Banana Ginger Smoothie

Knock, Knock…

Motherhood is funny. In between all the milestones and teachable moments are moments of slapstick comedy, witty retorts, unexpected punchlines, and inappropriate humor. In addition to comedy, there’s also a fair bit of irony.

For example, isn’t it ironic that we spend so much time cleaning our houses and washing our hands just for our children to bring home the germs anyways? They hitch a ride home on sticky hands from daycare, school, the church nursery, or even a friends house.

The first thing I do when I open up my children’s backpack after school is look for the dreaded note from the nurse. If there is no note, then it’s a good day. If I see that little half sheet sticking up out of one of my children’s folders, I know it’s time to batten down the hatches because “something wicked this way comes…”

Last week, I never received a note. What I did receive, was notice that the school rumor mill was buzzing with tales of the dreaded stomach bug. So, I decided to stock up on seltzer waters, ginger ale, crackers, and some of my favorite tummy soothing smoothie ingredients just incase.

Whos’ There?

Like a comedian’s perfectly timed punchline, the stomach flu hit my son a few days after. One bag of saltines and several bottles of Gatorade later, round two hit my daughter, and round three targeted my husband.

I could hypothesize many different theories on why this particular bug never got to me. Theory one is that I was too covered in bleach and disinfectant from disposal of round one, two, and three’s byproduct to catch anything. Theory two is that it was a strain of a bug I’ve had before and had developed an immunity. Or theory three, my favorite, it was the workings of my favorite vitamins and super smoothie blend.

Punchline: Not The Flu!

So, what exactly is in my magically smoothie mix that fights off all the microscopic bad guys? Bananas, honey, coconut milk, ice, and…GINGER! 5 simple ingredients that make so much difference.

Bananas are rich in vitamins, minerals, and are gentle on the stomach. Plus, they tastes great! Honey is a natural allergy reducer, cough suppressor, stomach soother, loaded with antioxidants, and naturally sweetens. Coconut milk is an immune system booster that’s also packed with vitamins and minerals. The star ingredient, however, is the ginger.

Ginger is an amazing food. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, antiviral, and antibiotic. It helps with blood sugar, blood pressure, headaches, and more. Ginger is a super food and I LOVE the spicy taste.

So, while my bathroom was quickly turning into the Sydney Opera House and my family the orchestra, I was downstairs making a symphony all my own in the kitchen.

Encore

In the blender, I threw two bananas, an inch of freshly peeled ginger, a tablespoon of honey, 1/4-1/2 cup of coconut milk, and a handful of ice. I pulsed the blade a couple times and then let ‘er rip! Medium to high speed until all the wonderful belly soothing. vitamin rich substances meld together and are velvety smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy. That’s it!

This smoothie is not a guarantee to keep you from getting sick, but in my experience, it definitely helps. I’ve used it to settle nausea, boost my immune system, help me detox, and more. It’s great to make just for fun too! Give it a try and let me know what you think!