It’s September … and the one thing that keeps running through my head is …  

"Ahhhh, can’t believe the summer is over!" 

Those warm, lazy, outdoorsy, sunny, social days of summer are certainly dwindling. But like every turn of the page, there is something exciting about a change.

And that’s the good thing about September.  The weather is still beautiful - a bit cooler, but with a coolness that brings clarity in more ways than one. 

It’s a fresh start. Whether you're returning to the classroom, diving back into work, or simply resetting your routine, this month is the perfect opportunity to refocus on your health.

September is one of the top months for setting new goals and activating plans. The relaxed mindset of summer often gives way to a more driven, productive energy as we embrace the rhythm of a new season. It’s the ideal time to take stock of where we are and where we want to be in our health journey.

Health is more than just physical; it's a mindset.

Sometimes, however, our mindset can become limiting. We might feel constrained by notions of aging or believe that certain opportunities have passed us by due to perceived limitations.

Society and even medical professionals can inadvertently reinforce these beliefs.

I recall visiting a Rheumatologist in my early forties due to joint pain, particularly in my knees and elbows. While I suspected a possible tick bite (which was later confirmed), my doctor remarked,

"Well, you are getting older. Aches and pains are part of the aging process."

This statement felt disheartening and somewhat insulting, as age shouldn't dictate our capabilities or define our potential.

Everyone starts at a baseline, and with the right commitment, one can embark on new endeavors at any age.

If you're like me, there is just something about pumpkin spice. As soon as October hits, it's hard to not think about pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin pie.

One way to satisfy this pumpkin craving is in a morning protein-rich smoothie, that includes all the goodness of pumpkin, plus some other critical ingredients to build up that protein level.

If you've been following my newsletters (and my anne.engelhealth Instagram), you know I like to talk about the importance or protein.

And this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie delivers a very adequate level of protein to get your day started the right way.

As a reminder, leading researchers around the world are indicating that our current RDA recommendations of protein are hugely inaccurate, and recommend that we should be consuming approximately 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight.

Sugar can overwhelm us. We crave it; some might even say we’re addicted to it. It’s everywhere we look. And it hides.