make your own yogurt

It is really simple and the results are deliciously tasty!

WHY IS YOGURT SUCH AN IMPORTANT FOOD:

Yogurt contains the trifecta: protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it the perfect morning or afternoon snack that will nourish you, sustain you, and give you energy. It also contains calcium, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and magnesium.

Don’t forget that it is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that we need to support our gut. These bacteria can help improve our digestion and help with bloating and constipation. Read this for more information about the importance of a healthy gut!

WHY NOT JUST TAKE A PROBIOTIC PILL?

It’s simple. Relying on real, nutrient dense food is the best way to know what you are putting in your body. You cannot replicate the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and bacteria, that work together to support your health and allow the nutrients to be better absorbed. Nutrients in whole foods are often more bioavailable, which means that your body can better absorb and use them easier than if you received synthetic versions that are usually found in supplements.

Yogurt is alive and full of nutrients, enzymes, and bacteria that have been shown in studies to survive the arduous journey to the gut.(source) Many probiotic pills do not survive this journey and perish along the way. Many cannot survive the harsh atmosphere of the acidic stomach, the stressful environment of the bile, and the harsh breakdown by the enzymes. (source)

WHAT IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE DIGESTING DAIRY?

You may be in luck!

Traditionally, people who have trouble digesting lactose can tolerate yogurt because the bacteria in yogurt assist in the digestion of lactose. In addition, studies find that this bacteria can survive the journey through the digestive tract - even through the acidic environment of the stomach, as it is protected within the bacterial cells. (source) This bacteria survives the entire journey and eventually finds a home in the the intestinal tract. (source)

WHY MAKE YOUR OWN?

You have control over the ingredients. You can customize the sweetness, thickness, and choose your favorite type and brand of milk (raw, whole milk, grass-fed etc).
You can be sure that there are no preservatives or thickeners that are often found in store-bought brands,
It is super-fresh! You know exactly when your yogurt was made.
It can be cheaper than buying organic versions.
Less plastic use. Less plastic containers to throw away!
It is rewarding and simple!

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE:

This recipe is so simple and the results are a creamy, protein-packed yogurt that can be used in recipes or enjoyed as is - with a flurry of fruit!

I don’t always love to wake up and eat a heavy breakfast of bacon and eggs. Yogurt with a bit of fruit is exactly what I crave!

INGREDIENTS:

whole milk

whole milk yogurt (preferably grass-fed and organic; can be your own previous batch or store-bought)

TOOLS:

sterile Ball Jar

measuring spoons

small pot

liquid thermometer

yogurt warmer (optional) I love this one.

DIRECTIONS:

Pour 1 quart of whole milk into a small pot, Slowly warm the milk on low heat until the temperature reaches about 110°
Pour warmed milk into the Ball Jar
Stir in 3 tablespoons of whole milk unsweetened yogurt from a store-bought batch or a previous homemade batch.
Close with a cover and place in a warm place or a yogurt warmer for 24 hours.
Consume within 7-10 days. Make sure to make another batch before you finish this one!

There are so many ways to enjoy your homemade yogurt! You can make your own add some fruit and granola

Gently warm milk until it reaches about 110°

Pour the warmed milk into a quart-sized Ball Jar.

Stir in 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt.

Store in a yogurt warmer or in a warm kitchen for 24 hours. I LOVE this yogurt warmer!