Pumpkin Smoothie

on February 5, 2010
in All Posts

You knew it was coming eventually!

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Since I’m so obsessed with Pumpkin Yogurt, I figured it was time to venture into Pumpkin Smoothies! 

 

My mom is also vegetarian and feels she doesn’t get enough protein (I feel like the protein issue is overblown, but if she feels she needs more protein, then she does).  She picked up this type of Soy Protein Powder:

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I suggested she buy whey protein next time, especially because she takes hormones (excessive soy has been loosely based to higher instances of breast cancer).

 

This smoothie tasted like pumpkin pie in a blender!

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My smoothie contained:

 

  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 5 ice cubes
  • 2 scoops protein powder
  • 1 and 1/4 cup vanilla rice milk
  • Drizzle maple syrup
  • Lots of cinnamon
  • 1 sliced banana

 

And on the side, I had a slice of toast with hot pepper raspberry preserves, which was delicious and tasted exactly as you would expect!

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And… I’m off to squeeze in a workout.  Today is another true vacation day, and I’m excited to spend time with mom.

 

What’s your favorite type of smoothie?

{ 81 comments }

 

  • Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run February 5, 2010, 9:05 am

    Anything from the Robert Rothschild Farm is amazing!

    I am boring with my smoothies: I stick with fat free vanilla yogurt, frozen berries, 1/2 banana, 1% milk and ice. I have a smoothie as a treat every once in awhile, but I don’t eat them often because they don’t seem to fill me up very well.

  • Christina February 5, 2010, 9:06 am

    I don’t usually have smoothies, but I adore pumpkin and that looks great!

  • Meghan@traveleatlove February 5, 2010, 9:07 am

    I love a mix of kale, frozen raspberries, banana and pineapple with chocolate almond milk. The raspberries just add a special, summery flavor to it.

  • Evan Thomas February 5, 2010, 9:07 am

    I love a smoothie with carrot juice, peaches, and vanilla yogurt. It tastes JUST like a creamsicle

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries February 5, 2010, 9:09 am

    I LOVEEEEE that jam!!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 5, 2010, 9:10 am

    I’ve heard a lot of recommendations for hemp protein as well, so you might pass that on to your mom. I agree with you that the protein issue is blown way out of proportion (and usually by non-vegetarians).

    Pumpkin smoothie looks divine!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels February 5, 2010, 9:10 am

    Have you or your mom ever gone for hemp protein powder? That’s what I put in my smoothies!

  • megan February 5, 2010, 9:10 am

    My husband and I have a smoothie every morning! For the 2 of us – 2 bananas, strawberry yogurt, spinach, juice, ice, and whatever other fruit we have to throw in (usually canned peaches, canned pineapple, or a pear) so good!

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans February 5, 2010, 9:11 am

    I actually got pretty sick in college because I was a vegetarian and didn’t get enough protein! Your mom is a smart cookie! My favorite smoothie is anything with mango!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet February 5, 2010, 9:11 am

    I love smoothies with my chocolate coconut protein powder, a frozen banana, and peanut butter! They taste like dessert. I used to think the protein thing was overblown, too, however I never looked as ripped as I did until I ate more. I consume about 1 g per bodyweight and it’s not too tough to get in – and I don’t really like meat! 🙂

  • Matt February 5, 2010, 9:12 am

    My go to post workout smoothie has vanilla soymilk, a banana, and peanut butter. Sometimes I add cocoa powder too 😉

  • Teacherwoman February 5, 2010, 9:13 am

    I look forward to the days when smoothies sounds good… right now, it’s just so cold I can’t even imagine making them. 🙂

  • Lindsey @ Sound Eats February 5, 2010, 9:14 am

    That look delicious! I do use protein powder in my smoothies, but that’s just because I don’t get protein from yogurt or dairy. I don’t do soy protein powder either, but I also don’t do whey. I haven’t tried hemp or pea protein powder (have heard good things) but I do use brown rice protein powder. I use the cheapest one I could find – Nutribiotic (mine’s chocolate flavored) and I def. recommend it. It adds 12 g protein and only adds like 57 calories. Great way to up the protein of a smoothie without doubling the calories.

  • Matt February 5, 2010, 9:15 am

    Oh and I don’t think the protein thing is completely overrated. I actually notice that my body recovers quicker when I am eating more protein. It’s not excessive, but your body does need it to rebuild. If your mom isn’t very active, she is probably getting plenty.

  • Dori February 5, 2010, 9:15 am

    I think your mom should try Hemp protein for an even safer, animal frendly option! Pumpkin smoothie sounds awesome, will have to make that.

    • caitlin February 5, 2010, 9:30 am

      I will recommend it to her just based on the animal issue! Thanks!

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) February 5, 2010, 9:16 am

    I recently tried rice milk for the first time and it was really different- but good! I like any smoothie that’s sweet, thick + creamy

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 5, 2010, 9:18 am

    Oh yum… i’m going to try that but add some spinach and make it a pumpkin pie green monster. LOVE pumpkin.

    My favorite smoothie combo is banana/strawberry. Simple, but oh so good.

  • Whit February 5, 2010, 9:20 am

    I’m not sure what to expect with hot pepper/raspberry, so I have no clue what that would taste like.

    I like both hot peppers and raspberries, so odds are I’d like it.

  • Jenny February 5, 2010, 9:21 am

    I’ve been really concerned about the protein issue as a new vegetarian, so it’s interesting to read people’s comments here. I’m a simple girl with simple tastes (ha! right.), and I love a strawberry banana smoothie.

    The hot pepper jelly has completely piqued my curiosity.

  • islandgirleats February 5, 2010, 9:21 am

    I would have to say strawberry smoothies. But I think that I might have to try your pumpkin smoothie – it sounds intersting.

  • Jill February 5, 2010, 9:23 am

    Caitlin, did you put any of that protein powder in the pumpkin pie smoothie?

    • caitlin February 5, 2010, 9:31 am

      durrrr thanks for catching that. i forgot to add that to the ingredient list. modifying now.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 5, 2010, 9:23 am

    I love that glass!! I love peanut butter banana smoothies 😉

  • Stacey February 5, 2010, 9:24 am

    Mmmmm you totally have me craving some toast right now! My fav smoothie is the Green Monster, it’s just so refreshing and I love that it contains a veggie 😀
    Speaking of GM….gotta go! 😉

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner February 5, 2010, 9:31 am

    Strawberry banana probably. Actually anything with banana is good 🙂

  • Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com February 5, 2010, 9:31 am

    Oh man that pumpkin smoothie looks delicious. Hot Pepper raspberry preserves, that sounds interesting. Have fun with your mom 🙂

  • Raya February 5, 2010, 9:33 am

    I love pumpkin smoothies!!! Very interesting pepper jelly…

  • Darci February 5, 2010, 9:33 am

    strawberry def trumps all!! but i like adding all kinds of other things to it also!!

    might have to try out this pumpkin one! 😉

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) February 5, 2010, 9:42 am

    pumpkin smoothies are the best —- soooo incredibly delish! 😉

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite February 5, 2010, 9:47 am

    This smoothie sounds sooo good!

    Happy Friday!

  • Haleigh February 5, 2010, 9:47 am

    All I have been craving is oatmeal and soup lately due to the cold weather but I may have to give in and try that pumpkin smoothie! Sounds delicious!!

  • Emily Eats and Exercises February 5, 2010, 9:47 am

    For me the protein issue is just that it helps fill me up. I spent a while in high school/college as a mostly carbs and cheese vegetarian – not so healthy. (and caused a lot of weight gain – no surprise.) I certainly don’t need a big steak, but I try to get at least some protein in every meal so I can keep my portions and calories within reason.

  • Janna (Just Flourishing) February 5, 2010, 9:50 am

    Yum!

    Never would have thought to put pumpkin in a smoothie.

    My favorite type of smoothie is anything tropical. Like with mangoes, papayas, pineapple, coconut… yum!

  • Jenny @ nutmegger February 5, 2010, 9:51 am

    Do vanilla milkshakes count? 😉

  • Betty February 5, 2010, 9:54 am

    That smoothie looks really good. I’ll have to try that. I usually go with a Green Monster.

  • Ashley February 5, 2010, 9:57 am

    That pumpkin smoothie looks delicious! I’m definitely going to have to try it out. Enjoy the day with your mom!

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) February 5, 2010, 10:06 am

    Holy pumpkin deliciousness!!

    I love strawberry smoothies. In Thailand, there are tons of street carts selling fresh fruit smoothies, just fruit and ice (some vendors try to add sugar but if you’re quick, you can stop them. 😉 )

  • Amanda February 5, 2010, 10:07 am

    I agree with you about the protein thing. Everything I read suggests that meat-eaters get much more protein than they need which can result in kidney disease and kidney stones. I hate to say it but the thought of the preserves makes me cringe. The smoothie looks delish though.

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 5, 2010, 10:17 am

    Hot pepper raspberry jam!? Am I thinking the same sort of pepper (as in chilli…?) as the jar says!?
    I’m with your mum on the protein thing..I think it’s important to get enough to repair muscles etc. I think the meat-eaters-getting-kidney-problems thing is (IMHO) related to the fat content etc of the red meat, not the protein itself..but I’m no nutritionist !!
    Each to their own, whatever out bodies think we need, we need 🙂

    • caitlin February 5, 2010, 10:22 am

      yes, like hot red pepper chili flakes! mmm.

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story February 5, 2010, 10:19 am

    Lately it’s been Banana, Blueberry and Spinach with Vanilla Soy milk! But I’m new to the smoothie thing! I can’t wait to try this one, I’m kind of a pumpkin addict!

    I’m glad you’re having a great visit with your Mom! 🙂

    • caitlin February 5, 2010, 10:24 am

      thank you sweetheart 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) February 5, 2010, 10:38 am

    i LOVE tropical smoothies…anything with mango and pineapple, and I’m a huge fan of strawberries. I was just looking at my can of pumpkin this morning and thinking i should make a smoothie with it…now i’ll have a recipe to check out 🙂

    that hot pepper raspberry jam sounds YUMMMMMMMY 🙂

  • Heather February 5, 2010, 10:39 am

    i keep seeing this pepper jelly on blogs. adding it to my “must buy” list.

    when i lived in Madison, back in my early college days, I had a slight addiction to Jamba Juice. And by addiction, I mean OBSESSION. I can remember a few weeks when I would walk from my dorm to Jamba for “exercise” each morning just so that I could get a jamba. SO GOOD. It’s very naustalgic for me. Since moving from Madison in 2003, I’ve not lived in a town with a Jamba Juice – but I do have the Jamba Juice Power book that a friend bought me that year to help my withdrawls. SO MANY good recipes, but of course, i never follow them anymore. Always adding more of this, and less of that. Favorite Jamba ever = berry lime sublime. [i mean- COME ON- SUBLIME is in the name. perfection.]

    favorite smoothie at home lately?
    almond breeze, banana, frozen blueberries, and frozen peaches. I like to use frozen fruit other than ice for an extra sweet kick.

    [look at that. i’ve managed to be wordy in my comment leaving. ridiculous.]

  • abi February 5, 2010, 10:40 am

    Hi Caitlin,

    I believe that soy has actually been linked to REDUCED breast cancer incidence and might actually be protective. Some systematic reviews have found that there is no difference. It’s been shown that it’s incorrect that it connects to breast cancer incidence.

    • caitlin February 5, 2010, 12:07 pm

      Hmm interesting. I have read the exact opposite! Well, its nice to hear that its not conclusive because we definitely all eat enough soy!

  • Michelle @ H.E.R. February 5, 2010, 10:51 am

    Just about everyday, I combine soy milk (reg or choc) with a scoop of pnut butter, a frozen bannana, plain yogurt and ground flax. Its amazing!! Pumpkin would probably be good thrown right in there…

  • Katie @ Health for the Whole Self February 5, 2010, 10:51 am

    I think it’s so great that you and your mom are both vegetarians. Although I’m not a vegetarian, I struggle a lot when I visit my mom because she has very little interest in healthy eating/living. Unfortunately it sometimes causes some tension. So be grateful that your passion for healthy living and eating is something that you can share and enjoy with your mom! 🙂

  • Ashley February 5, 2010, 10:53 am

    I made a pumpkin smoothie a few months back! It was a green monster smoothie loaded with spinach. I put a few more spices in there like ginger + nutmeg along with the cinnamon. It was so so so good. I am a huge advocate of little to no soy in the diet, especially processed soy. Besides the possible hormone problems there are many many other issues with soy! But anyway…YUM to the smoothie! =)

  • Lacey February 5, 2010, 11:00 am

    hi caitlin! this made me think about soy/issues–

    i was wondering if you would do a post about soy, your thoughts/ research claims.

    in the book in defense of food i was super confused by the part where soy beans can interefere with nutrient absorption, but tofu is an acceptable form of it. i have always wondered about the many/confusing claims of soy– from processed to unprocessed, it’s effects on breast cancer/heart health, hormones, etc. is it more harmful than good? did you read that part in michael pollan’s book? thoughts? and also that soy is one of the big “processed foods” like corn– and soybean oil is NOT good for us. it seems it can come in many forms and it’s not necessarily a good thing.

    i’m a vegan so i drink soy milk, eat soy beans, eat processed soy in bars/burgers, and am at risk for breast cancer b/c my mom and grandmother had it. i used to limit my soy intake but have lately been slacking in that department.

    any input i would super appreciate! thanks 🙂

    • caitlin February 5, 2010, 12:08 pm

      i get really confused about the topic too – i’m not very educated it in which is why i just generally try to avoid extra soy (in addition to tofu). i wish i could do a post on it but i dont feel like i know enough on the topic. i guess the answer is everything in moderation!

    • Ashley February 5, 2010, 6:32 pm

      Lacey – I did a post about it in my FAQ section if you want to check it out. It’s somewhat brief but I have done a lot of research on the subject. Check it out if you’re interested =) http://edibleperspective.com/?page_id=4261

  • Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind February 5, 2010, 11:08 am

    It looks like you’ve sparked some interest in your readers with the protein/soy/whey/etc. issues!

    I wanted to jump in, too, and ask if you’ve done/will do a post about protein intake. I’m not a vegan or vegetarian, but my diet is fairly vegetarian-like, and I do concern myself with getting enough protein. I’m wondering if it’s as important as I think it is???

    • caitlin February 5, 2010, 12:09 pm

      well the reason i dont obsess over protein is once i did a “protein day” where i counted how many grams of protein i ate as a vegetarian – i got about 70! which i feel like is more than enough. things like beans, dairy, tofu, and greek yogurt (a big one) really helped me eat that protein!

  • mackattack February 5, 2010, 11:13 am

    Oh gosh I love pumpkin pie! When I was low carbing I’d make pumpkin smoothies but with pumpkin syrup (sugar free) it’s not the same!

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin February 5, 2010, 11:25 am

    Yum, the pumpkin smoothie looks delish! I love making green smoothies, with spinach, bananas and almond butter. Sometimes I use Hemp Protein powder, too– I highly recommend it over the whey protein I used to use! Even though hemp has a weird green color, I think it affects the taste less than whey, and I prefer to avoid dairy when possible.

    Also, I totally agree with you about the protein issue– it’s way overblown!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing February 5, 2010, 11:29 am

    i looooove mango smoothies. there’s something so refreshing about them – like summer in a cup!

  • Fallon February 5, 2010, 11:32 am

    A smoothie with chocolate and peanut butter is always yummy!

  • Dan February 5, 2010, 11:35 am

    okay, pumpkin pie in a glass! You sold me! I am going to have to try this one out!

  • Tiffany February 5, 2010, 11:41 am

    Um… HOT PEPPER fruit preseves?? I’m not sure I’d like spicy jam haha, but I’ll trust you on the pumpkin smoothie. It sounds decadent! You had me at “pumpkin pie”. 😀

  • Erica February 5, 2010, 11:43 am

    Alright, I’m trying this smoothie tomorrow! You’ve got me hooked on all of your pumpkin recipes!

    I love strawberry banana smoothies!

    My mom makes her own hot pepper jam and it’s such a great snack on pretzels, or ritz crackers, or on a sandwich with turkey … now I need to get some!

  • Allison February 5, 2010, 11:47 am

    I like green smoothies! And anything strawberry with orange juice!

  • Amber K February 5, 2010, 11:55 am

    I only make smoothies with frozen fruit, much less icy than using ice. I like my smoothies SMOOTH.

    And I don’t like soy because of it messing with my hormones. But whey is no good either, it leads to digestive problems in a lot of people, unfortunately me included! But if you try it and have no problems it is one of the best.

  • Carolyn February 5, 2010, 12:08 pm

    So exciting that you get to visit your mom for a week. I only see my mom about once a year or so unless there’s a special occasion and it’s usually only for a few days. 🙁

    • caitlin February 5, 2010, 12:10 pm

      I know… I feel lucky. Normally I never get to do this! Thank god for telephones.

  • emily February 5, 2010, 12:19 pm

    You seriously just ate two of my very favorite things for breakfast!!! Pumpkin pie smoothies are ridiculous good, and I actually hate pumpkin pie in pie form. Also, if you liked the preserves, that company also makes hot pepper peach. That with cream cheese is mind-blowing.

  • Kt F February 5, 2010, 12:41 pm

    That pumpkin smoothie is making me drroool! I need to go buy some canned pumpkin ASAP! If our grocery stores have any left =/

  • Tay February 5, 2010, 12:43 pm

    Yup, pumpkin smoothies are my absolute favorite thing ever!! Been drinking them for years and have yet to get sick of them 😉

  • Jamie February 5, 2010, 1:26 pm

    I’m more of a fruit smoothie girl, but I wouldn’t complain about a pumpkin smoothie either!

  • Leanne February 5, 2010, 2:37 pm

    Anything with peanut butter, banana, and chocolate! Just made one today actually!

  • PippaPatchwork February 5, 2010, 3:06 pm

    Pumpkin smoothie! I can think of nothing better. Thanks for sharing the recipe, I can’t wait to try.

  • Julie February 5, 2010, 3:12 pm

    I love green monsters, but have always wanted to try pumpkin. I have a can of pumpkin and was waiting for a recipe to fall into my lap…guess it’s my lucky day 🙂
    I also love leapin’ lizzards smoothie from planet smoothie 🙂 I feel so silly ordering it.

  • healthy ashley February 5, 2010, 4:19 pm

    I read this during a run and then came home and immediately made a pumpkin smoothie. It was YUMMY!!

    And there are so many protein options other than whey and soy. Maybe consider brown rice protein? I got mine at WF and love it!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) February 5, 2010, 5:17 pm

    My favorite smoothie has spinach, bluberries, and a banana with yogurt and almond milk. Yummy!

  • Allie February 5, 2010, 7:04 pm

    Mmm… that smoothie looks delish! I love anything with pumpkin and its looks super simple, I’ll have to give it a try.

  • Jenna February 5, 2010, 10:57 pm

    Smoothie looks great

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 5, 2010, 11:42 pm

    I love Green Monsters, but I would totally try a pumpkin smoothie – I love all smoothies 🙂

  • Nicole February 6, 2010, 12:08 am

    Soy has conflicting studies.
    My Mom had a type of breast cancer that was fueled by too much estrogen and she was told by her doctors to avoid soy. HOWEVER, I have endometriosis and recently read that soy can help REMOVE EXCESS estrogen from the body, which is completely opposite what Cleveland Clinic doctors told my Mom and I. I don’t think there is enough evidence to go either way conclusively. It’s quite possible that each body processes the soy differently and decreases/increases estrogen in different women. In moderation it’s good for you, but like everything else going overboard can cause problems. You can develop a nasty soy allergy by consuming too much.

    As for my own protein needs, I currently use Whey but have been looking to switch due to overwhelming evidence that animal protein is toxic to our bodies and fuels disease.

    • Caitlin February 6, 2010, 8:13 am

      thanks for this information! we discussed it in the comments above and it was interesting to hear your perspective. i’m sorry about your mom and your own health struggles.

      • Nicole February 6, 2010, 10:21 am

        I actually read all the other comments before posting and figured that your readers might be interested to know that even doctors cannot decide how exactly soy affects estrogen! 🙂 You can never have too much information!

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