Pumpkin Pie in a Blender!

Fall is in the air ...well, not really if you live in the Coachella Valley! But you can start your day feeling like it's a festive Autumn morning with this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie! This might just be my go-to breakfast for the rest of the season! It's protein packed, has healthy carbs for energy and antioxidants from the pumpkin and spices.

 

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

 

-8 ounces unsweetened soy, almond or coconut milk

-1/2 banana

-1 Tbsp almond butter

-2 Tbsp pumpkin puree (*not pumpkin pie filling)

-1 serving vanilla protein powder

-1-2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

-1/4 cup rolled oats

-a little honey (optional)

-cup of ice

Blend until smooth- Enjoy your pumpkin pie from a blender!

 

 

Meet Amy Williams

Living her life-Inspired!

 

 

-What brought you to Inspired Fitness? I was taking classes with Jenna at a gym-she said she was opening a Fitness Studio and I knew I just had to be there!

 -What is your motivation to keep coming back to classes? Definitely the way I feel! And knowing that we are all doing it together helps.

 -What is your favorite class? Zumba, Yoga, Barre…cant pick just one!!  Amy is a class regular! You will find her in just about every evening class!

 -What are your personal health/wellness goals? To be the healthiest I can be and to take good care of myself.

 -What would you say is your best feature? My smile J  We would have to agree!

 -What would you say to Inspire someone who is feeling discouraged?  That you are worth it!

 -What is your favorite go-to healthy snack? Sliced apple with peanut butter and granola  Yum!

 -What is one fun fact that people don’t know about you?  I love to scrapbook

 

 

 

We are so thankful to have Amy a part of the Inspired Family!

 

Craving Chocolate

This post is for the ladies! As a long and draining week came to an end I found myself in a state of emotional distress and in need of some chocolate...anyone know what I'm saying?! However...Inspired Fitness is in the middle of an 8 week Fitness/Lifestyle Challenge...and I knew I should be a good example and make a smart choice. What to do?? Problem solved, I made myself a delicious and healthy peanut butter banana chocolate shake! Got my chocolate fix without feeling horrible afterward. Give it a try next time you a healthy treat!

 

8 ounces unsweetened almond, soy, or nonfat milk

1 serving vanilla or chocolate protein powder (choc. will give you a richer taste!)

1/2 banana

1 Tbsp natural peanut butter

1-2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (depending on flavor of pro powder used)

1 tsp vanilla extract

dash of cinnamon (optional)

cup of ice

 

Blend until smooth and enjoy your chocolaty goodness without the guilt!

Go bananas!

Need a nutritious snack that's easy and will fill you up?! Go for a banana! They provide energy and can help boost metabolism. Try putting half a banana in your morning or afternoon smoothies, or top a piece of toast with natural peanut butter and banana slices to get your day started well! Here are some other tasty ways to use bananas:

 

Banana Ice Cream- Peel, slice and freeze 1 small banana. Place frozen banana in a blender with 3 Tbsp nonfat milk or unsweetened almond, coconut or soy milk, and a dash of cinnamon. Top with 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts

 

Coffee and Banana Smoothie- Place in a blender 1 banana, 1 cup non fat milk or unsweetened milk substitute, 1/2 cup cold black coffee, 1 Tbsp honey and 1/2 cup ice-blend until smooth

 

Banana Muffins-

1 cup flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup mashed bananas

1/4 sugar

1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup applesauce

In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together.
In separate bowl, combine banana, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Blend until well mixed. Add applesauce. Slowly combine dry mixture to banana mixture. Blend well.
Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let cool before serving.