Sunday, July 31, 2011

The Who, What, Where and Why of Kefir...

In my search to find intestinal balance, I tried every product I could get my hands on and afford.  Using yogurt and other probiotics in my diet was an everyday thing.  However, there were some drawbacks that I did not like, for instance, the added sugar, other sweeteners, and the fact that these probiotics weren't as active as they are touted as being. 

So, I searched for something new and promising.  Well, while not new in terms of existence, I have found something that appears rather promising.  I have yet to try it, however, I am in the process of preparing my kefir for consumption, starting with re-hydrating it.  

For those of you wondering what is kefir, let me explain.  Kefir is a cultured milk grain that  grows from a symbiotic relationship between the yeast and the probitotics.  It's grows much like a sourdough starter, however it does not contain any wheat, or other flour grains of any kind.  Kefir contains beneficial healthy yeast and probiotics that help to replenish and protect your intestinal tract.  This is the best, most economical and nutritive way to obtain probiotics. 

Studies have shown the benefits of Kefir to be substantial.  See the following links for added information regarding this wonderful milk culture.

 kefir

 natural news

yourkefirsource

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Kefir Part I

I received my Kefir order three days ago.  I pulled out all of my little goodies and began the process of rehydration.
1.  I opened the package and poured the kefir grains into a glass jar.
2.  I poured 1 cup of organic non-fat milk into the jar.
3.  I covered the jar with a coffee filter and rubber-band.
4.  I let it sit in a lukewarm place for 24 hours.

The next day at the same time of day I poured off the liquid into a strainer and kept the grains. 
I placed the grains back into the jar and added 1 Cup of organic milk and covered it.  I placed it in a warm place for another 24 hours.  The liquid that I poured off was just like regular milk, no coagulation or thickening.
On the third day, which is today, I went to pour off the liquid and to my surprise there was lots of coagulation and thickening.  I poured the contents into the strainer over a bowl.  It was so thick, that I had to use my wooden spoon to gently stir and press the gooey substance through the strainer as I stirred.  But, not too much so as not to disturb the Kefir grains.  I then repeated the process.  Added 1 Cup organic milk to the grains and covered for another 24 hours.
I realized that the reason for the thickening was that I had used my oven last night, which was very close to where these grains were sitting.  It smelled fine, so I figure all is good.  I will keep you posted on the rest of the processing.
Sorry for no pics, as my camera is under repair.  I will post pics a.s.a.p.

How True Lemon Helps Support Your Urinary Tract Health

 I have always had problems with high oxalate foods.  In my twenties, my kidneys were always giving me problems.  I had frequent kidney infections and would constantly push myself to drink water.  In my thirties, it got worse.  The only remedy that I found to reduce the pain, with what I determined as kidney stones, was pure lemon juice.  If you have problems with some of these same things, check out this site.  See the link:

How True Lemon Helps Support Your Urinary Tract Health

3 Wet Ways to Lose Weight

3 Wet Ways to Lose Weight

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Posts to come...

It's been a troubling time without my deluxe digital camera.  It's broken and now I have to wait to post my foodie images.  But here is a tantalizing taste of what I'll post next...
Hawaiian Kabobs with Sweet-N-Sour Salad, and Coconut Smoothies.
Fabulous Chicken Curry...Hot & Spicy just the way I like it. 
Quinoa Mexicana Ensalada...a more exciting version of the one on my recipe blogs. 

Stay tuned for the follow up recipes...

Monday, July 25, 2011

Spicy Shrimp Ceviche


Spicy Shrimp Ceviche
1-2 Cups Cocktail Shrimp (in the cold section at the meat counter). 
2 Cups of diced cucumber, 
3/4-1 Cup diced tomatoes (I used Roma, however, a juicer tomato would be great), 
1/2 Cup diced Red Onion, 
Juice from 2-3 Lemons, 
Juice from 1 Lime, 
2 Tsp. Cilantro, 
*optional: 1 small, firm, diced avacado. 
Snowy's Bumble Bee All Natural Clam Juice 8 oz. bottle, 
*optional: 2 tsp. Olive Oil, 
1 tsp. Sea Salt (use more or less according to your liking), 
dash of pepper, 
1-2 Tbsp. Tapatio Chili Sauce.

1 Cup Cooked Quinoa or GF Crackers or GF Bread

Fold ingredients together and serve on a bed of cold cooked Quinoa. I loved this because it's practically fat free, low sodium, gluten free, and no sugar.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

How to make milk Kefir

I just ordered from the Cultures for Health company and can't wait to try out their Kefir cultures for the first time.  I'll post my experience as soon as it ships.  Enjoy!

How to make dairy free yogurt

Friday, July 15, 2011

What can I eat...and the curious case of the belly button

Hmmm...Fiddle Faddle.  So, your tummy is your nemisis, your belly button feels like it's on fire and you have this knawing sensation that something is not right within that body of yours.   Sounds like the curious case of Ibs or better known as, I Better Surrender...to change!
I have to say that many of my friends and family sit the fence when it comes to going completely gf.  I think the thought of having to do without, pervades the senses with senselessness.  Who ever said you have to go without?  So, it takes some work and you have to clean out your pantry of all the food offenders, including those Twinkies (that will survive the next Millenia).  You may even learn to like being in the kitchen and trying out your newly found chef skills.  Regardless, you will be better off.  Not only will you like the way you feel, you will love the way you feel.  So...here are some oldie but goodie pointers to help you down the road to awesomeness!
1.  Be a label reader!
2.  Stay away from Wheat, Barley, Rye and Spelt and their derivatives.
3.  Stay away from pre-packaged foods (hamburger helper, processed meats, etc...)
4.  Unless something is made in a gluten free facility, you can still have gluten in that food.
5.  Manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients, however, they have gotten better at listing the main food offenders on their lables.  I'm finding that just because it says it's gluten free, does not mean that it is!
6.  Know which manufacturers are reliable with their labeling.
7.  Ask questions.
8.  Start a food diary.(I'll have to upload this as a new post so that you can make the most of it.)

How much water should we drink???

According to some physicians, drinking 8-10 glasses of water is debatable depending upon certain conditions, body mass and activity.  Not to mention the fact that we can also include high water content foods such as, watermelon, peaches, cucumbers and oranges.  Many of these are high in needed potassium.  In addition, one of the best forms of hydration can be found in coconut water.  This can be found in the white husked coconuts.   Regardless of our choice of hydration, it's important not to overdue our consumption, because of certain health risks associated with excessive fluid consumption.  My thoughts are, if you are exercising, you need to rehydrate a sufficient amount to replace fluid loss, this is outside of your normal 8 glasses of water per day.  If you are thirsty, drink!  We need to listen to our bodies and pay attention to the quantities we consume each day.  Many times, if we are busy, we can go all day without so much as a pint of water.  Our bodies are 70 percent water, and our muscles, tissue, blood and organs need the fluid to perform sufficiently.  In addition, if we want to stay regular our water intake needs to be adequate.  So, remember not to get water logged and to stay afloat of what your body is telling you...by remembering quality & quantity of fluid intake.