For the coldest months of the year, add a little sunshine to your routine with a Carrot-Ginger Citrus Immune Boosting Smoothie. This turmeric smoothie recipe comes together fast and is an easy way to start the day on a healthy note. vegan + gluten free
Setting resolutions never works for me. But as the new year rolls around, I’ve new and revisited goals and intentions fresh on my mind. Using the start of a new year as a point of reflection and a time to think specifically about the year ahead has simply become a habit.
As I thumbed through last year’s calendar before recycling it, I noticed goals I set for 2017. Some met, a few not. I tried not to judge failure to dig deep into yoga and learn how to shoot and edit recipe videos. After all, I can set those intentions this year as well.
But I noticed my loud audible sigh that came with those thoughts.
Smoothies became habit years ago when my cousin first showed me how her VitaMix blender whipped up all the things. But I was most impressed with how her daily routine had shifted to always included a smoothie. So, I started saving for one and finally purchased it.
I’ve been using VitaMix just about every day since. Rob and I even take it on road trips with us… that’s how much we love smoothies! I can pack in so many fruits and veggies, far more than I would otherwise eat in a day.
This turmeric-orange carrot smoothie is one I’ve been making for years. I love it in the morning, or I have it for lunch as a meal replacer. Sometimes I shove a few leaves of romaine in it, similar to this smoothie.
This turmeric smoothie recipe is bright, with a punch of ginger and is slightly sweet. It reminds me of sunshine during these cold, gray days.
I rely on a few websites and books when I want to know more about the research and nutrient profiles of food I eat. Here are a few things I’ve learned and love about this turmeric, orange and carrot smoothie recipe:
- Quick and easy to make.
- Citrus + Carrots: provide a good dose of antioxidents like vitamin C and beta-carotene. (WorldsHealthiestFooods.com)
- Ginger: supports cleaning of the lymphatic system. (DrAxe.com)
- Fiber rich.
- Turmeric: a whole host of benefits including digestive support, anti-inflammatory, lowering blood sugar and anti-cancer. (DrAxe.com)
- Hemp Hearts: provides a bit of protein, GLA – an omega fatty acid that supports natural hormonal balance (DrAxe.com).
Also, my friend Kelly, at Inspired Edibles, shares 6 Ways to Arm Your Immune System for Cold and Flu Season.
I could go on and on about plants and tease out all the details of their benefits, but at the end of the day, I know they benefit and support my overall health. This is reason I’ll continue daily smoothies and because I love rich foods, cocktails and desserts; forever striving for balance.
And, I’ll continue working on learning the ways of recipe videos, editing and some resemblance of a yoga routine. To help with yoga, I joined Gaia.com and am following @a.Taylor.Made.Life for inspiration.
I’d love to hear your new year’s intentions, goals, aspirations and/or things you’ll continue in the new year that have supported overall health and wellness (mind and body)! Any online apps to recommend or people who inspire you? Please leave a link below!
Carrot-Ginger Citrus Immune Boosting Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 Navel or Cara Cara Orange or three small oranges such as mandarin or satsuma, peeled
- 1 Thin Slice of Lemon , leave skin on
- 2 Medium Carrots choped
- 1 Banana sliced into chunks, frozen is preferred for extra creamy and chill
- 1 inch (2.5cm) knob of Fresh Ginger make this 1 1/2" if you looove ginger, leave skin on
- 3 Tbs Hemp Hearts or a small handful of preferred nuts such as cashews
- 1/2 tsp Ground Turmeric* (see notes)
- 1 C (235g) Water
Instructions
- Into the pitcher of a high-speed blender (I use VitaMix) add the orange(s), lemon, carrots, banana, ginger, hemp hearts, turmeric and water. Start on low and increase speed up to high until all the ingredients are smooth. About 45 seconds. Pour into a glass and top with a sprinkle hemp hearts.
Notes
I've read that a pinch of black pepper helps activate the turmeric. Feel free to add a pinch to this smoothie for a peppery kick!
This smoothie tastes delicious, I added half a soft avocado that needed using up. I think the good fats also help with absorption of the turmeric. Also added about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Thankyou
Great recipe! I have made it yesterday and everyone in my home sweet home totally loved it! Thank you Traci for your awesome recipe.
Hey Kate! Thank you for your note. This is one of my favorite smoothies of all time. So many delicious and nourishing ingredients. So happy y’all enjoy it too!
What a great smoothie! I made this often this winter during the height of flu season. Really refreshing and nourishing!
Hooray! Love reading this Susan. Citrus is my favorite winter food! So happy you’re enjoying it in this smoothie!
I need a big pitcher of this…been down with the flu for 2 weeks :/
Ha ha.. You travel with your blender!! I love it. I should start doing that too.
I just found some fresh turmeric and have been making a lemony ginger tea with it and it is so SO good. We are drinking it every single night. Now, I need to try this version too. I am so glad you included the directions to make it with the fresh version as well.
This will make the healthiest way to start the new day.
Cheers to the new year my friend. XO
So vibrant and gorgeous – this is my kind of smoothie! :)
I use carrots/oranges/beets/ginger/lemon in a juicer, and I love it. My dad actually got me in the habit, though I am not at all regular as he is. I love your smoothie idea so you can utilize all the pulp too for roughage! Such a great idea. I will try that way now! Ginger and Lemon is a must for any raw juice, to digest the rawness in our tummies :)
btw, I simply love your styling here on the blue board… its just BEAUTIFUL!!
This definitely is a little bit of sunshine in a glass, brightening up those dark winter days. I love the VitaMix I use it a lot and are always on the lookout for delicious smoothies :-) Happy New Year!
I can totally relate to not reaching your goals for 2017…in fact they were the exact same goals I set for myself last year and failed to achieve, haha! Yoga and video are on the list this year too. ;)
Smoothies are one habit that did stick from last year. They make me feel so good and energized for the day ahead. This version sounds so bright and fresh. I’m loving the kick of fresh citrus and ginger. Definitely making this one soon!
LOL – how about that?! Lofty goals… OMGeee video, Sarah. I’m digging deep here… not sure if they’re for me. Aren’t smoothies the best!? Energized and feeling good, indeed. I can totally tell when I go without. I hope you enjoy it! xo
Instead of resolutions and goals for the New Year, Traci, I’m working on habits instead. I read an article recently about trading bad habits with good habits. I find this extremely intriguing idea. Everything is a balancing act and if you can trade one bad habit for one good habit then that’s a win for me. One good habit I’m working on is smoothies for breakfast instead of toast – so this smoothie is right inline with my new habits! Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year. XO
I love this, Geraldine! Replacing bad habits with good habits is so smart. Just being mindful of bad habits is a step in the right direction! I guess by the time I’m 80 I should have no bad habits, right? lol! But indeed, it is such a balancing act… always. I love your new habit of smoothies instead of toast! Now, I still have toast at least a few days a week, but for me, I think about having toast with a big bowl of pasta or soup – so instead of having it in the morning, I have it for dinner – forever trying to limit the amount of bread I eat (I mean, I’m baking sourdough now – so talk about tempting!!). Here’s to more smoothies in the new year! xo
Traci,
I can appreciate that you acknowledge your ummm less healthy passions as well as your dedication to keep trying for balance. I still have many devils as well.
Regarding this particular smoothie recipe, I’ve also read that black pepper AS WELL AS some sort of fat are necessary to activate the goodies in turmeric. Not sure what kind of fat would work well with the other tasty and brightly colored ingredients in here, but if color weren’t an issue, you could maybe use avocado or some nut butter?
I just subscribed to your blog to keep up with all your great ideas and encouragement!
Sumiyeh
Hi Sumiyeh! Thank you for following and kind words. Indeed, I love indulgent foods too, but try to stick to not so rich foods most of the time. I can’t imagine not enjoying foods like pasta, pizza and pastries. For this smoothie, and according to my hemp heart package, hemp hearts contain 13g of fat per 3 Tbs serving. Would that be adequate? Adding cashews wouldn’t detract from the color… and would make it even creamier! Be sure to give them a good soak first, though, if you use them.
I like that cashew idea! Not sure how much fat is actually required.
This is a simply beautiful smoothie and a perfect use of seasonal goodies. Our bodies need these, especially during the winter months. Happy New Year!
No doubt Karen! Sunshine and so much goodness in the middle of winter.
Love that you travel with your blender! That’s so awesome! The sunny color of this smoothie is cheering me right up after our blizzard/snow-bomb/whatever they are calling it.
LOL, Liz! We’ve gotten a few funny looks when we unload it from the car with a packed cooler! So happy you’re beyond the blizzard/bomb/thing! Hooray! I bet the snow is pretty!
What a delicious looking smoothie to get me on the right track for 2018 Traci! Just the color has me thinking of warmer, sunny days! Lots of goals here for the new year…videos being one of mine too…if my brain doesn’t burst first! Happy 2018!
OMG – brain burst. I can totally relate Mary Ann! Mind numbing. :/ Happy 2018! xo
So glad you had a white Christmas! It just adds that extra touch of magic. I’ve been wanting to get back into smoothies again but it’s hard to think about drinking something cold during these winter months. Though I have to say this one here may get me back on board. I’ve got everything here to make this and I love that it isn’t too sweet. Your photos are gorgeous as always. Cheers to 2018!
Such a sweet surprise, Jean! I hear you about drinking something cold during the coldest months of the year. But I find ginger to be warming, if that makes sense, even when drinking a cold smoothie. If you like, you can cut back on the banana, for a little less sweet. Oranges vary widely in how sweet they are too. I hope you enjoy the smoothie, Jean and thank you for your kind words!
Hi Traci, my friend! That rocks. My breakfast for tomorrow! I just checked out your wonderful blog with your wonderful Images. I just started to invest more time in Pinterest as well. Thank you for inviting me to your boards. xoxo Janine
Hey Janine! So nice to see you poppin in! Hooray for breakfast – so yum. I can imagine this would be fabulous in your juicer too. I spied you on pinterest… what fun! xo
OMGosh, Traci, these photos!! You are mazing! Happy New Year, my dear!
:D Thank you Love! Happy New Year to you too! xo
I adore this recipe and what gorgeous photos!!! Vitamix is a true must-have in the kitchen and I’m so glad you love yours too. Plus, they last forever meaning optimal nutrition is available every single day for years to come. This recipe is just perfect for winter since it’s full of so much vitamin C. Citrus season is something I look forward to every single year! :)
Thank you so much for your kind words, Heather. Indeed – a must have. I use it at least once a day, mostly twice. It is such a solid machine. I look forward to citrus too – SO much. I hope you enjoy this sunshine smoothie Heather!
I like the idea of not having resolutions, but rather goals in mind too! There’s always so many things I would like to get done but never get around too. Adding more smoothies to my diet is always a goal of mine and these look delicious! I hope you and Rob are having a great 2018 so far :)
I hear you, Izzy. And it’s easy to get down about the things we didn’t do rather than relish and be happy with the things we did accomplish. And why? Adding smoothies – yes please! Happy NW to you, Eli and hubs Izzy! xo