Mmm I can sense fall is around the corner my friends! Leaves on the ground, naked trees, crisp cool air, our visible breaths billowing in the air, and of course, warm and spicy fall desserts. I love fall, I cannot wait! This smoothie ties in the warm flavors of fall with a refreshingly sweet and healthy twist to typical pie cravings.

Although delicious, of course I gotta keep things healthy. Do not forget how sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, Vitamin A, B3, B5, B6, C, manganese, potassium, fiber, among the other plethora of vitamins and minerals. These lovely potatoes contain complex carbs which can help stabilize blood sugar. You want to make sure to lightly boil or steam the sweet potato to achieve the lowest possible glycemic index, as well as preserve the nutrient content. It’s also important to include a fat source with your sweet potatoes in order to absorb the fat soluble vitamin A (Beta-carotene) completely. Nuts are a good source as well as hemp, chia, or flax seeds.

The frozen banana works as a natural sweetener as well as provides a thick and creamy texture. If you feel you’d like it a bit sweeter, add in some stevia (to keep the glycemic index down), or some maple syrup  to enhance the fall flavors. Speaking of fall flavors, the pumpkin pie spice and fresh ginger really ties this smoothie all together with their warm and spicy attributes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup boiled/steamed sweet potato, cubed
• 1 frozen ripe banana
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 1 inch chunk of fresh ginger
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• chopped walnuts/pecans or hemp/flax/chia seeds (fat source)
• stevia, maple syrup (optional)

Preparation:

1. Add all ingredients except sweetener and nuts into blender and mix!
2. Taste your smoothie and add sweetener if necessary.
3. Top with chopped nuts and you have yourself a (healthy) delectable fall treat!