At the start of fall, I was making my blueberry-basil smoothie over and over and over.

But for the last few months, I’ve been making this green drink multiple times a week.

It is a great go-to meal in a glass.

It will fill you up without weighing you down.

I created this smoothie using ingredients that I keep reading about and I am currently obsessing over:

• Plain Nonfat Kefir:  It has the taste and consistency of drinkable yogurt but it is 99% lactose free.  Plus, it has a lot more probiotics than yogurt.  If have read anything about the great stomach benefits of probiotics, you know that they help regulate your digestion.  Sooooo, Kefir for the win.
• Turmeric:  I recently bought this spice and I’ve been using it in all my smoothies lately.  It’s an anti-inflammatory ingredient. 
• Chia Seeds:  If I don’t use flaxseed, I throw in chia seeds. They are easier to digest and they fill you up, while providing healthy omega-3’s.  [cool note: soak chia seeds in coconut milk and honey or fruit overnight and you will have chia pudding]
• Cucumber:  de-bloater
• Spinach, fresh basil, parsley:  enough. said. right. there.

Whirl those ingredients together with a dash of cinnamon and lemon zest…

and you will quickly have something to feel good about.

Refreshing Green Smoothie 

Makes 1 serving

• ¼ - ½ cup nonfat kefir, plain (nonfat Greek yogurt or skim milk will also work)
• ¼ - ½  tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. chia seeds
• few dashes of cinnamon
• ¼ cup sliced cucumber
• big handful of fresh spinach
• fresh basil and parsley (or mint), 5-6 leaves
• ½ large frozen banana (or 1 small banana)
• lemon zest  (optional)
• cold water, if needed

Directions:

- Blend the kefir, turmeric, chia seeds, cinnamon, and lemon zest.  Add in the spinach and herbs until it is totally blended.

- Add the cucumber and the frozen banana and blend until smooth.

- Enjoy right away or chill until ready to eat.

Drink your green stuff with pride. 

I sure do.