Smoothies are a quick, easy and satisfying way to work superfoods and good-for-you-ingredients into your diet in a convenient format. The only drawback? They’re typically cold and in the winter, our bodies are asking for something warm — emotionally and nutritionally. Consuming warm foods in winter months is super-nutritive for us because our bodies don’t have to work as hard to warm the foods we’re eating. Plus, there’s nothing as satisfying after a chilly run, hike, ride or workout as a something to warm up with and replenish. Give these three warm smoothies a shot!
Hot Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie
If you’re looking for a smoothie that sips like a meal (or you’re consuming your smoothie after a particularly hard morning workout), use oats in place of the banana; be sure to soak them overnight for a creamier, easy-to-digest smoothie!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (296ml) unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 just-ripe banana (or 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats)
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened raw cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon maca powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of nutmeg
Directions
If you’re using oats: Add all ingredients to the blender bowl the night before and give it a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Cover and place in fridge for at least 3 hours, and preferably overnight. This step isn’t absolutely necessary, but allowing the oats to soak for a few hours makes them easier to blend and gives you a smoother, creamier smoothie.
When ready to eat, blend on high until oats are fully broken down and a smooth and creamy consistency is reached.
Transfer the smoothie to a small saucepan set over medium heat and bring to a simmer. If the smoothie is too thick, add an extra splash of almond milk until desired consistency is reached. When your smoothie reaches your preferred temperature, transfer it to a heat-safe glass, garnish with toppings of your choice and enjoy!
Serves: 1 | Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 327; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 256mg; Carbohydrate: 38g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 11g; Protein: 10g
Spiced Pumpkin Breakfast Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup (237ml) unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon coconut butter or nut butter
- 1 teaspoon unsulphured blackstrap molasses**
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 1/3 cup (75g) canned pumpkin pureé
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Add all ingredients to the bowl of your blender and give it a stir to ensure everything is well combined. Blend on high until a smooth-and-creamy consistency is reached. If you have a high-powered blender, the act of blending itself may warm the mixture enough that you’ll have a “warm smoothie.” If not, transfer the smoothie to a small saucepan set over medium heat and bring to a simmer. If the smoothie is too thick, add an extra splash of almond milk until desired consistency is reached. When your smoothie reaches your preferred temperature, transfer it to a heat-safe glass, garnish with toppings of your choice and enjoy!
Serves: 1 | Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 253; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 78mg; Carbohydrate: 28g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 16g; Protein: 5g
Ginger + Pear Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 pears, chopped
- 1-inch (2.54cm) piece of ginger, peeled
- 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) unsweetened almond milk
Directions
Add all ingredients to the bowl of your blender and give it a stir to ensure everything is well combined. Blend on high until a smooth-and-creamy consistency is reached. If you have a high-powered blender, the act of blending itself may warm the mixture enough you’ll have a “warm smoothie.” If not, transfer the smoothie to a small saucepan set over medium heat and bring to a simmer. If the smoothie is too thick, add an extra splash of almond milk until desired consistency is reached. When your smoothie reaches your preferred temperature, transfer it to a heat-safe glass, garnish with toppings of your choice and enjoy!
Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 369; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 2mg; Sodium: 142mg; Carbohydrate: 42g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 29g; Protein: 10g
