I figured that it's high time we pay homage to the Wolf Moon of January. The naming of months, as we do, is a tradition absorbed from the Algonquin tribes of North America. A tradition I find myself attracted to as I reflect during my Winter hibernation. The Wolf Moon -- named for the hungry, howling packs that lived at the outskirts of the Native villages -- is to me a symbol of our inward search. Our hearts and bodies are digging and prowling for nourishment, both emotional and physical. We curl up in our dens with our friends and lovers, cozied up in blankets, sharing time together in the warmth of our homes. Sharing thoughts and food. We do our inner searching, pacing in our minds, seeking inspiration and renewal.

As snow falls, ice climbs grass in our yards and gardens, brown leaves shift and tilt in the wind -- we search out new interior landscapes of the mind. Because we can't go outwards, we shift to the inner eye. Winter is a time of planning, dreaming, pacing, exploring the deep. And so we need the support of our meals to provide us with the energy to climb our interior mountains, to catch the kite tails of inspired thoughts as they float by.

This recipe is rich in foods meant to balance and invigorate the mood and senses. Maca, one of my favorite super foods, boosts endurance, supports healthy sexual functioning, balances hormones, and provides potent energy. Hemp hearts are added for a boost of protein and for their balanced ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 -- which helps reduce inflammation in the body. Walnuts contain a combination of neuro-protective compounds -- from folate to Vitamin E and omega 3's; when eaten often they have anti cancerous properties and improve vascular functioning.

Raspberry Maca Smoothie

Created by Renee on April 12, 2016

This sweet, nourishing, bright pink smoothie is both delicious and balancing. Especially wonderful for when you need a little bit of extra emotional support.

• Prep Time: 5m

• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen raspberry
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• 1 date, pitted
• ¼ cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon maca powder
• 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
• unsweetened almond milk

Instructions

1. To the bowl of your blender, add the frozen raspberry and pineapple, date, walnuts, maca powder, and hemp hearts.
2. Add enough almond milk to almost cover everything (I like mine to be ice-cream-thick so I fill mine up to cover about ¾ of the way).
3. Blend on high until everything is creamy and beautifully pink.