With the Holiday season approaching I wanted to share some health benefits of Pumpkin as well as share an awesome recipe for a protein packed smoothie.
Here are four health benefits of Pumpkin. . .
1) Keeps You Full
One cup of Pumpkin provides about 3 grams of fiber. Which helps give the body a feeling of fullness. So you may actually need less total calories to keep you full.
2) Healthy Fats & Protein
If you're using organic pumpkin to cook, keeping the seeds includes good unsaturated fats, protein and extra fiber.
3) Vitamins
The antioxidants in pumpkin are converted to Vitamin A which offers several health benefits. Improved eyesight and immune system to name a couple.
4) Potassium Packed
Potassium is an important mineral to keep our muscles and heart healthy. Just one cup of pumpkin provides a significant amount more of Potassium than a banana.
With that being said, here is a pumpkin protein smoothie recipe for some quality protein and low sugar.
- 20-30g of Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pumpkin
- 1 cup Cashew or Almond Milk
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Ice
Blend in a blender and ENJOY!
When selecting your protein powder, you want to make sure it is a straight "whey" protein powder or a plant protein.
So these options will typically be around 100-120 calories per serving and have 0g of carbs and sugar. (Or definitely under 5g)
While a meal replacement type powder may have more calories, and carbs and sugars in there as well.
--> READ YOUR NUTRITION LABELS.
Two protein powders that I personally enjoy and recommend are the Transparent Labs Grassfed Whey Protein Concentrate (24g per seving) and Legion Athletics Whey+ (22g per serving).
I trust these two brands and am very satisfied with the quality of their products.
For more help and resources check out RoseFitnessNY.com .
