Protein and Pumpkin - What's Not to Love?

Today is National Pumpkin Day so I thought I would post a couple of new healthy pumpkin recipes. The first one is a really yummy pudding that you can eat plain or put in a little pie crust if you have a few extra carbs to spare. 

Protein Pumpkin Pudding
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 container of greek yogurt, vanilla flavored
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 TBS of fat-free Cool Whip
1-2 packets of Stevia, optional

Blend together all ingredients until smooth. You can add a packet or two of Stevia to make it a little sweeter if you want.

Eat straight from the dish or put it in a little graham cracker pie crust -

Mmmmm - tastes just like a pumpkin pie! (Only healthier!)

The next recipe is a pumpkin smoothie. You can use regular protein powder for this or use vanilla Shakeology. Either way - deliciousness!

photo: vitamix.com

Pumpkin Protein Smoothie

1 - 1 1/2 cups cold water

1 1/2 scoops vanilla protein powder, or 1 scoop vanilla Shakeology

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp pumpkin spice

1 packet Stevia

4-6 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. You can add some fat free Cool Whip and/or cinnamon to make it pretty. If you like it a little thicker, you can stick it in the freezer for a few minutes.

The last recipe is a for pumpkin pie oatmeal. This is super yummy and totally hits the spot on cold mornings.

Protein Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

pumpkin spice

dash of cinnamon

1 packet Stevia, optional

Mix oats with water and microwave (as per the directions on oat container), stir in pumpkin and protein powder, adding water if needed to get a smooth consistency. Add spices and Stevia to taste. Enjoy!