Kefir Cocktail instead of coffee...

[Wifezilla]

I did not PLAN on cutting coffee out of my morning routine, but it just seems to be turning out that way. Yesterday, I drank a "kefir cocktail" instead of drinking coffee with heavy cream because I left the cream at the office and son #2 used up my house supply.

After I did get to work I decided to make that cup of coffee even though I wasn't dragging or anything...I just like hot coffee with cream. After I drank it I felt TERRIBLE. Before I drank it I had felt great. Today I am going to see if I can skip the coffee all together. It would save me money and I wouldn't have to have the constant "STOP USING ALL MY CREAM" battle with Max.

I just started sipping my "kefir cocktail" and I am feeling pretty great right now. The effect is almost immediate. If you are trying to break a coffee addiction or are looking for a morning pick me up that doesn't involve caffeine, you may want to give this a try....

Morning Kefir Cocktail

4oz plain whole goat's milk kefir
4oz plain coconut milk kefir
Up to 1 Tbsp maca root powder
Optional: A little stevia, crushed berries or honey. (I drink mine plain)

Stir everything together and enjoy. I feel more awake and energized within a minute or two of drinking. I am amazed at how fast it seems to work.

If you are new to maca, start at 2 tsp and see how you react. Side effects are rare but some people can have them.

Now, as to why I use 2 different kinds of kefir, it is because the nutrient and fatty acid profiles on them are different. So is the flavor. I had used plain coconut kefir before and I actually like the taste better.

As for the nutrients, there is more healthy fat in goat's milk kefir. It is also higher in vitamin A, phosphorous and omega 3's. The coconut milk kefir is higher in magnesium, B12 and potassium. Combine the 2 and you have your nutritional bases covered.

As for the maca, check the adrenal fatigue thread for more details on that.

If a caffeine withdrawal headache hits, I may have a small amount and then cut back from there. If not, I will just stick to the kefir cocktail

 

[Javamama]

Very cool! But I'm not giving up my coffee I haven't tried the coconut kefir yet but have thought about it. I'm waiting on the darn goats to give me enough milk to do something with.

 

[steffpeck]

We have dexter cow's. Could I make kefir from that instead of Goat's milk? Where do I get coconut kefir? I don't drink coffee, but am addicted to Diet Coke, and would love to get off of it!!! Good Luck, and I hope you don't get those darn caffeine headaches!

 

[Wifezilla]

Raw cow's milk should work fine. I was actually looking for cow's milk kefir when I was shopping, but all the cow versions were low fat, no fat, reduced fat, or loaded with sugar and artificial flavorings!

The goat's milk kefir was the only one that was made from whole milk so I got it by default.

I got both of the kefir's at my local Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocer.

 

[abifae]

I'll have to try that. I desperately need more fats.

 

[TanksHill]

What is coconut kefir made with? Grains and ????

Maca what is that exactly???

g

 

[DrakeMaiden]

I want to know about the coconut milk kefir too . . . I gave up milk.

What type of coconut milk are you using?

 

[Wifezilla]

I am using store bought kefir stuff for now. Here is the brand...
http://www.foodservicedirect.com/product.cfm/p/1924072/Original-Coconut-Milk-Kefir.htm

You can make coconut milk kefir. I saw several recipes. Some call for coconut water, but I would use coconut cream as a base. More good fats and fewer carbs that way.

Here is one recipe...

"Coconut Milk Kefir
1 quart glass jar
2 Tbsp milk kefir grains (available through Cultures for Health)
2 cans unsweetened undiluted coconut milk or 1 quart So Delicious Coconut Milk (It has been confirmed that Native Forest Coconut Milk is canned in a BPA-free can)

Directions:

Place the milk kefir grains in the quart size glass jar and cover with coconut milk. Carefully mix together with a non-metal spoon. Cover loosely with a towel or cloth napkin and allow the coconut kefir to culture on the countertop for 12-36 hours.
After 12 hours, check the coconut kefir every few hours so you can remove the kefir grains as soon as it reaches the desired consistency. If you let it sit too long it will become more sour and very thick, making removal of the grains more difficult.
Remove grains and store them covered with a small amount of milk in refrigerator between batches or follow up immediately with another batch.

Place a lid over the remaining coconut milk kefir in the jar and store in the refrigerator. Note that it will get significantly thicker in the refrigerator as it cools, so it is a perfect consistency to use as whipping cream and such.

Cultures for Health suggests that it may take a batch or two for the milk kefir grains to adapt to coconut milk but if the milk doesnt kefir properly during the adjustment period, it is still safe to cook with. They do recommend returning the grains to cow or goat milk periodically to refresh them (and they can adapt back to making raw cow/goat milk kefir)."

I have seen some calling for water kefir grains and others using milk grains. Since I have never made my own kefir, you are going to have to experiment with that yourself.

As for maca, it is actually a root vegetable. It is very high in vitamins and minerals and is known for its ability to normalize hormone levels. Two prime users of maca are women around menopause and men with sexual issues.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidium_meyenii

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Cultures for Health suggests that it may take a batch or two for the milk kefir grains to adapt to coconut milk but if the milk doesnt kefir properly during the adjustment period, it is still safe to cook with. They do recommend returning the grains to cow or goat milk periodically to refresh them (and they can adapt back to making raw cow/goat milk kefir)."

Thanks for that info, Wifezilla. I will try it with my milk kefir.

 

[big brown horse]

Here is a video that I posted a while back on making coconut kefir. http://www.sufficientself.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=8365

I have to get some maca root! I can't wait to try this!