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Saturday, September 25, 2010

Cold Season & Smoothies?!

Blackberry Smoothie

Good Morning, Dearies! I hope you are all having a relaxing Saturday.

We are now officially in the first days of Fall, my lovelies, and I want to broach a very important and often overlooked health issue. An issue that will effect almost every single one of you this coming season either directly or indirectly. This subject is the health of your/the gut! Yeah, I know that sounds a bit weird, but it simply means the digestive system (smile).

Why does one need to worry about the health of the digestive system particularly in the Fall & Winter? Well, this is the time of year when we often get sick with either a virus or bacteria at least once if not twice. A visit to the doctor often involves a round of antibiotics if we have come down with something like strep throat, pneumonia, bronchitis, or the like. Sometimes, we even walk away with quite a strong dose of antibiotics when the M.D. is unsure of what ails us.

A round of antibiotics is often needed for certain ailments-no doubt. However, we must remember that antibiotics of any kind do not discriminate when they flow through our systems. They kill our stomach, intestinal, and even vaginal flora (natural & protective bacteria) just as quickly as they slaughter that streptococcus or other harmful bacteria that has invaded our system. The immediate results can be anything from a severely upset stomach to diarrhea and yeast infection. The long term effects are much worse. Indeed, I could write a book about them being that they range from obesity to malnutrition. I've decided that wouldn't be prudent on this lovely Saturday though...

Instead, I ask that you still include a nice treat of organic dairy or soy yogurt and the like with fresh fruit at least every other day, even though you may not be craving cold yogurt and fruit quite as much now that the heat is dying down. The probiotics from the yogurt will keep your gut healthy while the fruit provides a powerful dose of essential minerals and antioxidants like Vitamin C, which will ward off sickness to some extent anyway. Who knows? You might even be able to avoid antibiotics altogether this year!


Frozen Fruit Smoothie-2-3 Servings
1 Cup Organic Frozen Fruit (Preferably Fresh Frozen*)
1 Cup Organic Soy or Dairy Yogurt
Organic Dairy or Soy Milk to taste
1-2 Tbsp. Agave Syrup/Honey
Pinch of Cinnamon

Place the fruit and yogurt in a blender. Blend till smooth. Slowly add sweetener to your taste. Upon seeing the consistency, add milk in splashes till you reach your desired texture and consistency-some like it thick while others like to slurp through a straw! *Fresh frozen means fresh fruit placed in a plastic bag and thrown in the freezer the night before for smoothies!
Note: The mango smoothie shown here was made with fresh frozen fruit from the recipe above with an added tsp. of fresh ginger-it was amazing;)!















Other probiotic rich foods are tempeh, sauerkraut, and kombucha!
p.s. To my lovelies on the other side of the globe entering into summer, I wish you sunny days with many smoothies;-)!

47 comments:

  1. Stella, your posts always contain pearls of wisdom that we all should pay attention to. Thanks for watching over everyone. :)

    That blackberry smoothie looks almost too pretty to drink!

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  2. Thanks for the good post on probiotics. I wish people were more aware of the benefits - specially the parents of young children, since many kids seem to come down with a stomach bug every few months (I guess poor hand hygiene is the biggest culprit - but, just therefore, it wouldn't hurt to boost your immunity system). Certain probiotics - most notably, I think, Lactobacillus GG - have been found to reduce ear infections (and possibly tooth cavities) in children as well.

    Oh, and your smoothies - they look amazing! :)

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  3. I have to tell you, since I changed my diet completely and really committed to eating clean, I have not been sick! Maybe a little sniffle or something, but nothing that causes drama or needs medicine. It rocks!

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  4. Hey Stella!

    Last year when we went on a cruise with the kiddies we decided to get them vaccinated. Now I know vaccines and antibiotics are different, but I DO have a point if you'll bear with me (which you always do). Anyways, Gary and I never get the flu shot, but last year we decided to cause we were getting all the other shots for our vacation anyways. After coming back from our vacation, we all got the flu. And that's the last time I'm ever getting a flu shot cause when we didn't get flu shots, I probably got sick about once every 3 years or so. So from that time on we decided to never get the flu shot again. Natural is definitely the way to go! I really appreciate these types of helpful informative posts you often put up. Now with kids, it's so important to be as informed as you can be about your body. So thank you for this post Stella!

    I love the colour of your smoothie in the last picture, looks so enticing. If that drink could talk I bet it'd say, "you know you want me" (wink). Smoothies are one of my favorite things to drink. I'll drink them all year round cause I know how great they can taste and it's such a bonus that they're healthy as well. These days, it's hard to find really great tasting healthy drinks. Cheers to our health!
    PS
    Tanantha picked up on the LeQuanis and called me that in her last comment on my blog lol. Luv it! Thanks for the new nickname Mr. Cauldron Boy (big smile). Hi Tanantha, if you're reading this.

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  5. hi Stella

    its funny that you are talking about smoothies, I just got a new blender especially for preparing them....I am looking for something healthy to take the place of ice cream....sigh.....and it certainly would be a nice treat! I have really grown to love greek yogurt, so even if mine isn't vegan it still should be healthy....right? I have wild blue agave so I can use that for the sweetener!
    Thanks for talking about the importance of keeping your stomach healthy!
    Dennis

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  6. Wow so vibrant! Blackberries are my favourite of all the berries. I think I have some in the freezer as a matter of fact...off to make a smoothie! :)

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  7. They look great. Probiotics are so important. I have my niece and nephew addicted to yogurt, they already love fresh fruit. Maybe my next "cooking with kids" post will be whipping up smoothies! Thanks for posting.

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  8. Mmm I actually just made a shake yesterday. Can you believe that this summer has been mostly cool here in California but the past two days has been in the 90s! So weird..a cold shake is perfect for what we're experiencing here.
    I've always wanted to make it with yogurt but I always forget to add it. And I do agree with you, eating yogurt does help a lot to keep your stomach healthy and happy! : ]

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  9. Lovely! I am still enjoying my smoothies! I had 2 this morning and only that before my competition. I felt like it gave me so much energy! Good stuff!

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  10. This will be wonderful right now, actually, because soCal is going through a major heat wave right now. I do adore yogurt, but rarely in a smoothie. Ahem, maybe hand a glass over to change my mind, eh? ;-)

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  11. Excellent advice, even though we are thankfully coming out of a cold winter into Spring over here. Being wary of dairy, soy yoghurt sounds like a brilliant idea. My mission is to find some... :)

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  12. Yep! I hope to still have my smoothie in the cooler months to come, which of course might be a no-no in Traditional Chinese Medicine since it will be too "cold" for our body.

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  13. Stella, this is a great article. I too am a firm believer of yogurt and it's healthy properties. I eat yogurt almost everyday. I don't care if it's cold or hot I will enjoy a yogurt smoothie or lassie anytime of the year. I love all the health information you give us, thanks for educating me.

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  14. I actually hate antibiotics and am morally against prescribing them (ironic for a future doctor). I much prefer to bulk up the immune system and let it fight its own battles. These smoothies are such a delicious and fantastic way to do so! Great post!

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  15. Beautiful colours! I have no problem at all to enjoy some smoothies in cold days...with the heater on. LOL

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  16. Mmmmm, smoothies. The perfect combination of fruit and yumminess!

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  17. Hi Stella! I know it's been forever since I've blogged, but just wanted to drop a quick hi. It's so nice to read up on your posts. I have been checking up on them here and there this whole time, but things have just been so crazy/hectic, I don't really find the time to comment like I want to. These smoothies look delicious. They remind me a lot of Indian lassi. It's nice to see you've been cooking/blogging a lot lately, and everything looks delicious as usual. I can't wait to start blogging again...hopefully it will be sometime soon!

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  18. I just started to make smoothie at home. Tried once last 2 weeks - the strawberry smoothies. :)

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  19. I love smoothies. I have them at least 3x/week. I can't believe people actually go out and buy this stuff at. It's not nearly as good as what you can make at home.

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  20. Hi Stella - Can't say enough but the goodness of probiotics. So glad about your educational post and with those delish smoothies, we get a wealth og flavor and health all rolled into one!

    Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors

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  21. Sage advice, Stella! I know that as long as I eat my daily yogurt and fruit I hardly ever get sick. I'm lucky enough to have only taken antibiotics a few times in my entire life. Your smoothies are an inspiration!

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  22. Smoothies are definitely a perfect way to provide a necessary healthy nutrition, we love them!

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  23. I've had a smoothie almost every morning this week! Yay for me!

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  24. Hi Stella :)

    This may sound strange, but I have been walking the planet for many decades ;) and I have never had a flu shot, nor taken antibiotics for the flu, as far as I can remember - never seemed to have needed that. I do get the sniffles and such, but somehow get over them quickly enough. I hope I can keep up my lucky streak....

    Your berry smoothie is painfully pretty, but I think me really, really likes the mango ginger smoothie YUM!!!

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  25. Delicious! I've been making a lot of smoothies lately, all with home-made soy or almond milk!

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  26. Delicious looking smoothies! Love the vibrant colours.

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  27. Oooh...I love smoothies...can't live a day without it. I have to go and make one now. It gives me a good start to the day :D

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  28. I love how your posts are always so informative. Thanks Stella! Once I get paid I will defs go hunt for some fruit and soy yoghurt.

    The smoothies look lovely.

    p.s changed my blog please do check it out sometime :
    http://kiwinkrea.wordpress.com

    :)

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  29. I am so glad you posted this great smoothie, this weekend I have been in a mad rush to freeze my beloved peaches, strawberries and tomatoes for our winter meals. Here our winters are not as rough as others but, I try not to let me girls get sick, due to the fact that I hate for them to get a dose of antibotice from the doc every visit they have, the good thing is my girls love smoothies and their yogurt is alwyas well stocked. My little sis is down for a quick visit and she gifted me with a case of agave from Kansas I was thrilled so I am sure I will use this recipe often. take care and have a great week, did you get all your packing done? please try to get some rest, I have moved many times and I feel the effects later.
    sweetlife
    bonnie

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  30. Great informative post as always; love your photos. Happy fall and kep healthy.
    Rita

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  31. Great advice, Stella! And I follow it precisely. Also am a big vitamin D fan.
    Love your smoothie photos and recipe!
    I have a friend who travels the far east on business. She swears eating yogurt in each country you visit will avoid any tummy problems. So far, she's been right!

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  32. Hi Stella! I do this in the winter with blueberries that I've frozen in the summer when they're fresh and wonderful. I put a spoonful of maple syrup in it with the yogurt and it's heaven on a spoon!

    Thanks for the info on probiotics. I've been having lots of digestive-type problems and I think we're finally getting to the bottom of them (no pun intended..)

    I'm having fun catching up on your blog. Hugs from Belgium.

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  33. Stella! Thanks for taking time to give us a great info and a reminder! I always have soy milk and juice on hands (thank goodness). I haven't got into soy yogurt yet. Only use greek yogurt. I hope this is acceptable :D. Smoothies are good any time of year in my opinion. You post makes me crave for ones now! Oh Stella I will blame on you haha.

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  34. smoothies are my favorite:) i love them! great post:)

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  35. My Stellita,

    It's freezing here in Paris...I already have a sore throat!! I promise you that tomorrow I'll go to buy all the ingredients for your smoothie !!!
    You should have been a doctor !!! Do you know that all my life I wanted to be a doctor? but my father thought medicine was not for girls..i loved my father so much that I didn't dare to contradict him...so I became a teacher, just like he wanted!!My father never saw Cristina the cook..I think he would have been proud...

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  36. Wow, great information and love the smoothie :) Very exceptional post my dear...

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  37. You are preaching to the choir, Stella. I love yogurt and swear that it extended the life of my St Bernard by years... he had beautiful bones and had yogurt from babyhood... my new St. is getting it too and she loves it!
    No upset tummies and healthy insides for all of us! Thanks for the good word...

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  38. Hello darling! I love smoothies... every day starts with one...Thank you for you post of goodness to remind us all of treating our bodies with love and respect! - ♥♥ megs

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  39. We love to do smoothies during our week. I have to be careful about too much dairy. I've tasted soy yogurt by itself and I don't care for it but I'll bet in a smoothie it would be just great.

    Hey, I was wondering about the sauerkraut. I've heard that the kind you buy in the veggie section of the grocery store isn't as helpful for digestion as fresh sauerkraut. Have you heard this and what are your thoughts?

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  40. Hi Stella, thanks for reminding me to fire up the blender and enjoy a healthy smoothie once in awhile, I seem to go in spurts with the smoothies and right now I can't remember the last time I enjoyed one. I have just the right fruit in my kitchen now, will have to start the day on a healthier note;)

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  41. Another 'stella idea' :) & very apt for the peeps just heading into the cold & chilly time of year. In this part of the world we're just into a brand new season with all the fabulous fruits appearing on the shelves that have been a touch lacking over the last 6 months, the blender has been fired up, 'ready, willing & able'.

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  42. Your fruit smoothies look so yummy! Yes, probiotics is really important. It also helps to take an acidophilus capsule each day. A natural yeast detox is also a good idea.

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  43. Hi Stella! I agree, boosting your immune system is #1, and then if you have to take antibiotics, restoring your gut is vital. I would also recommend cultured coconut milk yogurt. A lot of the soy products out there are made with GMO soy, and there are other vegan alternatives. Great looking smoothies! Here's to health this season!

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  44. I've been pretty bad about getting in probiotics. My problem is I don't like fermented things, evidently! I think the only fermented thing I can enjoy is sourdough bread, and the baking process kills the good bacteria anyway. :P

    These smoothies do look delicious, though. While I don't usually put yogurt into smoothies, I remember having a very delicious mango smoothie made with yogurt years ago, so I think I should try that again. It would probably do my gut some good! Thanks for sharing. :)

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  45. This is actually a topic that I have been exploring for the past couple of years. I get my probiotics via kimchi. I've also started to make my own yogurt, which is a fun experience, and the homemade yogurt is so much richer! This looks like such a nutrient rich smoothie. Great job Stella!

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  46. Mmm...it doesn't seem to matter how cold the weather--I always love yogurt with fruit. I've been keeping my yogurt maker busy...

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  47. Oh my! Both these smoothies have amazing colours and are packed with goodness! And if they help us to avoid these nasty antibiotics...I so agree with you on the subject! I even managed to be cured from a nasty bronchitis without these. It took me a little more time to recover and was helped by a great acupuncturist! However, many people around me were thinking I was silly, including my ex-doctor!!

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Please do comment, Dearies!