Dairy Free Pumpkin Nog Protein Smoothie

My favorite flavors of the holidays are the warming spices of ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Although I love pumpkin pie, I’m usually burnt out on it the closer we get to Christmas. By this time I’ve usually abused using pumpkin in every form possible. So I decided to create something with my other vice… Egg Nog, although dairy free (my skin doesn’t like dairy, nor does my stomach).

Contrary to popular belief, Egg Nog is actually rich in some great nutrients thanks to the nutritious yolks and healthy fat it contains. Maybe not so much the store bought versions, but if you make your own with the right ingredients, you have a pretty nutrient dense drink (or meal should I say). As much as I love the flavor of egg nog, I probably would never have it as an actual drink, hence why I decided on making it a smoothie instead. At first, it didn’t come out quite as thick as I wanted, so I took a look at what I had on hand to help thicken it, and what do you know, of course I had pumpkin puree in the fridge… I can’t escape it. So the Pumpkin Nog smoothie came to be!

I know for some of you a smoothie is just not appealing in the winter time, but the spices and richness of this smoothie keeps it warming, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly very filling. I had mine for breakfast and wasn’t hungry for almost 5 hours later! I ran around for work all day and didn’t have one sign of low blood sugar, and usually by hour 4 without food I’m ravenous.

Did I mention this smoothie is LOADED with nutrients and health benefits? Take a look:

Egg yolks – One of the richest dietary sources of choline, which can assist in neurological function, decrease inflammation and improve mood and happiness. Choline breaks down and helps to make feel good hormones like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Egg yolks are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, great for eye health! And in regard to the skin, egg yolks are super supportive. They are high in the mineral sulfur which is needed by the liver to properly detox, but is also needed for collagen production and keratin, both important nutrients for healthy skin, hair and nails.

*Because this smoothie uses raw egg yolks, please be sure to use only the highest quality eggs you can find, preferably pastured and organic. If lower quality eggs are used, I recommend boiling the egg for a couple minutes in water before cracking open. This helps to kill any harmful bacteria.

Pumpkin– Great source of potassium, vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids which can convert to vitamin A.

Gelatin– Source of protein with all amino acids, especially glycine and proline, which are found in bones, organs and tissues. In other words, gelatin is a wonderful support for skin, hair, nails, joints, digestion and immune health!

Ginger -Soothing, creates warmth, and supports digestion.

Cinnamon– Great to help control blood sugar and manage cravings.