Late Harvest High Protein Pumpkin Smoothie

People always ask me for my favorite tricks to keep the weight off during the "Eating Holidays" beginning with Halloween. Try this Late Harvest High Protein Pumpkin Smoothie as a yummy, alternative to pumpkin pie and all the other fall/winter sugary, high Calorie desserts that will expand your waistline between now and the New Year. I like having this yummy protein smoothie before I go out, as it keeps me full so I'm not so tempted to overindulge. Orange colored squash varieties are chock full of powerful phytochemicals (or plant chemicals), such as antioxidants, vitamin C, and betacarotine, which is helps improve your vision.

Ingredients
1 cup canned pumpkin
¼ cup nonfat vanilla yogurt (or reduced fat, firm tofu if you are vegan)
2 cups unsweetened apple juice
1 T honey of agave
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1. Place the canned pumpkin, honey, pumpkin pie spice, and yogurt or reduced fat tofu in blender.

2. Pour in juice and process until blended well. Serve immediately. May store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Yields: 4 Servings. Serving size: 6 ounces. Nutritional Content: 140 Calories, 0.4g fat, 2g protein, 34g carbohydrates, 20mg sodium.
*May top with 1 T of nonfat, whipped real dairy topping (a free food portion) and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice mix.

*For more delicious, healthful, and quick recipes that will get you through the holidays without packing on the pounds, buy Linda’s new SOUPer Slim Diet ebook at www.LindaLaRue.com/store.