Strawberries and Cream Smoothie

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The a2 Milk Company™. All opinions are 100% mine.

I used to drink milk all the time! My kids drink milk all the time. But then one day, I just couldn’t do it anymore because I didn’t like the way I felt afterwards. Once I started having babies, my body changed and it was harder for me to drink milk like I once did. It was harder for me to digest it and I felt uncomfortable after drinking it. It wasn’t worth it to drink it and feel the way I felt afterwards.

While I am able to eat an acai bowl, ice cream, cheese and other dairy products, I don’t drink milk by itself. Although I never went into the doctor’s office to see if I had a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, I basically self diagnosed myself as having a milk sensitivity and steered clear of milk. Recently, I discovered a2 Milk® and was able to purchase it my local grocery store.

A Tale About Milk

Originally, all milk contained only the A2 protein. Over time a genetic mutation occurred in cows and a new type of protein developed called A1. This A1 protein causes digestive discomfort and is in all cows’ milk in-stores today, even organic milk. The key difference is in the type of cow, because different cows naturally produce milk with different proteins. All ordinary milk has a mixture of A1 and A2 proteins. Yet a2 Milk® only contains the A2 protein and no A1. Research shows A1 and A2 are digested differently and many people who have issues drinking ordinary milk can easily enjoy milk if they drink a2 Milk®. Those who drink a2 Milk® say it just feels better in their bodies.

a2 Milk® is milk the way nature intended. Those who have ‘self diagnosed’ with lactose intolerance issues may enjoy our milk without any symptoms. Their milk is the natural replacement to chemically processed alternatives – such as Lactaid, Almond Milk or Soy Milk. The days of compromising taste and nutrition with inferior nut or bean based beverages – or worst yet, cutting out milk all together – are gone!

The a2 Milk Company™ has partnered with U.S. family dairy farmers in upstate New York and the Midwest to expand the a2™ herd. Their cows naturally produce milk with only the A2 protein. Their farmers are certified in the humane treatment of animals, their cows are fed a vegetarian diet and never given hormones or rBST, and the milk is antibiotic free and contains no artificial ingredients or additives.

The a2 Milk Company™ works with farmers, using The a2 System™, to establish a True a2™ certified herd. These cows are then segregated, cared for and milked separately from any other cows. With The a2 System™, the milk then goes through its own, special journey all the way to the carton you buy in the store, so you can rest assured of its quality and also that it’s never mixed in with milk containing A1.

Where Can I Find a2 Milk®

a2 Milk® is available in half gallon cartons with an SRP of $4.49 Varieties include: whole milk, reduced fat 2%, low fat 1% and fat-free. Available throughout California in Whole Foods, Ralph’s, Sprouts, Gelson’s and more. The company is diligently working toward nationwide distribution, and you can check their Product Locator for the most up to date information on where to buy.

Strawberries and Cream Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups a2 Milk®
• 12 frozen strawberries
• 1 packet stevia or 2 tsp sugar

Directions:

1 – Add a2 Milk®, frozen strawberries and stevia (or sugar) to blender and blend together.

2 – Pour into glass and top with a fresh strawberry.

3 – Enjoy!

Be sure to follow a2 Milk® on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.You can also check out this a2 Milk® $1 Off Coupon.

Have you tried a2 Milk® before? What is your favorite way to enjoy it in a smoothie?