Cucumber Ginger Smoothie

Begin the new year without unfair expectations of working toward a new version of you because, the truth is, you inspire us right now. In 2021, resolve to love yourself as you are with rest, kindness, and a Cucumber Ginger Smoothie. It’s a refreshing blend of cucumber, ginger, avocado, lemon, spinach, chia seeds, and plain kefir. Each ingredient serves a purpose of nourishment and health. Cucumbers are a versatile fruit because they are made of about 96% of water, which helps to support regular bowel movements, and are also are high in antioxidants to protect cells in the body from damaging free radicals. Ginger has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and promotes detoxification with its natural compounds gingerol and shoals, which speed up the movement of food in the digestive system. Avocados are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Lemons support heart and immune health with vitamin C and fiber. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy vegetable with vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium. Chia Seeds are a healthy superfood with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and prebiotic fiber to feed the 12 live and active probiotic cultures in our plain kefir. Gone are the days of fad diets and hard-to-follow detoxes, here to stay is loving your guts!

Your Gut Matters

Eating habits also play a role in mental health. Research has shown that probiotic-rich foods decrease anxiety and boost the mood. That makes kefir a great wellbeing tool because it contains 12 live and probiotic cultures. Psychiatrist James Greenblatt explained that “‘the gut is really your second brain. There are more neurons in the GI tract than anywhere else except the brain.’” As research continues to develop, it’s becoming more and more apparent that there is a link between the gut and the brain. What was once suspected as one-way communication (brain to gut) is now understood to be more of a two-way system. Thus, the health of our gut may directly impact the health of our minds.