Immune Enhancing Pumpkin Smoothie

Forget about the Pumpkin Spice Latte, and try this smoothie instead! It has all of the traditional flavors of Fall, only with an added immune enhancing element. And, let's be honest, who doesn't need a little extra immunity this time of year?!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 2 semi-frozen bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie seasoning
• 1 cup ice

   

Essential Oils:
2-3 drops Protective Blend

Instructions:
Place all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth.

Nerdy Extras:
Almond Milk is cholesterol free which can help enable a healthy heart. It can also aid in maintaining and lowering blood pressure.1

Pumpkin is a source of beta-carotene. It can help reduce risk of getting heart disease & asthma.2

Bananas have a significant amount of potassium. Consuming potassium and lowering your sodium intake can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart disease. They are also helpful when fighting off viruses because they are easily digested and can provide necessary nutrients without upsetting the stomach.3

Protective Blend Essential Oil helps to support healthy immune function & is full of antibacterial properties. It's a blend made up of orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, & rosemary essential oils.

References:
1 https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/almond-milk.html
2 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279610.php; http://www.livingwithasthma.net/fall-favorite-asthma-pumpkins-carving/
3 http://www.livestrong.com/article/505406-top-ten-health-benefits-of-bananas/; http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271157.php

FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."

Banana-Peanut Butter Cookies

Occasionally I receive a small recipe booklet in the mail from Ralph's grocery store. It's actually one of the few random mailers I like. Ralph's (or Fry's here in Arizona) has done a lot over the years to appeal to the more health conscious customers. When they came out with a few breakfast cookie recipes, you know I was game!

Cookies for breakfast you say? That doesn't sound very healthy. Well, surprisingly, they are! At least in my opinion anyway. It may not be conventional, but can be a well-balanced start to you day. Especially when you pair them with fruit, a smoothie, or some yogurt. Even the ingredients on their own are healthy - whole wheat flour and oats add fiber to your diet, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats which help you to stay full and avoid snacking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 10-15 minutes | Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Makes About 12 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 large, ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lined baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine peanut butter and banana in a bowl until smooth and blended.

Add sugar, vanilla, oats, flour, milk, and baking soda. Mix until blended.

Drop cookies by heaping spoonful onto cookie sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.

Gently flatted the cookies into little discs.

Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown.

Let cookies cool completely before removing from baking sheet.

Serve immediately or store in airtight container in the refrigerator. 

FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."