Love yourself with YOGURT

I AM PRO PROBIOTICS !!!! ;)
Yogurt has sooooo many benefits for our health--- and it's yummy (DUH).

Some of these benefits are:

• The good bacteria (aka probiotics) added to milk to make it into yogurt promote growth of healthy bacteria in our bodies, and actually prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.(Like the kind that cause yeast infections and UTI's).
• It's a really good source of protein and calcium(more calcium than a glass of milk and easier to digest). The protein helps with muscle building and keeps you feeling full longer so you don't over eat.
• It strengthens your immune system.
• Yogurt enhances the function of the digestive tract.

• It also helps to relieve ulcers.

Yogurt (or Yoghurt) is very soothing and nourishing for your skin, whether eaten or applied topically. My preferred method is a combo of both of those...very heavy leaning towards the eating it side. I have meant to do a yogurt mask and set up to do it many many times but just ended up eating it. :)
When I do end up not eating it the result is soft, cool, supple skin that looks like I just woke up from magical power nap. It is so hydrating!
So here's my Yogurt mask:
*N.B.-You must use plain yogurt. Some bacteria feed on sugar so for you to get the full benefit of this mask you'll need not to add anything that might worsen any inflammation that might be going on. I also find that the best results happen when I use full fat yogurt.
Just take 1 or 2 tablespoons of yogurt and spread it evenly over your face and/or neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes to a half an hour then rinse your face with lukewarm water.
Optional:
-If you'd like to make this into a gentle scrub you can add a 1 teaspoon of oats or cornmeal. -To add a little pick me up and a splash of vitamin C for detoxification add the juice of half to a whole lime to the mix.
-It's not a bad idea to pair this with some scented candles and relaxation. :D


With yogurt, the fresher the better, so here is the recipe I use to make yogurt. :)

Yogurt
2 1/2 cups Whole Milk(you can use skim or 1% if you like. Whole milk gives a less tangy, milder, creamier yogurt.)
1/4 cup of full cream milk powder
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (I prefer the plain yogurt from Stonyfield Farms or Anchor brands.)
-1. Combine milk and powdered milk and whisk until smooth.
-2. Pour the mixture into a deep enough pot at medium heat and bring it just to a boil, stirring very frequently. Remove from heat and cool it to just about lukewarm.
-3. Place the 2 tablespoons of yogurt in a medium ceramic or glass container and gradually whisk in the warm milk.
-4. Cover the container and put it in a warm place (I use the oven with only a lit pilot light or on top of the stove in the summer) for 8 to10 hours.
-5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Fun fact about yogurt: The process of making yogurt makes the milk sugar called lactose easier to digest because the healthy bacteria in yogurt digests it for you. So if you're lactose intolerant you can be a little less cautious around yogurt than around other dairy products.

Enjoy your yogurt!! Let me know how you feel after trying the mask!
love,
Nicki.

P.S.- If you have any questions about this post or anything else you can leave a comment below or email me. Feel free!! ...and please take the poll at the top of the page so I can get an idea of what kinds of things you'd like to see more of on this little bloggy.