… or if you’re ready to step into exciting new flavor territory.
PSP Ingredients:
8 oz (110 ml) unsweetened protein milk (I used 1% cow but use any milk that has >6 grams of protein per 8 oz serving such as goat, soy or one of the other fortified unsweetened non-dairy options… you gotta check those labels though)
1/2 c (120 gm) Fage 2% yogurt (you can substitute a protein-fortified non-dairy yogurt such as Kite Hill Greek Style)
1/2 c (120 gm) organic pumpkin puree (NOT canned pumpkin pie mix)
1/2 medium banana (60 gm; I use frozen since I have a stash in the freezer just for smoothies)
2 Tbsp (13 gm) powdered almond butter (I used the PB2 brand)
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (feel free to use more if you are more of a pumpkiny mood)
1/4 tsp dried ground ginger
couple ice cubes, optional 4 oz (or more) water depending on whether you prefer a not-so-thick consistency. I used zero water so mine was thicker and creamier.
Add ingredients to your blender, whirl it up and get your taste buds ready for pumpkin joy.
Messing around in the kitchen
Basic nutrition info:
~350 calories
44 grams carbohydrate
5.5 grams fiber
<1 gram added sugar
27 grams protein
7 grams fat
This smoothie is a great option for a daily snack and possibly around certain workouts, depending on their duration and intensity.
I’d love to know if you try this - share a pic on Instagram and be sure to tag @nutritionmechanic so we can share the pumpkin love. Also, here’s another pumpkin smoothie recipe from a few years back that incorporates fresh ginger and cashews (it’s a goodie!).
Keep it spicy ya’ll,
-Dina