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."

Cinnamon Spiced Coffee

I have been super short on time lately. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy being busy; it makes me feel productive and the days seem to go by faster. But I have made some pretty big life changes lately, and I'm having to look for additional ways to maximize time during my morning routine.

I'm usually scrambling to get out of the door in the mornings trying to make it to class on time. My school takes punctuality seriously, and if I clock in one minute past 8am, I automatically get 4 hours deducted off of my time card. Ouch!

I like to exercise in the morning, make lunches for everyone, and spend some quality time with my kids before we part ways until the early evening.  I usually end up eating breakfast in the car or when I get to class, and I have been skipping coffee when I need it now more than ever.

So, I decided to make my coffee ahead of time to save myself some time. The recipe below is enough for 4 days worth of coffee for me, but I only have one cup a day. If you drink more coffee, simply adjust the measurements below to better suit your needs. I am only in class Monday through Thursday, so that's all I need it for. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy those few extra minutes in the mornings!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of brewed coffee
• 2 cups of coconut milk
• 1 cup of protein powder (I used vanilla, but chocolate would be good too)
• 1 dozen dates, pitted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

 

Essential Oils:

• 4 drops of Protective Blend

(You could also use peppermint, cinnamon, orange, or any other essential oil that is safe for consumption..

You could also just completely omit the essential oils, and still have a fabulous cup of coffee.

For more information on how to purchase these oils, please feel free to contact me.)

Instructions:

Brew the coffee according to the manufacturers recommendation.

Place the coffee in a blender and store in the refrigerator until it is room temperature.

Once cooled, add coconut milk, protein powder, dates, and spices.

Blend in your blender (I use my Blendtec) until the dates are fully liquefied.

Add essential oil (optional).

Store in a glass jar in the refrigeration until ready to use.

Nerdy Extras:

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

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."