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.
What a healthy option for the smoothie! I made it this morning for my breakfast: it was yummy and delicious. It’s easy to make too!!
That’s what I’m going to eat/drink for breakfast tomorrow! Thanks for the idea
can I use canned chestnuts?
Yeah, they should work so long as they’re cooked and soft.
Smoothies for life. I loved your snapchat about this by the way.
Yum – I want to try this and sip on it while sitting on the couch and catching up on some Netflix :D
Thanks Gina!
I’m sick of Christmas treats too – I just want to dive into this smoothie right now.
This looks delish! And I’m with ya on the sweets. While I will enjoy them all…. New Years can’t come soon enough :)
I’m right there with you. I have enjoyed way too many cookies and chocolates and will be glad to clean up my eating! I love this smoothie, the chestnuts are a perfect winter touch!
This sounds wonderful! I love adding Greek Yogurt to my smoothies!
Gina, I am so with you!!!! We were suppose to bring a dessert to a party last night and I felt like scrooge because I just didn’t want anything sweet at all!! BTW this smoothie looks great!