This Protein-Packed Pumpkin Pie Smoothie brings all flavor without the unhealthy blood sugar spike and crash that accompanies a slice of pie. Go on and indulge!

Warm pumpkin pie fresh out of the oven with a big ol’ dollop of ice cream on top…

Mmmm!

Now drop it in a blender and sprinkle some healthifying fairy dust on it and BAM you’ve got this Protein-Packed Pumpkin Pie Smoothie.

As its name suggests, this Protein-Packed Pumpkin Pie Smoothie is loaded with protein to keep you satisfied and feeling full.

Just as important: protein helps to balance the natural sugars from the pumpkin and banana to prevent that pro-inflammatory, immune-suppressing blood sugar spike and crash that can leave you lethargic and “hangry.”

It’s also rich in fiber and healthy fats, which have similar benefits, as well as lots of the antioxidant vitamin A from the pumpkin.

Yes, it’s a decadent but healthy dessert you can enjoy every darn day should you like!

Can we talk about protein powders for a quick sec?

Not all protein powder is created equally. So many are filled with unhealthy ingredients like…

• Artificial sweeteners
• Hormone-disrupting (and likely genetically modified which = high pesticide exposure) soy protein
• Inflammatory vegetable oils
• Thickeners and gums that can cause GI distress

Mm nope. Not ingredients I want dirtying up my smoothie, thank you very much!

So instead I choose a protein powder that…

• Is just 1 single ingredient
• Improves gut health
• Increases skin firmness and hydration
• Improves the health of joints (since my mom has arthritis, this is actually one of the biggest draws for me)

What is it? (Can you guess!?)

It’s collagen!

And one of the best parts: it’s virtually tasteless so it really lets the other flavors in your smoothie shine through.

OK now on to the recipe…

Protein-Packed Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Ingredients

Makes: 1 smoothie

• 1/3 cup pure pumpkin puree*
• 1/2 medium banana
• 3/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice**
• 1/2 cup ice
• 3 heaping tbs pecans
• 1 tbs chia seeds
• 1 scoop Perfect Supplements collagen peptides
• 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (depending on preference!)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional for added sweetness: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup OR 2-3 drops pure liquid stevia extract (stevia has no effect on blood sugar levels)

*Not pumpkin pie filling which is sweetened, but plain pumpkin puree

**You may need a bit more depending on the consistency of your pumpkin puree — puree in a carton tends to be more watery, whereas canned pumpkin puree tends to be thicker

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
2. Blend for at least 30 seconds on high.
3. Serve and enjoy!