Temperatures are dropping and cravings are changing. Instead of cool and refreshing smoothies, we’re yearning for warming comfort foods, so what’s a smoothie fiend to do?

Don’t worry, you don’t have to ditch the smoothies ’til spring, but you shouldn’t have to freeze  either! Smoothies (and smoothie bowls) are a great (and tasty!) way to pack a ton of nutrients into one cup; (or bowl!) however, it’s important to alter eating habits as the seasons change.

1. Spice it up. Add warming spices to your smoothies (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom, and even a dash of cayenne if you’re brave!) They’ll heat the body from the inside out, promote circulation, digestion, and immunity while increasing metabolism. Plus, herbs and spices add great flavor without any additional calories, just additional antioxidants!
2. Cook  it. Ok, don’t actually cook your smoothie. That’d be…soup. DO use more cooked vegetables, though. While we crave raw fruits and veggies in the summer season, winter calls for cooked produce. Instead of raw greens, use more cooked greens, as cooking brings out different nutrients and enhances digestion. Frozen bananas are a popular addition to thicken a smoothie, but switch it up with half an avocado or cooked cauliflower, (cooled or frozen) it makes for a thick and creamy texture (you’ll definitely need a spoon!) without altering the taste. The beauty of smoothies is that you can usually add veggies without tasting them!
3. Season it. Incorporate seasonal produce like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, apples, pears, ginger, cranberries, and cauliflower. Fall and winter produce is fresh, affordable, and delicious, even in smoothies. Remember how important it is to eat with the season!
4. Go frozen. Talking about frozen fruit here, no one should freeze when enjoying a winter smoothie! Most of your favorite smoothie fruits are out of season right now, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have your berries, melon, or mango and eat them too. If you’re missing these warm weather fruits, buy organic in the freezer section. Frozen organic fruit is a great way to go when you can’t enjoy fresh, locally grown. Go ahead an enjoy an AB & J Smoothie (that’s almond butter and strawberries) just use the tips above to transform it!
5. Bulk it. Be sure to add some fat to your smoothie, especially if it’s replacing a meal. Try coconut oil or butter, avocado, nuts, or nut butter. Add bulk by topping off your smoothie with granola, cereal, seeds, or your favorite topping for more sustenance. It takes extra energy to keep ya warm all day, so you’ll need it!

Click here to read more about seasonal eating and here for our favorite holiday-flavored smoothie recipes so that you can start incorporating the tips above!

One Healthy Breakdown: Cheers to cool smoothies that warm us and taste good too!