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Welcome to
Make It Happen Monday!
My take-action-today health tip that will
make
you healthier now.
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In the world of health and wellness, fermented foods are trending - and for a great reason! They are not only fantastic for your health, they are absolutely delicious. One of my favorite ways to include fermented foods in my diet is to
eat kefir. Kefir is a "drinkable yogurt" that offers all the goodness found in dairy - complete protein, calcium, vitamin D, B-vitamins, zinc and potassium - along with a huge dose (typically 10-12
billion
per serving!) of a much broader variety of beneficial microorganisms (aka probiotics) relative to yogurt.
What's even better, for those like me who are lactose intolerant or suffer from digestive stress from regular dairy, this awesome food is available 99% lactose free. I now strive to include organic, plain kefir in my diet morning and night, and I know my gut microbiome is loving me for doing so. The best part is that you can save money by easily making it at home!
Keep scrolling to MAKE KEFIR HAPPEN in your own kitchen this week. (Tip: Don't miss out on the Kefir Contest at the end!)
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Everything you need:
1) Kefir grains
2) Milk
3) Glass jar with lid
4) BPA-free mesh strainer
5) Bowl
6) Wooden spoon
Keep scrolling to see where to get your grains
and how to use these beautiful live creatures...
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Instructions
1) Put kefir grains into your jar. You will need about 1-3 tablespoons of grains for every 1 quart of milk.
2) Pour milk over grains, leaving a little space at the top of the jar. Close lid, but not too tightly, those guys need a tiny bit of oxygen.
3) Leave the jar on a counter at room temperature until it's slightly thickened and has a sour-tangy smell and flavor (about 24 hours).
4) Once the kefir is cultured to your liking, strain it into a bowl or another glass jar using the mesh strainer to remove the grains.
5) Store your fresh kefir in a closed jar in the refrigerator, or you may leave it out for another 24 hours to further ferment your healthy drinkable yogurt.
6) Place the grains back into the glass jar and repeat the process if you so desire.
*If you do not want to make more kefir right away, place the grains in a jar in the fridge with a little milk to cover them until you're ready to make another batch.
Keep scrolling for answers to commonly asked questions...
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You may be wondering...
Where to get the grains?
Kefir grains can be easily purchased
online (they're even on Amazon), in your local health food stores, or you can ask around to see if anyone has grains they can share. If you're starting with "suspended" live grains (dehydrated grains), you will have to revive them by soaking them in milk for 2 to 3 days, changing the milk every 24 hours.
The best way to find
ready-to-go hydrated grains is to ask around for them. Kefir grains expand and grow after some time so those who make kefir at home usually have extra grains to share.
What kind of milk should you use?
Whole milk is the most traditional option for making kefir. If you use a milk other than whole milk, the kefir yogurt will be thinner. It may also take longer to ferment. You can always experiment and see which thickness you prefer. I use whole, organic milk (with added Omega-3!) from the grocery store and it works wonderfully.
More questions?
This is a great site for first-timers.
Keep scrolling for more great tips (and don't forget the Kefir Contest at the end!)
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Take It to the Next Level
After the first 24-hour fermentation period, you can actually flavor your kefir by adding fruit (and fun health-boosters like cinnamon), and then leaving the mixture on the counter for another 24 hours. Blueberries or blackberries are my favorite, especially since I know they're disease-fighting,
anti-aging powerhouses!
Talk About a Gourmet, Healthy Breakfast
Eating a delicious parfait is a great way to start the day. Build your own breakfast by layering your kefir with a
healthy cereal
, fruit, and super-food extras like
hemp
or chia seeds. If the kefir flavor is too strong you can always add a dollop of honey.
On the Go
Breakfast parfaits are awesome because you can make them the night before and take them with you in the morning. Just prepare the layers and stick it in the fridge OR you can pour the kefir on top of your mixture in the morning if you prefer to maintain a crunchier parfait (the cereal will become soft if left in kefir overnight, like oatmeal).
Keep scrolling to participate in the Kefir Contest!
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Kefir Contest
I'm so glad you're still with us! Now it's your turn to MAKE IT HAPPEN.
If you make a batch of kefir and a healthy parfait you're proud of, we would love to see it.
To participate, upload a picture of your kefir parfait to Instagram with the
hashtag #dranneats, and we'll choose the artist of the most delicious looking parfait and send him or her one free copy of their book of choice from my
Eat Right for Life ® book
series!
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Before You Go
There is nothing healthier than being present in the moment and having a good time.
I wanted to share a picture and a short video from my eldest daughter, Liz, and son-in-law, Thomas', wedding last weekend. The joy I felt from gathering together with wonderful people in a place of such great natural beauty is indescribable. I was reminded of the extraordinary value of being in nature, having fun, and spending quality time with friends and family. We laughed and danced and things got really wild when my youngest daughter spontaneously set up a
slip and slide
! You won't believe who went down that slippery "aisle." (Click the link to watch the video - and turn up the volume! It's also on my Instagram @drannwellness.)
I wish all of you a happy and healthy week, and I encourage you to take the time to do something you truly enjoy with the people you love (like experimenting with making kefir, for example). See you next Monday!
With love and gratitude,
Dr. Ann
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