Kefir has a very vivid history of origin and an aura of a wonderful product. It is not surprising that in the collective consciousness other qualities are mixed with the right healing properties: for example, fast and painless weight loss without negative consequences. We discover what kefir is really good for and study the kefir diet from all sides in search of advantages and disadvantages.
History of kefir
Just imagine: in the glass of kefir you drink today there is a trace of a drink that was drunk several hundred years ago.
Kefir was made from cow's milk that got "fungi" from streptococci and sticks, acetic acid and yeast bacteria. Most likely, according to researchers, this mushroom originated in kumis, a mare's milk drink, and entered cow's milk when the Caucasian tribes changed their nomadic lifestyle to sedentary and began farming. Scientists have not yet managed to artificially remove kefir fungi, new portions of starter culture are obtained by reproducing existing fungi.
Now kefir is drunk everywhere, from Kazakhstan to Australia, but specific bacteria in the basis of the modern product can be traced to a certain place, the Elbrus region. People living on the northern slope of the Caucasus Reef considered kefir a gift from Allah himself, so the drink was surrounded by special rituals and superstitions.
For example, it was forbidden to sell kefir mushrooms, it was believed that it would take away their healing power. But they can be stolen - with the tacit permission of the owner.
Another ritual: the highlanders poured milk with kefir mushrooms into a leather bag and put it in the sun, next to the path to the house. Passers-by could show respect to the owner by kicking the bellows - the shaking made the fermentation process more intense.
The first official message about the benefits of kefir was given by Dr. Yogin from Tiflis in 1867. But the production of drinks at that time was still a carefully guarded secret of the Highlanders. The situation has changed thanks to an employee of a well-known large dairy company. On assignment, she visited the estate of wealthy Karachay and received - for the first time in history - 10 pounds of kefir fungal "grains" either as a gift or as legal compensation for unsuccessful courtship. So kefir finally began to be produced industrially.
Benefits of kefir
Already at the end of the 19th century, doctors launched a real big campaign to promote the benefits of kefir, the repercussions of which still affect us today. The legendary Nobel Prize-winning scientist has spent his entire life studying the benefits of fermented dairy products and live probiotic microorganisms.
Further research confirmed his speculations. Kefir has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora and metabolism in general, preventing the development of pathogenic flora. It also has an immunostimulating, calming and mild diuretic effect, ie it frees the body from excess fluid.
Kefir surpasses yogurt in the content of vitamins A, D, K, E, contains useful organic and amino acids, enzymes and important trace elements - iron, iodine, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc - in quantities that a person needs.
The older the kefir, the more sour the taste and the more ethyl alcohol. In any case, there is not much of it: by the end of the shelf life, a maximum of 1 degree of strength, it is safe to sit behind the wheel even after a whole bottle of kefir. But children should still be fed fresh one-day kefir.
For people with lactose intolerance, kefir helps to absorb this carbohydrate normally. Kefir contains few calories and a lot of moisture, so it helps maintain water balance and at the same time brings a feeling of satiety. Not surprisingly, the product became the basis of an entire galaxy of diets.
The essence of kefir diet
Kefir is nutritious and light, improves the work of the digestive tract and helps to lose weight quickly, dramatically reducing the amount of calories consumed and removing excess fluid. Many believe that the kefir diet is a mono-diet, ie a diet made from one product, but this is the most radical option: it is allowed to eat only kefir without harm to health for a maximum of 24 hours. Much more often, kefir is combined for 3, 7 or 9 days with other low-calorie foods. Especially popular are kefir-buckwheat diet, kefir-banana diet, kefir-cottage cheese diet and cucumber-kefir diet.
Kefir, by the way, was celebrated by the famous kefir diet of the popular singer: history is silent about whether it was used by a really famous singer, at some point in her career she really lost weight. The star diet menu includes, of course, kefir, as well as low-fat cottage cheese, chicken breast, fruit and potatoes.
Kefir diet for weight loss is certainly appropriate. But it severely limits the supply of nutrients, is based on hunger and puts the body in a state of serious stress. Is the result worth it? Here's how they write about the kefir diet on the net:
- "Minus 12 kg in 3 weeks. I lost weight, but I'll never do it again !!! I thought I was going to starve. "
- "Kefir diet is effective if you follow it properly. But without physical exertion there will be no effect. You should at least do some exercise. Try to drink only kefir for 1 day. If you do not feel well, it is better to stop. . . "
- "A week without food. Generally. One kefir and water. The consequences have come. Perhaps the hardest of all the diets I've tried. "
General rules for kefir diet
- Kefir is the main product of the diet. It is necessary to drink about 1, 5 liters per day. The rest are low-calorie low-fat carbohydrates and proteins: meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and cottage cheese.
- You must eat in small portions, at least five times a day.
- Between main meals, you can drink kefir as a snack.
- Despite the fact that kefir quenches thirst well, it is necessary to drink at least 1. 5 liters of water a day.
- All flours, fatty, heavy, fried and spicy foods are excluded. Sugar and salt are kept to a minimum (or would be better off altogether).
- Getting out of the kefir diet must be done carefully and smoothly: going to a party or eating pizza is not the best idea if you want to keep the results.
How to choose the right kefir
Choose fresh kefir - no more than 2-3 days from the date of production - low fat. Completely low-fat foods are not the best choice because the body needs fats.
The composition should contain "kefir yeast" from mushrooms, yeast and fermented milk cultures. Do not buy kefir or fermented milk drinks.
Protein in proper kefir is not less than 3% - it is necessary not to lose too much muscle mass by losing weight.
Note: we do not need additives, dyes, sugars, palm oil and milk powder. Farm kefir is ideal.
The shelf life of natural kefir is 7-10 days from the date of production. If a longer period is indicated on the label, it probably contains preservatives. Do not buy kefir that has spoiled before: it is divided into whey and flakes, becomes yellowish and has a bitter taste and sour aroma. Unscrupulous manufacturers can try to cover up the damage with an opaque bottle or packaging.
How to replace kefir in the diet?
If for some reason kefir is not available to you or the taste does not suit it at all, you can try alternatives:
- Yogurt without additives.Choose the product carefully, because of the taste and thickness, starch and sugar are often added to it.
- Other low-fat fermented milk products- for example, fermented baked milk, tan or ajran.
- Sour milk.It’s easy to make at home: just leave the milk in an enameled bowl at room temperature for a day.
Table of approved products
| Yes | That is forbidden |
|---|---|
|
|
Kefir diet 3 days
If we reject the mono-diet on kefir, the most difficult option for the body, the kefir diet lasting 3 days will be the strongest in terms of its effect on the body. If the time is short, it will help you quickly gain weight and shock.
The general principle is one: about 1. 5 liters of kefir per day for 5-6 doses. In addition, other low-calorie foods are acceptable. The most popular options are buckwheat, cottage cheese, apples, vegetables. You can exchange kefir with only one product - apples, for example. But it is better to make your food, even on a diet, as varied and interesting as possible.
For example, the kefir diet menu may be as follows:
Day 1
- breakfast:oatmeal, tea with honey.
- dinner:goulash, vegetable soup.
- dinner:lettuce.
- snacks:kefir.
Day 2
- breakfast:boiled egg, rosehip soup.
- dinner:salad, vegetable soup.
- dinner:vegetable salad, tea.
- snacks:kefir.
Day 3
- breakfast:cottage cheese casserole, tea.
- dinner:boiled fish, salad.
- dinner:buckwheat porridge, chamomile tea.
- snacks:kefir.
Kefir diet 7 days
Kefir diet in a week allows you to achieve impressive results: minus 7-10 kg. Since the time is longer, it is important to eat as varied as possible.
In one of the diet options, you should combine kefir with only one low-calorie product every day, for example, apples, but you can easily extend the three-day diet scheme for a week, eating according to the "porridge" scheme. for breakfast, protein and vegetables for lunch and dinner, kefir in between ".
Example menu:
- Day 1:Divide into 5 portions about 200-250 g of cooked lean meat and 1, 5 liters of kefir.
- Day 2:5 large apples and 1, 5 liters of kefir per day.
- Day 3:300 g of cottage cheese 3-5% fat and 1, 5 liters of kefir.
- Day 4:250 g of white fish steamed and 1, 5 liters of kefir.
- Day 5:500 g of cucumber and tomato salad and 1. 5 liters of kefir.
- Day 6:250 g of chicken fillet and 1. 5 liters of kefir.
- Day 7:2 liters of kefir and prunes to taste.
Kefir diet 9 days
Option for the most persistent. Eating only meat or cottage cheese every day is boring, but in order not to cook something new every day, take the 3-day menu as a basis and change it. For example, like this:
Day 1, 4, 7
- breakfast:oatmeal, egg, tea with honey.
- dinner:goulash, lettuce.
- dinner:vegetables, dried fruits.
- snacks:kefir, apples.
Day 2, 5, 8
- breakfast: toast and rosehip soup.
- dinner:cooked fish with vegetables.
- dinner:apple, a slice of low-fat cheese.
- snacks:kefir, cottage cheese.
Day 3, 6, 9
- breakfast:steamed omelet, green tea.
- dinner:chicken soup, salad, slice of black bread.
- dinner:steamed fish, buckwheat porridge.
- snacks:kefir.
Recipe: Kefir with cinnamon and ginger
Most of all, as a rule, those who lose kefir do not have enough sweets. A simple recipe will help: add cinnamon and ginger to kefir. Ginger has the properties of heating and burning fat, while the smell and taste of cinnamon are pleasantly sweet. You can drink the finished mixture in the morning, for liveliness, at night, to start the process of eliminating errors in the work of the digestive tract, or you can take it with you on the road.
Ingredients:
- kefir 500 ml
- ground ginger 1 tsp
- ground cinnamon 1 tsp
- Other spices: cloves, pepper.
Mix kefir with spices with a whisk or blender and pour into small bottles. The drink must be drunk on the same day. Be careful with peppers and other spices of bright colors if you have a sensitive stomach or have damage to the intestinal mucosa.
How to properly stop kefir diet
Nutritionists warn: kefir diet is suitable for absolutely healthy people without problems with the gastrointestinal tract and the slightest signs of eating disorders.
Even they can experience unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain and will almost inevitably regain the weight they have already lost, as is the case with any high-pressure diet that is effective in the short term.
So that the weight does not return immediately, leave the diet smooth. Continue to eat fractionally and limit your total calorie intake to 1000-1500 kcal for at least a week. Continue to drink at least 1. 5 liters of water a day and avoid starchy foods, heavy and fatty foods for at least 2 weeks. The basis of the diet is better to make light soups, vegetable salads, cereals and cooked meat. Introduce other products gradually, one product every 2-3 days.
Why kefir diet is bad
Any diet that severely limits dietary diversity simply cannot be beneficial in the long run. Kefir diet for every day is definitely not appropriate. There are three categories of people to whom this can do more harm than good.
- People with disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lactose intolerance. Kefir can cause diarrhea and dehydration, abdominal pain and bloating. Ethyl alcohol in the composition is also harmful to the intestinal mucosa.
- Children, pregnant and lactating women. A variety of foods is vital to them. Depriving the body of fats and carbohydrates, even for a few days, means inhibiting development and growth.
- People with eating disorders. Let's be honest, few people are thrilled with the taste of kefir without additives. You will have to literally force yourself to drink it. If this continues for more than a few days, the probability of failure increases exponentially.
Benefits of kefir diet
Simplicity, efficiency, lots of fluids. Potential benefits for the gastrointestinal tract and microflora. A large amount of calcium has a beneficial effect on the condition of bones, nails and teeth.
Disadvantages of kefir diet
Stress for the body due to lack of nutrition, lack of vitamins and taste. Possible indigestion, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, stomach discomfort. Increased acidity of the product can worsen the condition of people with gout, rheumatism and increased acidity of gastric juice.