Since I was talking about smoothies earlier this week, why not continue the trend? I’ve been meaning to share this quick and easy recipes a while. Usually I use coconut water, coconut milk, or cold coffee as the liquid base for smoothies, but another favorite is kefir.

No matter how you pronounce it, kefir deserves a place in your fridge. This drinkable yogurt is a rich source of calcium, protein, and probiotic bacteria. One 8-ounce serving of low-fat kefir provides about 110 calories, 11 grams protein, and 30% of your daily calcium needs. It also happens to be almost completely lactose-free, so people who have a hard time digesting other dairy products may find they’re able to tolerate this one. As with, well, almost anything, I’d recommend purchasing an unsweetened, unflavored variety to save yourself a bunch of sugar-based empty calories and have fun adding your own flavors.

Here are two kefir smoothie recipes I love. Simply layer these ingredients in your blender and blend away…

Chocolate Banana Kefir Smoothie:

• 1 cup plain kefir
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup ice

Mango Lassi-Inspired Kefir Smoothie:

• 1 cup plain kefir
• 1 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1 pink each cinnamon, turmeric, ginger
• 1 cup ice
• 1 large handful spinach

Do you use kefir?