Have you ever had a care package sent to you, filled with things only someone very close to you would know you like? That is the feeling that artisanal food subscriptions create. It’s the feeling of surprise you get when given a gift, plus a whole lot of fun. While food subscriptions began some time ago, it has taken off in a large way within the last couple of years. And it now appears to be a permanent fixture on the food horizon.
Here’s what you should know about them.
What are artisanal food subscriptions?
Gourmet food subscriptions are a way for you to get a select choice of little-known but well-made foods in a box. These kinds of subscriptions are frequently monthly, though some do offer an every-other-week shipment. You don’t get to choose what goes into the box. That is up to the taste of the subscription you have chosen. But expect to be wowed. Often, the selling point for these types of surprise boxes is that you’ll receive gourmet goods that are likely hard to source in your local area.
What type of subscription food boxes are there?
From a monthly snack box to boxes that source farm produce, just about all types of foods have been joining in on the fun. There are artisanal boxes for coffee lovers, bacon enthusiasts, Japanese food items, and so much more. There are also boxes that focus on products from a certain area, foods that are gluten-free, or intriguing foods for the vegetarian.
Why should you have a food subscription?
Are you a foodie at heart, but find it difficult to truly indulge yourself? You barely make it to the gym, let alone to your favorite food import store. Food subscriptions bring all the goodness straight to your door. And they surprise you each time. With each box being a little different, there is little chance you will get bored. There is no reason your taste buds should suffer when your work hours are exploding.
Food subscriptions are also a great way to keep healthy treats in your house. We all know what happens when people get busy. Our diet tends to turn toward the super processed junk- and fastfood options. But simply by ordering a food subscription, you can get nutritious snacks and foods delivered straight to you. With the assurance of the items being chosen with discernment and care.
It should not be surprising that food subscriptions also make for excellent birthday or holiday gifts. Sign up a loved one to receive a monthly box of their favorite thing. It will be the gift that kept on giving throughout the year. And just imagine, you could be the one to introduce them to their new favorite drink, snack, or food!
What are some good options for artisanal food subscriptions?
The options are pretty much limitless. Just think of what types of food you wish you had more of in your house, and start there. Do you want to source food that is cruelty free? Perhaps you have grown bored of the gluten-free selection at your supermarket and are looking for tastier options? Are you a Francophile and would love a box of treats from France? Maybe you are a busy mom, and you want to keep your kitchen stocked with healthy snacks? Just do a search for the type of box you are interested in subscribing to and you will find an amazing amount of options.
As with all purchases you make, you should read the customer reviews to help narrow down your choices. Not all services are equal in terms of quality and customer satisfaction, so do your research. Because subscription services rely on you being satisfied with each shipment, for the most part you can expect a quality order. And if others have been fully satisfied with their experience, chances are you will be too.
Food poisoning occurs when either food or food products become contaminated with bacteria that ‘s harmful to humans and ends up causing certain illnesses and adverse health effects. The main pathogens that are the most present within contaminated food and are responsible for most of the food borne illnesses that occur each year are E. coli, salmonella and listeria.
Overall, just over 100,000 people get some form of food borne illness every single year and end up getting hospitalized because of it, while roughly 3000 end up tying every single year from certain food borne diseases.
In this article we’re going to cover how food poisoning usually occurs as well as the top five foods that are most likely to cause food poisoning.
How does the process of food poisoning usually occur?
The contamination process can occur during several stages of the food process. It has to do with germ contamination and when they enter the food chain. For instance, germs can come into play during the growing or harvesting stages or even later on during phases of the manufacturing process.
It can even occur when products are simply mishandled and germs jump from one food item to the next, this is know as cross contamination. This is most likely to occur when you’re eating raw foods, as the heat doesn’t have time to kill the potentially harmful germs, as the food is consumed raw.
1. Chicken and Beef
Chicken is one of the main transporters of food borne illnesses, especially salmonella and staph bacteria, which is why you should always ensure that chicken is thoroughly cooked before consumption. Beef is the same as chicken, and is known to transport bacteria. You should always ensure your beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before eating; easily done with an air fryer.
2. Eggs
Eggs have been known to cause salmonella poisoning for years. The contamination of eggs occurs even before the shells are developed, during the incubation phase. That’s why it’s always smart to cook eggs before you eat them. Eating raw of undercooked eggs will greatly increase your chances of getting salmonella.
3. Leafy Greens
Since most leafy green are grown close to the ground they are very susceptible to E. coli, because they come into contact with contamination from animals or even water. The processing of the greens may also introduce unwanted bacteria. Make sure to thoroughly wash any leafy greens, especially if they aren’t organic.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes usually have very high traces of pesticides, dirt or other bacteria. Even tomatoes that seem more fresh and are bought at a farmer’s market. To minimize your risk make sure to wash your tomatoes thoroughly before consumption.
5. Sprouts
Sprouts, especially alfalfa sprouts are prone to carrying different forms of bacteria. The high moisture content of the sprouts makes it very easy for bacteria to survive for long periods of time. Make sure to wash the sprouts before eating, especially if they’re store bought.
I hope this article will help in making a positive impact on your health for years to come. Staying healthy is equal parts information and action, by understanding how food borne illnesses usually occur you’ll have a better ida at home to keep you and your family safe. Knowing the foods where food poisoning is most likely to occur will help you to make smarter and safer decisions around those foods.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20091006/10-foods-most-likely-to-make-you-sick
Zane Schwarzlose is a writer at The Law Offices of WT Johnson, a personal injury law firm in Dallas, Texas. Zane thinks it’s scary how many foods can give you food poisoning.
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight. This resolution is achievable by eating foods that create energy, boost the metabolism and burn fat. Food such green tea, cabbage, eggs and blueberries are known for producing energy and enhancing the metabolism.
Green Tea Smoothie
The recipe for a green tea smoothie calls for ¾ cup of cold green tea, 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of agave nectar, 1 diced pear, 2 tablespoons of plain, fat-free yogurt, and about 8 ice cubes.
To make the smoothie, place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until the mixture has a smooth consistency. A good blender can be key to a good smoothie. A Cuisinart blender, for example, will last longer than others, and Cuisinart parts are easier to replace than other brands.
Cabbage Soup
The recipe for cabbage soup calls for 1 head of cabbage, chopped, 1 can of cut green beans, 5 diced carrots, 3 diced onions, 2 diced green bell peppers, 10 stalks of diced celery, 2 cans of whole tomatoes with the liquid, 1 package of dry onion soup mix, 2 quarts of tomato juice and 1 14 ounce can of beef broth.
To make the soup, place the vegetables into a large stock pot. Add the tomato juice, broth and onion soup. Add enough water to the pot so the vegetables are covered. Cook the soup on low until the vegetables are tender.
Vegetable Egg Omelets
The recipe for vegetable egg omelets call for 10 egg whites, 5 eggs, 3 cups of vegetables, which include diced green bell peppers, diced mushrooms and thinly-sliced zucchini, 1/3 cup of diced onion, 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of butter, 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce, ¼ cup of water, ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
To make the omelets, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large skillet, cook the vegetables and basil in the butter for approximately 5 minutes then add the salt and pepper. Remove the veggies from the heat and add the tomato sauce. Place tin foil over the veggies to keep them warm. Whisk the eggs, egg whites and water in a large bowl then pour the eggs into a lightly-greased 15 x 10 inch baking pan and bake for approximately 7 minutes. Once the eggs are done, cut them into 5 inch squares and fill them with the veggies and cheeses. Fold the squares in half and serve.
Blueberry Parfait
The recipe for blueberry parfait calls for 2 cups of blueberries, 2 cups of vanilla flavored fat-free yogurt and 1 cup of maple-pecan granola.
To make the parfait, place ¼ cup of yogurt into 4 parfait dishes. Top each dish with ¼ cup each of blueberries then add ¼ cup each granola. Repeat by adding ¼ cup each of yogurt then ¼ cup each of blueberries.
Conclusion
Green tea burns fat calories by boosting the metabolism and cabbage soup contains very little calories. Additionally, eggs combined with vegetables aid in losing weight by adding healthy, energizing protein that stimulates the metabolism and blueberries alter how the body converts excess sugar into fat by changing how it is stored within the body.
Taking care of your teeth requires more than daily brushing and a trip to the dentist. Your diet is just as important when it comes to dental health. To keep your gums healthy, teeth clean and smile bright, incorporate these four foods into your diet on a regular basis.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Even Mother Nature wants you to floss, and she’s going to help you do it. Vegetables from the cruciferous family like broccoli, cauliflower and cucumbers naturally cleanse your teeth from plaque and buildup. Not only do they scrub your choppers, they also contain calcium that lends itself to development of strong teeth and bones. Just don’t use them as an excuse to skip flossing! A family dentist Indianapolis families can visit has suggested that flossing is essential for preventing periodontal gum disease, but also said vegetables like this can contribute to dental health.
Yogurt
Who knew a serving of natural yogurt a day could fight bad breath? What makes yogurt helpful isn’t just the high calcium content. The natural bacteria found within the food reduces odor-causing hydrogen sulfide. Some studies also suggest that consuming yogurt on a regular basis can also protect your gums and reduce gingivitis. For stronger enamel, enjoy a few slices of cheese as well.
Walnuts
Nuts in general are good for our teeth. But walnuts really stand out as a dental health superstar! They’re high in magnesium and phosphorous, two essential minerals for a happy smile. To prevent yellowing, add a handful of almonds to the mix. They naturally polish away stains on the surface of your teeth.
Sugar Free Gum
Your mother may have told you that chewing gum was a bad habit, but many dentists don’t agree. Sugar-free gum with Xylitol decreases cavity and plaque causing bacteria in your mouth. Chewing gum also increases saliva production. Saliva is essential for rinsing the mouth of acid and bacteria. It spreads calcium and phosphorus as well. Xylitol can be more helpful as the main sweetening ingredient as some others are overly acidic, and may cause bacteria to stick to your teeth.
Your teeth are simply too valuable to neglect. If you’re not satisfied with your smile and dental health, take a look at your diet. Adding these four foods to your grocery list is an easy way to get a better grin. Combine them with regular cleanings, dental exams and consistent oral hygiene for teeth that dazzle and shine.
‘Kicking the butt!’ is a very common statement, which most people are trying to completely apply into their lives. You too must be among the many who are trying to give up smoking. You’ve tried all the alternatives and still nothing has worked? You’ve put in all your desire and dedication and still find yourself smoking the butt? Nicotine always ends up playing a temptress?
If ‘yes’ is your response to all these questions, don’t fret. What if you learnt that one way to quit is to eat? No kidding.
E-cigarette can work wonders if you truly want to quit smoking or try some of the non-addictive foods that help you truly kick the butt of the butts.
Image source: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2608/4170136164_b650ccca9a.jpg
Milk: Milky tales
A calcium rich drink, milk plays as an accomplice for aspiring-quitters. A study was carried out by Dukes University, which showed that smokers who drank milk before smoking detested the taste of their cigarettes.
If you are one of those people who detest drinking milk at all, try this: dip the butt into milk and let it dry. Then try smoking it. You will fling away the cigarette due to the horrid taste it leaves in your mouth. Do this every time before you smoke, so that you develop a negative association with cigarettes.
Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C is a beneficial vitamin to help you cut down on your nicotine cravings. Include oranges, sweet limes, raspberries and blueberries into your diet. These also help in repairing the skin damage caused due to smoking.
Salty foods
When you feel like smoking, what you should focus on is to kill this urge. When something salty touches the tip of your tongue, it mitigates the urge to smoke. Try eating on salty bites before you decide to smoke.
If eating salty foods isn’t your cup of tea, then carry a small box of salt. Lick a little of it using only the tip of your tongue.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Studies have shown as to how omega helps reduce smoking-induced vascular damage, which might even be acute. Arterial stiffness caused due to smoking is also improved through its intake.
Foods such as salmon, flax, soybeans are high in omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 also is good for clear skin and healthy hair.
Veggies
Veggies can help you reduce your nicotine-dependency. But this dependency can only be reduced when you eat veggies on a regular basis. Veggies like celery, cucumber, zucchini, eggplant and bitter gourd help you leave a bitter taste in your mouth if you smoke after eating them. But beware of sweet veggies like corn and peas as these increase your cravings for the butt.
The sugar content in these veggies sends stimulating messages to the brain, which in turn cause the cravings. The bets pick is to nibble on carrots throughout the day- of course while not ignoring your meals.
A study has proved that consuming fruits and vegetables has not only helped cut down on smoking, but also has helped people remain smoke-free. So after all, it’s truly said nothing is impossible, especially when you got healthy food around you.
About The Author: Vani Chugh is a professional blogger with a special interest in the technology and health niche. She currently writes blogs and guest posts for http://ecigarettereviewed.com
Reference Links:
http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-health-six-foods-that-help-you-kick-the-butt/20110531.htm#7
http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/foods-to-help-you-quit-smoking
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-144840/How-right-food-help-smoking.html
Digestive discomfort is a nearly universal experience at some point in life. That doesn’t mean, however, that it needs to be ongoing. Here are a few tips and tricks from the healthcare experts, sure to settle most tummy troubles for good.
Drink plenty of water
Did you know that your gut depends on a good hydration status in order to keep everything in working order? Most of us, however, fall short of drinking nearly enough water on a daily basis. In some cases, simply starting the day with a tall glass of water improves fluid levels sufficiently to prevent the bloating or discomfort that can accompany sluggish digestion.
Get enough fiber
Dietary fiber, the indigestible part of carbohydrates, is an essential element for overall and digestive health. Unfortunately, most people only get about half as much fiber as they actually need. This can be overcome by simply adding a natural fiber supplement like those offered by www.naturessunshine.com.
Adequate dietary fiber provides a number of health benefits. Notably, adjusting fiber levels can abate both diarrhea and constipation. As an additional benefit, fiber enhances the body’s natural detoxification capacity by absorbing toxins from the digestive track and carrying them out of the body. As a result, when you supplement your diet with fiber, your abdominal discomfort quickly diminishes and your long-term health improves.
Give it time
The digestive system does much of its work while we sleep, making the morning time essential for managing intestinal health. Unfortunately, mornings are all too often rushed and leave little time for the peace and quite the belly needs to finish its job. Instead, slow down a bit and include even an extra ten minutes and watch how digestive discomfort is soon diminished.
Stay active
It seems every bit of health advice always includes a mention of exercise and digestive health is no exception. Although a gassy, bloated belly seems like the least appealing of fitness companions, getting active ensures it won’t stick around for long. In response to the body’s own reflexes, even a long walk can do wonders to stimulate healthy digestion.
For best results, try combining all four. Set the alarm early enough to take a fiber supplement with a tall glass of water first thing in the morning and then set out for a brisk walk. Don’t worry about going to fast or too far, just get going. Before you know it, you’ll be on a path to great digestive health.
The cold winter months are traditionally known as cold and flu season. Despite this preconception, it is possible to keep healthy and get through the winter in good health. Taking the proper precautions and adhering to the following tips will help boost the immune system and ensure good health over the winter.
Increase Vegetable Intake
Increasing the amount of vegetable consumed daily plays a large role in boosting one’s health. Vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked, and should be eaten multiple times every day. Green, leafy vegetables contain the greatest amount of nutrients, so they should grace winter plates at least once a day.
Sleep at Least 8 Hours a Day
Most Americans are not getting the recommended amount of sleep needed. Lack of sleep leads to a weakened immune system and greater susceptibility to picking up a cold or flu virus. Making it a point to get enough sleep will do wonders as far as remaining healthy throughout the winter.
Take Natural Immune Boosters
One of the most potent, natural immune booster on the market is elderberry syrup. The concentrated syrup has been proven to be an anti-viral and it is incredibly effective at keeping the immune system strong and shortening the duration of any illness.
Keep Your Home Germ Free
Maintaining a germ free home is a great way to maintain your family’s health during the winter. The best way to keep germs out is to have family members and guests remove their shoes before entering the home. Everyone should also wash their hands as soon as they get home to eliminate any germs that they may have picked up at work, school or the store.
Stay Active
Physical activity is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy during the winter months. Exercising outdoors has the added benefits of getting fresh air into the lungs and an emotional boost thanks to the sunshine exposure. Some of the best outdoor activities for winter exercise are skiing and snow boarding. Having the best quality Rossignol gear for your snow based sports will let you perform your best thanks to having the proper equipment.
Following these five tips will ensure that you and your family will remain healthy over the winter. Practicing these tips will over time become habit and you will enjoy good health throughout the year.
Spinach Recalled Over Listeria Risk
Food recalls happen more often than you may think. There are a variety of reasons food will be recalled, but most of them have to do with health concerns. A lot of times foods are recalled for pre-emptive measures, instead of the food being completely contaminated. At times, it’s easier for the company to issue a recall, if there’s a potential that an illness can be traced back to the food, than it is to deal with the consequences if a full-blown contamination was in effect.
In this article we’re going to highlight a recent food recall from a BI-LO store in Georgia. The Spinach Antipasti salad was recalled due to a risk over the bacteria contaminant Listeria. This was a localized re-call, although sometimes larger scale recalls do go into effect.
Why do food recalls occur?
Food recalls generally occur when there is a warranted enough reason that the food might be contributing to the illness of consumers. On smaller scale recalls the distributor or the food manufacturer will put the recall into effect. However, if it’s a large enough recall then the FDA or USDA will issue a more widespread recall. The main health reasons recalls occur are due to: allergens being present in the food, discovering an illness carrying organism, and mislabeling food.
What company produced the contaminated product?
The Spinach Antipasta Salad was produced by Taylor Farms, and was sold in the deli case. This spinach is said to have been contaminated with Listeria. Recently, there was a much larger recall associated with Reser’s Fine Foods, which was also due to Listeria contamination. This more widespread contamination gave BI-LO foods enough reason to issue the recall.
Was anyone harmed before the recall went into effect?
According to this specific incident there was no direct reports associated with this salad’s consumption. However, it’s hard to trace back the timing of an incident and the point at which someone gets sick. Often it’s hard to tell if the recalled food is directly responsible, unless there has been multiple accounts of illness.
BI-LO, the company who sold the spinach is asking anyone who purchased the spinach to immediately discard it and get a refund.
Spinach and salad greens are commonly recalled products as they are grown close to the ground and run a higher risk of contamination than other fruits and vegetables. There are usually several recalls a year concerning spinach and other related products.
What are the effects of Listeria?
There are a ton of physical effects that may point towards Listeriosis, including: muscle aches, fever, stiff joints, confusion, gastrointestinal problems, and loss of balance. Anyone who is experiencing any of these symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible.
I hope this article has been valuable and you have a better understanding of how food recalls work, and why they occur. It’s important to keep up on the latest food recalls, as you wouldn’t want to put the health of yourself or your family at risk.
Sources:
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/10/bi-lo-store-in-ga-recalls-spinach-antipasti-salad-over-listeria-risk/#.UnmaJ5RgZjY
Zane Schwarzlose writes for The Law Offices of WT Johnson, a food poisoning lawyer in Dallas, Texas. Zane thinks that listeria doesn’t sound very fun.
It’s strange how certain foods can make us feel better when we eat them. For many it is going to be things such as chocolate and ice cream while for others it will be comfort food. The meals we had as children would often be filling and stodgy and when having them as an adult there is the same feeling of security and being cared for that we had back then.
Why Chocolate Makes Us Feel Good
Mainly it will be the taste and the melt in the mouth texture that makes us enjoy it. No other sweets or candy have quite the same effect. Research shows that there are opioids in chocolate and as it is also found in opium it is clear that there is going to be a good feeling given. The brain recognises them and enjoys the feeling. It is also stuffed with sugar and caffeine so there will be that sense of excitement when it is being eaten. As well as the physical effects, chocolate is given as a romantic offering and this will make women feel looked after when they eat it – even if they have bought it themselves. There are links to chocolate improving the sex life as the brain has released chemicals that make people feel good and this will lead to a desire for sex. Knowing that a small amount of dark chocolate can also be good for your overall health makes it even more enticing.
How to Get That Sunny Day Feeling
Most people feel better on a sunny day and the trick is to know how to get that feeling even when there are clouds in the sky and strong threats of rain. It may not seem to be something that will make us feel good, especially when you consider the smell, but oily fish will work. Very few foodstuffs contain vitamin D but here is one that does. Thanks to this, there is serotonin produced in the body and hey presto, we are feeling better than we did. Another product that will have the same effect is the banana. Here it can be a combination of the bright colour and the make-up of the fruit, and it has been synonymous with health and well being for a long time. Again serotonin is produced but here thanks to the tryptophan found in the banana. They also helps to reduce stress as they are full of potassium, and then to complete the hat trick, blood sugars can be regulated thanks to the existence of Vitamin B6.
Greens Really Are Good For You
It may be hard to get children to eat their greens, but as an adult it is a food group that is going to boost your mental wellbeing. Depression can creep up very quickly and there is a lot of folic acid included in many greens and while it has long been know that folic acid is good for pregnant women it is now known to help fight the blues.
While not a food, coffee is also effective and is the ideal drink to have at the start of the day. It makes you feel more alert and also works on the pleasure part of the brain in the same way that amphetamines do.
Author Bio –
This article is submitted by Kate Shaw, a certified fitness trainer and yoga instructor. She shares health and fitness tips through her articles. She recommends the Garcinia Cambogia to people who want to lose their weight quickly.
As a mother of 2, I like to find healthy options for my family that isn’t too time consuming to prepare and can be purchased within a reasonable budget. Earlier this past summer I stumbled across the drink ‘Kefir’ at a local health food store. I purchased a small milk size bottle of some blueberry kefir, brought it home and went to my computer to look up all of the benefits this drink had to offer.
Kefir (pronounced kee-fer) first originated in the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe centuries ago and is one of the oldest cultured milks. History has it that the name comes from the Turkish word “keif” whose meaning falls along the lines of ‘good feeling’. Some say that God fed Moses and the Israelites with some kind of kefir in the form of manna. The Bible describes manna as white, fluffy and very nutritious.
Kefir has about 3 times more of a probiotic count than yogurt, flushing bad bacteria from your digestive tract and intestines. As it cleans your digestive tract, it ensures that no toxins enter your bloodstream. If you have stomach or colon problems, kefir regulates digestion and metabolism and boosts your immune system. Since kefir grows by eating lactose and sugar, this is a huge benefit for lactose intolerant people as the kefir continues to do its job as all forms of sugar and lactose pass through your digestive tract. The list of benefits goes on including possessing several B vitamins and minerals; treating ulcers, eczema, anxiety, smoother skin and hair. I was in!
Much like a yogurt drink, kefir is creamy, tangy and has a mild bubbly taste. The longer it ferments the tangier and bubblier to gets. Most buy Kefir in their local grocery store, but if your family drinks it every day, it can become pricey. After all of my research, I now know that store bought kefir drinks are commercially processed and do not have any of the health benefits ‘live’ kefir does.
After reading several articles on the web, I found that many avid Kefir drinkers make their own. Sounds easy if you purchase a non-authentic Kefir starter kit but true kefir can only be made through kefir ‘grains’. As the ‘grains’ are really a live growth of bacteria and yeast, purchasing from a good supplier is key as your culture must be ‘alive’ to turn your milk (or coconut milk, goat’s milk or water” into delicious kefir gold. The part I think I found most intriguing is that you cannot buy ‘live’ kefir grains in a store. You have to purchase or get them from someone who is currently using the grain and willing to give you some of theirs.
I bought mine on eBay and after 5 days of waiting for my delivery in the mail I have to say what first arrived made me wonder if what I was doing wasn’t crazy. The package contained some slightly dried out looking cottage cheese that reeked of sour milk. I was told this was normal as my ‘grains’ were dehydrated for shipping and the milk on the grain was in fact sour. It would take a week or two to get them back up to par.
Each day I had to add a cup of fresh milk to my strained grains, loosely cover and give the batch 24 hours to go through the process of fermenting again. When the batch had a slightly sweet and sour smell to it and began to thicken, the product was ready to consume. I set an alarm on my phone to begin the process of reviving my kefir. By day 10 I felt that my product no longer smelt sour in a bad way but in a way that buttermilk would smell. I strained my grains and put the bottle of my kefir drink in the fridge to chill. Later that day I added a touch of sugar and vanilla to my batch and handed out for my family to drink. And it was amazing!
It resembled the creamy yogurt drinks I pay a fortune for in the stores for my kids and knowing that this little jar of fermented milk was made by me somehow made it magical! The more I read about my kefir the more I understood what it did and how it grew. As it ate the lactose in my milk, it would slowly grow and these grains could be eaten alone for huge health benefits or could be given to my pets to assist in their health as well.
I now store my kefir milk and grain mixture in the fridge which slows down the fermenting process and gives me 5 glasses of goodness every second day. We blend them in smoothies, make ranch salad dressings, add a teaspoon of homemade jam for added flavor and add crushed berries overnight for additional taste.
I happily tell my story to friends interested in preparing their family for cold and flu season and tell them I have a grain that will change their lives. Ok maybe not their lives, but the kids will get sick less for sure. My daughter woke up one morning with a fever and began throwing up. Once her stomach settled, I began spoon feeding her kefir until I got a quarter cup in her. She went to sleep and when she woke she had another half glass. No more vomiting and by the next morning she rejoined her swim team for practice. It was the fastest recovery I have ever seen.
So if you are ready for an easy to prepare, healthy and nutritious drink that is natural, unprocessed and full of numerous health benefits, look no further than kefir and it’s century old history. Just go to eBay or Google kefir to find someone near you that is willing to share!
https://plus.google.com/110718373546884536343/posts?hl=en
