Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
This pumpkin pie smoothie is a great source of fiber! Fiber can help keep your child full and nourished until the next meal/snack and provide fuel for healthy gut bacteria. This recipe features hemp and chia, which are two super seeds that are great sources of omega-3s. Due to the high fiber content in this recipe, this is a great meal for kids struggling with constipation.
Smoothies can be a great way to increase nutrient intake for picky eaters! Many children who are picky eaters have texture sensitivity. Since smoothies offer a smooth and consistent texture, they can be a nutritious addition to your child’s diet.
This is the perfect nutritious smoothie for Fall to satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings!
Ingredients
1 frozen banana, peeled (or sub 1 cup cauliflower rice)
1/2 cup puréed organic pumpkin
1/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened (see recipe here)
1 tbsp hemp seeds
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 Medjool date, pit removed
1/4-1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Optional: top with coconut whipped cream
Optional Boosters:
Want an extra omega boost? Add 1 tbsp ground flax, hemp seeds, nut/seed butter, or frozen/fresh avocado
Need a protein boost? Add 1 scoop collagen powder or other protein powder
Love chocolate and antioxidants? Add 1 tsp cacao powder
Want an extra boost of veggies? Add 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower rice, frozen shredded zucchini, or a handful of frozen kale or spinach
Note: frozen will help maintain the consistency of the smoothie
For picky eaters, you might not start with adding veggies, just start with the basics and work your way up!
Certain supplements may be able to mix in smoothies, though be cautious as mixing a supplement in a highly nutritious food could cause a picky eater to lose the food/lose trust if it changes the taste drastically. Try it yourself before serving to your child and start with an extremely small amount and work your way up.
My preferred method to get kids to take supplements is the syringe method.
Note: Most ingredients above are linked to items at Thrive Market for your convenience. Sign up with this link to get 30% off your first order.
A note on ingredient quality: If possible, choose ingredients that are organic and non-GMO. Stores such as Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, and other health food stores can help finding higher-quality ingredients. If access to higher quality ingredients isn't an option for you, choose the best option that is available to you locally.
Materials
A high-powered blender like a Vitamix
Directions
Blend together bananas, pumpkin purée, date, chia + hemp seeds, almond milk, and pumpkin spice until smooth, adding almond milk as needed
Pour into chilled mug, top with coconut, chia, or coconut whipped cream, or cinnamon sticks
Enjoy!!!
Nutrition Facts
Makes 1 Serving
Calories: 290 | Protein: 9 grams | Fiber: 11 grams | Carbohydrates: 47 grams | Fat: 10 grams | Sugars: 22 grams
