Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie

Have you dreamed of discovering a delicious smoothie that’s the perfect addition to your winter routine? Well, today’s smoothie has got you covered!

My Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe is filled with immune-boosting powers, and flavor-filled spices, that work wonders on your body! 

I know what you might be thinking… “winter” and “smoothie” wait that doesn’t line up? Those two things aren’t usually associated with one another. Let’s face it. Smoothies are delicious but oftentimes they can be cooling on the body (which is why we may crave them more in the summer months). But I just love smoothies and I am here to tell you Beauties, you can certainly enjoy smoothies all year long! You just need to focus on using the right ingredients for the season and your body will love you for it.

Immunity-Boosting Ingredients  

When it comes to making a smoothie that is wonderful in winter, I like to think of adding ingredients that help boost immunity. Because let’s face it, the sniffles are no fun! If there is any way to help combat those bugs that tend to spread like wildfires in the winter than I am all for it! Not only are citrus fruits juicy and hydrating during the drier months, but also they are abundant in vitamin C. In fact, just one medium orange has all the vitamin C you need in a day! High concentrations of this super vitamin is well known for its role in supporting a healthy immune system. And a healthy immune system helps to keep those germs away! Yay!

For my Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe, I used a large orange. If you happen to have several clementines or even tangerines laying around, these delicious gems will work too! Really any of your favorite citrus fruit would taste delightful in my Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe. 

If you don’t have any of the ingredients lying around the house let me give you a quick tip before you pick them up! When purchasing citrus at your local market, always look for unblemished fruits that are glossy and heavy. They might even have a beautiful aroma! This will ensure you are getting the juiciest of fruits over the ones that might be a little older and less sweet. 

Seasonal Specials

Also what I find important while putting together a dreamy winter smoothie is to find a seasonal ingredient that is extra special to this time of year.  For this smoothie that lucky winner happens to be the unique persimmon! Never heard of a persimmon? I’m not surprised! On the west coast, persimmons have such a short window of availability and ripeness – too bad because they are soo tasty! 

Persimmons almost look like a flat, squat tomato. They are golden and orange in color and taste absolutely delicious when eaten ripe. Give them your patience and let them get nice and soft and you’ll discover a sweet treat loaded with nutrients to strengthen your immune system. It’s an excellent source of vitamin B6 and C. Just one single persimmon contains 80% of your daily requirements of vitamin C. More immunity boosting powers for our Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie. You’re welcome!  

Let me not forget to mention that persimmons come in two varieties, the Fuyu and the Hachiya. The Fuyu is flatter and sweeter of the two. This one can actually be enjoyed a little on the firmer side and it is still delicious. The Hachiya looks more like an apple in shape. And this variation you’ll want to wait and let it get nice and soft before sinking your teeth into it. Otherwise, you are in for one unpleasant bitter bite. 

A Little Spice is Always Nice

Spices all too often are forgotten, but they really are the magic that brings so many recipes to life! It’s not every day that I use these powerful tools in a smoothie, but during the winter months, we all can use their powerful pick me up abilities! 

One thing I want to be sure to highlight is that it’s not uncommon to crave a little more sweet during the winter months. I get it! It’s cold outside and we want to treat ourselves to something nice. But before you reach for that extra cookie, do you know that certain spices can actually add a natural sweetness to your life? So you bet I rounded up my favorites to help me create my Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe! We need all the help we can get to keep sugar cravings in check during winter. Pass the spices, please!

A simple way to make your smoothie more interesting is by spicing it up! Some wonderful, naturally sweet spices I’ve included in this recipe are cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices are considered by Ayurvedic medicine to improve poor digestion and increase your Agni, or digestive fire. Also a major plus during the time of year when we might be reaching for heavier, more congestive foods.

Speaking about digestion, I’ve got just the thing if you are looking for another boost. Check out my Feel Good Digestive Enzymes. These enzymes effectively break down stubborn macronutrients in your food like protein, carbs and fat, which can reduce gas and bloating as well as improve nutrient absorption. Why spend more on healthy and organic food if your body doesn’t reap the benefits? Adding this supplement to your daily practice helps to ensure you will get the most out of every meal and is essential to your digestive wellness. 

Cardamom

I love my spices for so many different reasons. Let me start with cardamom.  I like to think of it as almost tasting citrusy and spicy. It has a pretty sharp and complex flavor. It pairs well with other spices, hence why cardamom isn’t the only star spice in this smoothie. But more on those spices later. 

A little cardamom in your smoothie goes a long way. Cardamom can help your body absorb the other nutrients as it helps open up your capillaries. It can also help GI issues as this spice has strong detoxifying properties. Not only is cardamom effective at helping you detox, but it will warm you up from the inside out. This is one warming spice that is perfect to add to your winter routine! 

In one of the world’s oldest ancient healing systems, Ayurveda, it’s recommended that cardamom be used for low libido. Yes, you’re hearing me right Beauties! We can thank this spice’s high levels of cineole for that. Cineole works by increasing blood flow to the male and female sexual regions. And increasing blood flowing down there may ultimately increase desire. 

Need to get rid of a bad case of gingivitis – cardamom can help! Sip on my Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie and you’ll actually be fighting off bad bacteria in your mouth. Pretty cool right? Studies have found that cardamom can even help improve inflammation in the body, decreases the chances of disease. And the list can go on, but I’ll move onto the next spice. 

Cinnamon

When you want to flavor your food and drink an all-time favorite spice to add is cinnamon. 

Cinnamon comes with an entire bag of sweet bonuses besides tasting amazing! It can help you achieve any weight loss goals you might be striving for this new year. It provides the sweetness your body is craving while helping to stabilize your blood sugar to prevent you from crashing. And it can help you boost your metabolism.

I love cinnamon. I even use it my Lickable Immunity Paste! that Doctor Jay suggests using. You can enjoy it every day in the morning or in the evening after meals. It helps to cleanse your system because, like cardamom, it is a warming spice.

Nutmeg

And last but not least, let me not forget to mention about nutmeg. Yes, this is one spice that takes my Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe to the next level! It’s also a warming spice, but it is slightly nutty in flavor which gives this smoothie the perfect taste! Nutmeg contains powerful amounts of antioxidants, like cyanidin. This helps regulate free radicals in the body, helping to give your skin the glow it deserves! 

Looking for another way to boost your glow this year? Check out my Feel Good Skin Care Collection. These plant-based, cruelty-free products will naturally replenish, tighten and brighten your skin!

I can’t wait for you to try my Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe. It sure is one spice-filled treat! Don’t be intimidated by adding spices into your smoothie. I can promise you that it will be sure to heat things up… in a good way!

Be sure to tag me in your Instagram creations so I can see your beautiful recipes come to life and don’t forget to pin the picture above to your Pinterest board. Lots of love to you Beauties!

The post Winter Citrus Spice Smoothie appeared first on Kimberly Snyder.