Given the importance of probiotics, it would seem that we would want to have them around and readily available for consumption. As a matter of fact, most people do....somewhat. Yogurt is the most popular food source in America containing probiotics. However, many brands of yogurt have been manipulated so that there are less probiotics and much more added sugar!
Another popular way to get probiotics is through supplementation through tablets, capsules, and pills. I did just that for quite awhile. And while this can be a great way to get probiotics, it is expensive and sometimes you can fall by the wayside if you don't continually stock up and remember to take them.
Recently I found the easiest way to have fresh probiotics at the ready! I make them myself! It's so easy with the EZ Yogurt Maker! All I need is a gallon of milk (you can choose 1%, 2%, whole, almond or coconut milk), the EZ Yogurt Maker warming sleeve, and a packet of the starter.
Basically the EZ Yogurt Maker is a sleeve that heats up to the perfect temperature to make yogurt, keifer, or a probiotic drink. I like to start the process right before bedtime and by the time I wake up in the morning, I've got keifer. If I want to leave it a little longer, I've got yogurt!
I'm sharing my recipe for 'Chocolate Morning Probiotic Smoothie.' I love it and so will you!
Chocolate Probiotic Smoothie
1 cup of probiotic drink, unflavored( I used 2% milk to make the probiotic drink)
1 cup of spinach or other greens
1 scoop of chocolate powdered protein
2 tsp. of unsweetened cocoa
1 scoop of chocolate Meal Replacement powder or similar chocolate powder (Your choice)
Cover with ice
Blend for 1 minute or until blended
Things I've noticed:
- Easier to keep off weight - normally it's hard to keep off the weight, especially when I have an unexpected eating opportunity. But since I've been drinking my probiotic smoothies, it seems like the scale is more forgiving of those times.
- More energy - I have a couple extra hours of energy added to my day, which is huge! More time to get things done!
- Better rest - I rest more intensely, and wake up on my own, ready to get going! It's great!