5 Minute Raw Carrot and Fresh Ginger Smoothie

Craving a nutrition boost? This energizing ginger carrot smoothie is packed with nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory ingredients like raw carrot, fresh ginger and a whole orange plus warming spices so it’s enjoyable even on a cold day.

My relationship to cold has really changed over the last few years: from a straight up “I hate it more than anything” to “yes, but, it also makes me feel ALIVE”.

What changed? Well, in 2020 I started cold plunging. In the Pacific Ocean. All year round. Like, not in a wetsuit. And I LOVE it. Every single time I jump in the frigid ocean, it reminds me that I’m capable of more than I think.

Um, but what does this have to do with the plant-based recipes you’re here for? Well, Vancouver is kind of miserable, grey and damp November through April so I often stick with warm meals. But sometimes, this dietitian is just craving an infusion of produce and I was wondering: could I create a smoothie that feels right in cooler weather? 

Turns out, I AM capable of more than I think, ha! This carrot ginger smoothie is made without frozen ingredients, so it’s not so cold…and it’s packed with warming spices like fresh ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. I love it alongside my chunky apple muffins for a quick and nourishing start to the day.

Why this carrot ginger smoothie is so so good for you

If you’re looking for anti-inflammatory recipes, you’ve come to the right place. But as a registered dietitian who wrote a bestselling book on anti-inflammatory nutrition called Eat More Plants, I’ve got to be straight with you: while foods and nutrients absolutely can have anti-inflammatory properties…it’s not like you’re gonna fix yourself up with a single smoothie. 

Instead, eating a more anti-inflammatory diet is about what you are adding on a daily basis. More high fibre foods for a healthy gut microbiome. More whole plant foods. And more colourful produce for all those antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients…so I wanted to create a smoothie that made it easy to add a big boost of nutrition to your day.

Oranges are a great source of vitamin C while carrots pack in the beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that’s strongly antioxidant. Both vitamin A and C are great for supporting healthy skin and immune function. Research suggests that ginger is anti-inflammatory, as well as having pro-kinetic properties, meaning that ginger helps with stomach emptying, so if you’re feeling a little nauseous or unsettled, it’s a great choice.

The only thing missing here is plant-based protein, because I enjoy this smoothie most often as a snack or with meals. But you could easily add some by swapping in soy milk for almond milk (it will give you a creamier smoothie!) or adding some protein powder for a complete meal.

Because there’s no banana in this smoothie, it’s a low FODMAP recipe gentle enough for my IBS friends and if you need a nut free option, just swap the almond milk for rice milk or oat milk.

How to make this energizing carrot ginger smoothie

There is nothing easier than throwing a bunch of goodies into a high-speed blender and one minute later, you’re sipping a zesty yet comforting anti-inflammatory smoothie! It’s low effort, high reward wellness.

Quirky yet very me note: for a bright flavour, we’re gonna peel the orange BUT hang on to a piece of the peel as it adds a bit of zestiness (is that even a word?) that I really like.

More easy on the tummy, low FODMAP smoothies:

• Satisfying Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie
• Turmeric Ginger Smoothie with Greens
• Low FODMAP Papaya Lime Smoothie
• Low FODMAP Pina Colada Smoothie
• Cucumber Smoothie with Kiwi and Mint