Now that we are a gluten-free and dairy-free household, I’m reinventing the way we eat. Breakfast is one of the hardest changes to make. Our standards of whole-wheat toast, oatmeal (we don’t eat oats either), cream of wheat, or cereal with milk have been replaced with other options like eggs, bacon, Paleo pancakes, and smoothies. My daughter is the best recipe taste tester, and here are her comments on this turmeric and orange smoothie: "That's delicious! I love the hint of spice! Is there more?!!" With relief, I now have another successful breakfast item to put on my evolving menu.
Behind the scenes I call this a "gut-healing smoothie." My body is still healing from the decades of gluten damage and that’s where the term “gut-healing” comes in. I’m dealing with inflammation and a “leaky gut.” I’ve developed this smoothie recipe with key healing ingredients in mind. Grass-fed gelatin sounds odd, but it helps rebuild your “leaky gut” and has loads of protein. It's necessary in this recipe to use the gelatin that's soluble in cold liquids, such as Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate in the green can, otherwise there will be clumps. I realize this gelatin is a special purchase, but it's a pantry essential in my gluten-free lifestyle. The ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory qualities. And, the coconut is simply loaded with wholesomeness…good fats, brain-boosting, anti-fungal (yeast overgrowth), and electrolytes. The old classic granola recipe made with oats and wheat germ has been replaced…make room for the gluten-free and dairy-free gut-healing smoothie!
Turmeric & Orange Smoothie, Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
Serves 1
1 banana
1 cup coconut water (best when cold)
1 date, pitted
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (1 orange)
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2 tablespoons coconut butter (such as Artisana)
1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt (such as So Delicious)
1 tablespoon Great Lakes Gelatin in green can
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Add all ingredients to the blender. Whirl up until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!