Pumpkin Smoothie Bowl Recipe to Fuel Your Autumn Mornings.
It’s October and pumpkin is everywhere. So why not switch things up and try some in your smoothie bowl? This hormone-balancing breakfast tastes just like pumpkin pie and takes only a few minutes to throw together, which is great because who isn’t busy this time of year? Between school activities and sports practices, and of course Fall family outings like visiting a pumpkin patch or enjoying a crisp Autumn hike together, we seem to be on-the-go day after day during this busy season. This recipe is a great way to embrace some delicious fall flavors without spending your whole morning in the kitchen. And with 18 grams of protein, you’ll feel full and satisfied until lunchtime.
Protein-packed breakfasts: A simple formula for all-day energy
I know, it’s easiest to just grab the quickest thing we can find for breakfast and head out the door (or worse, skip breakfast all together and rely solely on coffee to get us through until the afternoon). But these “grab-and-go” breakfasts are typically packed with sugar and have little to no protein in them. What happens when our bodies don’t get enough protein in a meal? We get hungry again soon after we finish eating. Hello cravings and energy crash! If you want to build a meal that keeps you full, focused, and energized for the next 3-4 hours, protein is key. Protein is also essential for keeping your hormones balanced. Without it, our blood sugar is all over the place and it sends our hormones for a ride.
Getting in some protein in the morning doesn’t have to mean spending all morning in the kitchen. There are plenty of protein sources that don’t take long to prepare like eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken sausage patties, or even smoked salmon. There are also plenty of ways to meal prep some breakfast options on the weekend so you’re ready to go for the week. However it works best for you, make sure you’re adding some form of protein to your breakfast before you start your day. Amounts vary depending on your age, goals, and lifestyle, but roughly aim for around 15-20 grams of protein minimum per meal.
Choosing Ingredients:
Pumpkin
Grab a can of organic pumpkin purée or, if you’ve got a little extra time on your hands over a relaxing weekend, roast up a pie pumpkin in the oven and make your own! Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, C, and E and contains minerals like potassium & iron. It’s also packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants as well as fiber.
Almond Milk
Many of the commercial almond milks on your store shelves are made with inflammatory oils (like canola) and gums & thickeners (like guar, carrageenan and soy lecithin) that have been shown to damage our gut lining and lead to leaky gut and other digestive issues. Be sure to check your labels and find a brand with minimal ingredients - just almonds, water, and maybe some salt. You can also make your own at home if you have a high powered blender and some cheesecloth to strain the nuts. I picked out this pumpkin spice version because I thought the added spices and pumpkin purée would add some extra fun fall flavors to this recipe, but you can absolutely use plain instead.
Feel free to use regular milk (grass-fed, if possible) in place of the almond milk, or any other kind of alternative milk you prefer.
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and plays a key role in numerous bodily functions, like improving skin health and supporting joint health, gut function and digestion. It also promotes healthy brain function and deeper sleep, and helps build and restore muscle. Like your almond milk, you collagen should contain minimal ingredients and come from trustworthy companies. I personally use and recommend this one because it’s pure collagen from grass-fed cows and the company uses 3rd party testing to ensure that their products are clean and free of harmful ingredients. If you give them a try, make sure to use my code (DANICA) for 10% off your order.
The Recipe:
SERVINGS PREP TIME COOK TIME
4 5 5 minutes
Ingredients
Smoothie:
1/2 cup pumpkin purée (freeze into ice cubes ahead of time for a thicker smoothie)
2 frozen bananas
14 oz almond milk (or milk of choice)
4 scoops collagen
1 cup greek yogurt
8-10 ice cubes
Toppings:
1 cup granola (1/4 cup to top each bowl)
Sliced banana
Chia seeds
Drizzle of peanut butter (or whatever kind of nut butter you prefer)
Instructions:
Add all of your smoothie ingredients to a blender and mix well until smooth. Pour evenly into 4 bowls and top with your toppings. Feel free to get creative here and add any kind of toppings you like! Grab a spoon and enjoy.
All information presented in this website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and it is not, nor is it intended to be, construed as medical advice or instruction whatsoever. No action should be taken solely based on the contents of this website. This information isn’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease, nor is it medical advice. One should always consult a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary and/or lifestyle change.
By using my website, programs, products and services, you are in agreement to all parts of the above Disclaimer.
This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase products through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
