by Jamie Lloyd
While the kids are scoffing Halloween sweets, get into the spirit yourself the healthy way with some pumpkin smoothies. Fitness coach Jamie Lloyd shares some of his favourite recipes—and one even includes chocolate, mmm.
Want to pick your pumpkins fresh? We perused our pick-your-own roundup and discovered Crockford Bridge Farm Shop has a ready patch—plus pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, ice scream (you read it right), and even a ‘Twisted Wonderland Experience in the Wicked Woods’ during half term.
Jamie’s Halloween Smoothies:
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
1 to 2 cups chopped pumpkin
1 frozen banana
1 cup almond milk, optional soy, lite coconut or skim milk
1 tbsp pure maple syrup, more or less to taste
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp allspice
1/2 cup ice
Put in blender and blend—yum!
Green Pumpkin Smoothie
1/2 cup organic pumpkin pie mix
1 cup unsweetened, almond milk (or make your own)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 large carrot, chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
2 frozen bananas
Blend and drink, delicious!
Chocolate Pumpkin Smoothie
3/4 pint milk of choice (I use unsweetened almond milk)
1/2 canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 to 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (I like the full teaspoon, or use ,1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, pinch cloves)
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 frozen ripe banana plus 1 pot of vanilla Greek yogurt (or 1 frozen ripe banana plus ,1/2 pot plain Greek yogurt)
optional handful of baby spinach (or regular spinach or kale or other leafy green of choice)
3 to 4 ice cubes
Blend and enjoy, and have a happy Halloween!
About the author:
Fitness writer and health and fitness coach Jamie Lloyd is co-author of the bestselling book Total Bodybreakthroughs and a regular contributor to Womens’ Fitness Magazine. He is the director of Buggybells, the ultimate fitness club for mums who don’t want to leave their little ones but still want to exercise outdoors. To book Jamie for personal training, group fitness training or nutrition coaching, contact buggybells@gmail.com.
