I am CoCo-nutty for Coconut! - 5 Ways to Sneak it into your diet!

Are you Coco-nutty for Coconut?

5 Easy Ways to sneak the Amazing Coconut into your diet!

Previous to the last few months, I thought that the only great things that came from coconuts were pina coladas!....O how the times change. As my family started on our healthier- more organic- eating journey, I found that  the coconut was actually responsible for many items that are now staples in my kitchen and easily found in its organic form. Just taking a quick inventory of my kitchen...I see coconut milk, coconut oil, yogurt made from coconut milk, and even some ice cream. Once thought to be a "bad fat", it is now said to relieves stress, promote increased immunity, boost metabolism and weight loss, and even to fight viruses.There is even some evidence that it may help with blood pressure, diseases, and Alzheimer's.

Coconuts are an excellent source of nutrition and have a healthy meat, juice and oil. The oil is definitely the most nutritious of the three and has many health benefits. Coconut oil is over 90% saturated fat and has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Coconut oil is said to:

1. Lower Cholesterol-Coconut oil contains a saturated fat called lauric acid. Lauric acid is said to increase the amount of  good HDL cholesterol in the blood to help improve your cholesterol ratio levels. (This is even according to Dr. Oz...)

2. Boost Metabolism and Weight Loss -When coconut oil's special healthy fats break down in the liver, they help to increase the efficient burning of energy and an increased metabolism. Again, the famous Dr. Oz did a study and said that women who ate 2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks were able to shed some pesky abdominal fat! It is even reported that coconut oil will also help with thyroid issues and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

3. Fight Aging - Some people make everything from coconut oil! They make beauty masks, hair are items and even saving cream from it! It s a fantastic non-greasy moisturizer and is said to help fight wrinkles by applying it to skin. It is also an excellent moisturizer for sun burned skin!

Okay--- so now you are wondering how you are going to sneak it into your diet? If you are like me, you already have enough drinks, supplements, and LIFE going on to remember to take your daily coconut....So sneak them into the things you are already doing!

Here are 5 ways to sneak the super-healthy coconut into your diet!

Try Coconut Water!

1. Cooking Oil: This is honestly my new favorite oil. It comes in a solid state but when warmed becomes an oil. It is great for lightly pan frying foods and I even use it in baking!
2. In Smoothies: Add coconut oil or coconut milk to your Green Smoothie or Fruit Smoothie to make it creamy and to pack in all of the health benefits of the coconut! Check out the Green Smoothie Challenge!
3. Homemade Mayo: Making your own mayo is easier than you thought! Use this easy recipe and  Instead of using all olive oil, split it half olive oil/half coconut oil. This homemade mayo is made with only 5 ingredients and gives you NONE of the added chemicals found in store bought mayo! Actually - it will be GOOD for you!
4. In Coffee or Hot Tea: Putting the coconut oil in your beverage may take a little getting used to because it is a little oily but it serves the purpose and provides you an easy way to get your coconut oil in! This will also leave your lips feeling super soft! You can also opt for coconut milk which will provide tons of vitamins, minerals, and be easier to drink!
5. Swap out your water!: Swap out one glass of water a day for the sweet taste of coconut water. cocnut water is actually the "juice" of the coconut and is very easy to drink! Coconut water is also said to be a potent treatment for diarrhea. It is used because the water's natural electrolytes and minerals work to quickly re-hydrate patients. If you experience a lot of  bladder or kidney infections, coconut water can flush out these organs and detoxify and purify the entire urinary system!

Stay tuned for Part 2 where I will list out the MANY beauty benefits of the coconut and the ways to use it in an easy beauty routine!

Once misunderstood, this fruit is now being hailed for its health benefits and organic properties. Why not get coco-nutty with me?!?

Shared at http://www.thismindbeinyou.com/2013/05/farm-girl-blog-fest-31.html 

I do SHOTS for Breakfast

Apple Cider Vinegar 

Breakfast "SHOT"!

My husband and I both work remotely from home so when I suggested that we do shots for breakfast...his vote was a THUMBS UP! I had to further explain that I didn't mean tequila...I meant Apple Cider Vinegar...still, he was in! When I told him that it was endorsed by Fergie (of the Black Eyed Peas)....well, we will leave that out!

Raw Apple Cider vinegar has has a long history in "fad" dieting. The apple cider vinegar first made its appearance in the 1950s when it was said to remove cholesterol from the body, promote weight loss, as well as cure many other ailments simply by taking a few teaspoons before eating. It has long topped the list of "weirdest diets" and since there is no caloric restriction or "plan"....it is certainly a "fad" diet - but lets face it.....its not the weidest thing that I have done to loose weight!

Believe it or not, Raw Apple Cider Vinegar has beneficial components that can  make us feel better, look better, and feel energized.

• Potassium – assists in preventing brittle teeth, hair loss and nasal congestion.
• Pectin – can help to stabilize blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol.
• Malic Acid – helps to fight viruses, bacteria, and fungus.
• Calcium – supports strong bones and teeth.
• Acetic Acid – This is very important for the weight loss factor. This acid is shown to slow the digestion of starchy foods which can help to lower the spike in glucose that happens after meals.

To get the full benefits, you need to get the Organic RAW Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar or one of the Apple Cider Vinegar supplements. These contain the “mother of vinegar” - the things that make it most beneficial. The “mother” is made up of living nutrients and bacteria. You can actually see it settled in the bottom on the bottle. yuck..and yeah!?!?

Here are 8 Reasons to Add Raw Apple Cider Vinegar to your Daily Routine:

1.ACV Fights Exhaustion - The amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar are said to fight the body's natural lactic acid buildup that can lead to exhaustion and fatigue.

2. ACV Contains acetic acid- This acid is said to slow the digestion of starch which can help to lower the spike in glucose that commonly happens after meals.

3. ACV contains malic acid which gives ACV its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

4. ACV is said to help improve bowel irregularity and helps to remove toxins from the body  more quickly..

5. Studies have found that ACV may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.

6. ACV has been used on skin to fight acne for years but it is also reported that drinking it will clear and improve skin's appearance as well!

7. Apple Cider Vinegar assists in breaking down fats so that your body can use them instead of storing them.

8.  ACV is said to fight leg cramps and joint stiffness.

Those were just 8 of the reasons! It is also shown to whiten teeth, sooth sore throats, fight nasal congestion, indigestion, and has tons of other "all-natural"  health remedy benefits!!

How to take your Raw ACV:

This is entirely up to you and how you best handle the ACV! I took a shot the first day and decided to dilute mine a bit....hey, tequila was rough at first too but I got used to it!

Here is my morning recipe:

• 1 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of Raw ACV
• 1 Lemon

• If you are feeling froggy...you can add in some red pepper flakes which are supposed to raise your metabolism! 
•  Add some honey if you need the sweetener!

So....just this one time, I am putting my faith in Fergie! I am only 3 days in but so far I can personally attest to a few of the claims (I won't share which ones!)!

BOTTOMS UP!

Green Smoothie Challenge

The "Green" Smoothie Challenge

Normally, when I start a sentence with..."Hey, I was thinking we should..." or even worse, "Hey, one of my blogger buddies said..." my husband rolls his eyes and sighs before he even starts to listen. This time was not like normal. We had already been discussing adding green smoothies to our morning routine when I found out about Heart Shaped Sweat's Green Smoothie Challenge, so the timing was perfect and there were no excuses not to step up to the plate.

The challenge was very simple, add 1 "Green" Smoothie to your daily plan for an entire week. I am certain that half of you just said...."eeeeewwww Gross" but let me be the first to say that a Green Smoothie can taste AWESOME and is a great way to start your morning!


So, what is a  "Green Smoothie" anyway? A green smoothie is basically any smoothie that has veggies (green or otherwise) added! It is a great way to start your day with loads of veggies AND some much needed fiber to keep you feeling full until lunch time. Dark Green Leafy Veggies are loaded withe vitamins and who couldn't use some more of those?

Some popular add ins are:

• Spinach (personal favorite)

• Kale
• Wheatgrass
• Carrot
• Collard Greens
• Spirulina

This morning, we made a pretty simple smoothie that tasted really good! The key is to make the smoothie anyway that you like it. The challenge will be easier to stick to if you like the ingredients! So experiment with your favorite smoothie ingredients and make smoothies that you can drink every morning! Even the kids at our house are digging the smoothie challenge and have no idea that there is spinach hiding in their drink!

Today's Smoothie:

• Strawberries
• Organic Yogurt
• Spinach
• Protein Powder (not necessary)
• Honey (not a lot!:)
• Banana

Directions: Toss the yogurt in the blender first then add your ingredients and blend until it is smooth-ie!

Fore more details on Green Smoothies and some amazing recipes: Check out Katherine at the Real Food Runner and of course Heart Shaped Sweat!