Kefir Kommunity

If you’re anything like us, round three at the Thanksgiving dinner buffet is the one that really did you in late last week. There simply weren’t enough buttons or belt loops to undo to provide relief from our distended bellies.

The good news: Kefir is actually an excellent debloater! The probiotics and fiber speed digestion, meaning whatever’s left in your stomach will move through just a little more quickly. The cool liquid also offers a protective coating for the tummy, which can come in handy with all those acidic post-gorging juices sloshing around. Plus, it makes an excellent chaser for all those leftover turkey-and-cranberry sandwiches.

Check out this easy recipe for a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie from Cooking God’s Way -they had us at “pumpkin pie in a cup.” It’s super easy to whip up and is a great way to use up those extra cans of pumpkin sitting around. To up the nutrition quota even further, substitute butternut squash for the pumpkin – it’s a vitamin powerhouse with a similar taste.

Still feeling too lazy to even turn on a blender? Try our special holiday edition Lifeway Pumpkin Spice Kefir!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain kefir
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin or butternut squash
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, or to taste
• 2 Tablespoons chia seed gel
• 2 Tablespoons real maple syrup
• Stevia liquid, several drops to taste (optional)
• 1 cup ice

Directions:

Add all ingredients except stevia and ice to blender; process until combined. Taste and add stevia drops until desired level of sweetness is reached. Blend in ice until broken up and drink is smooth. Serve immediately. Serves 1 (large) or 2 (small).