When cold weather hits, it can be hard to feel motivated to make juices and smoothies, brrrrr! Here are some alternative drinks which are healthy, yummy, and just right to sip by the fire when the temperature drops outside.
Turmeric golden milk
Turmeric is known for its benefits to digestion, immune function and liver health. It’s the perfect herbal remedy for this time of year to avoid illness and keep your immune systems strong. Blend coconut milk, turmeric, cinnamon, raw honey, black pepper and ginger – add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Tea
Cinnamon and ginger are both warming and promote circulation, and also have the added benefit of helping digestion. In fact, all the spices in chai teas are warming to the body, so why not check out some caffeine free options like rooibos chai?
Roasted dandelion tea
Dandelion root is a potent liver tonic, so make sure you make your brew nice and strong for maximum benefits. You can add milk and a small amount of honey if you wish. Keep and eye out at cafes for LSDs (that’s a latte with soy milk and dandelion) – they are a great alternative to regular coffee.
Hot cacao
I use almond milk for this one. Warm the milk, add 2 tsp raw cacao powder and a pinch of chilli. powder. It’s so decadent! Almonds and cacao are both high in magnesium so this combination is great to help improve circulation and banish those cold hands and feet.
Miso soup
Most popular cup-a-soups are full of questionable ingredients like thickeners, sugar and MSG (eewww!). Instant miso soup from the health food shop is the perfect substitute and there are brands out there with no hidden nasties (just be sure to check the label).
Don’t forget you can also “warm up” your raw juices by adding a thumb-sized piece ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper. And if you are feeling adventurous, adding garlic and lemon to your daily veggie juice can help to ward off bugs. So don’t banish your juicer for winter just yet! But if you feel like a hot drink, choosing from the options above will help to nourish your body and keep you feeling warm and toasty.