Had I known making yogurt at home was this easy, I would have started it years ago. Not-to-mention how extraordinarily delicious it is and economical. Think of your favorite high-end organic brand. That’s how this homemade yogurt turns out for me every time.
There are lots of different ways people will tell you to make yogurt. I find this way to be the easiest way to make yogurt at home, and it has always turned out great for me. (knock on wood) I’ve never had it fail yet. I make it almost every week, but It seems to keep a long time. The oldest jar I’ve found in the fridge was one month old and still fresh as ever. I have even frozen some short-term. Just thaw it slowly in the fridge.
Here’s what you’ll need For Plain Yogurt:
- Instant Pot with yogurt function
- Half gallon of milk (any kind will do)
- 2 Tbsp culture (see notes)
1. In the clean Instant Pot liner add the milk and press the yogurt button 3 times, until it reads "Boil". I usually cover with a glass lid. The IP lid with seal removed works if you don't have a glass cover that fits.
2. Once the pot beeps to signal the boil setting is done, the display will read YOGT. Remove the pot liner with the milk and place it in the fridge or ice bath or somewhere to cool.
3.Once it has cooled to be 100 degrees F or less, put the pot liner with milk back into the Instant Pot.
3. Whisk in the culture so there are no lumps. If you leave lumps, you will have lumpy yogurt.
2. Cover with a glass lid or the IP lid with seal removed.
3. Hit “yogurt” button until YOGT is displayed again, then make sure the “normal” setting is selected.
4. Set the timer for 20 hours. The timer will then be displayed. Your yogurt will be ready in as little as 8 hours and can be removed at any time thereafter.
5. Once the IP display reads YOGT your yogurt is done. You can either jar it up or put it in the fridge to set up a bit then jar it. If you wish it to be thicker you can hang it in a nut milk or jelly strainer bag tied to the handle of a pitcher to strain off the whey, or use a yogurt strainer. The longer it hangs, the thicker it will get. I find pint mason jars to be the best storage container for us.
Here’s what you’ll need For Vanilla Yogurt:
- Instant Pot with yogurt function
- Half gallon of milk
- 2 Tbsp culture (see notes)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
The process is the same. Add the other ingredients at the time you add the culture.
NOTES:
Culture: Any plain yogurt with live active cultures should work. I have great luck with Chobani Plain Greek yogurt or I use 2 Tablespoons of my own plain yogurt if I have some. Fresh is best, but I haven’t had a problem with using weeks old culture. I also don’t measure a perfect Tablespoon. I just scoop and dump.
The incubation time can be adjusted anywhere from 8-36 hours. The flavor and thickness will vary depending on the incubation time and the nature of your milk. Don’t be afraid to play around with this. If you find yourself a victim of poor planning like I often do, and your yogurt will finish in the middle of the night or while you’re away, etc, simply set the timer so it continues to incubate until you are ready to refrigerate it. However, if you happen to forget it, leaving the yogurt at room temperature for a limited amount of time will not make it go “bad” or deem it unsafe. Please do not throw it out if advised to by people who don’t understand the nature of home fermenting. In fact, we make a delicious version of cream cheese spread by actually hanging the yogurt at room temperature for a day, add salt and hang another day. Leaving it out will change the form or flavor. Taste test it to see what your next step should be. Maybe it wants to be sour cream instead?
Why remove the seal? I’ve only ever used a glass cover that fits my IP, but I’ve heard the seal from the IP lid can harbor odor from other foods that will leech into your yogurt, so if you don’t want last night’s chicken soup flavoring your yogurt, remove the seal if you’re using the IP cover.
Why “normal” setting? If you hit the yogurt button and you see the “less” setting is lit, hit the yogurt button one more time to get to the “normal” setting. This “less” setting did work for me when I didn’t know any different, but I was told that this is not the right temp for incubating yogurt and I was also using raw milk which has a different nature than pasteurized milk. I have since used the “normal” setting and it does indeed make better yogurt. The “less” setting is for proofing dough. The “normal” setting is for incubating yogurt. Please don’t throw your yogurt away if you made it on the “less” setting or left it out for a bit after the timer was finished. If it smells like yogurt, and it tastes like yogurt, you made yogurt. Enjoy it. See notes for incubation time.
Flavorings: Aside from the base of sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, add whatever other ingredients you want to make different flavors JUST BEFORE you are ready to eat it. Adding the extra fruits or honey will alter the bacterial environment and shorten the shelf life. We like to add fruit, jams and jellies when we’re in the mood for different flavors. This Daily Greens powder is a SUPER healthy mix-in we love too.
There you have it. The easiest way to make no-fail homemade yogurt that is the most delicious yogurt you will ever have.
Enjoy!
P.S. Easily turn your plain yogurt into sour cream and cream cheese. See how HERE.
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Hydration is a key component of our health and well-being, impacting everything from our physical condition to our mental state. Recognizing that each body has unique needs, it's vital to understand how much water you should be consuming daily, which can vary based on individual factors such as activity level and overall health. Adding dietary supplements approved for hydration, like certain essential oils or antioxidant juices, can enhance the taste of water and contribute positively to our hydration goals, making the experience enjoyable and refreshing.
To ensure that our bodies effectively use the water we consume, adding minerals and electrolytes can be a game-changer, especially for those who feel thirsty even after drinking ample amounts of water. These hydration enhancers play a crucial role in cellular nourishment and preventing the overwhelming of our systems, by guiding water to where it's most needed. Opting for clean, quality products without artificial additives is crucial for achieving deep and lasting hydration, with recommended options like vitality drops and ionized mineral supplements that can be mixed with antioxidant-rich juices.
Moreover, addressing concerns like frequent trips to the bathroom post-hydration, suggests looking into our digestive health as a potential underlying issue. A gentle colon scrub, as opposed to harsh cleanses, can significantly improve our body's water absorption efficiency. This holistic approach to hydration emphasizes the importance of listening to our bodies and making adjustments that go beyond just increasing water intake, ensuring that our hydration efforts are truly beneficial and support our overall health and well-being.
Read more...Did you know there is a health crisis in our world caused by these microscopic organisms that are often overlooked by doctors, yet they can lead to auto-immune diseases, cancer, mental health problems, and more. Research suggests that one in three people may be infected. They cause inflammation and steal nutrients from your body. From weight gain to irregular sleeping patterns to mood changes, these little nasties can wreak havoc on your health. If you want to safely eliminate parasites from your body, there is a free program available to guide you through the process. Just join the Swap It Savvy group and say, "I want parasites GONE!" Let's get rid of these creepy crawlies and restore our health!
Read more...
High testosterone levels in women can cause problematic symptoms. Learn how you can lower your testosterone naturally and help restore balance to your hormones.
High testosterone levels in women can wreak havoc on both physical and emotional well-being. While it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, there are simple natural lifestyle adjustments that can support hormonal balance. In this blog, we will explore ways to lower and support healthy testosterone levels for women, naturally.
Symptoms of high testosterone in women can include any of the following:
- Darker, thicker facial hair
- acne
- irregular menstrual cycles
- hair loss
Some of the causes of higher-than-normal testosterone levels in women could include ovarian cysts, PCOS, hormonal contraception, or hormonal replacement therapy drugs.
Natural ways to lower testosterone and keep hormones balanced.
Hormonal balance relies heavily on a few common health practices.
1. Keeping the 3 main pathways of elimination open with a focus on gut health, liver cleansing, and lymphatic care. Part of this process is reducing your exposure to everyday toxins such as fragrance, household cleaners, pthalates, parabens, etc. to stop gumming up those pathways with junk we can avoid, so they can freely clear out the junk we can’t avoid. Check out some of my natural cleaning tips HERE.
2. Supporting the body with good whole food nutrition so it has the tools it needs to make the repairs and run the body as it was designed to run. Your car can’t run with dirty oil and watered-down gas, and your body won’t run smoothly with processed garbage, caffeine, and soft drinks. Keep reading for some testosterone-lowering go-to's.
3. Healthy physical activity to keep things flowing. Our blood flow has a pump (the heart) to move it along, but lymph does not. Lymph is like the underground sewage system that filters everything our skin comes into contact with, and it needs motion to move it on out. Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle allows opportunity for fat cells to form. Fat cells get in the way of a happy hormonal balance in many ways, and it's a real drag to carry around. Go for a walk!
The below protocol addresses all of this.
FemiGen™ is a women’s balancing supplement that is my go-to for every female problem because I see the most results with it for cycle-related problems in my clients and family. I use this one myself daily, and regret it when I don’t. One of the main active ingredients is Licorice root which has shown in studies to reduce testosterone levels in women by 32% after one menstrual cycle, and men showed a decrease of 26% in just one week.
Omega Greens™ is another hormonal balancing staple. We need omegas to use the hormones properly. I find using Omega Greens™ further enhances my results with FemiGen™ when taken together. Studies have linked omega-3 fatty acids to decreasing testosterone.
Spearmint Essential oil when given to rats for 20 days resulted in reduced testosterone levels. I would add a drop of spearmint essential oil that is approved for internal use such as THIS ONE, to a 2-oz shot of this antioxidant-rich health juice called, Ningxia Red™. Ningxia Red™ is a superfood drink that flushes inflammation from the body, supports liver and kidney cleansing, and has the nutritional profile like none other for a whole-body health infusion. It is a daily staple to our health routine.
ICP™ to support colon clearing. It also has plant compounds that bind to testosterone to carry it out of the body and omega-3 fatty acids for the benefits listed above. If you want to supercharge the benefits of a clean colon, check out this article HERE
Walnuts and Almonds increase a protein that binds to testosterone, leading to a decrease in levels of free testosterone in the body.
Flax seed can be added to almost anything including salads, smoothies, and oatmeal.
The WAVwatch, a sound wave therapy device that is a cutting-edge frequency healing technique that offers personalized healing sessions, targeting specific areas of the body and mind for optimal results, wherever and whenever you need. It uses specific sounds to assist the body in the re-tuning and re-alignment of bodily energy. It is the same technique doctors use in blasting kidney stones and some resonance imaging, only the WAVwatch uses specific frequencies to address specific issues. This personalized approach allows users to address their unique needs and experience the full benefits of sound healing in the convenience of a watch. Set the watch to the hormone balancing soundtracks, sit back and relax. It comes with a 14-day money back guarantee to allow users to try it out risk free, but I assure you, you won’t want to give it up once you experience it. I have seen this watch work wonders in my own family and the many friends and clients I have shared it with. Use promo code SAVY100 to get $100 off. Check out more info, science and testimonies HERE.
Remember, while high testosterone levels can be problematic, it's entirely possible to restore balance naturally. With a holistic approach and incorporating natural remedies with a few lifestyle adjustments, you can easily support your journey towards hormonal balance. Embrace the power of an integrative approach and unlock the path to wellness by grabbing all the nutritional tools HERE, so you can make this your healthiest year yet. Oh and use promo code SHAREYL for 10% off your purchase.
Be well friend!
Sources:
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Do you struggle with IBS? You are not alone. Millions of people all over the world experience the symptoms that come along with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Though it can be a very challenging condition to manage and treat, there is hope for finding relief and calming IBS naturally. This post will share my own journey with IBS, an effective strategy for managing the symptoms, and how to practice self-care so you can feel your best!
I’ve been really focusing on taking care of myself these past few weeks as we’ve been really busy with calving and the normal day-to-day around here. The last thing I need is to be run down, sick, or in any sort of pain from my IBS. I’ve got a large toolbox for this, but today I’m going to share about a device that we are really loving here at the Ranch for all kinds of things, including my IBS. It's a soundwave frequency watch.
I learned about it from a friend who had a dramatic life-changing experience with the watch and her Belle's Palsy. Another friend found relief from carpal tunnel. These were just some of the examples of why I decided to try the device that looks like an oversized watch for myself. When people ask me about it and I share what it does, everyone wants one. Here is just another reason why....
Last night I ran the Digestive folder. I set it to IBS and let it run through the whole list. My tummy wasn’t really bothering me too bad, just a little discomfort that is normal for me this time of night, especially on a day I eat donuts….which was yesterday.
Within minutes of turning the watch on, my tummy went from quiet and stagnant (the cause of the inflammation causing the mild pain I experience) to active and moving. Like it was just woke up from a nap and realized it had a job to do. It was very soothing to feel things start to gently move along. Not in a way that had me needing to go to the bathroom, but just in a soothing, comfortable way of healthy functioning digestion that wasn’t happening prior to turning the watch on. After a few minutes I could feel pressure going across my transverse colon. This is usually the source of my worst pain when I have flare ups and it was a bit uncomfortable. But then, I felt the pressure shift and was completely relieved. It all happened within about 15 minutes, and it felt so good.
This is definitely a setting I will be running daily. In fact, I have it on now and am experiencing the same feel-good movements happening in my gut. I think I’ll help the process along by making sure I take my enzymes and probiotic today. I’m not always good about that and they too make such a HUGE difference in my gut health journey. (which you can read more on that and why gut health matters HERE).
This watch has been such a blessing in my life; from general achiness to stress relief and immune support, helping my little one fall asleep, I just can’t say enough good things about it. I learned that it works by using frequencies – sounds. The same soundwave technology that is used to blast away kidney stones, only in a much more controlled and calculated method.
You can get a watch for yourself HERE, and you are welcome to use my referral code SAVY100 to get yourself $100 off if you like to save money like me.
If you’d like to see more information, scientific studies, and testimonials on the watch, you can do that HERE or hit the “contact me” button and we can talk about things. I wouldn’t wait long though, these things go out of stock FAST as they are taking the world by STORM.
Don't let IBS slow you down and keep you from enjoying life. Regain control naturally with WavWatch and other tools I share about in my gut health guide. You deserve the Savvy Life.
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Gut health isn't just another health trend topic that will come and go. Gut health IS THE health topic....and it's probably the missing link you've been longing for.
I'll explain in a bit, but first, my story and personal journey. Watch the video or keep reading to see if this sounds familiar to you.
I have suffered from chronic constipation my whole life. I never knew it was that. I just knew it was embarrassing and uncomfortable, and I had to strategically plan out my day according to my bathroom needs. Not because I needed to be near a bathroom for a quick elimination problem, but because I knew I would need HOURS to get my business done.
Going #2 in between classes at school was not an option (not enough time). I would end up having to hold it until I got home. By that time I would be so bloated with painful cramps I would be buckled over in pain....but I was good at hiding it because I was too embarrassed to say anything. And if you know anything about elimination habits, you know that the longer you hold it in, the harder it is to go when you finally try to.
This misfortune followed me through adulthood into the workforce....more embarrassment.
Another thing I experienced regularly was pain caused by bloat that was so intense I couldn't stand straight. It had me looking 6 months pregnant and curled up in a ball until I found something that helped. Sometimes I could muster myself up to take a hunched over walk (hey, it works for horses). Sometimes I could take some pink stuff, but sometimes the only that worked was to throw in the towel for the day and go to bed. Not too convenient if it was the middle of the day.
This happened to some degree EVERY. DAY.
I wondered if anyone else had this issue. I wondered if there was something wrong with me. I wondered if I'd ever find relief.
Thank GOD I did find a solution!
I personally focus on gut health habits EVERY day. It is at the forefront of my food choices and my activities, but now it is in a positive manner, not in a spirit of dread and embarrassment.
I have learned to love water, which is the first thing people tell you to do right?
(annoying naggy tone) "drink more water"
Like if only it were that simple right?
But yes, water intake makes a difference, so learn to like it. (I've got tips for that)
(same annoying naggy tone) "you need more fiber"
More eye rolling. Like, "yeah....I get it!"
"Just take a laxative"
Ok, now we're getting into some BAD advice. Let's just NOT. (negative long term side effects)
Why does Gut Health even matter?
For me, it was affecting my day-to-day quality of life.
THAT MATTERS.
The digestive system is at the CORE of your body, and so, at the core of your health. If it's sick, you're sick.
Healthy elimination habits have a direct effect on your...
Hormones. Used up hormones, particularly estrogens, need to be eliminated swiftly from your body so they don't build up and cause imbalance. When estrogens hang around too long they feed cancer cells, among other things.
Liver Function. The liver empties out into the intestinal tract each night at about 3 a.m. If the intestinal tract is backed up, the liver has no where to go with the sludge it has filtered out of your blood stream. This sludge includes those used up hormones I just mentioned and any other toxins you have consumed and absorbed from your food, water, and environment, as well as general metabolic waste (think car exhaust). As with any clogged sewage system, the backed up mess goes back to where it came from. For us, it means back into the bloodstream. This creates a domino effect of problems like allergies, inflammation, toxicity, etc.
Skin condition. Most skin issues are actually gut-related issues. If there is inflammation in the gut (or anywhere else in the body), there will be inflammation in the skin at some point. The body needs to flush it out somehow and even though the skin is the last resort, we are typically so backed up with toxins that our skin is the only route left. This creates issues like eczema, psoriasis, and cystic acne.
Sleep. Serotonin effects our sleep. It is used by the brain, but it is made in the gut. If the gut is too filled with decaying fecal matter and trying to manage the problems that that causes, it's not going to be able to give good focus on creating a non-vital hormone like serotonin. It's more worried about getting the rotting garbage out so it doesn't end up in your vital organs to create more damage.
The body also does 80% of it's restorative repair in deep sleep mode. So if you're trying to heal from anything, sleep is imperative.
Stress. Sleep effects our HPA-axis (Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenals) this is our stress response system. When we are not getting good quality of sleep, the body will read this as stress. This will have another cascading domino effect on your overall health, but more specifically it will burn out your adrenals, throw off your menstrual cycles, and mess with your mental clarity.
Mood. Lots of depression conditions are treated with serotonin drugs. See above in sleep.
Brain Function and Mental Alertness. The skull does this amazing thing at night where the plates contract and sort of "wring out" the brain like a sponge to clean the toxins from it. (remember, toxins can also just be metabolic waste from its normal healthy functioning. like car exhaust). The garbage then gets wrung out into the spinal cord and filtered out through the lymphatic system. This cleansing function can only happen in a deep REM sleep. This is one reason we are in mental fog when we don't get good sleep.
Immune Function. The digestive tract is a LARGE part of our immune system. If it's not functioning well, our immune system is weakened. We don't need any of THAT right now, do we?
ALL OF THIS MATTERS!
And all of this is directly affected by the state of your digestive system functioning properly.
What does functioning properly look like?
The perfect bowel movement should be soft, well-formed in one piece, light-to-medium brown in color, and easy to pass. It should take you minutes to poop, not hours.
If you are not properly and efficiently having perfect bowel movements within 2 hours after every meal, you need to do some work in the area of gut health.
And how LIBERATING it is to poop like this! Yes, I just said that and it's TRUTH. (If you know, you know.)
Sitting down and getting my business done in the time it takes me to even just pee is something I thought I would never experience. And did you know....having a "good poop" releases happy endorphins too? That's why we feel so GOOD when it's done! #doublewin :-)
My journey with healthy gut habits is about 10 years strong now. If you want to know how I do it, I'll show you! Just grab my Gut Health Guide HERE and be on your way!
When I think back on how much of my time... my life, was wasted sitting on a toilet, it makes me sad and mad and robbed. I'll never get that time back. If only I had known then what I know now, how much different would things have been for me?
I don't want that for anyone else.
So girl.... I got you! All you have to do is ask!
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