If you want to stay sharp and boost your athletic performance,  this sweet potato pie smoothie is divine!  It is loaded with nutrients and is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, egg free.

Sweet potatoes are soft, fibrous vegetables that are sweet and decadent,  high in beta-carotene which boosts immune defenses, and are also rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin B6.  Studies have shown that these vitamins may slow cognitive decline.  Pair them with almonds, as used in this smoothie, and you’ve got yourself a  divine, brain boosting smoothie.

Now as if these benefits are not enough, sweet potatoes also make for an excellent fuel for athletes.  Why?  Carbohydrates!  You know you need them to fuel your workout and long runs, and sweet potatoes are perfect as they are digested at a rate that provides consistent energy to the body.  For those athletes that prefer a liquid pre-training meal, especially if the training event begins within two or three hours, consuming sweet potatoes in a smoothie makes for a perfect liquid meal that will move out of the stomach by the time the training practice or match begins.  Try this smoothie and watch your athletic performance soar!

Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

Serves 2

• 1 ½ cups mashed cooked sweet potato
•  2 cups almond milk (store bought or click here for recipe of how to make homemade Almond Milk )
• ½ cup ice
• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 Tbsp raw almond butter
• 1  Tbsp raw honey
• 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• pinch sea salt

Throw all the ingredients in your Vitamix or a high speed blender and puree until smooth and creamy.

Have your pie and drink it too!  Yum.