Homemade Coconut Yogurt Recipe

I was joking with my fiancé that I could legitimately own a house by now if I didn’t buy coconut yogurt from the store. That stuff is so delicious but, man, it is expensive!

This year I decided that I would try to make my own homemade coconut yogurt. I was a little intimidated but thought, how hard can it be?

Spoiler alert: coconut yogurt is actually very simple to make, but there are so many different methods it can get really confusing! I scoured the internet for the easiest recipe and came up with so many different variations. I’ve tried them all so you don’t have to!

I tried making yogurt in the InstantPot, heating it on the stove, incubating it in the oven and finally, after about 45 batches and a few unsuccessful attempts later, I landed on this simple method that I’ve been using ever since!

Making your own coconut yogurt is really simple and satisfying when you have a good method. I’m going to lay it all out for you here so you can made delicious, creamy, probiotic-rich yogurt at home and save a lot of money doing so!

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Homemade Coconut Yogurt

GF, DF, AIP, Whole 30, Vegan

Ingredients

Makes 4 Servings

• 2 cans organic, full-fat coconut milk

• 4 probiotic capsules (see recipe notes below to suggestions)
  
  

Supplies

• Large mason jar or glass container with lid

Directions

1. Sterilize the jar and a spoon with hot water before using, to kill any unwanted bacteria. I boil water, pour it in the jar, let it sit for 30 seconds, pour it out carefully and then allow time for the jar to cool to room temperature before using it.

2. Pour 2 cans of coconut milk into the glass jar.

3. Open the probiotic capsules and pour the powdery contents into the coconut milk. Stir the powder in until fully incorporated (this can take some time but make sure you do it as it will affect the outcome of the yogurt!).

4. Place the lid on top of the jar, but leave it slightly askew so air can reach the coconut milk.

5. Place the jar in the oven with the oven light (with just the oven light on, it incubates the coconut milk to a temperature of about 100-108 degrees (F) to maintain a warm (but not too warm!) and consistent environment for the yogurt to begin the fermentation process. (Be sure to put a note on the oven that your yogurt is in there! Or else you’ll have a disaster where your partner comes home late, turns on the oven to make a frozen pizza and scorches your yogurt…..you’ve been warned!)

6. Stir after 6-8 hours and taste your mixture, or if letting it ferment overnight, just taste it in the morning. If it’s as sour as you want it, place the lid on correctly and store in the fridge. It may have thickened up a bit during the fermentation process, but will thicken more in the fridge. If you’d like the yogurt a little more sour/thicker, let it go another 6-8 hours and check it again. It’s normal for the yogurt to have separated, just be sure to give it a stir to combine it again before you put it in the fridge. The total fermentation time does depend somewhat on the type of probiotics you’re using and the temperature.

7. When finished, place the lid on your jar of yogurt and refrigerate to halt the fermentation process. I like to let my yogurt sit in the fridge for another 6 hours or so before I open it and stir. This may have been a rule I made up, but I find the yogurt thickens better when you allow it to be for a few hours in the fridge!

8. If your yogurt didn’t reach the thickness you wanted, don’t fret! Simply place a cheesecloth over a mesh strainer and strain the yogurt until you reach your desired consistency! I pretty much always do this step to get a thicker greek style yogurt. I also like the thinner European style to drizzle on berries, GF toast with almond butter and bananas, and to drink like a kefir!

9. Enjoy your delicious, homemade, dairy-free coconut milk yogurt!

Recipe Notes

• Putting the yogurt in the oven with the light on incubates the coconut milk to a temperature of about 100-108 degrees (F) which is ideal for the fermentation process. Heat speeds up the process of fermentation. It’s possible to ferment on the kitchen counter as well depending on the temperature in your environment.

• When you’re have about a 1/4 cup of yogurt from your previous batch left, pour a new can of coconut milk in, stir it up, and let it sit in the oven for another 6-8 hours to culture your new batch. You don’t need to use another probiotic capsule for subsequent batches as long as you save some of your current batch of yogurt to use as your culture. I find that I get the thickest yogurt using this method. So cool!

• I’ve tried this method with a variety of different probiotics and types of coconut milk and I will tell you, both of these factors really matter and make a difference in the outcome of your yogurt.

  • Coconut Milk: Many alternative milks contain additives that can interfere with the culturing process. Whenever possible, use milks without additives or preservatives like full-fat organic coconut milk from the can. I love the consistency of Native Forest Coconut Milk and have had the best luck with it for yogurt.

  • Probiotics: I just used what probiotics I happened to have in my house which were Klaire Labs and Pure Encapsulations and both worked! I have also heard that VSL#3 is a good option, but I would say just try what you have handy or accessible to you. You’ll want to choose a probiotic that doesn’t have prebiotics or other additives to make sure you’re just using the probiotic bacteria. You can also use a vegan probiotic yogurt starter culture.

• You can also choose to use a thickener for your yogurt such as agar, arrowroot powder, or gelatin which involves a more in-depth process of heating the coconut milk prior to adding the probiotics. I prefer this simple method above but want you to know what your options are! I love this guide to using thickeners from Cultures for Health.

• Save everything you strain out of the yogurt as that’s coconut milk/water and you can throw it into smoothies to get some added fats!

I hope you enjoy making your coconut yogurt! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about the process. Thanks!

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If we haven't met before, I'm Christina Tidwell and I'm so excited that you're here! I am a RN & Functional Nutrition Practitioner that helps those with autoimmune disease, hormone imbalance and gut issues heal without overwhelm so you can feel better in your body in a way that honors your unique needs and feels sustainable for the rest of your life. 

If you suffer from:

• Fatigue and energy crashes

• Brain fog

• Poor digestion

• Painful periods and PMS

• Symptoms of autoimmunity

• Stress and overwhelm 

...and aren't getting the support you need, I’m here to help guide you! My job is to clear the overwhelm, help you put the pieces of the puzzle together and co-create a sustainable path forward to help you reach your goals and feel better in your amazing body. When we work together you can’t fail. 

In my health & nutrition coaching programs I support you in the quest to get back into balance by listening to your story, understanding your needs, getting to the roots of imbalance in the body and co-creating a sustainable path to healing together. These sessions weave together functional nutrition and science, lived experience, breathwork, mindset shifts, and intuitive guidance for a unique and full-spectrum approach to nutrition counseling and holistic health.

I always offer free 20-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and identify what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.

Why it's not possible to "fix" another person

Someone said to me recently, “I’ve found so much relief and joy from learning how to take care of myself, using food as fuel and living in an intentional way. I feel frustrated, though, that my husband and family aren’t on the same page. I see so many people around me that could benefit from making some of the changes I have, and I just want to be able to help them! What should I do?” 

I thought this was such a good question that many of us grapple with. When I was first learning about how to use diet and lifestyle shifts to improve my health and wellbeing 15 years ago it was totally revolutionary. I would have shouted this from the rooftops and spoken about it to anyone who would listen. I did, in fact, speak about it to anyone who would listen haha. I would hear someone was struggling with something I knew I could help, and I’d give them my suggestions and a plan even if they didn't ask for it. I thought I was helping. 

I have since learned through life experience and working with hundreds of clients that, actually, you cannot fix another person outside of yourself. 

I’ll say it again…

You cannot fix another person. 

Even if you love them and want the best for them. 

Even if you have all the right answers and can really help.

Furthermore, it’s not your responsibility to do so. 

True healing and ownership of self has to come from that person themselves. 

Of course this doesn’t mean that you can’t give suggestions, and recommend books or practices that have helped you, but unless that person is ready and willing to change themselves, your efforts will be in vain and maybe even unwelcome. 

One thing that’s critically important is assessing readiness for change, which is something I do with all of my coaching clients. I connect with that person, understand where they are at, and meet them there. If I were to meet them where I think they should be, or where I want them to be, it simply doesn’t work. 

I used to think the most loving thing would be to encourage change until it happened. What I’ve come to realize is that it’s not actually very loving to force change on someone or expect change from someone who is not ready. The most loving thing is to meet that person where they are at and be there with them, ready to support. 

Healing is a completely personal journey and everyone moves through it at very different times. We have to honor those around us as separate persons or entities, take responsibility for ourselves, and meet others where they are at. 

The #1 thing you can do if those around you aren’t on the same path as you is lead by example. 

When others see that you have more energy, a clearer mind, and feel more comfortable in your body they will be more inclined to say, “I’ll have what she’s having!” There is always a ripple effect when one person in a family or circle begins to live more intentionally and care for themselves in a different way, and it spreads around to others. Those that are looking for change or a new path forward will take note and reach out when it feels right for them. 

Prefer to listen? Tune into The Live Well Podcast below

(AND DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU'LL NEVER MISS OUT!)

Click here to listen in iTunes

Click here to listen in Stitcher

Or if you’d like to play the episode right now in your browser, use the player below:

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If we haven't met before, I'm Christina Tidwell and I'm so excited that you're here! I am a RN & Functional Nutrition Practitioner that helps those with autoimmune disease, hormone imbalance and gut issues heal without overwhelm so you can feel better in your body in a way that honors your unique needs and feels sustainable for the rest of your life. 

If you suffer from:

• Fatigue and energy crashes

• Brain fog

• Poor digestion

• Painful periods and PMS

• Symptoms of autoimmunity

• Stress and overwhelm 

...and aren't getting the support you need, I’m here to help guide you! My job is to clear the overwhelm, help you put the pieces of the puzzle together and co-create a sustainable path forward to help you reach your goals and feel better in your amazing body. When we work together you can’t fail. 

In my health & nutrition coaching programs I support you in the quest to get back into balance by listening to your story, understanding your needs, getting to the roots of imbalance in the body and co-creating a sustainable path to healing together. These sessions weave together functional nutrition and science, lived experience, breathwork, mindset shifts, and intuitive guidance for a unique and full-spectrum approach to nutrition counseling and holistic health.

I always offer free 20-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and identify what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.

Soothing Marshmallow Root Tea Recipe

I recently made this marshmallow root and peppermint tea for a gut health workshop I taught and it was a BIG hit!

If you’ve never heard of marshmallow root, it’s a fantastic herb in the mucilage family I like to incorporate to support a healthy digestive system. This plant grows in salt marshes, by the sea, along riverbanks, and other damp areas, hence its name, “marshmallow” root. [1]

This root conjures up ideas of the fluffy, white sugar puffs we know as marshmallows, doesn’t it? As the folklore goes, marshmallows are one of the oldest desserts known to man, with accounts of ancient Egyptians making special candies made of marshmallow root and honey. The first marshmallow which resembled our modern day ones was made in France around 1850. Marshmallow root was added to corn syrup, egg whites, and water and was heated, and poured into molds to create little desserts! [1]

Here is a description to further understand the properties and potential benefits:

“Marshmallow works as a mucilage, producing a thick sticky substance that coats membranes. Marshmallow extract contains flavonoids, which contain anti-inflammatory properties. The flavonoids are able to reduce inflammation while the mucilage holds them in place and prevents further damage. The extracts also induce phagocytosis, which is the process in which certain cells engulf bacteria, dead cell tissues or other solid particles. This helps speed up the healing process. The mucilage remains unaltered until it reaches the colon, which is why marshmallow works well on most inflammatory digestive disorders.” [2]

It definitely doesn’t taste like the sugary marshmallows that we know, but it has a mildly sweet and earthy flavor when made into an infusion. As you can see in the recipe below, I like to add some peppermint leaves for a really refreshing taste! I like to have a cup of it in the evening, or in between meals.

You may be used to making your teas with hot water. With marshmallow root, we want to make an infusion using cold water because we are better able to extract the mucilage this way.

You can buy herbs like peppermint or marshmallow root from a local herbal store or source them online from somewhere like Mountain Rose Herbs.

It’s important to note that orally administered drugs should be taken 1 hour before use or several hours after, as marshmallow may slow the absorption because of the way it coats the absorptive gut lining. We always recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbs or supplements, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications to make sure they are right for you.

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Soothing Marshmallow Root Tea

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp marshmallow root

• 1 Tbsp dried peppermint leaf

• 2 cups filtered water
  
  
  

Directions

1. Place all ingredients into a pint size mason jar (if you have a bigger container feel free to double the recipe)

2. Pour cold (or room temperature) filtered water over the herbs and fill to the top.

3. Place in the fridge for a minimum of 3 hours. I usually make this before bed and allow it to steep over night.

4. Strain the herbs, and drink the tea cold. Enjoy!

I hope you love this recipe! You can also download my free Love Your Gut Recipe book, and you’ll receive 7 more simple recipes to incorporate gut-loving foods into your life. Click the link below to get them delivered right to your inbox!

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Hi! I’m Christina

I'm so excited that you're here! I am a RN & Functional Nutrition Practitioner that helps those with autoimmune disease, hormone imbalance and gut issues heal without overwhelm so you can feel better in your body in a way that honors your unique needs and feels sustainable for the rest of your life. 

If you suffer from:

• Fatigue and energy crashes

• Brain fog

• Poor digestion

• Painful periods and PMS

• Symptoms of autoimmunity

• Stress and overwhelm 

...and aren't getting the support you need, I’m here to help guide you! My job is to clear the overwhelm, help you put the pieces of the puzzle together and co-create a sustainable path forward to help you reach your goals and feel better in your amazing body. When we work together you can’t fail. 

In my health & nutrition coaching programs I support you in the quest to get back into balance by listening to your story, understanding your needs, getting to the roots of imbalance in the body and co-creating a sustainable path to healing together. These sessions weave together functional nutrition and science, lived experience, breathwork, mindset shifts, and intuitive guidance for a unique and full-spectrum approach to nutrition counseling and holistic health.

I always offer free 20-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and identify what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.

LIVE WELL PODCAST | Ep #51 - Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Alexa Federico

Today on The Live Well Podcast I’m speaking with Alexa Federico of Girl in Healing all about Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Alexa is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Autoimmune Paleo Coach, an author of The Complete Guide to Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis: A Road Map to Long Term Healing.

Alexa was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 12 which set her on the journey to consider food as medicine and understand how to support her body holistically. She now works with others to help them learn how to utilize food in support of their health and not against it. Join us as we speak in depth about Inflammatory Bowel Disease and ways to support healing!

LISTEN BELOW (AND DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU'LL NEVER MISS OUT!)

Click here to listen in iTunes

Click here to listen in Stitcher

Show Notes:

• 0:00 Intro

• 2:00 Alexa describes the onset of her Crohn’s disease and her personal story with autoimmunity

• 4:50 Alexa defines IBD, Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis

• 8:52 Treatment options for IBD and what people with IBD need to consider specifically when it comes to diet and lifestyle shifts

  • A lot of healing has to occur for you to be able to eat “healthy” foods

• 12:40 Best foods to promote gut healing

  • Cooked or pureed vegetables

  • Simply prepared protein (staying away from fattier cuts of meat)

  • Bone broth

• 14:20 How to manage stress, sleep and exercise

• 17:00 Alexa describes the diet that she currently follows

• 18:45 The internal and mindset healing work that helped Alexa

  • “I had years of resentment and anger from having an autoimmune disease”

• 23:20 Outro

Connect with Alexa

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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If you loved this episode, I'd be honored for you to give me a rating on iTunes. This helps me to get content out to others who are interested in getting control of their health through diet, lifestyle shifts and personal empowerment.

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If we haven't met before, I'm Christina Tidwell, founder and owner of Live Well with Christina. I'm so excited that you're here and have begun to delve into your health and wellness journey! Here at Live Well we help people with autoimmune disease take control of their health through nutrition, lifestyle shifts and personal empowerment.  

If you suffer from:

• Fatigue and energy crashes

• Brain fog

• Poor digestion

• Symptoms of autoimmunity

• Stress and overwhelm 

...and aren't getting the support you need, I can help guide you through 1:1 health and nutrition coaching.

Health coaching is a necessary extension of the health care system in that together we have more time to uncover issues, implement strategies and assess outcomes together. Autoimmune disease is complex and to address it we need to come at it from all angles (pharmaceutical therapies from your doctor while also focusing on root cause factors like gut health, diet, sleep and stress). I offer accountability, a knowledgeable resource and most importantly support.

I always offer free 30-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.