Skinny Coconut Oil

"Skinny Coconut Oil is the only coconut oil I would ever use and recommend to my patients to cook with. It's 100% raw and its purity is unmatched"    - Deborah Lance, RD, MPH

This stuff is amazing!  I love, love, love this brand of Coconut Oil. It has so many all beneficial and healing ingredients...while being really yummy.  Skinny Coconut Oil has done the work in creating a superior oil with the highest quality.  This morning I enjoyed trying some in my little concoction...here is the recipe if you want to try.  Please note that my recipe is probably going to taste quite different from most normal bread, but I really like it and think you may too.

Coconut Flour Mug Bread:

• 4T Coconut Flour
• 1T Skinny Coconut Oil
• 1-1t Nunaturals No Carbs Blend or dropper of Stevia
• 1/8t baking soda (just a sprinkle)
• water to create a smooth batter (important)
• optional additions: vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc.

Select a large enough mug to mix the ingredients in or use a mixing bowl and then pour it into a bowl or mug.

First, melt Skinny Coconut Oil in the mug and let it cool for a bit while you prepare the other ingredients.  Now, mix in the egg until well combined.  Add in the Water, Coconut Flour, Baking Soda, desired sweetener, and any additions you would like.

Be sure to add in enough water until the batter is very smooth, but not runny.  This is a step I tend to eyeball till I see the batter is the right consistency.

Bake in the microwave for 2-4 minutes (depending on microwave strength).  Enjoy warm!

Skinny Coconut Oil is such an excellent ingredient for baking, sauteing vegetables, adding to soups or smoothies, using as a skin moisturizer and even...oil pulling!  Haven't heard of oil pulling?  I hadn't either before...a month ago perhaps, but thanks to Skinny Coconut Oil I learned even more about how beneficial oil pulling is.  Maybe you'll learn something new too!

"Oil Pulling Guide

Daily Oil Pulling Guide
Before pulling consult your Dentist or Physician.
We recommend "pulling" first thing in the morning after waking up. Follow the steps below for better health and a cleaner mouth!

• Step 1: Upon rinsing, place one tablespoon of Skinny Coconut Oil into your mouth. While waiting for the oil to melt, start a timer for 20 minutes. 
• Step 2: After the oil melts, begin to swish in your mouth, without swallowing. Move it around your mouth, teeth, and gums as if it were mouthwash, but don't gargle. The oil will begin to get watery as it mixes with your saliva, but keep swishing. You may also notice that the oil mixture begins to thicken the longer you "pull"...this is a good thing. 
• Step 3: After the 20 minute timer ends, spit the oil mixture into the sink or toilet and flush it down the drain.
• Step 4: Rinse your mouth again with warm water, brush your teeth, and scrub your tongue. 
• Step 5: Enjoy all the benefits that come from oil pulling. 

For best results, oil pull daily for all the benefits!

We Want to See You Swish!
The next time you are coconut oil pulling, record a video of yourself on Instagram, Youtube, or Vine and tag it with #coconutoilpulling. We'll be watching and you'll be part of the Coconut Community on the #cocontoilpathway.
*Any statements or claims on this page and website have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, prevent, or cure any disease or illness."-skinnycoconutoil.com

Isn't that great!  I love having an alternative to the normal and unnatural swishing agent I used for years.  Now...I just need to replace my normal routine with Oil Pulling!  Don't forget to send your video with the tag #coconutpulling.

Here is a little more about this superb company:

"Skinny Coconut Oil is a smooth, sleek, skinny jar full of 100% raw, virgin, cold pressed coconut oil packed with vitamins and minerals that keep you healthy and happy. What makes us different? Our exclusive Nutralock System™.
At Skinny Coconut Oil, we believe happiness comes from good health and that healthy people change the world. Healthy people are more than physically fit; they are energized, inspired, engaged, and capable of incredible feats.
How can we change the world? By helping you, be you.
It is our mission to use our pure, wholesome coconut oil to cultivate a community of health-conscious individuals united by a passion to change the world. At Skinny Coconut Oil, we are building a community with a heart for others. A Coconut Community that channels their newfound energy into changing the world, from the simple act to international impact!
We want to fuel a healthier future, what about you? Buy Skinny Coconut Oil Here."-skinnycoconutoil.com

I love these beautiful jars.  Aren't they neat?!  I want to keep all my jars in my room as a decorations....hmmm, I'll have to take a picture after I decorate with them. Check back for updates!

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Be sure to check out Skinny Coconut Oil for more information.  Pick some up for yourself today!  I think you'll love this amazing "superfood".

Miss Paleo Mixes

                   www.misspaleomixes.com
What a treat it was to get to try these cookies, brownies and bread from Miss Paleo Mixes!  After a morning full of Cross Country practice and my first CrossFit practice, I came home to find a lovely package with the mixes inside, all ready for me to make.  I didn't waste much time making all three that very afternoon so the family could test them out after dinner (before dinner, as a snack, etc.)!

 I tried to get some good pictures of them, but I didn't have access to great lighting due to the fact that well...the sun was down and that is my favorite lighting...so this will do for now. : )

Check out these cookies.

One of my absolute favorite things to do after a nice hard workout is bake something for my family.  I love to listen to my favorite health podcasts while baking a new recipe or trying out a new product to review, just like these mixes.  I really appreciated how simple the directions and ingredients are for baking these mixes.  Did you notice that they are Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and completely Paleo-friendly?  Got to love it!

 To me, one of the most telling tests of taste and appeal is when even a gluten eater enjoys a product.  Sure, those of us who have been off the nasty stuff for a while love the taste of Miss Paleo products...but I always like to assess the appeal by offering the really good stuff to someone who's still eating the Standard American Diet.  Well, I made three batches of Miss Paleo's treats on Saturday afternoon.  By Sunday afternoon, all but one small part of the bread were gone (and that had been squirreled away by one who wanted some for breakfast in the morning.)  So that's a dozen brownies, 24 cookies, and a loaf of bread, all gone in 24 hours.  Also, the quality was just as fresh and delicious the second day as the first.

Miss Paleo Mixes currently offers three mixes to make either Brownies, Cookies, Bread, or Muffins.  Check out their website here at www.misspaleomixes.com.

My brother especially was already asking for me to make some more brownies the next day...was it even that night that he was asking for me to make more?!  He really seemed to like them. 

I like how these mixes are free of grains (which I personally can't handle very well at all), gluten (which many of us can't tolerate or chose to abstain from), and dairy. 

These mixes are such a great option for those looking to transition into a Gluten-free diet, Paleo diet/lifestyle, or for those who are looking for something to support them in a more health-conscious way of eating.  Try some today!  I think you'll be amazed that something with such simple ingredients can taste so good.

Here is a little more on Miss Paleo Mixes:

"Welcome to Miss Paleo!

Our Mixes are made completely without GRAIN or WHEAT and are sweetened with low glycemic coconut crystals!
We use no refined sugar, additives, chemicals or preservatives in our products. Just nutritious, delicious natural ingredients.
If you are Celiac or Gluten Free our Mixes are for you, however, EVERYONE loves Miss Paleo Mixes because they taste so good and and are so very good for you!

Check out our product lables for our ingredients and nutritional guides."-misspaleomixes.com

Nunaturals Stevia and Almond Butter Mug Bread

  This is one of my favorite recipes that I used to eat so often.  It is filled with all the great health benefits of almondbutter, eggs, and grassfed butter too(if you want to add it on top).

RElizabeth's Almond Butter Mug Bread

• 2T Almondbutter or your choice of nut butter
• 2 eggs
• desired amount of Nunaturals Vanilla Liquid Stevia
• 1/8-1/4t baking soda 
• Grass-fed butter to melt on top 

Mix all ingredients well in a mug or bowl and place in microwave till the "bread" has expanded and is no longer wet.  Enjoy with butter on top or eat it just like it is.

So these are not the greatest pictures, but they give you an idea of what this morning's Peanut Butter Mug Bread looked like. : )

Check out my Nunaturals page for more info. on this great Stevia brand!

Udo's

                                        Feels Great in the Gut!
                                                       http://udoerasmus.com

"Udo's Choice Products

... are a family of food blends offering individuals an ideal program for increasing energy levels, improving digestion, stimulating the immune system, and managing weight"-udoerasmus.com

These make my tummy feel better!  

  

It was recommended to me by my nutritionist to take Probiotics everyday to help reinoculate my G.I. tract with healthy bacteria.  She specifically recommended this brand of Super Bifido Bacteria, so I was so super happy to get to review this great product from Udo's.

Here is a little on how beneficial Probiotics are:

"Why Do We Need Probiotics?

Unfortunately, we also come into contact with disease-causing bacteria which are responsible for about half of all human disease. These include some yeasts (Candida and others), Salmonella, Listeria, Montezuma's Revenge, Amoeba, certain E-coli strains, Botulinum and, in places without sanitation, the deadly Typhus and Cholera.

Probiotics protect us from diseases caused by "unfriendly" organisms by:

• Out-populating and inhibiting the growth of "unfriendly" microorganisms;
• Replacing "good" bacteria killed by taking antibiotics (antibiotics kill "bad" bacteria as well as the "good" ones) or cooking foods; and
• Manufacturing chemicals absorbed into the body that the immune system uses to control the "bad" microorganisms.

Any action taken to kill "bad" bacteria essentially kills "good" bacteria as well. For example, cooking foods, taking antibiotics, or using mouthwash will also destroy the organisms meant to protect us. Replacing them is accomplished easily with quality probiotic supplements.

In addition to protecting us from "unfriendly" microorganisms, probiotics help with the following:

• Enhance the immune system's ability to fight infections throughout our tissues;
• Provide a main source of Vitamin K;
• Lower cholesterol by metabolizing it;
• Control bowel toxicity and decrease the risk of bowel cancer; and
• Reduce gas production by non-disease-producing microorganisms."-udoeramus.com

This is just a bit of the great information they have on why probiotics are so good for you.  I personally take a Probiotic every morning and have found it really helpful in supporting my G.I. tract and even...possibly in my moods.  I believe everything in our bodies is connected very intricately so it wouldn't surprise me if Probiotics have this added benefit.

Probiotics are not the only products offered by Udo's.  They also have a full line of Greens, Oil Blend, QH plus, Digestive Enzyme, Fast Food Blend, Pytonutrients, BIJA chocolate, and Pet essentials.  Whew, they offer a lot of great stuff!

"For bowel health 16 years and up:

10 bacterial strains, formulated for lower bowel health and to help correct chronic lower bowel conditions

• Inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and viruses that can cause diarrhea • Remedies chronic constipation • Helps to relieve and prevent intestinal inflammation • Enhances the functioning of the immune system • Helps reduce the incidence of lactose sensitivity • 70 billion viable/active cells per capsule

NEW! PROBIOTICS PDF FILE AVAILABLE to download!

To locate Udo’s Choice™ Products in your area, Click Here for FLORA's World-wide STORE-FINDER!

MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:

Each vegetarian capsule contains: 70 billion viable cells at time of manufacture (48.6 billion guaranteed until expiry).
Bifidobacterium bifidum:  15%
Bifidobacterium breve:  35%
Bifidobacterium longum:  10%
Lactobacillus acidophilus:  5%
Lactobacillus brevis:  2%
Lactobacillus bulgaricus:  1%
Lactobacillus casei:  11%
Lactobacillus plantarum:  6%
Lactobacillus rhamnosus:  10%
Lactococcus lactis:  5% NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS:
Microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, ascorbic acid. May contain traces of: milk powder, whey and soy lecithin. 

SUGGESTED USE

Recommended adult dose: To restore healthy intestinal flora, consume three capsules per day on a full stomach. To maintain healthy intestinal flora, consume one capsule per day on a full stomach.

Storage: Probiotics may be frozen. Refrigeration ensures maximum potency and stability however they can be left unrefrigerated for short periods of time, making it convenient for travel."-udoeramus.com

I feel even more sure that these Probiotics are actually live, and therefore more potent, because of the need for the bottles to be refrigerated.  Maybe others have found they like other products that are "self-stable", but for me, this is the only product that I would recommend for optimal health.

They even have blends of Probiotics for kids and seniors.

 "Udo's Choice Oil Blend is a carefully blended mix of the finest
Omega 3, 6 and 9 varieties of Essential Fatty Acid sources.

This premium-quality product has a pleasant light nutty flavor and is easily mixed with health shakes, protein drinks, or, added as a topping to salads and vegetables!"-udoeramus.com

I so appreciate when companies provide the more scientific view of why their product is so good.  They have a ton of more information on their site, but here is some of why Essential Fats are so healthy for us:

"Why do we need Essential Fats?

Just as a member of a large family has many roles, essential fats serve many functions in the complex workings of the human body. Taken in the right amounts and ratios, and taken from the right sources, essential fats help establish and maintain health as follows . . .

Increase energy, performance, and stamina. EFAs enhance thermogenesis, help build muscle, prevent muscle break down, and speed recovery from fatigue;

Strengthen the immune system. EFAs make hormone-like eicosanoids that regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects and can slow autoimmune damage;

Lower most risk factors for cardiovascular disease. EFAs (especially n3s) lower abnormally high levels of blood pressure, triglycerides, Lp(a), fibrinogen, tendency to clot formation, and inflammation;

Improve brain function: mood, intelligence , behavior, and vision. Our brain is over 60% fat. EFAs are important components of the entire nervous system. They are necessary to make the neurotransmitter serotonin. Depression and other brain diseases show decreased levels of omega-3;

Aid in weight reduction. EFAs help keep mood and energy up and suppress appetite, thereby aiding in weight loss. More recently, they have been found to block the genes that produce fat in the body (saturated and Trans Fat do not have this same effect) and increase thermogenesis;

Regulate organs and glands. Liver and kidneys, adrenal and thyroid glands, and the production of male and female hormones need EFAs;

Speed recovery and healing. EFAs are necessary for cell growth and division. They form all cell membranes and regulate vital cell activity;

Support healthy child development. For nervous system development, a growing fetus needs optimum EFAs from the mother's body. Mothers become depleted of EFAs during pregnancy, and need optimal EFA intake for their health and their children's optimum development;

Improve digestion. Poorly digested foods tie up the immune system and can cause gut inflammation, leaky gut, and allergies. Omega-3s improve gut integrity, and decrease inflammation and "leaky gut";

Decrease infection. EFAs have anti-fungal, anti-yeast, and anti-microbial properties, helping to protect against infections;

Keep bones strong. EFAs aid in the transport of minerals that keep bones and teeth strong, helping to prevent osteoporosis;

Protect genetic material. EFAs regulate gene expression, and omega-3s inhibit tumor growth;

Ease PMS. Studies indicate that omega-6 (GLA) intake was voted, by women, among the top three most effective PMS treatments. Omega-3s may be even more effective;

Produce beautiful skin, hair, and nails. Some of the first signs of EFA deficiency are dry, flaky skin, dull hair, and brittle nails. omega-3s can help skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Also, GLA (omega-6 derivative) administration is useful for some patients with atopic eczema.

Essential fats are easily damaged by light, air, heat, metals, water, and time."-udoeramus.com

 

wholeme

                                a grain-free food company
              www.wholeme.com              
I was so excited to find this amazing resource for grain-free treats and snacks!  With no grain, gluten, dairy, processed sugar, or preservatives, these great products make healthy eating easier.

Have you ever been just about to run out the door, realize you may miss a meal while you're gone and wonder what you should take to eat?  Maybe you are planning a long-car ride with kids and need something that won't require baking in the kitchen for hours.  Or perhaps you are a college student that struggles to find good options at the cafeteria?  Well, these bars (and cereal) are perfect for you! 

Great for on-the-go kids and families, busy moms who barely have a moment to stop and think, working wives or husbands in the corporate world, the teen trying to not to miss the bus to school, or the working individual with many commitments.  

Quick and easy to grab, each flavor is jab-packed with good ingredients to fuel your body.

"The original WholeMe bar.  Delicious, baked bar full of pecans, dates for natural sweetness, and a hint of vanilla.  Grain and processed sugar free, a great snack for any time of day or night."-wholeme.com

My mom enjoyed testing this cereal. She mentioned that it was more soft than other granola she is used to, but she still liked it a lot.