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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

How to Save on Groceries




Giving some great tips on how to save on groceries

Boneless chicken is on sale every other week at my grocery store, so I buy two weeks of boneless chicken every other week to store in my freezer. This habit saves me family of 2 $200 a year on this one item.

1. Shop for Manufacturers coupon: Use manufacturer's coupon on name brand items. You can get them in your sundays papers, enroll in coupon departments that help you out - http://www.thegrocerygame.com/
Or you can purchase manufacturer's coupon that are clipped from newspapers that you need from the sites - http://www.manufacturerscoupons.net/    -  I love this site because she shows you what will be included in sunday's paper and sells clipped coupons. Have great deals for baby products, beauty, grocery and all that good stuff. And also http://www.southernsavers.com/   - great coupons and coupon schedule. also www.coupons.com   www.smartsource.com  . And you can always sign up for your beloved brand name manufacturer or go on their sites to print coupons. If you use Air wick plug ins, go to their site - http://www.airwick.com/ and print coupons, also sign up. Also procter and gamble.

  A manufacturer’s coupon is reimbursed by the manufacturer, not the store, so it can be combined with a store coupon.

You can get coupons from procter and gamble by clicking here - http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/try-it/tryit.jsp




2. And then Shop for sales: Shop at the store with the best prices for your items that week. Buy the brand that's on sale with a coupon, or get the store brand if it's less expensive.Yes, Costco and most other stores can be expensive. I have no membership cards at Costco or Sam's club. I used to but let it expire. Before shopping, check the store sites online for weekly deals. I just shopped last week at Walgreens (Please add this to your top list if you have walgreens in your area),  they had $0.49 for paper towels, Air wick plug ins - 2 for $5 (2 for $4.99 at CVS) Less my coupon for $1.50 from the manufacturer - paid only $3.50. Most times CVS, walgreens or riteaid have great deals on beauty and some grocery items than at your regular grocery store.

   Use your store's weekly sales ad flier to plan your menus for the week. Then, write your shopping list around the items and brands that are on sale.

3. Shop midweek : Yes sounds odd, but true. Most stores have their markdown for items especially MEAT during midweek. I went to Samsclub and Walmart on thursday and all meats were reduced 1/2 of regular price. So if you want to save on meats, shop wednesday or THURSDAY*** or Friday. Never shop for Meats especially during the weekend for deals or even grocery stuff - You might be lucky to find clearance on meats or groceries. Savvy shoppers would have taken those items before you do. You can ask for store rules .
  And ask your meat butcher at your local grocery store what day of the week are meats reduced!


4.  Shop at a double coupon store: Some stores will let you use your manufacturer's coupon and double it up for you. Go to http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/articles/double_coupon/2/ 
And then scroll down and click on your state - you should see list of store that double coupons.
If in Virginia -
Farm Fresh: Will double coupons up to .99 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They will double coupons up to $1.00 on Wednesdays (thanks Jessica)
Giant
Harris Teeter – will double up to 99 cents with a VIP card (thanks Mike)
Kroger – will double coupons up to 50 cents with a Kroger card (thanks Mike)
Roses
Safeway (up to 99 cents – Thanks Shane)
Shoppers Food Warehouse (double $0.50 and less)

Maryland - stores are


Acme
Giant Foods
Harris Teeter: doubles and sometimes triples coupons (Thanks Rich)
Martins (Hagerstown) – offers double coupons & every 2 or 3 months they offer 3 triple coupons in their sales circular (limited to 3 manufacturers coupons per bonus card member)
Metro
Safeway
Shoppers Food Warehouse
Shoprite
Superfresh
Weis


These are stores that will take the face value of a coupon and double (or even triple) it for the customer. So if you buy that Dawn soap, we talking about earlier, the .25 manufacturer’s coupon would now be worth .50. You need to check with the customer service desk because some of the limitations that might be included are: up to a limited amount, you might only be able to get one item doubled on any one particular product. So the first Dawn coupon would be doubled to .50 but the second one would be worth only the face value of .25. Another limitation might be on a “Buy one/Get one free” even though you are getting two products, they may only accept double coupons on the first product. If, however, the product will ring in at half price, then you could use two coupons.


5. Always have a list before heading to the store: I know it sounds hard but "sticking to the list" is the key to saving money. Always keep extra $5-10 in case you see great deals, otherwise stick to your list. No list and in a store means purchasing what you dont need and forgetting you main purpose of shopping in the store. 
  • Taking a few minutes to make a detailed plan will save you the time of making unplanned trips to the store during the week—which can ruin your budget.
  • Planning ahead also helps you avoid impulse shopping during your trip.

6. Use a store coupon: Some stores have coupons on their weekly paper ad in the store  - grab them at the door entrance or online. Walgreens mostly have store coupons - like $0.64 coupon for Ajax dishwashing liquid detergent - which I used last week and we stocked up. 


  A manufacturer’s coupon is reimbursed by the manufacturer, not the store, so it can be combined with a store coupon.



7. Can participate in Share:  There are a few different programs out there such as S.H.A.R.E that have been out there for quite a few years. SHARE is an acronym for Self-Help and Resource Exchange – is a program where people get a break on their grocery bills by exchanging volunteer time for the opportunity to buy affordable food. For each package of food purchased, we simply ask for two (2) hours of “good deed” time, whether at SHARE, other institutions in your community, or your own neighborhood. Food packages (worth up to $45) offer meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and grocery items. The price you pay is based on what you select from the menu but you can generally save about 50%. SHARE purchases the food from growers, brokers and packaging plants and is never donated, government surplus, or salvage.
For those who may not have access to a SHARE program in their area, there are other non-profits that have sprung up in response to the economic needs of families and they also offer boxes of food at bargain prices. Angel Food ministries offers $70 worth of food for $30 if you order it ahead of time and go pick it up at a central location. You can order online and it’s also a great organization to volunteer with as they have locations all across America. There are no income requirements and anyone can participate.

 8. Cook More often and eat out less often. Shop for items you would buy out and cook them. Take it for lunch rather than spending.

9. Go big. Found a large bag of vegetables on sale? Grab it, even if it’s more than you need. Use the extras to make soups, stews or a healthful frittata for a weekend brunch, or chop and freeze in airtight bags.

10. Swap colors. Orange and yellow bell peppers are significantly cheaper than their red cousins, and they’re only slightly less sweet. If you’re making a recipe that calls for red bell peppers, save some money and go with a different hue.

11. Shop at trader Joes for affordable organic fruits and veggies. 1 bag of organic carrots for $0.99.

12. Snap up organics. Head to the freezer aisle for frozen organic berries and other vegetables. They great and will keep for much longer.



For this sunday 2/27 watch out for what will be included below:
This Sunday you will have (2) inserts in your Sunday newspaper:
(1) SmartSource
(1) Proctor & Gamble


SmartSource 2/27

$10 off Aviva system wyb test strips (exp 5/29)
$1 off Barber Foods product (exp 4/16)
$4 off Bausch + Lomb Biotrue multipurpose solution, 10 oz. 2 pk. (exp 4/11)
$2 off Bausch + Lomb Biotrue multipurpose solution, 10 oz. + (exp 4/11)
$2 off Benefiber product (exp 4/16)
$5/2 Benefiber product (exp 4/16)
$1 off Best Life buttery spread, spray or baking sticks (exp 5/8)
$2 off Caribou coffee, 12 oz. (exp 4/30)
$2 off Clairol Natural Instincts hair color (Target coupon) (exp 4/30)
$1 off Clairol Nice ‘n Easy hair color (Target coupon) (exp 4/30)
$4 off Claritin D, 15 ct. + (exp 3/27)
$5 off Claritin product, 20 ct. + (exp 3/27)
.75/1 Colgate Adult or Kids manual toothbrush (exp 3/19)
.75/1 Colgate toothpaste, 4 oz. + (exp 3/19)
.35/1 Cuties clementines, 3 lb (exp 4/4)
.55/1 Cuties clementines, 5 lb (exp 4/4)
$1/3 Dannon Activia Parfait Crunch yogurt (exp 3/27)
$1 off Dannon Danimals (exp 4/26)
$1 off Dannon Danonino yogurt, 6-12 pk. (exp 4/26)
$1 off EAS product (exp 4/30)
$3 off Ensure shake, 4 pk. (exp 4/30)
.75/1 Excedrin product, 20 ct. + (exp 4/16)
$1.50 off Excedrin product, 80 ct. + (exp 4/16)
$1 off Foster Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken breast (exp 5/31)
.75/1 Glade Carpet & Room odor eliminator (exp 4/2)
$1 off Glade Fabric & Air odor eliminator (exp 4/2)
$1/2 Glade jar candle, 4 oz. (exp 4/2)
$1 off Glade PlugIns Scented Oil refill, twin pk. or (2) singles (exp 4/2)
$1 off Glade Premium Room spray, 9.7 oz. (exp 4/2)
$1.50/2 Glade Scented Oil candle (exp 4/2)
$1/2 Glade Sense & Spray refill (exp 4/2)
$3 off Glade Sense & Spray starter kit (exp 4/2)
$2/2 Glucerna product (exp 4/30)
$1/2 Hershey’s Bliss chocolate, 8 oz. + (exp 4/2)
$1/3 Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, Hershey’s Miniatures, Cadbury or Whoppers bags (exp 4/2)
$2 off Huggies Little Snugglers or Movers diapers (exp 3/26)
$2.50 off Huggies Pure & Natural diapers (exp 3/26)
$2 off Huggies Snug & Dry diapers (exp 3/19)
$3.50 off Huggies Snug & Dry diapers, 60 ct. + (exp 3/19)
Free Huggies wipes 72 ct. max wyb wipes 300 ct. + (exp 3/19)
.50/1 Listerine mouthwash, 1 L + (exp 12/31)
$1 off Listerine Total Care 500 mL or Restoring 1 L mouthwash (exp 12/31)
$1 off Listerine Zero mouthwash, 500 mL + (exp 12/31)
$1 off Lysol Clean-Flip starter kit or floor cloths (exp 6/1)
$1/3 Mentos gum, 15 pc. + (exp 4/30)
$1 off Mentos gum bottle, 45 pc. + (exp 4/30)
$1 off Neutrogena Naturals (exp 4/27)
$1 off Pert Plus 2-in-1 product (exp 3/31)
$3 off Similac SimplePac powder, 1.37 lb + (exp 5/31)
$5 off Similac SimplePac powder, 1.37 lb + (exp 4/30)
$1/2 Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels, 6 oz. + (exp 5/27)
.55/1 Tostitos Artisan Recipes chips (exp 4/13)
$3 off Zegerid OTC (exp 4/2)
$6 off Zegerid OTC, 42 ct. (exp 4/2)
.55/1 ZonePerfect bar or multi-count box (exp 4/30)

Proctor & Gamble 2/27

$1 off Always Infinity pads, 24-48 ct. (exp 3/31)
.50/1 Always Pad, Clean or Feminine cleansing cloths (exp 3/31)
.50/1 Always pantiliners, 34 ct. + (exp 3/31)
.50/1 Bounce product (exp 3/31)
$1 off Bounce product (exp 3/31)
.25/1 Cascade product (exp 3/31)
$1 off Cascade Rinse aid (exp 3/31)
.25/1 Charmin product (exp 3/31)
$3 off Clairol Nice N Easy Color Blend foam (exp 3/31)
$1 off Clairol Nice N Easy product (exp 3/31)
$1 off CoverGirl product (exp 3/31)
$5 off Crest 3D White Professional Effects, ADvanced Vivid 14 ct, Stain Shield, or Gentle Rountine whitestrips, excl Vivid or trial (exp 3/31)
$10 off Crest 3D White, 2 hr Express or Professional Effects whitestrips (exp 3/31)
$1 off Crest rinse, 946 mL + (exp 3/31)
.75/1 Crest toothpaste 4 oz. + or liquid gel (exp 3/31)
$1 off Crest toothpaste 4 oz. + or liquid gel, excl Cavity, Baking Soda or Tartar (exp 3/31)
.25/1 Dawn product (exp 3/31)
$1 off Downy liquid fabric softener or sheets (exp 3/31)
$2 off Downy liquid fabric softener or sheets (exp 3/31)
.50/1 Duracell CopperTop, Ultra Advanced or Ultra Photo Lithium (exp 3/31)
.75/1 Duracell CopperTop, Ultra Advanced or Ultra Photo Lithium (exp 3/31)
$1.50 off Duracell Hearing Aid, 6 pk. + (exp 3/31)
$1 off Febreze Air Effects (exp 3/31)
$1 off Febreze Fabric refresher (exp 3/31)
$1 off Febreze Flameless Luminary refill (exp 3/31)
Free Febreze Flameless Luminary refill wyb starter kit, max $4.99 (exp 3/31)
$1 off Febreze Set & Refresh (exp 3/31)
Free Febreze Warmer wyb Noticeables refill, max $3.29 (exp 3/31)
$2 off Gillette bodywash (exp 3/31)
Free Gillette bodywash wyb deodorant, excl trial size (exp 3/31)
$4 off Gillette Fusion ProGlide manual or Power Fusion razor (exp 3/31)
$1 off Gillette Fusion Shave prep or ProGlide razor (exp 3/31)
$2 off Gillette ProSeries skin care (exp 3/31)
$5 off Gillette Venus ProSkin MoistureRich, Embrace, or Breeze refillable razor AND Venus cartridge (exp 3/31)
$1 off Head & Shoulders shampoo or conditioner, excl trial size (exp 3/31)
$1 off Metamucil product (exp 3/31)
Free Olay bar, body wash or in shower lotion wyb facial cleanser (exp 3/31)
$1 off Olay bar, body wash, in shower body lotion or hand & body lotion (exp 3/31)
Free Old Spice body wash wyb deodorant, equal or lesser value (exp 3/31)
$1/2 Old Spice product, 1.7 oz. + (exp 3/31)
$3 off Oral-B battery toothbrush (exp 3/31)
$1 off Oral-B CrossAction manual toothbrush (exp 3/31)
.75/1 Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage or (2) Indicator or Cavity defense brushes (exp 3/31)
.75/1 Oral-B Satin, Glide 25 m + or Glide floss picks 30 ct. + (exp 3/31)
.50/1 Oral-B Stages or Zooth, or Crest Kids manual or power toothbrush (exp 3/31)
.50/1 Oral-B Stages or Zooth, or Crest Kids toothpaste (exp 3/31)
$2 off Pampers diapers or pants (exp 3/31)
$2.50 off Pampers diapers or pants (exp 3/31)
.50/1 Pampers wipes, 60 ct. + (exp 3/31)
$1 off Pampers wipes, 60 ct. + (exp 3/31)
$1 off Pantene product, excl trial size (exp 3/31)
$3 off Prilosec product (exp 3/31)
.50/2 Puffs product (exp 3/31)
B1G1 Puffs product wyb Vicks product (exp 3/31)
$2 off Pur Pitcher or Faucet Mount multipk replacement filters or Refrigerator filters (exp 3/31)
$4 off Pur Reg or Flavor Options pitcher or faucet mount (exp 3/31)
.55/1 Satin Care shave gel or in shower moisturizer (exp 3/31)
$2 off Secret Clinical Strength deodorant (exp 3/31)
.50/1 Secret product (exp 3/31)
.50/1 Swiffer refill or Dust & Shine (exp 3/31)
Free Swiffer refill wyb starter kit (exp 3/31)
$5 off Swiffer Wet Jet starter kit (exp 3/31)
$2 off Tampax Pearl or Pearl Compak, 18 ct. + (exp 3/31)
$1 off Tampax product, 18 ct. + (exp 3/31)
.35/1 Tide detergent (exp 3/31)
Free Tide Stain Release 10 ct. duo pk., 20 oz. liquid, 14 oz. powder or 21 oz. pre-treat free wyb detergent 75 oz. +, max $3.99 (exp 3/31)
$3 off Tide Stain Release 26-50 oz. powder, 15-34 ct. duo pk. or 36-68 oz. liquid (exp 3/31)
$4 off Vicks Sinex product (exp 3/31)


To get the maximum value out of couponing:
-Don’t be brand loyal.
-Combine sales with coupons.
-When there is a sale, stock up!
-You probably shop at more than one grocery store.

Where to find coupons:
-Sunday Inserts
-Magazines
-Coupon Swap
-Inside of Product
-Call the 1-800 number on the package or use the contact us on their website and compliment them. Here are a couple of links related to this. http://www.couponforum.com/discuss-coupons-21420.html
- Purchase coupons http://www.ebay.com/  (about $1.50 for a 100 coupon potluck) http://www.thecouponclippers.com/  (minimum order of $4.00)
-Trade for coupons http://www.tradingmama.com/  http://www.couponforum.com/coupon-trading.html
http://www.mycoupons.com/boards/coupon-rebate-swap-crs/


-Internet Printed Coupons http://www.boodle.com/
http://www.smartsource.com/  http://www.coupons.com http://www.couponforum.com/printable-coupons.html

Reading a Coupon Barcode
Most coupon barcodes start with a 5 or a 9. If it starts with a 5, it will double even if the coupon says do not double. If it starts with a 9, it will not double.

Coupon Terminology
Blinkie – These are the machines that spit out coupons in the aisle at the grocery store.

Catalina – These are coupons that print at the register.

Tear pad – this is a pad of coupons that you see on the shelves in the grocery store. You tear the coupons off.

Stacking Coupons – You use one store coupon and one manufacturer’s coupon for the same product. This not allowed at all stores.

Rain Check – If the store is out of an item that is on sale that week, you can go to the customer service desk and ask for a raincheck. They will fill out a piece of paper that allows you to purchase the item at the sale price next week.

Seasonality of couponing.
Coupons and sales tend to run in 12 week cycles but there are certain times of the year that items are on sale.
January – Diet food
February - Chocolate
March – Frozen Food Month
April - Ham
Summer - Condiments
September – Box Drinks, Fruit snacks, cereal
October
November - Turkey
December – Baking Supplies

Other websites: http://www.taylortownpreview.com/   - gives you a preview of the coupon inserts before Sunday.

Other tips:
-Don’t be afraid to ask for substitution or rainchecks if they are out of an item.
-Be sure to figure out the cost per diaper or ounce to know when you are getting a good deal.

So purchase this sunday's paper and save !!!!!!!!!!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Kefir the key to great health!




I love Kefir.

Kefir contains several major strains of friendly bacteria not commonly found in yogurt, Lactobacillus Caucasus, Leuconostoc, Acetobacter species, and Streptococcus species.Users have found that it








 aids in digestion, treats irritable bowel syndrome, improves the immune system, boosts energy, clears acne, lowers blood sugar, and cures many other ailments. Kefir has also been applauded in its treatment of tinea versicolor as well as other candida related conditions. It can restore bacteria that has been lost due to antibiotic use and poor diet. Kefir, when ingested regularly and in conjuction with a low-sugar, well balanced, nutritious diet can, can not only remove the outward symptoms of tinea versicolor but it can alleviate the physical imbalances that cause it.

1.  It also contains beneficial yeasts, such as Saccharomyces kefir and Torula kefir, which dominate, control and eliminate destructive pathogenic yeasts in the body. They do so by penetrating the mucosal lining where unhealthy yeast and bacteria reside, forming a virtual SWAT team that housecleans and strengthens the intestines. Hence, the body becomes more efficient in resisting such pathogens as E. coli and intestinal parasites. Helps in reducing cholesterol

 2. Kefir’s active yeast and bacteria provide more nutritive value than yogurt by helping digest the foods that you eat and by keeping the colon environment clean and healthy. Because the curd size of kefir is smaller than yogurt, it is also easier to digest, which makes it a particularly excellent, nutritious food for babies, the elderly and people experiencing chronic fatigue and digestive disorders.
       
3. While both Kefir and yogurt are cultured milk products, they contain different types of beneficial bacteria. Yogurt contains transient beneficial bacteria that keep your digestive system clean and provide food for the friendly bacteria that already are present. Kefir actually helps to colonize your intestinal tract -- a feat that yogurt cannot match.
 Unlike yogurt, the lactose in Kefir is all digested by the time it is ingested, and some of the proteins have been broken down -- so even most individuals with sensitivities to milk can use it.***
    
 4. It prevents and treat yeast infections. Ladies it really works. Its been over 3 years and I have to say not 1 infection. Okay so might be asking what is yeast infection - itchy stuff u feel. It increases immunity during pregnancy and helps prevent infections such as yeast overgrowth.I took stonyfield yogurt and lifeway kefir thorughout my pregnancy and really believe it prevented me from testing positive in group b strep test taken later stage of pregnancies. Its a requirement for doctors to test if you have such bacteria and if tested positive, you will get antibiotics once get admitted to the hospital. It can be dangerous to give birth with no antibiotics if you test positive. Not only does kefir or organic yogurt treat it  but prevents such bacteria and yeast infections especially candida yeast.

  This is a post from national kefir association to back up what I just said.
"Working on the Labor and Delivery Unit at Prentice Women’s Hospital at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Alyson Lippman, RN, sees her fair share of patients with vaginal health issues. For pregnant women in particular, she says a bacterium called Group B Beta Strep, which lives naturally in the vagina and rectum, can cause trouble during a vaginal delivery. “There is potential for passing it to the baby, where it can be harmful and cause infection,” Lippman says. Standard protocol calls for all pregnant women to get tested at 36 weeks gestation; if there is an overgrowth, a woman will receive IV antibiotics during labor. As discussed throughout this article, antibiotics can make a woman prone to yeast infections. Lippman, a new mother herself, took acidophilus capsules throughout her pregnancy in an effort to help keep the Group B Beta Strep in check, reducing the need for IV antibiotics, but she says women can also drink kefir or yogurt (“ kefir is better because it contains more probiotics,” she says) to prevent a Strep overgrowth. (Of note: Lippman says many nurses in her labor and delivery unit drink kefir themselves!) Another pregnancy-related concern pointed out by Lippman: Yeast infections can occur on the breast and be passed back and forth between a mother and her nursing child. “If you’re regularly taking in probiotics, that would reduce your risk,” of acquiring an infection in the first place.."

For Pregnant women or those who become pregnant in the future:
How To Avoid Group B Strep and treating it before you deliver(if you test positive)
  • Eat lots of good yogurt throughout pregnancy
  • Try to avoid all antibiotics during pregnancy
  • Throughout pregnancy eat fermented foods (they are high in probiotics) like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, homemade sauerkraut, and tempeh, to name a few.
  • A week or two before the test, increase your probiotic intake.
  • Get another Group B Step test done 2 weeks later (week 37/38) you can do it as early as 8 days later if you are running out of time.
  • Continue treatment until labor starts or until water breaks – which ever happens first
  •  
  • A few drops 1-2 of  lavender essential oil  in warm water bath. Not only does the smell relax you but helps also.
  
Alternative Approach To Treating Group B Strep
“It’s well known that the percentage of babies who actually benefit from antibiotics is very small.  And, increasingly, the routine use of antibiotics during labor is causing problems with resistant GBS or resistant e. coli.
So, in this area, some OBs and pediatricians have a new approach; for cases of prolonged rupture of membranes, they’re only giving antibiotics if the mom runs a fever (100.4 or higher).  Otherwise, they just do a simple blood test on the baby (can be done from cord blood or a heelstick if they miss the cord blood opportunity) to check for C-reactive protein.  This is an indicator of an acute infection.  If it’s negative, everyone can be reassured that baby’s fine, even though mom didn’t get antibiotics; if it’s positive (for whatever reason!), then baby will be appropriately treated for an acute infection.  This has great potential for focusing the treatment where it is most needed and not exposing all the others to unnecessary side effects and increased risks from resistant bacteria.  HURRAY for progress!”   quoted from gentlebirth.org

  And besudes kefir avoid wearing tight pants, making sure air dry, avoid sugars and sweet stuff, balanced diet and maintaning good hygiene - being clean and if possible taking a bath/shower after sex.

6. Helps you lose weight.  kefir is a calcium powerhouse. One serving of dairy-loaded kefir provides 30% of your daily value of calcium and 28% of your daily value of protein (which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied).

7. Probiotics in breastmilk or formula helps with colic. So if you plan on breastfeeding take Kefir! Or buy a formula that contains probiotics. Within 7 days of treatment, 95% of infants treated with the probiotics had significantly improved symptoms compared to only 7% of infants in the simethicone group. Most importantly, there were no observed side effects with the probiotic administration, and the mother’s compliance to give the probiotics was good.
“Our data demonstrated that [probiotics] improved colicky symptoms within one week of treatment, and the safety profile of this probiotic makes it a valid alternative to all other therapeutic options in the treatment of infantile colic,” Dr. Savino.
   Available evidence suggests that there are multiple, independent causes of infantile colic, but it was recently reported that intestinal microbiota play an important role in the pathogenesis of the condition. Inadequate lactobacillus levels during the first few months of life may affect immune responses as well as the development of certain disorders, such as colic.
More research is needed to determine what specific probiotic strains are ideal for the
treatment of infantile colic. But the current research suggests that a safe alternative, such
as kefir probiotics, may help to quiet the tears of your loved one.

Along with using Kefir to treat Candida you also need to make sure you eat a diet that is balanced. It should be high in fiber, high in green leafy vegetables, low in starchy foods and you should be drinking lots of water to help flush out your body. Any grains you eat should be soaked before cooking and these will help the colon by adding fiber and moisture as well as helping to clear any mucus that can occur when using Kefir to treat Candida.Exercise will also strengthen the immune system and aid the battle against the yeast infection. 


Some attribute many different health benefits to Kefir that include;
  • Regulates the blood pressure, blood sugar and cures diabetes.
  • Improves the liver and gallbladder, regulates bile production, influences positively hepatitis.
  • Reduces anxiety, depression, increases energy and feeling of well being.
  • Heals various eczema, all skin disorders and leads to cure of acne.
  • Produces its own antibiotics, eliminates unfriendly bacteria, cures internal and external inflammations.
  • Produces own anti-cancer compounds, prevents metastasis, and leads to cure.
  • Has a positive influence on cholesterol, osteoporosis and rheumatism.
  • Heals colitis, diarrhea, catarrh, reflux, leaky gut syndrome, candidiasis and more.
  • Produces all necessary vitamins and beneficial bacteria needed for our healthy daily life.
  • Has a positive influence on the heart and blood, heals circulatory conditions.
  • Heals lactose intolerance and provides full digestibility of milk based products.
  • Heals the kidneys, the urinary tract and protects prostate.
  • Regulates the body’s immune system and improves resistance to diseases.
  • Re-balances the intestinal flora and stomach acid, heals duodenum and cures ulcers.
  • Slows the aging process, smooths and improves skin, hair and muscle tone.
  • Supports enzymes production and heals the pancreas.
  • Heals the lungs, bronchitis, tuberculosis, asthma, allergies and migraine.
  • Regulates metabolism, digestion and heals diseases of the colon.

Here are some of the known kefir health benefits:
  1. Strongest natural remedy against any allergy
  2. Strongest natural antibiotic without side effects
  3. Treats liver disease
  4. Treats gallbladder, dissolves gall bladder stones
  5. Clears the body of salts, heavy metals, radionuclides, and alcoholic products
  6. Cleans the body of chemical antibiotics
  7. Treats kidney stones
  8. Good bacteria in kefir are able to fight off pathogenic microorganisms
  9. Lowers level of LDL cholesterol
  10. Cleans the gastrointestinal tract
  11. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  12. Treats gastritis
  13. Treats pancreatitis
  14. Treats ulcers
  15. Prevents and treats colon cancer
  16. Improves digestion
  17. Improves the body functions
  18. Improves the human immune system
  19. Cures Candida
  20. Cures hypertension
  21. Stops growth of cancer cells
  22. Speeds up healing process
  23. Treats psoriasis
  24. Treats eczema
  25. Treats inflammatory diseases
  26. Reduces size of tumors
  27. Treats heart disease
  28. Reverses calcination of blood vessels
  29. Clears the blood vessels
  30. Boosts the bodies energy
  31. Natural “feel good” food
  32. Treats lung infections
  33. Normalizes metabolism thereby can be used as for weight loss
  34. Cures acne
  35. Has anti-oxidants and anti-aging properties
  36. Nourishes hair
  37. Treats the gum disease parodontosis
  38. Lessens effects of medicines
  39. Replenishes body of good bacteria after antibiotic
  40. Balances the microflora of the body’s digestive system
  41. Regulates blood pressure
  42. Lowers blood sugar
  43. Lowers blood lipid levels or cholesterol and fatty acids
  44. Treats diarrhea
  45. Treats constipation
  46. Promotes bowel movement
  47. Anti-stress properties
  48. Treats sleeping disorders
  49. Treats depression
  50. Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  51. Improves the brains neuro functions like reflexes, memory retention, attention, the five senses
  52. Reduces flatulence
  53. Lactic acid fermentation enhances the digestibility of milk based foods. People who cannot otherwise digest milk, can enjoy the vital calcium rich Kefir.
  54. Treats yeast infection
  55. Eliminates vaginal odors
  56. Cures wrinkles
  57. Treats arthritis
  58. Treats colitis
  59. Treats gout
  60. Cures migranes
  61. Treats rheumatism
  62. Treats other stomach disorders
  63. Detoxifies the body
  64. Improves protein quality of milk, and enhances absorption and digestion
  65. Good bacteria manufacture B vitamins such as B3, B6 and folic acid.
  66. Aids in treating tuberculosis
  67. Treats stomach cramps
  68. Treats chronic intestine infections
  69. Treats liver infections
  70. Treats asthma
  71. Treats bronchitis
  72. Treats sclerosis
  73. Treats anemia
  74. Treats hepatitis
  75. Healing effects on catarrh, digestive nodes, astral nodes, bilious complaints
  76. Treats leaky gut syndrome
  77. Prevents metastasis
  78. Cures bad morning breath

 
Okay people, Dannon light and fit Yogurt is not really yogurt!! It contains corn syrup and junk. And also activia is just mere shenenigan! It does have some acidolliphus and other bacteria but also junk. Your best bet would be drinking kefir or organic yogurt like Stonyfield. Please read the label, if it says corn syrup or junk don't purchase.


And highly recommend Lifeway Kefir. And if you are gluten free it is gluten free. Its sort of a dinkable yogurt but highly beneficial. Lifeway Kefir comes in so many varieties - apple, banana, berries, vanilla, pomegranate...Also availlable is plain real Kefir, low fat and organic.

Kefir is a cultured probiotic beverage similar in taste and texture to drinkable yogurt, and made from milk fermented with kefir cultures. Originating over 2000 years ago in the Caucasus Mountains-where many people live well over 100 years-kefir has been collecting a long list of health benefits. These include potential benefits such as:
•    Enhancing the immune system
•    Stimulating digestion
•    Easing lactose intolerance
•    Lowering cholesterol
•    Controlling the growth of harmful yeast overgrowth.


Lifeway Kefir has twelve - 12 different live and active cultures that help promote myriad health benefits. These cultures multiply in large numbers throughout the fermentation process, and increase what is known as the bacteria count. This bacteria count is measured in "CFU," which stands for colony forming unit and allows you to know how many good bacteria you are getting. Lifeway Kefir contains seven to ten billion CFU’s per serving, depending on certain factors such as the number of days from the expiration date.


For Lifeway's coupon $1 off - click here - http://lifeway.net/Store/UserAccount.aspx 

SMOOTHIE RECIPE
2 cups of plain kefir/ greek yogurt or organic plain yogurt or any type you prefer(KEFIR WOULD BE BEST!!!!)
1 banana
1/4 cup organic apple juice
1 cup frozen organic strawberries or any berry you love
1/2 - 1cup of spinach






















  • Blend spinach, orange juice and milk together first. I use the ‘liquify’ option on my blender.
  • Once the spinach has blended well, add all other ingredients and blend.
  • If using fresh fruit, you can add in some ice cubes for more of a frozen consistency
Blend in a blender and serve!


















You can purchase Kefir at whole foods, fresh market, trader joe's and any organic supermarket.
So sharing my few workouts besides belly dance, abs and here is one I love Zumba. Have fun and stay healthy with Kefir!