Let me tell you that I never thought in a million years that dairy was a no-no for me. I loved my lattes and my little bits of goat cheese in the salad. And wouldn’t I lose my Spanish passport if I stopped eating queso manchego?
But I kept reading about how dairy was mucous forming and therefore not great for gut health. And truth be told, I did tend to bloat a lot after meals. So, one day, I quit dairy. And I have to say, I haven’t looked back.
Quitting dairy and gluten – for me personally – as someone who has struggled through post-natal allergies to dust mites, recurring sinus infections and lots of bloating issues due to sub-optimal gut bacteria. Quitting dairy & gluten was a game changer.
And I’d like to share with you one of my favourite yoghurt substitute recipes that is creamy, delicious and full of FABULOUS PROBIOTIC GOODNESS for a healthy gut and mucous-free poops.
VANILLA COCONUT YOGHURT
The hardest part about making this yoghurt is cracking open the fresh young coconut to scoop out the flesh. But if you can manage that – you’re all set!
- flesh from 4-5 fresh young coconuts
- 1 probiotic capsule (I really like the NFH brand or Natren)
- 1 tspn vanilla bean paste
Blend the flesh from the young coconuts in a high speed blender until creamy and smooth. You might have to add a bit of nut or soya milk to get the blender going. But don’t add too much (tbsp at a time). Mix in the the powder from the probiotic capsule with a spatula or wooden spoon (probiotics don’t like high speed blenders). Pour into a glass tupperware and leave overnight somewhere dark and warm.
It should be slightly sour in the morning. If it’s not – your probiotics are dead and you should get a new pack.
Add the vanilla bean paste and give it a good stir until thoroughly blended and smooth. Refrigerate.
Add your favourite fruit and enjoy!
And of course – if you can’t be bothered, you can always purchase Foodcraft’s amazing coconut yoghurt.
Coconut flesh is amazing for making creamy desserts of all types. I sometimes use it as a substitute for avocado when I do my chocolate puddings for the girls.
A great recipe and ingredient to add to your “BLOAT-NO-MORE” collection!
COST SAVING TIP FOR HONG KONGERS: The Western Wholesale Food Market in Sheung Wan near the Macau Ferry Terminal sells crates of fresh young coconuts for a fraction of the supermarket price. It has parking too. Share a crate with your friends. Or crack them all open when you get home and enjoy delicious, sweet coconut water and use the flesh for yoghurt and puddings.
Cristina Tahoces is a holistic nutritionist and owner of Thrive Nutrition Practice. Please join her Facebook group “Thrive Nutrition Practice” for daily articles, recipes, promotions on professional grade supplements and upcoming workshops.
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