Winter Smoothies to Get You Over the Year-End Finish Line
As we wrap up 2022 and move into the new year, many of us are struggling with stress, fatigue, and getting over the end-of-year finish line. And while we might think of smoothies as something that we primarily enjoy in the warmer months, these warming and energizing winter smoothies are a great way to power-up your winter mornings and push you over the finish line. Whatever your health goals — fighting off a cold or flu, sticking with your workout goals, boosting your weight loss in 2022 — these winter smoothies will provide the fuel you need to end the year on a strong start.
1. Seasonal Winter Green Goddess Smoothie
Local winter seasonal vegetables are at their peak flavor right now — and studies show that eating locally and seasonally provides optimal nutrition, including peak antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals — and take a spotlight in this green goddess smoothie. While seasonal veggies are often used in soups, slaws and stews, delicious ingredients like kale and beets provide amazing qualities that make this one of the best winter smoothies to try.
Take beets, for instance. Not only are they high in immunity-boosting nutrients like folate and manganese, but the juice from beets has also been shown to help improve your blood pressure and even enhance your strength and endurance when working out (perfect for those of us who want to knock out one last workout before 2022 comes to an end).
1 cup kale, ideally local and organic
1/3 cup peeled + chopped raw beet, ideally local and organic
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana
2/3 cup apple juice
Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
2. Lemon and Ginger Detox Winter Smoothie
Feeling a bit sluggish after that big holiday feast? Winter smoothies can help jumpstart your body’s natural detoxification process, helping you to flush out anything that’s slowing you down.
This tropical smoothie includes lots of fresh lemon juice and ginger. Both are great for detoxing, while ginger contains antioxidants and plant compounds shown to help boost your immune system and also reduce inflammation. Plus, the ginger gives these winter smoothies a warming effect that’s perfect for a chilly winter day!
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup frozen mango
4 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
1/2 tbsp lemon zest
3/4 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk
1-inch of fresh ginger root, peeled
1/2 tbsp honey, ideally local, organic and raw
1 scoop of vanilla-flavored protein powder
1 tbsp hemp hearts (not hemp seeds)
Add all of the ingredients for this winter smoothie to a blender. Blend on high until creamy. Enjoy!
3. Taste-of-Summer Very Berry Smoothie
We wrap up these winter smoothie suggestions with a great way to beat the seasonal blues — bringing all the flavors of summer into the dark, cold days of winter! While fresh and seasonal is always ideal, frozen berries preserve most of the nutrients that they held when grown in the summer, making them ideal compared to many greenhouse- or internationally-grown produce that has to be flown across the country (or around the world) in order for you to enjoy them in the winter!
Strawberries and blueberries are antioxidant super foods, containing flavanols and other plant compounds that help your immune system to better respond to viruses, bacteria, and other threats. Meanwhile, the chia seeds and flax seeds add healthy fat and fiber, plus omega-3s that may help to improve your mood and reduce the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen peaches
3/4 cup calcium-fortified orange juice, ideally organic
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp flax seeds
Add all of the ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!