I love the nutrition smoothies provide, but often find they’re too cooling and can even slow my digestion down when colder weather arrives. After doing some research on the ancient practice of Ayurveda, I discovered there are a few ways to “warm” your smoothie so it’s not so cooling to your body, which is perfect when you’re already battling colder temps but still want your daily dose of greens. Let me show you how. This smoothie is easy to make, requiring just 1 blender, 10 minutes, and 10 ingredients. It starts with ripe banana, carrot, and zucchini (or cauliflower). I’ve been loving using less banana and subbing in some carrot for more natural sweetness and fiber lately. Plus, when adding in protein powder, I generally find excess banana can make it too sweet. Next comes protein powder, hemp seeds for a dose of essential fatty acids, and warming spices like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. In place of these spices you can also sub my Golden Milk Mix, making this smoothie another creative use for this go-to blend (also used in my Golden Milk Snack Bites!). To make a smoothie more warming, try:
Using cold or room temperature ingredients instead of frozen Adding warming spices like cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, clove, cayenne, and ginger (which help stimulate digestion) Going for dairy-free milks like cashew or macadamia vs. coconut milk, which can be more cooling in the body Adding roasted winter squash, like butternut squash or roasted sweet potato in place of frozen banana Drinking in the afternoon when your digestive fire is strongest, as opposed to in the morning when your digestive fire is low
These little switches can make a huge difference in keeping your body warm yet still nourished this winter and spring! Of course, I’m not an Ayurvedic physician or nutrition expert. But these changes have helped me continue to enjoy smoothies in the wintertime! (Find a list of cooling and warming foods here!) We hope you LOVE this smoothie! It’s: CreamyNot too sweetFiber-richWell balancedWarming& Delicious This would make the perfect light breakfast, workout recovery drink, or afternoon snack to help you make it to dinner. I’ve enjoyed adding protein powder for more satiety, and you can see our unbiased Vegan Protein Powders Review here! Since writing that review, Nuzest has actually become my favorite because of its simple, high-quality ingredients and milkshake flavor. Yummmm. Into smoothies? Also be sure to check out our Golden Milk Smoothie, Blueberry Almond Butter Smoothie, Super Green Spirulina Smoothie, and Peanut Butter Banana Green Smoothie Bowl! If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
