Pilates Wellness Wednesday: A Spoonful of Kefir for Gut and Soul

Bright Lithuanian beetroot kefir soup with egg and roast potatoes, perfect for summer wellness.

As Pilates teachers we are always promoting balance between strength and flexibility breath and movement effort and ease. But what about the balance within our own bodies especially in the gut This week’s Wellness Wednesday takes us to the heart of that balance with a simple yet powerful ingredient kefir

Why Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink naturally full of probiotics that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. It is particularly good for digestion helping with symptoms like bloating or irregularity and it supports immune health too. But the benefits of kefir go well beyond just the gut

Kefir contains calcium vitamin D and vitamin K2 which are key for strong bones. It may also help reduce inflammation and support heart health by improving cholesterol levels. Thanks to the gut brain connection kefir can even have a positive impact on mental wellbeing supporting mood and brain function. It is also easier to digest than milk for many people as the fermentation process breaks down most of the lactose

In many Eastern European countries like Lithuania and Latvia kefir is sold in abundance almost as much as milk is here in the UK. In supermarkets over there you will see whole sections filled with kefir just like our milk aisles in places like Tesco

Which brings me to a lovely recipe I discovered while teaching in Lithuania a traditional cold beetroot kefir soup known locally as Saltibarsciai

Beetroot Kefir Soup Saltibarsciai: A refreshing vibrant dish perfect for summer

Ingredients500ml plain kefir3 small cooked beetroots grated2 hard boiled eggs one for the soup one halved for garnish1 cucumber diced3 spring onions finely slicedFresh dill chopped a generous handfulSalt and pepper to taste

To Serve: A few small roast potatoes on the side as they do in Lithuania

Method: Combine the kefir grated beetroot cucumber spring onions chopped dill and one chopped boiled egg in a large bowlSeason with salt and pepperChill the soup in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight if possibleServe cold with half a boiled egg on top and roast potatoes on the side

This dish is not only easy to make but also brilliant for warm days when you want something nourishing colourful and full of goodness. It is a lovely way to introduce clients to the idea of gut health being part of a balanced lifestyle. Plus it looks beautiful in the bowl and is a great conversation starter in your sessions

Supporting digestion and the immune system building bone strength aiding mental clarity and offering natural anti inflammatory benefits kefir is one of those everyday foods that quietly does a lot. Just like a good Pilates session