Get PUMPED for Pumpkin

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Not many places can beat the atmosphere of Vermont in the Fall!! Who doesn't love apple picking, crisp mornings and the fabulous foliage?? It is also a great time to incorporate pumpkin into EVERYTHING! 
Pumpkins’ orange color is a big hint that they’re loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is one of the plant carotenoids converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for healthy, glowing skin, strong eyesight, and our immune system.

1 cup of pumpkin delivers around 550 mg of potassium, making it one of the highest sources among fruits and vegetables (bananas bring in about 420 mg, and sweet potatoes bring in about 475 mg). This makes it an excellent addition to your post workout snack to replenish your stores!

The following portable recipes provide a deliciously healthy way to add more pumpkin to your day!


Pumpkin Banana Bread: yields 12-16 slices
    Ultra MOIST & delicious pumpkin banana bread - Ingredients: 1 can pumpkin, 2 cups banana, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 3 tbsp... Full recipe: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com @choccoveredkt
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp each: cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/2 cup mashed, overripe banana
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup Vermont maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup oil OR milk of your choice 
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 F
Grease a 9×5 loaf pan, and set aside
Combine all dry ingredients
Whisk all liquid ingredients in a separate bowl
Pour wet into dry and stir to form a batter
Smooth into the prepared pan
Bake on the center rack 30 minutes
Let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight










Pumpkin Pie Protein Packed Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
½ cup (122g) pumpkin purée
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 - 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use BiPro)
¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients in a mason jar or other to go container and place in the refrigerator overnight! Depending on your preference, you may want to add an additional 1/4 cup of water, milk or almond milk to your oats. 




Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin (canned or freshly cooked)
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 3/4 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons) vanilla protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Pinch of ground ginger
Instructions: Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth!

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