In order to keep balanced, it is recommended that raw, cold foods should be avoided by Vata individuals, anyone with a Vata imbalance (anxiety, insomnia, gas, bloating, etc), and all body-types during the cooler seasons of fall and winter. Since smoothies are generally of the raw and cold nature, this means that most smoothies are not recommended at these times. However, with the proper ingredients, we can eliminate these unwanted qualities and instead create a warm, easy-to-digest smoothie that is grounding, nourishing, and balancing for Vata types, Vata disorders, and the colder months.
Sweet potatoes are an extremely nutrient-rich root veggie consumed regularly by some of the healthiest, longest living societies in the world. The steamed sweet potatoes in this recipe with provide you with vitamins A, B, and C, manganese, magnesium, copper, potassium, carotenoids, fiber, and antioxidants. With a strong dose of probiotics and a handful of warming spices, this smoothie is very beneficial for your digestion and will promote healthy elimination as well.
Overall this delicious Vata-reducing smoothie is strengthening, energizing, and immune boosting, yet it is simultaneously soothing for your mind and nervous system. It can be taken to alleviate constipation, reduce anxiety, and calm a restless mind. With the high level of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, this smoothie is excellent for beautifying the complexion and boosting the eye health, brain health, and heart health. This sweet potato smoothie is a great option to eat as a nourishing breakfast or a healthy snack for Vata types (and Pitta too!) during the fall and winter seasons.
VATA-REDUCING SMOOTHIE RECIPE
Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.
- Doshic effect: Vata ↓,Pitta ↓, Kapha ↑
Makes: 2 cups - Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 to 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped sweet potato
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or kefir (homemade is best!)
- Fresh ginger (1 inch cube), minced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
- 3 saffron stigmas
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 teaspoons honey
Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.
Directions
1. Place a steam basket into a medium sauce pan. Pour about 2 inches of water into the pan. The water level should be directly below the bottom of the steam basket for the best steam. Bring the water to a boil as you begin to chop the sweet potato.
2. Chop the sweet potato into small, fairly even cubes about 1/2 inch in size.
3. Add the sweet potato to the steam basket and cover the pan. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until the sweet potato is completely soft all the way through.
4. As you steam the potato, begin to prepare the remaining ingredients.
5. Add the almond milk, yogurt, minced ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, saffron, vanilla, and honey to the blender.
6. Once the sweet potato is cooked, add them into the blender.
7. Blend on high for 2 to 4 minutes and serve.
8. Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon over the top. Enjoy this smoothie during the fall and winter seasons to aid in digestion, calm the mind, ground the energy, and balance out Vata.
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Thanks for sharing your recipes. You are the best!
In the sweet potato smoothie recipe for Vata, would it also be as beneficial for Vata to substitute the sweet potato with fresh organic butternut squash?
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn,
Thank you for your question! Yes, butternut squash will be a great substitution for the sweet potato, as it is both Vata-reducing and very tasty! It sounds delicious! Let me know how it turns out:)
Namaste,
Danielle
Hello, I thought Ayurveda says not to mix yogurt with anything but grains? I’m confused.
Hi Monique,
Thank you for writing in with your question! Although proper food combining is most important, I have not been taught that you cannot mix yogurt with all other foods except grains. From my studies, I have learned that you should avoid combining yogurt with fruit, eggs, milk, cheese, fish, meat, nightshades, and hot beverages. There are many schools of thought when it comes to Ayurveda however, so you may have learned otherwise. I personally have not had any issues with the combining of sweet potato and yogurt, but if you notice any negative effects, it is important to listen to this.
Thank you again for writing in!
Namaste,
Danielle
Thank you Danielle,
I appreciate your feedback. This does sound delicious. I may just give it a go and see what my body says 🙂
Monique
Would this work for vata kapha?
Hi Gretchen,
Unfortunately, this recipe is a bit heavy for a Vata-Kapha type, especially if the Kapha is already out of balance. You can find many Vata-Kapha balancing recipes at the bottom of this article here.
Thank you for writing in! Be well:)
Namaste,
Danielle
Thank you so much!!!! Namaste lovely! 🙂