Pumpkin Protein Shake

I absolutely love autumn.  Living in south Florida I don't get to experience the beauty of the changing leaves and weather.  But, I do get to enjoy all the delicious foods that are in season.  One of my favorite fall foods is the hearty pumpkin!  

Pumpkin is incredibly rich in vital antioxidants, and vitamins and provides numerous healthy benefit such as the following:

Pumpkin Nutrition Facts

• It is one of the very low calorie vegetables. 100 g fruit provides just 26 calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; however, it is rich in dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins. The vegetable is one of the food items recommended by dieticians in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.
• Pumpkin is a storehouse of many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-A, vitamin-C and vitamin-E.
• With 7384 mg per 100 g, it is one of the vegetables in the Cucurbitaceae family featuring highest levels of vitamin-A, providing about 246% of RDA. Vitamin A is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and is required by the body for maintaining the integrity of skin and mucus membranes. It is also an essential vitamin for good visual sight. Research studies suggest that natural foods rich in vitamin A help a body protects against lung and oral cavity cancers.
• The fruit is a good source of B-complex group of vitamins like folates, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid.
• It is also rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
• Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for heart health. In addition, the seeds are concentrated sources of protein, minerals and health-benefiting vitamins.  Furthermore, the seeds are an excellent source of health promoting amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted to GABA in the brain.
  
  
  
  Pumpkin Protein Shake
  
  
  

  
  

At only 188 calories, this shake is packed with 24 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of fiber!  Low in fat with on 3 grams, this scrumptious shake is perfect post workout, or any time of day!

Ingredients:

- 1 scoop VPX SRO Zero Carb Whey Protein (Graham Cracker)

- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

- 1/4 cup Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin

- 50g Banana

- 2 tbsps Walden Farms Chocolate Syrup (optional)

- 1 tbsp (16 g) Chocolate PB2

- Organic Cinnamon

- Water

- Ice

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in blender (I use my Magic Bullet) until smooth and enjoy!

Yes, it is THAT SIMPLE!!!

Seriously, this tastes so amazing I almost made myself another one.  And I could have since the macros are crazy low.

Nutrition Facts:

188 calories, 3g fat, 380g potassium, 
20g carbohydrates (5g fiber, 10g sugar) 24 g protein

 Reference: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pumpkin.html