Caregiver: Try This

Eat This!

Stacey Freibert, owner of Seeds and Greens Natural Market & Deli in New Albany, Indiana, has a simple smoothie recipe that is perfect for breakfast or a midday snack, especially in fall and winter when we’re craving pumpkin-flavored everything. In addition to tasting great, this smoothie is chock-full of ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-Inflammatory Pumpkin Smoothie

ITEMS/INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

• Blender to mix all ingredients • 8 ounces unsweetened almond milk or any unsweetened milk of your choice (cow/soy/nut) • ½ banana, pre-sliced and frozen* • 4-5 slices of frozen peaches (can be purchased in frozen food section of grocery) • 2 pumpkin cubes** • Collagen peptide powder, 1 scoop (8-10 grams) • Ginger, dash or two • Turmeric, dash or two • Cinnamon, dash or two

*Do not use fresh fruit in this smoothie. Frozen fruits make the consistency smooth and creamy. Fresh fruits will be too runny. You can slice and freeze your own bananas (a perfect use for too-ripe ones) or purchase a bag of frozen pre-sliced bananas from your local grocery.

**To make pumpkin cubes, take an ice cube tray and in a small bowl mix equal parts canned pumpkin with water. Scoop the mixture of pumpkin/water into the tray and freeze. Using frozen pumpkin without adding water is hard on blender equipment.

Take This!

Collagen is a health supplement that provides a number of benefits, especially to athletes and individuals over age 60. It is a protein that plays a role in a number of body functions, including the health and flexibility of connective tissue and the strength of nails and hair. When joint aches and pains are worsened by the cold of winter, and hair and nails are brittle from the dry air, a collagen peptide powder can be added to smoothies, soups, or even a cup of coffee.

Do This!

Take a class to keep yourself flexible during the winter months. The UofL Trager Institute Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic offers classes, both in person and virtually, to help keep you flexible during the winter when it is all too easy to sit around and become stiff. On Wednesdays at 9am, the Trager Institute offers virtual Slow Flow Yoga. If the cold of winter really gets to you, Trager offers massage therapy services on Fridays from 12pm - 5pm. For more information on these and other wellness services, contact Trager at 502.588.4340 or tragerinstitute.org.

By Carrie Vittitoe