As the weather gets warmer, my Blendtec knows it is about to be put to work. Springtime is for smoothies. They are a great way to get fruits and vegetables, keep you full, and they are grab-and-go, which is perfect for those mornings when you are running a bit late. Up your smoothie game this spring and add some of these items to help heal your gut.
Fruits and Vegetables - Honestly, if you’re not putting fruits and vegetables in your smoothie, I’m not sure if you can even legally call it a smoothie. Use this time to get in a bunch of different colors. Drink the rainbow! There are so many antioxidants and phytochemicals in the different shades of fruits and vegetables. Reds, greens, oranges, yellow, purple, blue, white. The more servings, the better. Don’t be afraid to venture out beyond just your leafy greens.
Protein Powder - Protein is instrumental in healing, so it is vital in healing your gut. Also, it is slower to break down in the stomach, which means you’ll be fuller for longer. If you can’t tolerate lactose which is in whey, look for pea protein, hemp protein, or rice protein.
Greek Yogurt - Not only is the protein in Greek yogurt great for healing your gut AND keeping you full, but it is also full of probiotics. Look for yogurt that has live and active cultures, as these are the ones that are best for gut health. The probiotics found in yogurt can also help with lactose intolerance. Choose yogurts with lower sugar, but the fat content is up to you.
Kefir - Though some people believe that kefir is just “drinkable yogurt,” it can have 15 times as many probiotics. It’s tangy like yogurt and makes a perfect smoothie base. Some people who experience difficulty digesting lactose may also benefit from adding it to their diet.
Nuts and Seeds - A strong immune system will help keep your gut healthy, and nuts and seeds are high in antioxidants. If you had difficulty digesting nuts in the past, try soaking them for a while or a nut butter option, which can help with digestibility. Almond butter, cashew butter, and flaxseed meal are great options. If you want to add chia seeds, don’t forget to soak them before adding them to your smoothie for improved digestibility.
Healthy Fats - Many people complain about smoothies not keeping them satisfied. A great way to do that, in addition to protein, is to add healthy fats. Try avocado, coconut milk, or hemp seeds if you haven’t before.
Struggling with chronic gut issues? Book a Discovery Call with me so we can tackle the issues and get you feeling better.