GREEN (and gut-friendly!) GRAPEFRUIT SMOOTHIE

This kefir-based grapefruit, avocado & spinach shake is wonderfully tangy & creamy.  It’s the kinda smoothie that makes your whole body sing — gut and taste buds included!

Kefir is a fermented drink with a yogurt-like taste and lots of immune-boosting and disease-fighting benefits.  It contains bioactive compounds that can improve gut and skin health, and help to reduce the risk of cancer & allergy symptoms.  One compound found only in kefir, known as kefiran, has been found to fight against candida, a common yeast infection.

Grapefruit is rich in minerals, fibre and vitamins including vitamin C.  The pink and red varieties get their lovely hue from lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient that has been found to have powerful anti-cancer effects.  Ruby red grapefruit (used here) is in season in Florida from November to May.

For 2 servings, blend until smooth:

• 1 1/2 cups ruby red grapefruit, peeled and diced

• 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach

• 1/2 ripe avocado

• 2 Tbsp Further Food collagen peptides (optional)

• 1+ cups coconut or other milk-based kefir, adjusted to desired consistency

• Lakanto monkfruit sweetener, raw honey (nonvegan), pure stevia, or sweetener of choice, adjusted to taste

• optional toppings: toasted coconut chips or toppings of choice