Our Apple Crisp Protein Smoothie is the perfect way to celebrate the cooler weather each autumn, but of course, you can enjoy it any time of the year. With protein and probiotics from Lifeway Kefir and the prebiotic fiber from oats and apples, this cozy protein smoothie is perfect to sip on your morning walk or post-workout. We can’t think of a better way to welcome in a new season!
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for better gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health.
Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, support the digestive system, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1. Lifeway Kefir also contains a variety of nutrients that are vital for healthy bones and overall health including vitamins D3, K, and B 12 along with calcium and potassium. Along with our kefir, we also offer our creamy, cultured Lifeway Farmer Cheese, a high protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support a healthy microbiome that’s easy to spread and contains no added salt or sugar.
Prep Time: 10 mins Servings: 2Ingredients
Smoothie:
- 1 1/4 cups Organic Whole Milk Vanilla Kefir
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp. old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 tbsp. ground flax
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- pinch of ground ginger
- pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 medium-sized apple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Garnishes:
- 1-2 tbsp. low sugar granola
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- optional: drizzle of honey
Directions
- Add the Lifeway Kefir, protein powder, oats, chia seeds, ground flax, spices, apple, applesauce, and vanilla into a blender, then blend everything together until creamy.
- Pour into two glasses, and garnish with granola and crushed walnuts. If you want it sweeter, add a drizzle of raw honey.
