GAPS Shake

As warmer weather come around the conversations of a smoothies comes back into the conversation on a regular basis in clinic. Keep in mind that even on warm days the stomach is not really designed to digest really cold foods, so this is better to consume at room temperature when made. Adjust the balance of the juices in the mix to be able to get a different overall flavour, keeping in mind that you still want the majority to be vegetable based and then fruits to only sweeten a fraction.

This shake is a nutritious, easy-to-digest alternative and is best consumed on an empty stomach, so this means first thing in the morning or middle of the afternoon are ideal windows. Begin with this basic recipe, using whatever fats you find easiest to digest and add egg yolks/egg if tolerated. As your gut health improves, you can try different vegetables and fruit for the base juice and different fats and fermented dairy in increased amounts.

Serves 1–2

• 250 ml (1 cup) freshly made carrot juice (about 5 carrots)

• 2 egg yolks or 1 egg

• 1–2 Tbsp fat (24-Hour Yoghurt/Sour Cream, melted ghee, or Milk Kefir)

Method

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds, or until smooth and creamy. Serve.

 

Variations

• Dairy Free: Use coconut oil or Coconut Milk Kefir for the fat.

• Egg Free: Omit egg.

• Other Juices: Once carrot juice is tolerated, you can add in one or more of these to the juice: cabbage, celery, mint leaves, lettuce. Next try apple, mango, papaya, and pineapple.

Serving suggestion

Begin by drinking just a couple of teaspoons of this shake first thing in the morning, and slowly increase to 2–3 glasses a day, in between meals, as tolerated.

Storage

Best consumed immediately, but can be frozen in ice-cube trays, popped into reusable freezer bags, and stored in the freezer for up to 4 months; eat as a frozen treat.