It is getting to be that time of the year when cool refreshment is a must. There is also the issue of wanting to look your best when  you're lying beside the pool. For me one of my favorite refreshing treats is a smoothie. Okay it's more like a milkshake but sometimes that milkshake brings a lot of rumbling to the gastric region. I always tell people the reason for the bubbles in the pool is the pump and filter.

As I was discussing my gastric distress with my world traveling friend Chef Jill McCoy she disclosed that she is actually diminishing her dairy intake because of similar stomach issues. The bloated feeling and the stomach cramps are no way to go through life. The problem is I like dairy products. So does Chef Jill but because she is trained professional chef she has figured out a way to enjoy dairy like goodness without blaming the after effects on the dog.

Chef Jill's secret ingredient is almond milk. I guess they call it  almond milk because nobody would buy a product called nut juice. If you take the almond milk and mix in a little chocolate protein powder and add a banana and some other great healthy ingredients you will get the smoothie satisfaction that you desire.

I think both Chef Jill and I agree that backing away from dairy products at certain times is a good thing. However, giving up dairy totally would be a poor choice. I have got to have my delicious ice cold milk with my cookies. I love my ice cream. I will fight you over certain styles of cheese too.

While this is a departure from dairy it's not a real substitute for the products of our hard working Louisiana dairy farm families. I just wanted to make that clear. I just want to be able to stop clearing a room when my gut starts over reacting to my breakfast beverage of choice.

This smoothie is quick and easy to make. You'll probably have most of the ingredients in your own pantry. If you don't they can be found at any local grocery store. They're not expensive either.

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