How to survive the gloomy grey PNW winter: liquid sunshine…and a vitamin D3 + K2 supplement. This Turmeric, Coconut and Ginger Smoothie is my favorite seasonal smoothie filled with warming and nutrient dense ingredients – it feels like sunshine in a glass!

Why have a ‘warming’ smoothie in the wintertime?

I’ve always been interested in different health modalities including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayruveda, the system of ancient medicine in India. In these practices, consuming cold beverages – either in the form of ice water or a smoothie filled with super cold, frozen fruit – can quell digestive fires and may even lead to stomach pain, gas and bloating, and other digestive issues.

In Ayruveda, there are certain foods thought to have warming qualities. According to Alexandra Jamieson, the author of Women, Food and Desire, the following foods are the most warming ingredients to add to a smoothie, and therefore cut down on any digestive issues that could be found when enjoying an ice cold smoothie.

Warming Smoothie Ingredients:

Of course, this list is to be taken with a grain of salt – and an open mind!

Apple
Blackberry
Basil
Cardamom
Caraway
Cashew
Cherry
Cinnamon
Citrus peel
Clove
Coconut
Collard greens
Dates
Ginger
Hemp seed
Kale
Blackstrap molasses
Nutmeg
Pea protein
Pear
Pine nut
Raspberry
Sweet potato
Winter squash
Pumpkin
Turmeric
Walnuts

In this smoothie recipe, we’re using several warming ingredients including ginger, dates, turmeric, and coconut butter and milk. Feel free to add additional warming ingredients from this list to your smoothie, such as something green like collard greens or kale for an additional boost of fiber and nutrients.

Of course, the easiest way to warm a smoothie is to blend it just slightly longer. The high speed of the motor (especially if you’re using a high-speed blender like a Vitamix) gently warms the smoothie ingredients for you! I tend to blend all my smoothies (especially my favorite versions with frozen berries and peanut butter) just slightly longer, as to bring the mixture up to room temperature. Funny enough though, when I was pregnant, I only wanted my smoothies (and all beverages, for that matter) to be ICE COLD, so you do you when it comes to your smoothie temperature preferences!

Warming ingredients + vibrant nutrient-dense foods = sunshine in a glass!

Turmeric, Coconut and Ginger Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen cauliflower rice
1 small knob fresh ginger, peeled
1/8 tsp. turmeric
2 dates, pits removed
1 Tbsp. Coconut butter
1 Tbsp. flax seeds
1 scoop collagen peptides, optional
2 cups coconut milk (I love using full fat canned coconut milk)

Bee pollen + coconut flakes, to garnish

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a high speed blender, such as a Vitamix.

Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 60 seconds. Blend slightly longer to make smoothie room temperature, if desired.

Pour into a glass and garnish with bee pollen and coconut flakes, if desired. Enjoy!