PUMPKIN-GOJI SMOOTHIE

Pumpkin? In a smoothie? Really? Well, yes really. Coming up with a pumpkin smoothie has been on my mind for the past month. Now that the weather is a bit cooler, I don't think "smoothie for breakfast" as much as I did before. However, it is still one of the easiest and fastest ways I know to get great nutrients quickly first thing in the morning. And breakfast is a must for most nutrition-minded folks.

So, to combat the chill that most smoothies create, this has some warming ingredients like cayenne and pumpkin.

Okay, all this talk about pumpkin. What is in pumpkin that it makes it worth all this obsession?

I'm so glad you asked! Pumpkins [and all winter squash for that matter] are great for the spleen, stomach, large intestine and lungs. Energy and blood circulation benefit from pumpkin [love this!]. Of course, it's a good source of beta carotene [the orange color gives that away], but is also a good food for diabetics as it is high in complex carbohydrates [the best kind of carbs!]. Vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoids all find a home in pumpkins.

1/2 c. pumpkin puree
1 tbsp. goji berry powder [or 1/4 c. soaked berries]
1 tsp. maca powder [optional]
2 tsp. lemon juice
dash or two of cayenne pepper
1/4 c. hemp seeds or 1 tbsp. ground flaxseed meal
1/2 c. non-dairy milk of choice [coconut milk is great here as is cashew milk. To easily make your own go here.]
1/2 c. water
honey or maple syrup [for vegan option] to taste
handful of ice, optional