Health Tip: Winter-Proof Your Smoothie

You probably already know about the wonders that are smoothies. 

And perhaps you have already noticed that when you really listen to your body, it doesn’t want the same kind of smoothie in the sweltering summer heat as it does on a cold and dark winter morning. 

So here are 3 ways to winter-proof your smoothie. Read on for an awesome winter smoothie recipe. 

1.  Leverage the warming nature of spices. Here are my favorite combinations added to taste: 

- Ginger, lemon juice and lemongrass (pealed & chopped) - all fresh

• Cacao - either alone or with a dash of allspice and chile
• Cinnamon, clove and cardamon
• Saffron, vanilla and powdered ginger

A collection of warming winter spices.

2.  Add more fats and protein. According to Ayurvedic expert, Dr. John Douillard, we need more fats and protein in winter than any other season. An easy way of adding these to your smoothie includes adding: 

• Seeds (raw & unsalted) such as chia seeds, ground linseeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You can also use a seed butter like tahini (sesame paste).
• Nuts (raw & unsalted) such as cashew, almonds, walnuts, pistachio, Brazil nuts etc. You can also use a nut butter like almond butter or peanut butter. Just make sure it doesn’t have any added salt, sugar or oils.
• Healthy fats such as coconut milk or topping of grated coconut, avocado or natural, unsweetened, full-fat yoghurt (also a great protein). 

Bonus points: Soak your nuts and seeds overnight in water, then throw out the water and rinse them before adding them to your smoothie. This makes them more digestible and increases their health benefits. 

3.  Use mostly in season vegetables and fruits

• Currently in-season vegetables and fruits that are delicious in a smoothie include:
  Beets (both raw and cooked), endives (raw), spinach, Swiss chard, kale, carrots, apples, pears, kiwi as well as dried fruit like dates or figs. 
• Avoid cooling vegetables such as cucumber or celery. There is a reason they are currently not in season! Also try to avoid frozen fruit as this has a cooling effect on the body. 

How do you winter-proof your smoothie? 

Find out more about how to make a smoothie: 

http://www.healthwise.ch/perfect-green-smoothie/

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Winter smoothie (for 1)

1/2 banana

1 endive, outer leaves peeled, then chopped

a handful of spinach leaves

1 carrot

Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon zest (make sure it is organic)

1 stalk lemon grass - remove outer leaves and bottom half

a knob of ginger (to taste) - wash but no need to peel

1-2 medjool dates for added sweetness if needed

1 tbsp chia seeds or other seed of your choice

1 tbsp nut of your choice

About 1/4 - 1/2 cup water or more - depending on how liquid you like your smoothie

Blend all the ingredients and pour in a bowl. Top with nuts, seeds, cacao nibs or coconut flakes and eat your smoothie like a pudding. You can also add more water and drink it instead. 

Enjoy!

-Hiba