Golden Pumpkin Smoothie

A week before we left to get married, I found myself caught up in the excitement of the Super Blood Moon. As someone who has always been drawn to the moon, the whole thing had me enchanted. I immediately set up my camera and watched as the evening unfolded and we experienced not just an eclipse but that brilliant red moon emerge in the sky. It was emotional, likely because I was about to experience an awesome and momentous life event. But also because I remembered how quite often, our lives resemble the cycles of the moon.

Often times, after a change or a busy period, we find our skies are blank and we are ready to grow towards a new venture, hobby or path. We might reflect on previous experiences or feel anxiety for a new life moon. But as we let go of inertia, and the past, we begin rolling and putting our lives back in rotation. Much like a waxing moon, we build new ideas, opportunities and experiences, and more and more light shines on our life. We build confidence (which may can be peppered with a bit of fear or doubt) until we reach the full moon - the climax or pinnacle of our experience - where we shine brightly in the space of who we are. We then enter a period of exploring what just happened where we might feel a sense of loss, or bittersweet emotions, and perhaps start to relax as we wane. 

Well, I guess you could say that I've just been through a Super Blood Moon of my life. 

 In New England, we're currently in the peak "peak" season of autumn. The nights are cool, the sun sets before five o'clock and the light has that turning golden glow. Amidst my own waning moon, I'm more than ready to start fresh and get back to a schedule.  I'm happy to be in the office, re-adapting a more regular exercise routine and being invigorated by the fall markets as I get back in my kitchen. I'm curious about what these next months will hold.

This fall smoothie is one of my very favorites. It tastes like pure pumpkin pie goodness, and is full of anti-inflammatory magic - a much welcome thing after a month of wonderful wedding indulgence. It's packed with pumpkin, which is rich in dietary fiber, beta carotene and Vitamin A. It also includes apple, carrot, banana, as well as fresh ginger and turmeric, which as I've discussed before are literal adaptogenic gold. Thanks to their super antioxidant properties, they help decrease inflammation and supporting your immune system. This is a necessary boost as we enter flu season and they're sure to provide inner warmth as we enter cooler temperatures ahead. 

Golden Pumpkin Smoothie

1 small banana, sliced

1 carrot, chopped

1/2 apple chopped

1/2 cup organic pureed pumpkin 

1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and grated

1-inch knob of turmeric, peeled and grated (you can also use 1 tsp. ground turmeric)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 packet of raw protein powder (I prefer this kind)

1 tablespoon Maca powder

1 tsp hemp seed

1 tsp chia seed

Combine first seven ingredients in blender, and top with water or preferred nut milk and 3-4 ice cubes. Blend until combined. Add in protein powders, Maca, hemp and chia seed, and pulse until combined. Drink immediately, or if storing, reserve seed mixture until serving, as they will absorb much of the liquid and thicken the smoothie.

Golden Zinger

A few years ago, I bought a juicer and used it for about six months. And then I remembered why I never truly hopped on the juice cleanse train in the first place: I'm more of a smoothie girl. I prefer getting the full fiber of the fruits and vegetables I blend, for their benefits and a more satiating drink. And so, my little juicer slowly made the journey north in a box, and went in a cabinet somewhere in our new apartments. 

Until this week.

Over the past two months, I've been undergoing a bit of a dental overhaul, and, as a result, have been dealing with a bit of jaw pain while recovering. After sleepless nights, dentist adjustments, and one too many ibuprofen, I determined there had to be a better solution. And then I remembered turmeric.  

Turmeric is a relative of the ginger root, and long praised for it's anti-inflammatory capabilities, which are found in the curcumin within. Remembering how a friend used the root to help manage pain in the past, I decided to pull out the juicer, and extract it's golden magic, along side ginger, which is an equally as powerful anti-bacterial adaptogen, and citrus-boosting lemon. A swirl of raw honey also adds some good immune system boosts and a touch of sweetness to balance out the bite.

This shot is a true zinger, and also helps warm and invigorate the body, while infusing some good healthy benefits. While I'm hoping that time might also be doing it's job, I'm happy to report that the pain is finally subsiding, as is my increased use of allopathic medicines. Give it try, and let me know what you think!

Golden Zinger Shot

Juice of a 4-inch piece of turmeric

Juice of a 3-inch piece of ginger

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

1 teaspoon raw honey

Put first ingredients through the juicer, as directed. (I put mine through whole, but follow directions for your juicer!) Pour into a glass and mix with raw honey, to taste.

Spicy Turmeric-Honey Elixir

Throughout much of the winter, it's a battle to ward off sickness, particularly when stress levels are high and there are germs abound. Drinking more water and keeping clean hands only goes so far. And for this, I've discovered that turmeric is powdered gold.

How It Works

As our bodies age, they must work harder to balance both the stressors of every day life and healthy restorative rebuilding. Certain herbs and spices called adaptogens can help us respond to these continuously changing environments by normalizing our cells and aiding in the recovery process. Turmeric in particular helps boost the immune system due to it's high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature. It's also a great addition to boost skin health, though be careful if applying topically as it stains quite easily. 

How to Use It

Turmeric has a mild peppery taste and is fantastic as a cooking spice in many South Asian and Moroccan dishes. But for a quick remedy, I've been creating a simple paste that can be kept in a jar on the counter for an easy and warming drink.

Spicy Turmeric-Honey Elixir

1/4 cup raw honey

2 teaspoons ground turmeric

1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder

Freshly ground pepper

1/2 lemon

Place honey in a jar or cup. Mix in turmeric and cayenne to create a thick paste. If storing for future use, cover and keep at room temperature.

To serve, scoop a teaspoon into a mug and pour hot water over. Stir spoon until paste is evenly dissolved. Squeeze in 1/2 a lemon and top with plenty of freshly cracked black pepper.