The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, with holiday gatherings of family and friends, good food and cups of cheer flowing in abundance.

Holiday food is some of the most indulgent – and it should be! After all, we wait all year for a taste. Along with a wealth of rich food, common colds and flu are also circling around in excess. Furthermore, digestive upset from these decadent foods and larger portions can put a damper on the festive spirit.

For common colds and mild flus, a team effort of proper sleep, hand washing, light exercise and a nutrient-rich diet – including plenty of probiotic-, vitamin C- and protein-packed foods – will keep your immune system in top form.

While these bugs and viruses may be unavoidable, arming yourself with these nutrients can hasten recovery.

Smoothie bowls, like this holiday inspired recipe here, taste like dessert, but are packed with what our bodies are asking for. Smoothies digest easily, too, performing as a delicious “reset” button when you’ve overdone it on winter comfort foods.

Helping to soothe digestion are anti-inflammatory ginger, fibre-rich cranberries and belly-friendly probiotics from Bio-K+. The smoothie bowl is naturally sweetened with fresh orange juice and honey, adding two more lines of defense for colds and flu with their vitamin C and anti-bacterial action, respectively.

The beauty of smoothie bowls is their versatility. You can add a scoop of your favourite protein powder or nut butter to the base, or top it with homemade granola, chopped walnuts, or drizzle some melted dark chocolate. Plus, if you’re on-the-go, transfer it to a thermal container and sip it at your desk, or use it to fuel a holiday shopping spree.

And, for the entertainers, this smoothie can become part of a holiday brunch that will sparkle on the table when served in small bowls or tiny glasses.

Let probiotic- and fruit-filled smoothie bowls kick start your new year and support your immune health.

Preparation time : 10 minutes

Cooking time : 0 minute

Cooling time : 0 minute

Servings : 1 or 2

Recipe: Festive Cranberry, Orange and Ginger Bio-K+ Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie

1 bottle of Bio-K+ Original

¼ cup fresh orange juice

½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1 banana, peeled, sliced and frozen

1 Tbsp raw honey

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

2 to 4 ice cubes

Almond beverage or water, to thin

Toppings

Granola

Chopped walnuts

Sliced cara cara oranges or clementine segments

Chopped dried cranberries

In a high-speed blender, add Bio-K+, juice, cranberries, banana, honey, ginger and ice (in that order). Blend on high until smooth and creamy, thinning with almond beverage or water until desired consistency. Pour into a bowl and decorate with desired toppings.