Pumpkin Oatmeal Smoothie

With the cooler months rolling in, I am starting to wonder what I'm going to make instead of my daily smoothie. Smoothies just don't sound very appealing when it's as cold outside as it is in my smoothie glass. While I can't do much about the weather, I am able to adjust my smoothie ingredients based on the season. And this brings me to my new favorite smoothie: the Pumpkin Oatmeal Smoothie. This smoothie, which is very similar to my Pumpkin Pie Smoothie, incorporates one of the best things about fall: pumpkin. You know I couldn't resist!

What makes this recipe a little different from your average smoothie is the addition of oatmeal. I love the wholesome, nutty flavor that the raw oats give this smoothie. The oats also add thickness to the smoothie, which fools your taste buds into thinking this is more like a rich and delicious pumpkin milkshake rather than a good-for-you pumpkin smoothie.

One more ingredient that makes this recipe different better than your average smoothie is cottage cheese. Yes, you read that correctly. Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient to a super creamy smoothie. I am not a fan of eating cottage cheese, but when it's blended with all of the other smoothie ingredients, you can't even tell it's in there. All of you cottage cheese haters, just trust me on this. However, if you absolutely insist on avoiding cottage cheese like the plague, this smoothie will work just fine if you use yogurt instead.

Here's to enjoying the last few weeks of warm-ish weather with a seasonally appropriate and refreshing smoothie!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Smoothie
(1 serving)

1/2 banana
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup low fat no salt added cottage cheese
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 cup quick oats
2 packets stevia or sweetener of choice
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
handful of ice
optional: 1-3 tsp chia seeds

Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Blend for 30 seconds, or until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. If you want a thicker smoothie (more like a slushi), add another handful of ice; blend until smooth. Drink immediately.

Print this recipe!

Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 225.0
Total Fat: 4.6 g
Cholesterol: 5.0 mg
Sodium: 117.2 mg
Total Carbs: 39.0 g
Fiber: 6.5 g
Sugars: 13.1 g
Protein: 11.6 g

Pros:
-Quick and easy to make
-Healthy
-Great source of fiber and protein
-No refined sugar
-A good breakfast, snack, or dessert

Cons:
-Possible brain freeze

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Check out some of the link parties that I shared this recipe on!