Find yourself uninspired on the smoothie front as soon as the mercury drops? Me too. This Fall Get-Up-And-Go Smoothie is packed with autumn flavors and an unexpected mix of ingredients to start your day off right!
I have a confession to make. Despite believing in the power of the smoothie, and including a variety of smoothie recipes on Boulder Locavore, I’m a bit of a fair weather smoothie drinker. They sound just right when it’s beastly hot in the summer. Filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, they are refreshing and pack a wallop on the nutritional front. Once it’s cold, no smoothies for moi.
That has changed however. I realized that I’m not getting my daily intake of fruits and vegetables the way I should. Without that my diet lacks in fiber too, as is often the case when eating processed gluten-free products (they tend to offer less fiber than their gluten equivalent).
The best way I know to get loads of fruits and vegetables is with a smoothie. I typically do not add juice, preferring not to have those calories and sugar as part of the mix. Instead I blend sweet fruits with those that are tart, and dark leafy greens (usually kale because it doesn’t taste like much) to make a naturally sweet smoothie with filtered water as the main added liquid.
Here’s the other thing. I’m a bit lazy and crave a streamlined morning routine. In the morning I get up at the very last possible moment with just enough time to make kids’ lunches for school, to throw on clothes and drive them. I don’t allow time to eat breakfast before I go. If I take coffee with me, I’m famished when I get home an hour later.
This gave me an idea. Coupled with my current obsession with everything pumpkin, I created a completely delicious fall smoothie that is deeply flavored, satisfying and filling.
The smoothie blends prepared coffee (chilled), vanilla soy milk or oat milk, maple pumpkin butter (widely available at this time of year), almond butter (some protein and good fat), a frozen banana (for natural sweetness and a creamy milkshake-like consistency) and my smoothie-standard green kale. It’s SO good! No need for a smoothie bowl, and coffee and fruit. It’s blended all into one fab drink to start your day with a bang!!
It’s super easy to brew up some coffee the night before and just keep it in the fridge in a Mason jar. I typically buy prepared, washed chopped kale (because washing and chopping it myself seems arduous to me apparently) so literally the prep of this smoothie is probably in the 30 second range. I love the flavors together and I think you will too!
Christina Aliperti says
I love smoothies and this one sounds amazing. I have to try this for breakfast tomorrow.
Beeb Ashcroft says
Not drinking smoothies in the winter has changed for me as well. This one looks like it’s packed full of nutrients!
Toni Dash says
I think I get dehydrated more readily in cooler weather too. It’s very dry in Colorado yet when it’s cold I don’t really think to drink water. Keeping on top of my smoothie game really helps with hydration for me as well. Matching the smoothie and seasonal flavors helps WANTING to drink them rather than forcing myself too!
Rosey says
I like that you’er using the soy milk. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s next on my list!
Toni Dash says
We’ve been drinking it for over 10 years since when we were first gluten-free (for medical need) two of us could not have dairy either. Now though we can have dairy milk, it’s still the standard for my kids for the cereal every morning!
Jeanine says
Looks delicious! I will have to pick up stuff to make this. I could use all the help right now to start feeling better and I think this would help!
Kiwi says
What a perfect smoothie to transition into Fall! I love all of the ingredients for it especially the Vanilla Soy. I said I was going to drink more soy milk over whole milk so thanks for this!
Colleen Cayes says
What a crazy good idea, Toni! I have frozen bananas in my freezer, and the other ingredients are now on today’s shopping list. I can’t wait for tomorrow morning and trying something new for my morning routine. Thank you!
Ourfamilyworld says
We love smoothies! Sounds like our family will love this, interesting flavors.
Liz Mays says
This does sound like a great smoothie to kick start your day. I’m loving the tasty and healthy ingredients.
kristi says
I have to admit the color of the smoothie did not excite me but when I read everything in it in your recipe, I am totally game. Will be pinning it as it sounds delicious.
Toni Dash says
Ha, ha! The color is horrible, no argument from me. I tried to put it in a decorative light to hopefully get people past the photo and to look at the recipe. Brown coffee, dark pumpkin butter and kale, a gorgeous smoothie color do not make.
Pam says
I have never had a smoothie with coffee in it before. This sounds so good. I am a fair weather smoothie drinker too.
Jocelyn Cañasa Brown says
Yum! That looks and sounds really good. I love fall flavors and I definitely need something new for mornings, I will make this for sure.
Kelly Hutchinson says
Wow! This smoothie has fall written all over it! I bet this is so delicious and refreshing!
Shell says
That sounds so good! I wouldn’t have thought to use maple pumpkin butter!
Chavonne H says
I love drinking smoothies and I’m always on the look out for different smoothie recipes. I really like the ingredients in this smoothie recipe. I bet it tastes so good. A delicious fall smoothie.
Toni Dash says
I too need to mix it up or get bored and stop drinking them! I love the depth of flavor of this one and it’s filling!
Tess says
Smoothies are the best! This woud be perfect for fall.
Reesa Lewandowski says
I am intrigued by the mple pumpkin butter! I drink smoothies every morning.
Colleen Lanin says
Yummo! I love everything about this recipe. Banana is a brain food, kale is a super food, and those healthy fats are good for so many parts of the body. Of course, the addition of coffee doesn’t hurt. 😉
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That sound so good! I love how tasty this is and how healthy it is, too. Kale and banana are both super foods.