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Nick Shultz shared this pumpkin protein smoothie recipe with me to enjoy after my workout. He calls this a post-workout recovery shake. Nick, a long-time friend, is an excellent personal trainer. He is also the Executive Director of the Republic Athletes here in Owings Mills, MD. I train with Nick several times weekly, and he constantly reinforces our hard training with good nutrition tips.
I tend to have a lot of aches and pains after strenuous workouts. Getting enough protein and eating well-balanced meals with the proper nutrition to support healing is critical to fewer aches and pains. This pumpkin protein shake is thick, creamy, and loaded with vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal post-workout option.
Two key factors in your post workout snack are replacing essential carbohydrates and maintaining balanced blood glucose levels. Honey covers both with an average glycemic index of 43, which is lower than sugar (sucrose), maltodextrin, and most fruit. By adding 1 tablespoon of all natural honey into your post workout snack, your body will be replacing essential carbohydrates without sacrificing elevated glucose levels.
- Nick Shultz
Pumpkin Pie Flavor Without Pumpkin Pie Spice
This pumpkin protein smoothie recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Made with pumpkin puree, vanilla protein powder, and unsweetened almond milk, this smoothie is a great way to boost your protein intake and satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings. With its creamy texture and warm spices, this smoothie is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Whether you're looking for a post-workout recovery shake or a tasty treat, this pumpkin protein smoothie has got you covered.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a nutrient-rich food that offers several health benefits. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, pumpkin is a powerhouse of nutrition. It's and excellent source of antioxidants, which help protect your body from free radicals. Pumpkin also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in reducing inflammation and supporting overall health. Additionally, its high water content and low calorie count make it a filling yet light addition to your diet. Incorporating pumpkin into your meals, like this pumpkin protein smoothie or even the occasional pumpkin pie slice, can help support digestive health and keep you feeling satisfied.
Do you know how pumpkin carving started?
Pumpkin Puree Is Not Pumpkin Pie Filling
When it comes to making a healthy pumpkin smoothie recipe, there is a BIG difference between pumpkin puree vs pumpkin pie spice filling. Pumpkin puree is literally just that - pureed pumpkin! This means that it is 100% pumpkin, and it doesn't contain any other ingredients.
Pumpkin pie spice filling on the other hand contains sugar, spices, and thickeners. It is made to be put straight into a pie crust for pumpkin pie. If you want a sweeter, less healthy pumpkin spice protein smoothie or pumpkin pie smoothie, definitely feel free to use pumpkin pie spice filling - it may have and effect on the texture, though.
For most of our pumpkin recipes, including this one, we like to stick with pumpkin puree for a healthier option. Getting canned pumpkin puree is a lot easier than making it from scratch, but it still gives you that earthy pumpkin flavor!
How to Make a Pumpkin Protein Smoothie
This is definitely one of the quickest and easiest recipes we have on our blog. This pumpkin smoothie is basically just made by throwing everything into a blender, but we'll break it down for you anyways. For more pumpkin recipes, be sure to check out our other blogs of delicious pumpkin-based dishes.
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
First things first, you're going to want to get all of your ingredients together. Here is a list for easy shopping:
- Crushed ice
- Coconut oil
- Organic canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- Chia seeds
- Cinnamon
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Vanilla protein powder (or your favorite protein powder)
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Cold water
- Walnuts
Step 2: Blend & Enjoy
Add all of your ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Once smooth, pour into your serving glass and enjoy! See? We told you it was easy!
Storage and Meal Prep
This pumpkin protein smoothie recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply blend the ingredients together, pour into a container, and refrigerate until ready to serve. For longer storage, you can freeze the smoothie for up to 3 months and thaw as needed. To make meal prep even easier, prepare a batch of smoothies on the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer. This way, you'll have a quick and nutritious option ready to go whenever you need it.
Love the scent of pumpkin spice? You need our Autumn Harvest Candle and our Autumn Harvest Body Care Duo!
Adapting this Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe
All of our honey recipes are meant to be inspiring. That's the way we see it. Please don't feel like you must make this pumpkin smoothie recipe precisely how our recipe shows. Get creative. Experiment. Try something different. Here are some ideas in case you need a little boost with adapting this recipe:
- Add some blueberries or a combination of your favorite berries to the mix. This will add some color and flavor to your smoothie. If you're adding berries, you might as well make this smoothie with Mixed Berry Honey!
- Try incorporating different spices into this smoothie to shake it up. Pumpkin pie spice would work great with this one - then you'll have a pumpkin pie protein smoothie!
- Try any kind of protein powder. They have to have pumpkin spice protein powder somewhere out there!
- Add a frozen banana for a thicker, creamier texture that enhances the smoothie's richness.
- Use maple syrup or almond butter for added sweetness and a nutty flavor boost.
- Sprinkle in some pumpkin pie spice for that extra autumnal kick.
- Use leftover pumpkin puree to make a batch of smoothies for the week, ensuring you always have a nutritious option on hand.
- Experiment with different types of protein powder, such as whey or plant-based options, to find your perfect blend.
- Easily make this into a pumpkin smoothie bowl and add some fruits on top - maybe also an extra little drizzle of honey?
A Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie is the Way to Go
Making a pumpkin protein smoothie is not only easy, but it packs a powerful nutritional punch. With the combination of pumpkin and honey, your body will thank you for all the necessary nutrients after an intense workout. From its high levels of vitamin A and fiber to its ability to boost immunity and improve digestion, pumpkin truly is a powerhouse of nutrition. Plus, with the option to store this smoothie in the fridge for up to 24 hours, it's also incredibly convenient for busy schedules. And let's not forget that this recipe is easily adaptable to suit your personal taste preferences - whether you prefer a sweeter or more subtle flavor, this smoothie has got you covered. So why wait? The next time you finish a workout, remember to make yourself a protein-packed pumpkin smoothie and reap all of its amazing benefits. Your body will thank you!
More Honey Smoothie Recipes to Try
More Honey Pumpkin Recipes to Try
- Bourbon + Honey Pumpkin Pie
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins
- Dairy-Free Pumpkin Soufflé
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll
- Boo-zy Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Pumpkin Espresso Martini
