Coconut Chai Gut Health Smoothie

An amazing, healthy breakfast is full of protein and healthy fats. Nutrient-dense meals like this keep you satisfied until lunch. This Coconut Chai Gut Health Smoothie combines all that with vanilla, coconut, and warming chai spices. It’s also full of gut-soothing ingredients! You can drink it on the go or make a chai smoothie bowl with endless options for exciting toppings. It’s the perfect breakfast for when you’re stuck in hot weather, yet you crave delicious fall spices. Who says smoothies are just for summer?

If you’re someone who skips breakfast because you don’t have time, or you don’t know what to make, smoothies are the way to go! Smoothies come in all flavors and textures to fuel your day. You can include nutrient-dense ingredients that boost your energy and nourish your gut. I even recommend sneaking some vegetables into your smoothie. This Coconut Chai Gut Health Smoothie would be great with neutral-tasting cauliflower. Just roast and freeze it ahead of time.

Smoothies are an amazing grab-and-go option for busy mornings, and they only take a minute to make. Fill up that blender and get ready to nourish your day with an on-the-go breakfast to carry you from the end of summer through all of fall.

How to Make a Perfect Smoothie

For extra easy mornings, pre-portion your smoothie ingredients in reusable silicone bags or glass jars. This means you only add the pre-portioned ingredients and liquid to your blender. Then you can use the glass jar as your on-the-go drinking glass, or invest in a sturdy tumbler. This keeps your smoothies cold while you’re driving or starting your day in the office.

Smoothies tend to be really simple recipes. However, I have some great tips for making the perfect, customized smoothie:

• Invest in a durable, high-powered blender because not all blenders are created equal. A quality blender will go a long way.
• If you like thicker smoothies, make sure all the fruit is frozen before blending.
• If you like thinner smoothies, use more liquid.
• You can reduce the amount of liquid or ice you add to make a smoothie bowl that you can eat with a spoon (it’s almost like healthy, dairy-free ice cream for breakfast!).
• Add fun toppings to your smoothie for a fun twist. My favorite toppings are cacao nibs, toasted coconut flakes, whipped coconut cream, and sliced fresh fruit.

Benefits of The Coconut Chai Gut Health Smoothie

This chai smoothie replaces conventional sugar-laden, energy-draining chai lattes with healthy, gut-soothing ingredients. A smoothie makes a nourishing and energizing morning meal that will carry you through your day. Let’s look at some of the health benefits of this Coconut Chai Gut Health Smoothie:

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a great source of healthy fats. Coconut fats are easily digestible, and their products help soothe and calm your gut. Using coconut milk as the main source of liquid in this chai smoothie makes it thick, smooth, and satiating. It also adds a great flavor.

Coconut Cream

What is coconut cream, and how does it differ from coconut milk? Coconut milk contains more water and has a runny consistency. Coconut cream is a thicker liquid that forms at the top. Rich in energy-boosting fats, potassium, and magnesium, coconut cream offers the perfect dairy cream alternative. 

Collagen Protein

Collagen protein is an easily digested source of protein that has a host of benefits for your body. It’s especially good for your gut, as your body digests and absorbs it easily. Additionally, collagen protein helps repair and seal your gut lining. Collagen is also fantastic for supporting joint, skin, hair, and nail health. Hydrolyzed collagen powder is made of hides of grass-fed, pasture-roaming cows. Grass-fed bovine collagen is the healthiest option! The Myers Way® Collagen Protein is tasteless and odorless. Best of all, it dissolves easily in hot or cold liquids. It’s great in all kinds of recipes.

Ceylon Cinnamon Powder

Cinnamon has been shown to support balanced blood sugar levels. It also helps optimize your immune system. This spice is an excellent choice for anyone looking to soothe and heal their gut. Most people use cassia cinnamon for recipes, but I recommend using Ceylon cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is aromatic, rich in antioxidants, and offers anti-inflammatory properties. It also offers manganese, which helps regulate hormones. This all plays an important role in gut health. 

Ground Ginger

Ground ginger can help soothe the gut and promote a healthy inflammatory response. It also shows many antioxidant properties to protect against oxidative stress. Most commonly, ginger soothes the gut and breaks up and expels gas in the intestinal tract. As a member of the ginger family, cardamom also supports digestive function. Both ginger and cardamom support a healthy inflammatory response and overall gut health.

Cloves 

Similar to cinnamon, cloves make an excellent addition to this gut health smoothie. Cloves contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which soothe the gut lining. They also contain fiber, promoting healthy digestion. 

Star Anise

This star-shaped herb is not only pretty to look at, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Star anise is known for its immune-boosting properties. It also balances gut bacteria well. It can also help relieve bloating, ease digestive cramping, and balance hormones.

Pairing Coconut Chai Gut Health Smoothie

Smoothies make great healthy meals on their own, but if you’re looking for a little extra something I have some delicious ideas to pair with it.

For a classic breakfast, try pairing this gut health smoothie with an AIP Apple Cranberry Oatmeal. Looking for something to take with you? My AIP Beef Jerky compliments the sweetness of the chai smoothie with a savory twist.