Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

When fall comes around, I cannot get enough pumpkin spice! But store bought pumpkin spice drinks are packed with so much sugar that it’s one of the worst things you can put in your body. SO, I created a nourishing shake that you can have for breakfast, lunch or a snack that totally hits the pumpkin spice need while nourishing your body with incredible whole foods at the same time!

Ingredients

  • 1 banana

  • 2 heaping spoonfuls organic canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie)

  • 1/2 cup to 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or almond or cashew milk)

  • handful ice

  • tsp cinnamon

  • tsp ginger (or more if you like spice)

  • 1/2 tsp all spice

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

  • 1 scoop Vanilla Complete Protein Powder

Directions

  • Combine all ingredients in blender

  • Blend until smooth

  • Pour into a glass & top with cinnamon for pretty

  • ENJOY!

Goodies In this Recipe

Juice Plus Complete Protein—There are a lot of plant based protein powders out there. I really only recommend plant based (whey is designed to create cows and we are humans not cows). The problem with plant based protein powders is that they are really easily contaminated with herbicides/pesticides and heavy metals. I recommend Juice Plus for two reasons. First, every single batch is screened by a 3rd party company (NSF—National Sanitation Foundation) for the top 5 contaminants (herbicides/pesticides, mold, bacteria, heavy metals and radiation). So it’s 100% pure! No other protein powders can say that. Second, it’s a complete protein which means your body can absorb all 13 grams. It’s amazing! It tastes amazing! It’s not chalky and I know that I know that it’s nourishing and contains no toxins. Buy it directly here. OR check and see if your protein powder is safe through the Clean Label Project.

Coconut Milk-Coconut milk is not only high in essential nutrients such as vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6, iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, but it also contains essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (also known as healthy fat) is the kind of fat that actually helps your body burn fat. Additionally, half of the fat in coconuts is lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral activities. Cold/flu season, you lose!

Cinnamon- Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps control blood sugar. This is important because it helps you stay full longer, reduces cravings and keeps you from having an energy spike and crash (which is what happens with normal, sugary breakfast cereals).

Ginger--Ginger truly is a superfood and an has a long history of being used in traditional/ancient medicine almost as a cure-all! Some of it’s MANY health benefits include It's an anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been shown to relieves muscle pain. It settles the stomach and reduces nausea. It can help regulate blood sugar. It helps prevent heart disease. It may reduce risk of diabetes and cancer and it has also been shown to ease menstrual pain.