When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting drink to lift your spirits. But what if your cozy drink could also love your gut and support your immune system? Enter this delicious Gut-Lovin’ Hot Chocolate, a warm drink that’s packed with nutrients and gut-friendly ingredients. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also provides the perfect blend of spices, healthy fats and gut-boosting goodness. Here’s why it’s a must-try!
Ingredients breakdown:
Lactose-free or Greek or Skyr yogurt
This base not only adds richness to your drink but is also a good source of protein, calcium and live microbes.
Almond butter (or peanut butter)
Almond butter adds a lovely nutty flavor and is packed with healthy fats, which are great for your gut and overall health.
Medjool date
For a touch of natural sweetness, 1 Medjool date is perfect adn a FODMAP friendly portion size. Dates are packed with antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress, supporting your immune system. You can skip this if you don’t feel you tolerate them well, but they adds a lovely depth of flavour to this recipe!
Banana
Bananas are a great source of fibre and potassium, which help promote bowel regularity. Choose a firm banana is you are more prone to diarrhoea, adn a ripe banana if prone to constpation. Using frozen bananas can add a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness, making this hot chocolate even more indulgent.
Oats
Oats are rich in beautiful soluble fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which helps feed your gut microbes. They’re a fantastic addition to any gut-friendly diet and make this drink feel heartier and more filling.
Cinnamon, nutmeg and turmeric
These spices not only make your drink taste like a warm hug but also have incredible anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels and contain polypheols, while nutmeg is a gentle digestive aid. Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
Almond milk is low FODMAP and lactose-free, making it a great option for those with sensitive digestive systems. You can swap it for any milk that suits your needs, whether it’s oat milk or lactose free milk.
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Rich in antioxidants, cocoa powder adds the classic chocolate flavor we all crave, without any added sugar. The flavonoids in cocoa also support gut health as it contains polyphenols as well as vitamins and minerals adn a little but of fibre!
A pinch of black pepper
This might seem like an odd addition to a sweet drink, but trust me—it works! Black pepper also enhances the absorption of turmeric, making this drink’s gut boosting benefits even more effective.
Ingredients
- 150g plain lactose-free or Greek or Skyr yogurt
- 1 tbsp almond butter (or peanut butter if preferred)
- 1 Medjool date, pitted
- 1 banana
- 15g oats
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 250ml almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened, to taste)
- A pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the almond milk in a small pot over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender: yogurt, almond butter, Medjool date, banana, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric and cocoa powder.
- Pour the warm almond milk into the blender and blend until smooth and creamy. The heat from the milk will melt the banana and oats, giving the drink a smooth texture.
- Add a pinch of black pepper to the mixture and blend again.
- Pour the drink into a mug and enjoy your warm, gut-boosting hot chocolate!
Why you’ll love it:
This hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and packed with flavour, but it’s also a powerhouse of nutrients that your gut bugs will devour. It’s the perfect drink to unwind with after a long day, or to enjoy as a nourishing treat whenever you need a little extra comfort. Plus, it’s low FODMAP, so it’s easy on your digestive system while giving you all the cozy benefits.
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