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."

Homemade Strawberry Syrup

Mid-week pick me up? Yes please! A short stack of fluffy pancakes topped with some delicious homemade strawberry syrup fit the bill perfectly! One bite and all of my worries were long forgotten. Well, for that moment anyway, haha. Traditionally paired with waffles, crepes, and french toast; this sauce would also be great drizzled over a bowl of yogurt. A total treat when topped over ice-cream, or even better - an ice cream brownie sundae or a decadent slice of cheesecake. You could also use the syrup to flavor milk, smoothies, or even a cocktail. The options are practically limitless! 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, preferably organic
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Essential Oils:

• 1 drop of Lemon

(You could also substitute lemon extract for the lemon essential oil.

I only use therapeutic grade essential oils that are safe for consumption.

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

Instructions:

First, you are going to need to rinse, hull, and dice your strawberries.

Combine strawberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over high heat.

Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer; Stirring occasionally.

Cook for about 15 minutes, or until syrup is thickened.

Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and lemon essential oil.

Transfer to a blender, turn it on, and go. I used the "Syrups" button on my Blendtec. Easy.

Serve warm on pancakes and the like, but make sure to cool completely before adding them to drinks or over ice-cream.

Nerdy Extras:

Although not totally necessary, I highly recommend using organic strawberries. I know organic strawberries cost more, but it's a price worth paying! Studies show that organic strawberries have significantly higher levels of antioxidants, last longer, look better, and even taste better. I would have to agree.

Strawberries are considered by many to be one of the healthiest fruits. They are packed with antioxidants, lower blood pressure, and protect your heart. Research has shown that strawberries help burn stored fat, boost short term memory, and ease inflammation. They are a great diet food; low in calories and high in fiber. They are high in nitrates, which promote blood flow and oxygen in our bodies, which is also excellent for weight loss. Strawberries also help to strengthen hair and nails and prevent our skin from sagging. They also contain potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium which are important in bone health and a healthy nervous system.

Lemon Essential Oil is a powerful antioxidant, and can help ward off free radicals. It has been known to aid in digestion, help support healthy respiratory function, and to promote a positive mood and cognitive ability.  

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."