Monday, October 20, 2014

Puritan's Pride Seasonal Smoothie Challenge and Giveaway...

*This post is sponsored by Puritan’s Pride; opinions expressed are my own.

Hey guys, I hope you all had another great weekend. This weather down here in the South has been AMAZING the past couple days. Its finally starting to feel like fall which brings me to some awesome news I wanted to share with you all. This month, November, and December I am participating in the Seasonal Smoothie Challenge with Puritan's Pride on behalf of being a SweatPink Ambassador with Fit Approach.

What does all that mean to you guys?
I will be bringing you guys some of my favorite smoothie recipes for fall and winter. AND the best part is the ingredients I use in these smoothies, Puritans Pride is giving one of you guys the same products in an amazing Giveaway. So without further ado...
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A little about Puritan's Pride...


Puritan’s Pride® began over 40 years ago, with the mission of making the finest quality nutritional supplements available at the best value to their customers. Today, the company remains true to its original commitment and serves millions of loyal customers. Puritan’s Pride manufactures thousands of vitamins, minerals, herbs and other nutritional supplements in their state-of-the art facilities located throughout the U.S. As part of the company’s commitment to quality, Puritan’s Pride only uses ingredients from suppliers worldwide that meet their Quality Assurance Standards, as well as Good Manufacturing Practices food quality standards.


For October I chose Puritan's Pride All Natural Vegan Protein Chocolate with Quinoa and Oats. No, I am not Vegan but I really like trying new protein powders...

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Puritan’s Pride AllNatural All Natural Vegan Protein Chocolate with Quinoa and Oats
Made from Quinoa and Oats, this delicious chocolate flavored drink is dairy free and soy free, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a vegan protein option that is nutrient dense.
Each serving of this delicious protein powder delivers 17 grams of protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber to help fuel your body, aid in post workout recovery and help satisfy hunger.


*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


They also sent a couple add ins to make these smoothies even better...
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Food Science ofVermont Superior Greens (023299): Superior Greens™ is a combination of nutrient rich vegetables, fruits, herbs, herbal extracts, Chlorella, Soy Lecithin, Royal jelly, Bee Pollen, enzymes and non-dairy probiotic cultures designed to support your body's ability to cleanse.*

Now Foods CarobPowder (056578): NOW Real Food® Carob Powder is a flavorful and versatile substitute for chocolate. Use in place of cocoa powder in your favorite recipes for delicious natural chocolate flavor without the fat, caffeine or theobromine found in chocolate.

Barney Butter BareAlmond Butter Smooth (056913): Barney Butter is peanut free and made in an almond only facility! It contains no added salt or sugar with a traditional smooth and creamy texture.


*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


Being that its October, you know pumpkin is going to be the main ingredient in my October Smoothies.


Pumpkin is a superfood because it is high in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and helps support immunity. Also a good source of potassium, pumpkins can help your heart and muscles. Interesting pumpkin fact- pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, a nutrient important for immunity. 

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Smoothie #1: Green Pumpkin Power Smoothie... (100% vegan)
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1 scoop Puritan's Pride Vegan Protein Powder
1 scoop Superior Greens
1/4 cup 100% pumpkin
cinnamon to taste
ice
water
1 tbsp pumpkin and kale or spinach leaf for garnish

Mix all ingredients in blender except garnish. Pour into glass, garnish, and ENJOY.

Smoothie 2: Chocolate Coconut Pumpkin Surprise (not vegan)
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1 scoop Puritan's Pride Vegan Protein Powder
1/4 cup 100% pumpkin
1 tbsp Carob Powder
1 tbsp Barney Butter Almond Butter
1 tbsp Vanilla Yogurt (I used Cabot Vanilla Bean)
Shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 tsp cinnamon
ice
water

Mix all ingredients in blender. Pour in glass, top with coconut and cinnamon, ENJOY!

Here are 2 more recipes for you to try from Brooke Alpert, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., of B Nutritious and author of The Sugar Detox, who works as a spokesperson for Puritan’s Pride.


KALE COCONUT SMOOTHIE: 1 cup kale, 1 cup pineapple, 1 sprig fresh mint, 1 can coconut milk- blend together and serve immediately.  To get a protein boost, add in a Puritan’s Pride protein powder of your choice to make your smoothie more substantial.

PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE:  1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure no other ingredients other than pumpkin), 1 cup coconut milk or milk of choice, 1 banana, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, ¼ tsp vanilla extract. Blend all the ingredients; serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top!  Consider adding in a Puritan’s Pride flavored protein powder for an extra nutritional boost. 

Overall the Puritan's Pride Vegan Protein Powder was pretty good. It doesn't have a strong chocolate flavor, so adding in the Carob powder really helped make it super chocolaty. It wasn't the best at mixing well with the water, so I had to make sure that I mixed it well in my blender to get that powder taste gone. AND its #kidapproved YAYYYYYY!

I will def using it to fuel my Ironman NOLA training, stay tuned for more of that...
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Now for the fun stuff. Puritan's Pride and Fit Approach want to give you guys a chance to win your very own Vegan Protein Powder, Carob Powder, Simple Greens, and Barney Butter Almond Butter. All you have to do is enter below...



This giveaway will run from 10/20/14 till midnight 10/26/14. Open to U.S. residents only! Good Luck!

I cant wait to read all of your favorite smoothie recipes...