Back to KEFIR - Smoothies and Tips

Not long ago we discussed the GREAT benefits to Kefir - and have been asked to share some more ideas on having it in a smoothie! Here is what I have been doing + some helpful tips!

Ashley's Ultimate Breakfast Smoothie!

• half a Banana
• four to six frozen strawberries
• 1 handful baby spinach (no you can not taste it) 
• half cup Kefir ( I like strawberry and raspberry)
• half to one cup Yoli TRUTH
• one Tbsp Flax seeds
• one scoop whey protein powder

In a blender add the banana, strawberries, Kefir, and Yoli. Blend until smooth. Add the flax seeds and whey, blend until evenly distributed. Pour in two glasses and enjoy! Makes 2 smoothies.

This simple recipe demonstrates the basics for a delicious smoothie. For variety, it can be easily modified to suit your taste.

Change the fruits to make a whole new kind of smoothie. Try these ideas-

• Tropical- Fresh banana, frozen mango, pineapple juice
• Very Berry- Fresh blueberries, frozen raspberries, pomegranate juice
• Peachy Dreams- Fresh strawberries, frozen peaches, orange juice

Here are some tips and tricks to a great morning smoothie.

1. The keys to a perfect smoothie is the correct proportions of fresh fruit, frozen fruit, and juice.
2. For taste balance go for a mix of tart fruits, and sweet fruits.
3. The more frozen fruit, the thicker the smoothie.
4. Do not use ice, it will only water down the smoothie.
5. The fresh fruit and juice makes for easier mixing and makes for a smoother consistency.
6. Flax seeds are a great fiber source and does not alter the taste of the smoothie.
7. Use organic when ever possible.
8. Invest in a good blender if you plan to make smoothies often.
9. Try using frozen blueberries, mixed berries, peaches or raspberries in the place of the frozen strawberries.
10. 100% pineapple, pomegranate, or grape juice is great in place of the orange juice.
11. Try using ripe peaches, mangoes, or pineapple in place of the banana..
12. For the best flavor, choose a protein powder with no sweeteners added. Read the ingredients carefully.
13. Add protein powder at the end of blending otherwise the smoothie will become too frothy.
14. For some extra nutritional punch, add liquid vitamins or liquid trace minerals.
15. Serving suggestions-

• Throw in some frozen grapes after blending as “ice cubes”.
• For kids, drop in those gummy vitamins after blending.
• Eat with a small hand full of raw nuts.

It really is true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is important to start the day off right. Hopefully, this smoothie can help start you get off in the right direction. Get creative and become a smoothie expert!

Kefir

Kefir has many reputed health benefits. It has antibiotic and antifungal properties. It's been used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, and allergies, tuberculosis, cancer, poor digestion, candidiasis, osteoporosis, hypertension, HIV and heart disease. You might find it odd that that a drink containing yeasts would be good for treating candidiasis but it has been helpful to many people, both by restoring a better balance to the gut flora and because some elements of the microflora will kill off Candida Albicans. Not all yeasts are harmful.

In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast, kefir contains many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin D. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir, is well known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because kefir also has an abundance of calcium and magnesium, also important minerals for a healthy nervous system, kefir in the diet can have a particularly calming effect on the nerves.

The abundance of enzymes brings more health benefits, especially to lactose intolerant people, many of whom can tolerate kefir without difficulty, as long as the kefir is raw and not cooked (cooking destroys the enzymes).