Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl

Fall is officially here, and even though the days are getting chillier, that won’t stop me from enjoying my daily smoothie bowls! Especially these festive pumpkin pie smoothie bowls!

Once fall rolls around, all the grocery stores start stocking up with pumpkin-flavored foods, and for a pumpkin-lover like me, it’s absolutely heaven! But I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m addicted to all pumpkin-flavored foods and baked goods, and I eat them year-round! It’s a good thing stores sell canned pumpkin for when fresh pumpkins go out-of-season!

Aside from it being very tasty, pumpkin is also a nutritional powerhouse, chock-full of nutrients. Here are just a few key health benefits to point out about pumpkin:

• It’s loaded with Beta-Carotene – this turns into Vitamin A, which then helps strengthen your immune system and protects your eyes.
• High in antioxidants – protects against harmful bacteria, sun damage, and even diseases like cancer.
• Strengthens your immune system – it contains important nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals such as iron and folate, all of which protect the immune system and keep you from getting a nasty cold this fall/winter.
• It’s a great source of fiber – this helps slows down the absorption of sugar and carbohydrates in the body, and it also helps keep you fuller for longer.
• Great for your heart – pumpkin contains high levels of potassium, Vitamin C, and fiber, and these work together to help: lower your bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and decrease your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Those are just a few of the many benefits of pumpkin, so if you’ve overlooked this food in the past or you’ve only used it to bake a Thanksgiving pie, maybe it’s time you re-think things and give pumpkin another try!

Believe it or not, pumpkin can be used for other things besides just pumpkin pie (I know, I know… shocker!). It can be used:

• In smoothie bowls
• In oatmeal
• In pasta or pizza sauces
• As a base for soups and chili
• In pancakes or waffles
• In baked goods
• Mixed into plain yogurt
• As a spread for sandwiches or quesadillas

There are so many ways to use pumpkin, so my challenge for you this week is to see what you can come up with using pumpkin! If you’re having trouble, then maybe start with this recipe for a pumpkin pie smoothie bowl! It’s delicious, nutritious, and very filling, making it a great meal or snack!

You can even have fun with it and pour it into a giant mug instead of a bowl! Personally, this is my favorite way to enjoy smoothie bowls!

Here’s another little secret that I’m going to let you in on: if you want a more pumpkin-y flavored smoothie, swap out the water or almond milk for brewed tea! This pumpkin spice rooibos tea from Trader Joe’s is one of my favorites to add to smoothies because it really intensifies the pumpkin flavor! And by now, you should know that I love my pumpkin! The more the merrier 🙂

But if you’re not as much as a pumpkin-lover as I am (or if you just don’t have any pumpkin tea on hand), feel free to use almond milk, liquid, or whatever other liquid you would normally use in smoothies.

Don’t forget to add toppings to your smoothie bowl once it’s all blended together! My favorites are pumpkin seeds, muesli, cacao nibs, slivered almonds, but there are so many fun options out there! Now it’s your turn to re-create this yummy fall-inspired smoothie!