As our bodies adjust to seasonal changes, we find our immune system can take a bit of a hit. This is partially influenced by the stress of adapting to changes in our environment. A healthy diet that is appropriate to the seasons is a great support to help the body make this transition gracefully, without getting sick.

As the cooler days of autumn move in, it’s natural for our bodies to gravitate away from cooling foods like raw salads and berry filled smoothies, and move more towards foods that are warming. Seasonally, these grounding foods come in the form of root veggies, squash and pumpkins.

Instead of retiring smoothies until the spring returns, we can still benefit from the concentrated nutrition by making simple changes to what we add in. You can do this by using warming herbs and spice like cinnamon and ginger, and incorporating local, seasonal produce in your smoothie.

This Pumpkin Pie Smoothie tastes like dessert, but nourishes with a dense array of seasonal vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and creamy, healthy fats.  The orange pigment of pumpkin signifies an abundance of carotenoids, which are antioxidants that are precursors of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps protect against cellular damage, supports healthy vision, glowing skin and anti-aging.  Pumpkins are also packed with vitamin C, a very important antioxidant for supporting our stress response and immune system.  Aside from being anti-inflammatory powerhouses, the spices used in this smoothie create a very thermogenic effect in the body, increasing our circulation and warming us up from the inside out. Perfect for a crisp fall day!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Ingredients

• 6oz milk of your choice
• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1/2 a banana
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) and/or 1 tbsp of hemp hearts
• 1 tsp raw honey 
• a splash of vanilla
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp organic pumpkin pie spice blend (recipe below)

Directions

Blend everything together, adding a bit more liquid if needed for consistency.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend

• ¼ cup ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp ground clove

Directions

Mix all the spices together in a jar and shake well.

A great addition to smoothies, oatmeal, granola, muffins and more!