Pick Me Up Pumpkin Smoothie + Tervis Tumbler

The Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program recently gave me this awesome Tervis Tumbler (with a Foodbuzz Logo of course!).  These little suckers are double walled, which makes them perfect for hot or cold drinks.  Plus, they have a lifetime guarantee against breaking, chipping, etc.  Sounds indestructible, but it's also just a great cup.  I drink my fair share amount of smoothies (mostly some version of the Green Monster) and when I'm home all my smoothies end up in this cup mainly because my hands don't get cold.

So I've been seeing pumpkin everywhere lately.  Is it Halloween already?!  Crazy how time flies.  Last year I was an energizer bunny.  I think this year I might be Chucky.  Although I've told this to a couple people and everyone looks at me like I'm crazy.  'That's scary' they say.  Well, yes that would be the point.  Is it possible to pull off a cute Chucky?  Doubtful...

I purchased a can of on sale Organic Pumpkin from Trader Joes and decided to throw it in a smoothie concoction after a run the other morning.  Turned out to be delicious, although I could see how some of your taste buds would like it a tad sweeter.  I didn't add honey to my smoothie, but try my version out and if it's not sweet enough add a little honey!  No harm there. 

I call this a 'Pick Me Up Pumpkin' smoothie because it's healthy and yet somewhat dessert like.  Perfect to start your fall day off right!

Pick Me Up Pumpkin Smoothie

Serves 1

Ingredients

1/4 Cup Organic Pumpkin (I used canned - you could also puree your own)

1/4 Cup Non Fat Plain Yogurt

1 Date (pit removed)

1 Cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

1 Frozen Banana

1/4 tsp (or a little more to taste) Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 Tbsp Ground Flax Seed

Honey to taste (I did not use honey, but if yours is not sweet enough add a bit of honey)

Chopped Walnut (topping)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender.  Blend until smooth.  Add honey to taste.  Top with chopped walnut.