Delectable Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Start planning now for holiday eating success.

You may not believe me, but I promise you it’s true. There’s a way to get through the holiday season without completely decimating the healthy eating habits you’ve worked so hard to establish. Regain the momentum of health by having a pumpkin pie smoothie.

It may sound oversimplified, but it’s at the very root of success; having a plan.

Start each day by reminding yourself that your health must come first and envision getting to the end of January feeling strong, confident, energized, and fitting comfortably into all your clothes. Like Stephen Covey said in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, “begin with the end in mind.”

Add to this vision a collection of your favorite, easy recipes that are quick and satisfying. Include a few appetizer ideas that can go with you to holiday parties or potlucks, ensuring you will always have a healthy option regardless of the circumstances. Keep your kitchen fully stocked with the needed ingredients along with fully prepped veggies that are easy to grab if you don’t have time for even the quick recipes.

By making this simple plan, you’ll breeze through those moments when you are tempted to sacrifice your best health for food that leaves you feeling tired, depressed, and depleted.

A great way to start a busy day is a nutrient-rich smoothie filled with everything you need to keep you going throughout the morning and early afternoon.

Though perfect for the season, my pumpkin pie smoothie is wonderful any time of year. It contains hemp and chia seeds which provide disease-fighting omega-3 fatty acids along with protein and fiber which supports regularity, blood sugar management, heart health and satiety.

The dulse flakes or kelp powder are rich in iodine, so critical to thyroid function, and the cinnamon and ginger are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may help boost immunity and protect the body from inflammation.

Vitamins A, C, E and K, found in leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and spinach, are powerful antioxidants that help support skin, teeth, bone, and gums.

Yes, it’s true. If you begin with the end in mind, successfully navigating the holiday food jungle is possible when you have a plan. Start now and end this busy season with your health intact.

It’s the greatest gift you could give yourself.

Ingredients:

1 green apple, cut and cored
1 – 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2-inch slice of fresh ginger
1 dropper Sweet Leaf Vanilla Stevia Concentrate
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
1 teaspoon dulse flakes or kelp powder (optional, for extra nutrition)
1 cup water, or more as needed for desired consistency
2 – 3 handfuls greens (i.e. 1 handful kale, 1 handful collard greens, and 1 handful spinach)
1 cup of ice if desired

Directions:

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Add more greens, up to 4 handfuls, if desired. If you are new to green smoothies, start with a mild green like spinach or romaine lettuce.