Pumpkin Cinnamon Date Smoothie

A rich smoothie with notes of pumpkin spice.

Some of my joys of fall include: leaves turning and falling to the ground, cool breezes, invigorating hikes, cozy sweaters, hot tea, pumpkin patches and rich, aromatic flavours. Smoothies are one of my simplest, low effort ways to ensure I am obtaining plenty of nutrients in my day. We know consuming more plant foods can help prevent some long-term conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This is why adding fruits and vegetables, like pumpkin, to our smoothies can be health-promoting.

Since I love warm, cozy spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, I added these to this vibrant smoothie of nourishing plant-based ingredients. I hope it also provides you joy and satisfaction. Enjoy and please share your creations with me!

PCOS Powers:

Pumpkin:

    • high in a variety of antioxidants (vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin)
      • vitamin C supports healthy immune functioning
      • beta-carotene may help prevent some types of cancer)
    • source of fiber (which supports digestion, heart health, and blood sugar regulation)
    • source of potassium (supports heart, bone, and kidney health)

Chia seeds:

      • high in fiber, protein, and omega 3s

Cinnamon:

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie (Vegan)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree, frozen
  • 4 dates
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tsp pumpkin spice mix (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, all spice, cardamom)
  • toppings: coconut, etc.

How to:

  1. Throw all ingredients in a blender and voila! Putting in almond milk first blends easiest.

PUMPKIN CINNAMON DATE SMOOTHIE

If you loved this fall recipe, you may love my roasted pumpkin seeds with turmeric and cinnamon!

Black ‘n Blueberry Overnight Chia Seeds

An easy, make-ahead breakfast idea.

Overnight oats with a twist: chia seeds! Sometimes I will mix oats and chia together (cheaper than straight chia alone) but I splurged on this recipe to experience the full chia seed effect. To boost the protein content I added protein powder, but this is totally optional as the chia & almond milk provide about 8 grams of protein already. PS. Getting creative with toppings is the most fun part for me!

blackberryoats

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 3 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 scoop vanilla plant-based protein powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup frozen blackberries and blueberries

How to:

  1. Whisk almond milk, chia seeds, protein powder and cinnamon in a bowl.
  2. Place in fridge overnight.
  3. In the morning remove from fridge.
  4. Puree frozen fruit in food processor until creamy (add a splash of almond milk).
  5. Layer fruit with chia seed mixture and top with whatever you want (here I have goji berries and coconut).

PCOS Powers:

  • cinnamon = may help balance glucose levels, lower cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides in blood
  • chia seeds = high in omega 3s which can help decrease high testosterone and improve egg quality
  • blackberries = can assist in liver disease protection
  • blueberries = may help to lower blood glucose levels