Sometimes I want a healthy snack that is in a drink format.  Especially if I am in a rush I can drink a glass of something while I change clothes, feed the cats, put out the garbage and then run out the door to my second job.  So a liquid snack is welcome.  I don’t want to drink ensure; not even sure it is safe for me so I thought of kefir. 

I make my own kefir, a fermented beverage that is usually made with milk although you can use coconut water or even plain water, I think, in creating it. It is chock full of healthy probiotics that everyone could use in making a healthy environment in your gut, especially we celiacs. You can buy kefir at the grocery store in a bottle; a bit pricier than making your own.  They sell fancy flavors of kefir.

But my plain kefir can be boring after a while. I like to mix it with fruit juice like pineapple juice.  Then, the other day I had a brain storm and took some Ocean Spray Cherry Juice Cocktail (about 4 ounces) and mixed it in my blender with a banana, 2-3 ice cubes and some of my kefir (about 4 ounces); magically transforming the bland kefir into a fancy cherry smoothie.  The resulting tall cold glass of pink yummy stuff was so much more healthy than soda or Gatorade and as quick to make as most smoothies.  The cherry juice drink has 55 calories for 4 ounces and your kefir’s calories will depend on what kind of milk you made it from.  The banana’s calories depends on it’s size; not much regardless. No added sugar by me either. Regardless, it is healthy, tasty and a great change of pace.  Try one made with your favorite juice beverage.  Let me know of any good combos you create!