Post-holiday cleanse: Rejuvenate with a kefir smoothie
Not even contemplating cooking dinner? After the holidays, we often feel overindulged and complain about digestive issues. Holiday dishes can be quite fatty and strain the liver and stomach considerably. That's why opting for lighter meals today and preparing a detoxifying smoothie is wise.
A smoothie is an excellent snack option, and today it might even serve as a meal replacement. You can select ingredients that help address constipation, a bloated stomach, and other issues that arise after hearty meals. A liquid diet can ease the burden on the liver and stomach. We have a simple, affordable, and effective smoothie idea. You might not even need to step out and shop for it, as you'll likely have everything you need in your kitchen. You can enjoy this smoothie in the morning or throughout the day. And don’t abandon this routine! It's beneficial to do it regularly, not just post-holiday.
Important base
Dairy-based smoothies are popular for being filling and rich in protein. Do you often use milk, yoghurt, or buttermilk for them? This time, try kefir. It is an excellent prebiotic, containing microorganisms that assist with digestive system issues. Regular consumption offers many benefits, such as regulating bowel movements, reducing bloating, and alleviating the feeling of fullness. The second key ingredient for the smoothie is bran. Bran is the outer layer of the grain from which other cereal products like flour and groats are made. It contains fibre, protein, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Furthermore, it is low in calories. For the smoothie, choose natural bran, as it has the most fibre, which aids digestion.
Fruit additions
Kefir and bran form the smoothie's base, but additions also shape its taste and effects. The first is dried prunes. These fruits, even in this form, act as a prebiotic and have long been known to facilitate digestion, thanks to their fibre content. Dried prunes contain a substantial amount of sorbitol, a natural laxative, thus helping relieve constipation. Before using them in the smoothie, soak them in hot water for a few minutes. You can also add kiwi to the smoothie, but it's optional. In addition to fibre, kiwi contains potassium, an electrolyte important for the proper functioning of the digestive system. An important component of kiwi is actinidin, a digestive enzyme, which supports the proper functioning of the stomach and intestines.
Recipe for a detoxifying smoothie
Ingredients:
- 4 dried prunes previously soaked in a cup of water,
- 1 kiwi (optional),
- 1 tablespoon of bran,
- a cup of kefir.
Preparation method:
- Put the peeled kiwi, wheat bran, and prunes with the soaking water into a blender. Finally, add the kefir.
- Blend the ingredients until the smoothie has a smooth consistency.
- This smoothie should be consumed in the morning or during the day. You'll achieve the best results if you do this regularly. Besides benefiting your intestines, the smoothie will also provide valuable vitamins and minerals.
