Healthy Smoothies for Weight Loss: Pumpkin Chai Protein Smoothie

Healthy smoothies are a great way to enjoy a nutrient-dense breakfast and support weight loss goals when you’re time-strapped and running out the door.

But not all smoothies are created equal. When a recipe is loaded with fruit and fruit juice, it’s a good indicator that smoothie is a sugar bomb. Not only will you endure a horrible sugar crash that will leave you falling asleep at your office desk, but the extra sugar will be stored as fat. No thank you!

Don’t get me wrong, fruit is good for you, but if you want a healthy smoothie for weight loss, your smoothie needs to have two important components: healthy fat and protein.

Fat and protein are the key ingredients that will fuel you with steady energy, satisfy your cravings, and keep you full until lunchtime. And that’s exactly what this Pumpkin Chair Protein Smoothie delivers.

Instead of fruit or sweetener, this healthy smoothie recipe contains clean plant protein powder, healthy fat from full-fat coconut milk, and veggies like pumpkin and carrots. Not only will you get a full serving of vegetables and 24g of clean protein to energize your morning, but it will also kickstart your metabolism and lay the foundation for a day of burning fat!

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST PUMPKIN CHAI PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

USE PROTEIN POWDER. Protein is a key ingredient for a well-balanced smoothie so don’t skip this! Protein not only helps to regulate blood sugar, but it provides steady energy and will keep your cravings at bay until lunch. I recommend Natural Force’s Organic Vanilla Chai Plant Protein because it contains complete protein made from the highest quality plant-based protein and the flavor is delicious!

In a pinch, however, you can use a vanilla plant or whey protein. To add the chai flavor, simply add a dash of cardamom, a dash of allspice, a dash of cloves, two dashes of cinnamon, and two dashes of ginger.

SMOOTHIE OR SMOOTHIE BOWL. I leave this decision entirely up to you! If you’re on the run, drinking your smoothie from a glass is the better way to go. Or if you have 10 minutes and want to build an Instagram-worthy breakfast, enjoy this recipe as a smoothie bowl!

STEAM THE CARROTS. The easiest way to steam carrots is to put them in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water, cover, and microwave for two minutes. Then, microwave the carrots in 30-second increments until they are easily pierced with a fork.

Healthy Smoothies for Weight Loss: Pumpkin Chai Protein Smoothie

Instead of fruit or sweetener, this healthy smoothie recipe contains clean plant protein powder, healthy fat from full-fat coconut milk, and veggies like pumpkin and carrots. Not only will you get a full serving of vegetables and 24g of clean protein to energize your morning, but this smoothie will kickstart your metabolism and lay the foundation for a day of burning fat!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Cold filtered water
• 1/2 cup Full-fat coconut milk
• 1 scoop Natural Force Organic Vanilla Chai Plant Protein (see notes above if using alternative)
• 1 tsp Ashwagandha (optional but great for stress management)
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup Steamed carrots
• 2-3 Ice cubes

Optional Toppings

• 1 tbsp Chopped hazelnuts
• 1 tbsp Full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tbsp Shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients (except ice cubes and optional toppings) to a blender and blend for 30 seconds or until evenly combined.
2. Add ice cubes and blend for another 15 seconds or until evenly combined.
3. Pour into a bowl (or a cup if you’re on the go!), add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Tag me at triplepeakwellness when you post your smoothie on social media! I’d love to see your hard work!

No time to make a smoothie? Check out my 10 Fast Healthy Breakfasts at Whole Foods (Paleo & Keto Options!) for easy grab and go options!

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