Instructional &
Informational Posts
Healthy snacking is good for the body and the soul. Join Kris Osborne, wellness warrior, culinarian, and snacker extraordinaire, as she helps you prep high-vibe, whole-food snacks for your busy week ahead.
Sweet, juicy pears; tart, probiotic-rich kefir; and the warm, earthy hints of cinnamon and cardamom come together to bring you a smoothie that tastes like Autumn.
Kefir, a fermented milk beverage, makes up the protein component of this green goddess drink, and its slightly sour flavour profile is a result of the fermentation process occurring with the “grains” that culture the milk. They’re are not actually grains, but small globules of yeast and bacteria that sit suspended in the thickened milk; and they’re rich with nutrients that feed the microbes - think of it like a tangier, dairy-based bubble tea.
Kefir is loaded with, among others, vitamins B12 and thiamine, and the mineral manganese, which aids in energy metabolism and is necessary for the production of key antioxidant enzymes. The coolest part though, is that the proteins in kefir are already partially digested, making them much more accessible by the human body. If the earlier sentence about “yeast and bacteria” has you feeling a bit squeamish, you can rest easily knowing that the word “kefir” originates from the Turkish word “keif,” which is said to translate to “good feeling” - the one you get after drinking it.
So if feeling good is part of your wellness plan, we suggest you drink up.
Autumn-Lovers' Pear Cardamom Smoothie
Combine all of the ingredients, including only 1 date OR a couple of drops of stevia, in a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste, and if more sweetness is desired, add in another date or more stevia. Depending on how ripe the pear is, your smoothie may already be sweet enough. It’s easy to go overboard with the sweetener, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
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Born into the family-owned restaurant business, Kris Osborne was destined to love food and learned to cook as a little wee one. When she’s not creating goodness in the kitchen or over at her blog, she can be found studying naturopathic medicine, getting her fitness on in a group exercise class, or snuggling with the loves of her life: her partner and adorable cat.
