5 warming foods that boost your energy in winter

Hey!

Is it just me, or does winter make you want to hibernate under a blanket with a bag of chips?

Last January, I was drinking coffee like it was water - 6+ cups a day - just trying to feel human. By 3pm, I'd crash so hard that I'd consider taking a nap in my car.

Then I realized something: I wasn't tired because of the weather. I was tired because I was eating all the wrong foods for winter.

Here's what changed everything...

Instead of relying on caffeine and sugar for energy, I started eating foods that naturally warm my body and sustain my energy for hours.

These 5 warming foods became my winter energy secret weapons:

1. Sweet Potatoes Not just warm and comforting - they're packed with complex carbs that give you steady energy without the crash. I roast a bunch on Sunday and add them to everything all week.

2. Ginger This is my natural energy booster. Fresh ginger in tea, smoothies, or stir-fries literally warms you from the inside out and improves circulation. Way better than another cup of coffee.

3. Oats Not the instant packets loaded with sugar - real steel-cut or rolled oats. They digest slowly, keeping your blood sugar stable and your energy consistent all morning.

4. Cinnamon Sprinkle this on everything! It helps regulate blood sugar (goodbye afternoon crashes) and makes you feel warm and satisfied. Plus it makes healthy food taste like dessert.

5. Bone Broth (or veggie broth) Sipping warm broth between meals keeps me hydrated, warm, and surprisingly energized. It's like a hug in a mug that actually nourishes you.

The magic combination: I start most winter mornings with oatmeal topped with roasted sweet potatoes, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a cup of ginger tea. Sounds weird, tastes amazing, and I stay energized until lunch.

What happened when I made this switch:

• Cut my coffee intake from 6 cups to 2

• No more 3pm energy crashes

• Actually felt warm from the inside out

• Stopped reaching for sugary snacks when I was cold

Here's the thing about winter eating: Your body naturally craves warming, grounding foods. Fighting that with cold salads and iced drinks just makes you feel worse.

Work WITH your body, not against it.

Speaking of working with your body... winter is smoothie season too, but not the cold, summery kind. I'm talking about warming smoothies with ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, and sweet potato that taste like liquid comfort food.

My smoothie collection has 30 recipes including warming winter blends that boost energy naturally - no caffeine crashes, just sustained warmth and vitality.

Get 30 Healthy Smoothies - CODE: SMOOTHIE for 50% off

Perfect for cold mornings when you want something warm and energizing but don't have time to cook.

What's your go-to winter energy booster? More coffee? Sugary snacks? Or do you have a secret warming food? Hit reply and tell me!

Stay warm and energized! Sarah

P.S. - Pro tip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your morning oatmeal. It warms you up from the inside and gives your metabolism a little boost. Start small - a tiny pinch goes a long way!