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The 4 Fermented Foods I Never Skip in December
loving my gut in December
December always arrives with so much joy — lights twinkling, warm kitchens, family gatherings, and all the festive foods that make this season feel magical. But it also brings a little extra stress, sugar, travel, and fewer routines. Over the years, I’ve noticed that my body does best when I give it daily support, especially this time of year.
And no matter how busy life gets …
there are four fermented foods I never skip in December.
These are the foods that help me stay energized, balanced, happy, and steady through the holidays.
Let me share them with you. 💛
1. Kefir — My Non-Negotiable Morning Ritual
If you’ve been with me for a while, you already know: kefir is my first love.
I’ve been drinking it every day for more than 24 years, and in December it's the one thing that keeps me grounded.
Why I never skip it:
- Supports immunity during cold and flu season
- Helps digestion stay regular after heavy meals
- Calms cravings and steadies blood sugar
- Boosts mood and energy
- Keeps my blood pressure in a good range
- Practically makes itself
How I enjoy it:
A small glass first thing in the morning — it wakes up my microbes and sets the tone for my whole day.
2. Skyr, Greek, or Yogurt Plus — My Daily Protein + Probiotic Boost
Every single day I have one of these yogurts, depending on what I’m making. They’re thick, creamy, protein-rich, and incredibly supportive for your gut and immune system.
Why I never skip it:
- High in protein to keep me full and steady
- Packed with beneficial bacteria (especially Yogurt Plus!)
- Calms digestion
- Supports immunity
- Makes holiday eating easier on my body
How I enjoy it:
- A bowl of Skyr or Greek yogurt with berries …
- A Yogurt Plus or L. reuteri bowl with cranberries and pomegranates with walnuts for hormone and skin support.
- A spoonful of yogurt on top of warm breakfasts. It’s one of the simplest, most comforting rituals of my day.
- I also make desserts with yogurt. Try my Swiss Yogurt Roll.
3. Cultured Vegetables — My Secret Holiday Helper
Cultured veggies work like tiny digestive superheroes, especially in a season filled with heavier meals.
One of the reasons they’re so effective is because they’re rich in Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) — a remarkable probiotic strain that thrives in vegetables. L. plantarum helps break down tough plant fibers, reduces gas and bloating, supports immunity, and actually helps the body absorb more nutrients from your food. It’s one of the most resilient beneficial bacteria we know of, and cultured veggies are full of it.
Why I never skip them:
- L. plantarum supports digestion and reduces bloating
- Helps break down rich or complex holiday foods
- Brings beneficial bacteria deep into the gut
- Adds enzymes that help your body “catch up” faster
- Gives meals a bright, tangy crunch and a burst of life
How I use them:
A spoonful with lunch or dinner — on salads, wraps, soups, potatoes, turkey, or just straight out of the jar.
They make your meals feel lighter, and your microbes feel supported.
4. Kefir Soda or Kombucha — My Afternoon Lift
By mid-afternoon in December — between errands, cooking, wrapping gifts, and holiday gatherings — I reach for a bubbly probiotic drink. Both kefir soda and kombucha make wonderful, lively companions this time of year.
One of the things I love most about kefir soda and kombucha (kombucha has smaller amounts of S. boulardii) is that they naturally contain Saccharomyces boulardii, a powerful beneficial yeast. S. boulardii is incredible during the holidays because it helps keep your gut balanced when you’re eating richer foods, supports immunity, and even helps crowd out unwanted pathogens. It’s like having a tiny guardian in your glass, protecting and strengthening your microbiome with every sip.
Why I never skip them:
- Natural, steady energy without caffeine crashes
- S. boulardii in kefir soda helps support immunity and crowd out harmful microbes
- Kombucha offers organic acids that aid digestion and detoxification
- Helps curb sweet cravings
- Hydrates and refreshes with a festive fizz
- Perfect for holiday mocktails and probiotic drinks
How I enjoy them:
Cold from the fridge, poured over ice, or mixed with citrus.
Both drinks make even the busiest days feel brighter — and your microbes feel supported.
🎄 A Holiday Hug for Your Microbes 🎄
This season can be full, beautiful, emotional, and everything in between.
These four fermented foods support me every single day — not because I “have to,” but because they truly make me feel better.
Your microbes are working hard for you this month.
Give them what they need, and let them support you right back. 💛
And if you want even more simple ways to stay balanced this season, be sure to check out my Holiday Microbiome Mini Course inside the Biotic Pro Membership.
It’s filled with easy recipes, gentle resets, and daily support to help your body feel calm, energized, and steady all December long.
I’d love to see you in there.
Listen To My Podcast
December is joyful and busy — which is why my body depends on four fermented foods to stay balanced. In this episode, I share the simple daily staples that keep my digestion steady, my immunity strong, and my energy up all month long: kefir, protein-rich yogurt, cultured veggies, and a bubbly kefir soda or kombucha. These small habits make the biggest difference during the holidays. 💛
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