SERVES 1 | IBS-FRIENDLY | VEGETARIAN & VEGAN | GLUTEN-FREE

It may have been dairy week on the Great British Bake Off, but The Gut Choice is celebrating this refreshing plant-based breakfast drink

Many of us will have enjoyed this week’s episode of the GBBO, watching the contestants battle it out to bake with dairy goods, but for those of us with gut issues foods containing dairy are our worst nightmare. Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) means I have to be really careful, on a daily basis, when it comes to lactose and dairy. Whether you suffer from lactose intolerance or have simply ditched dairy as a lifestyle choice, thankfully, there are now plenty of ways to make delicious dairy-free alternatives; I want to share one of my favourites with you. This refreshing almond daydream is great for those early mornings and can be prepped the night before and stored in the fridge to save time.

Almond milk has previously received some stick about causing upset stomachs due to it being high in FODMAPs — a group of compounds thought to contribute to the symptoms of IBS and similar gastrointestinal disorders.

But leading online health site Verywell Health claim: “Almond milk has recently been tested by researchers at Monash University and found to be low in FODMAPs at the level of a 1 cup serving,” — great news for sufferers of IBS.

What’s more, according to health and wellness expert Livestrong, fresh mint leaves have digestive benefits, easing gas and its associated symptoms. They can also help to relieve an upset stomach and indigestion.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1 fresh banana
• 4 dried pitted dates
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 teaspoon rolled oats
• 10 fresh mint leaves

Method

1. Peel banana and chop into slices. Place in a blender.
2. Add water and the dates to the blender.
3. Then, add the rolled oats and almond milk.
4. Wash the mint leaves and place in the blender.
5. Finally, blend until smooth (30-50 seconds).

Love this? Have a recipe you want to share? Get in touch.

Recipe credit: Vegan Smoothie: 50 easy, healthy, mood-boosting recipes