Doing a sugar cleanse and being lactose intolerant can be bothersome. Sometimes the feeling of eating a bit of yogurt with some fruits as a treat can become complicated if you are trying to stop sugar craving, stay away from dairy products, and enjoy life while staying healthy.

That was my case, no corn, no soy, no lactose, no sugar, no refined, no processed, and so on. So, what can I really eat? I did one simple thing, I learned to make Coconut Milk Kefir. It can be bought or simply homemade. It is a delicious treat packed with nutrients and healthy bacteria.

You can add a little raw Manuka honey and the result is an awesome dessert that can be eaten as a yummy snack after a long day.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes. Total Time: 7 minutes. Fermentation Time: 24 hours.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut chunks (fresh)

• 2 cups of water

• 12 whole dates (pitted)

• 2 tablespoons

   

• 2 teaspoons almond paste

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (roasted)

• 1 teaspoon walnut kernels (crushed)

Preparation

1. Soak the dates in filtered water until they become soft.

2. When the dates are soft, remove the water and blend them to form a thick paste.

3. Grind the coconut in a blender by adding water to form coconut milk.

4. Add 1 quart of coconut milk to a glass jar and add the almond paste, roasted sesame seeds, and crushed walnuts; mix them properly.

5. Add the Kefir grains and the date paste into this mixture by using glass rods.

6. Place a lid on the jar and let it sit for 18-24 hours until it becomes sour in taste.

7. Strain out the Kefir grains and place the coconut milk Kefir in a refrigerator for storage.

Most importantly, enjoy!

Photo by Joanna Kosinska 

Tips

Use the appropriate amount of date paste, otherwise, it will take more time to ferment.

Never use a metal container or metal spoon to make Kefir as metal disrupts the fermentation process.

Use appropriate temperature, otherwise, the Kefir won’t thicken within 24 hours.

Serve and enjoy!

Health Benefits

Coconut milk Kefir is a ray of hope for people who are lactose intolerant as it is made up of dairy-free ingredients, besides, it is a good source of probiotics, it aids with digestion and helps to boost immunity. It contains many bacteria that help to counteract lactose intolerance by its association with lactase, promote normal absorption of dietary fats, reduces internal gas, and suppress harmful bacteria. Kefir is available in grocery stores or health food stores, you can also make your own.