Made with Greek yogurt, chestnuts and oats, this chestnut smoothie is a filling way to keep things healthy with the New Year right around the corner.
With Christmas two days away, I have a confession to make.
You guys, I’m sick of seeing all the Christmas treats!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to fully enjoy eating my fair share tomorrow and Christmas day but I seriously can’t wait for New Years and people to be “into” healthy things again!
Enough.with.the.sweets.
My teeth hurt just scrolling through them all on social media.
So to get a jump start on the “healthy” thing we’re all a little more willing to entertain in just a few days, I’m sharing this cinnamon chestnut oat smoothie with you.
January 9th I’ll be on a plane to Mexico and one of my bucket-list places, Cabo San Lucas.
Ulysses and my brother are riding dirt bikes the length of the entire Baja peninsula the week before and my sister in law and I are flying to Cabo to meet them at the end for a week.
I don’t really know why I’ve wanted to go to Cabo forever but I have. So, despite the timing of wearing a bathing suit directly after all the holiday cookie madness, we’re making it happen.
Which is why between now and then you’ll find me downing things like this chestnut smoothie.
It’s filling and satisfying thanks to the hearty serving of oats but still wintery and comforting with chestnuts, cinnamon and nutmeg.
I usually use chestnuts in savory recipes like chestnut stuffing but it’s a true testament to their flexibility that they can go the sweet route too like in a chestnut spread or this smoothie.
It’s also chock full of protein thanks to an entire container of Greek yogurt.
An oat based yogurt would be a great way to make this smoothie entirely plant based, so that’s a swap to consider if you’d like.
Read This –> How to Make the Perfect Healthy Smoothie
Truth is, and if you follow me on snapchat you probably already know since I like to complain about all the food I get to make and then not eat, I’ve been following a macro and timing nutrition plan for the last 3 months.
My 12 week “cut” ends January 1 (yeah who’s the genius who decided to cut over the entire span of the holidays? Me.) so I’m actually feeling really great about where I am headed into a beach trip right after Christmas.
That said, every other year come January 1, I’m usually ready to flip the switch and get myself back on track.
It’s never anything drastic, it’s just a few less chocolates and cookies and few more healthy choices.
Things like smoothies make an appearance in the afternoon instead of tea + cookies (or a few of the Godiva chocolates my mother in law sends us every year!).
Related –> Detox Green Smoothie
They’re simple, so versatile and can still be made delicious even when they’re healthy.
And guess what? Like this cinnamon chestnut oat smoothie proves, they don’t all have to be green to be good for you!
Love this Chestnut Oat Smoothie recipe?
Try my Key Lime Smoothie, Layered Strawberry Ginger Peach Smoothie, and Wild Blueberry Beet Smoothie recipes too!
This butternut squash smoothie is a great seasonal alternative too!
Cinnamon Chestnut Oat Smoothie
Ingredients
- 6 ounces vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup peeled cooked chestnuts
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- handful of ice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth,
- Pour into a glass and garnish with cinnamon, nutmeg and oats if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills. The opinions and text are all mine.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
Love trying new smoothie flavors and this cinnamon chestnut oat smoothie did not disappoint! It was so delicious and was just what I was looking for.
Perfect timing – New Year, new tasty smoothie! I love starting my day with smoothies so this is perfect!
I had never had chestnut smoothie before and absolutely loved it!
I’ll be making this smoothie again!
I had some chestnuts leftover from the holidays and searched for a recipe. This one was perfect! It tastes delicious and so healthy.
I’m so intrigued by the chestnuts in this smoothie and can’t wait to try it!
This smoothie is a tasty start to the new year, we loved how filling and satisfying it was!