GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Love it or hate it...it's pumpkin spice season, a seasonal treat many of us love to indulge in.
So today, we are making it a bit healthier.
Sara Gerbracht is a certified personal trainer & weight loss coach, who joined us to share some healthy takes on pumpkin spice.
RECIPE 1: HEALTHY PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
Did you know a grande pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has 50g of sugar, 14g of fat, and nearly 400 calories? I always tell my clients “it’s not about the total number of fat or calories you’re consuming, it’s about where these are coming from.” 400 calories from artificial sugar and sweeteners is much different than 400 calories of pure pumpkin.
Ingredients:
- ¼ c pumpkin puree
- 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder - I recommend using LadyBoss LEAN. It’s vanilla cake flavored and pairs perfectly with this recipe. Even my kids enjoy it!
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- Handful of ice cubes
- Dollop of fat-free Reddi-Wip
Instructions:
- Blend everything together and top with fat-free Reddi-Wip. It’s that easy!
RECIPE 2: DETOXIFYING PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
Who doesn’t love a good detox? This refreshing recipe has 23g of protein, which will leave you feeling full and energized for longer.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup of dairy free milk
- ½ can of pumpkin puree
- ½ banana, frozen
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp. of chia seeds, ground flax, or hemp seeds
- 1 scoop of protein powder
- Optional: allspice and coconut flakes (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Blend everything together until it’s a shake-like consistency.
- Optional: garnish with allspice and coconut flakes
RECIPE 3: 60-SECOND APPLE PIE
We couldn’t forget about our other seasonal favorite, apple pie! Although, apples are good for you, when you coat them with sugar and put them in a buttery crust, this changes the overall nutrition value. This recipe tastes nearly identical to a traditional apple pie, but is much quicker to make, and more healthy.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop of protein powder
- 1 apple cut into pieces
- 1 tsp. butter extract
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- Handful of ice cubes
- Optional: 1 piece of gluten-free graham cracker
Instruction:
- Put all ingredients into a blender. Blend ingredients until it’s a shake-like consistency.