Try These Hot and Cold Winter-Inspired Smoothies

Smoothies aren’t just for sipping on during the summer! The cooler weather brings a new range of winter-inspired flavors that add immunity-boosting benefits your body will crave as the temperature drops. Make a quick breakfast smoothie with some of these ingredients:

Apples: This fruit stores beautifully, making it a great winter staple in the fruit bowl. It provides a beneficial amount of fiber, which promotes gut health and regular bowel movements. Apples also contain pectin, a beneficial source of “food” for gut bacteria to help keep your immune system healthy all winter long.

Cinnamon: This aromatic spice is popular in many winter recipes because of its warmth. Cinnamon can enhance digestion and help fight infections.

Nutmeg: This spice comes from the seed of a Myristica fragrans tree. It can stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and have a calming effect. In small quantities, nutmeg can support digestion, promote better sleep, and boost immunity.

Cranberries: These tart berries are a wonderful addition to children’s diets. They provide a good source of vitamins C and E, helping to boost the immune system. They also work effectively to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, which are often common in childhood.

Ginger: This spicy root stimulates the digestive tract to aid in calming indigestion, bloating, and constipation (another common childhood complaint). Some researchers also suggest that ginger can help improve focus and concentration in children.

Oranges: This fruit brings a ray of sunshine to your home on a cold winter day. It is high in vitamin C, which is great for immune support and the absorption of iron. Since oranges are naturally “juicy,” they also provide a good source of hydration.

Try one of our Grow Fit®-inspired smoothie recipes below! You may even enjoy our own spin on a “hot” smoothie. They’re best enjoyed on a chilly, winter day. Which one is your favorite?

Caramel Apple Smoothie (Serves 1 to 2)

Ingredients:

1 medium crisp apple, peeled and chopped
1 frozen banana
¾ cup milk
½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1 Medjool date, pitted
¼ tsp. cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch sea salt
1 Tbsp. rolled oats
1 Tbsp. nut or seed butter of your choice

Directions:

1. Soak date in warm water for 5 minutes to soften.
2. Put date, plus all remaining ingredients, into a blender.
3. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth.

Cranberry & Apple Hot Smoothie (Serves 1 to 2)

Ingredients:

 2 ½ Tbsp. dried cranberries
¼ tsp. cinnamon
1 small cube (1 cm.) of ginger, peeled and chopped
1 ½ cups boiled water
1 sweet apple, peeled and chopped

Directions:

1. Place dried cranberries, cinnamon, and ginger into a small bowl. Add ½ cup boiling water and let steep for 7 to 8 minutes.
2. Place the cranberries, apple, and hot water mixture into the blender. Add a splash of cold water if you think it is too hot to blend.
3. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Pour smoothie mixture into a cup and add the remaining 1 cup of boiled water.
5. Stir to combine.
6. Test the temperature and let it cool before letting children drink it.

Gingerbread Smoothie (Serves 1 to 2)

Ingredients:

1 frozen banana
1 cup Greek yogurt
¼ tsp. cinnamon
⅛ tsp. ground ginger
⅛ tsp. nutmeg
⅛ tsp. allspice
⅛ tsp. ground cloves
⅛ tsp. cardamon
1 cup milk
¼ cup rolled oats
1 cup fresh baby spinach
1 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes or until creamy.

Orange, Carrot, & Ginger Hot Smoothie (Serves 1 to 2)

Ingredients:

Juice of 1 large orange (or approx. ¼ cup orange juice)
1 tsp. grated ginger
1 large carrot, washed, peeled, and chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
1 Tbsp. honey
3 Tbsp. cold water
¾ cup boiling water

Directions:

1. Add the juice of an orange and lemon with the chopped carrot, honey, cold water, plus a splash of the hot water to your blender.
2. Pour into a large cup and add the remaining hot water. Stir until everything is blended.
3. Test the temperature and let it cool before letting children drink it.