Coconut In All Its Forms...And Its Benefits

Every time you turn around there is another touted benefit of coconut oil.  Claims from curing Alzheimer's, lowering HDL, to weight loss.  Some studies have shown a possible link between the first two claims...although, coconut oil can also raise LDL so there is a trade off.  For this article I am going to focus on the latter claim, coconut oil and weight loss.  Of course,  like with many claims, more studies need to be done BUT some preliminary studies (as stated in an article on WebMD) show that coconut oil may help reduce waist size.  Which is a good thing since that is a predominant complaint and issue of most Americans.  After researching the topic and the results of several small studies, my opinion is that coconut oil does not help you lose weight in general but there is a connection between regular coconut oil consumption and smaller waist circumference.  Science is so careful to never officially claim something as absolute truth but it is enough for me to be encouraged and continue using coconut oil.  I could bore you with the long explanation as to why coconut oil consumption is associated with smaller waist size but I won't.  Instead I will just say coconut oil is a MCT (medium chain triglyceride) that contains predominantly lauric acid (a saturated fat), no cholesterol, 117kcals and 13g/fat per Tablespoon.  Medium chain triglycerides are thought to encourage thermogenesis or increase metabolism.  Okay, so I probably did just bore you but I hate not backing up the 'why' I say something.  The bottom line, for me, is that besides tasting delicious in all forms (coconut milk, coconut water, shredded coconut, etc.)  coconut oil is a powerful antioxidant and great for the skin, hair, and body as a whole.  I eat, drink, and use coconut in many forms as well as use coconut oil in cooking, baking, and even my shakes.  You have to decide what you believe and as with everything, moderation is key.  But for me...it is a daily staple in my house. Not to mention my go-to scent in candles and perfume! ;)

XO  Joy

If you have any question or comments about this topic please comment! Or if you have any great recipes please share them! :)

Awareness

This is what instantly makes me centered and catapults me into awareness.  The beach is my sanctuary, my re-charging place, and my space where I feel closest to myself and God.  What is your place?

Awareness.  Without it you create drama and cannot appreciate all that is in your life. All that is right in front of you this very moment.  Each blessing.  Awareness is the root of everything and the beginning of consciousness.  Be conscious in the moment and perceive life around you. That is awareness.

XO  Joy

What do YOU want to talk about?

  I'm not a fan of taking pictures but I know sometimes it's nice to 'see' who's behind all the writing

I am so passionate about nutrition and health that sometimes I can get on my soapbox for a while.  I write when I'm inspired or if there's a topic that I find interesting.  But what do you find interesting? What questions do you have about nutrition, exercise, or health? I'm taking requests for post topics and I will respond to all comments and ideas!  Thank you for reading my blog and joining me in this journey to health!

XO  Joy

Get Out Of Your Way

Are you going to see it? 

Sometimes we force things.  We don't mean to.  We think we're being proactive, a "go getter", responsible, or even helpful.  And many times we are!  But sometimes we are forcing something that isn't meant to be.  It could be anything...a relationship, job, any opportunity.  We get so stuck in our minds and busy lives we become on autopilot.  We're so busy "making things happen" that we forget to 'ALLOW THINGS TO HAPPEN'.  We have to allow the Universe to do its thing.  It's okay for us to set an intention, put an action out there...but then we have to get out of the way and let what is meant to happen...happen.  Not force something.  If we stay in our heads and live in the place of "making things happen", we don't see what may have been set right in front of us.  We discount or don't even notice blessings and opportunities that come our way because we didn't have a hand in them.  It wasn't our vision.  And those kind of opportunities are usually far greater and far more successful than anything we could ever dream of or create ourselves.  

We need to slow down, breathe, stay present in each moment, and just be.  That way, we don't miss out on subtle yet amazing opportunities that are put in our path.  Of course it's okay to hustle, work hard, and strive towards goals.  That is essential.  But I'm saying don't lose sight of each moment, move out of your own way, so that way you can see the opportunities that are being placed in front of you.  How do we get out of our own way?  By staying grounded.  And how do you stay grounded? Check in with yourself everyday through meditation or quiet time and be present in each moment (not thinking of tonight while working on something in front of you--say like while reading this ;) ).  I know that's easier said than done but that doesn't make it any less critical.

So, do your thing (work hard, have goals and work towards them) but then be present, breathe, and take time each day to be with yourself, quietly (even if it's for 3 minutes!).  This is the only way being fully present in each moment.

XO   Joy

When's your danger zone?

My healthy sweet tooth craving

This sign is above my kitchen window ;)

So my danger zone time for snacking is 8:00 pm.  My favorite go-to is a bowl of cereal. Although I do allow myself that once in a while, I usually go for a bowl of berries with a little bit of whipped cream and a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips. I swear it works for a sweet tooth at night. The berries are sweet plus the whipped cream and mini chocolate chips make you feel like you're having dessert and not being deprived. BUT...you have to use it in moderation.  I use roughly 2 tablespoons of whipped cream, 1 T of mini chocolate chips, and a cup of berries. That's roughly 60-80 calories, a serving of fruit, and a ton of cancer-fighting, anti-inflammatory antioxidants! Love it! Next time you have an evening sweet tooth try it! But the trick is to set yourself up for success by having it stocked in your kitchen before you get the craving ;)

XO  Joy

Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, gluten allergy...what does it all mean?

Beware of gluten...or not?

Ten years ago if you asked someone what gluten was they would probably look at you with a blank stare.  Today almost everyone has at least heard of the word gluten but a majority still do not understand what it is and why many people are avoiding it.

Gluten is a protein found in barley, wheat, and rye.  For people with celiac disease, gluten is their worst enemy.  It can cause bloating, diarrhea, and worst of all over time it damages the fine hairs (villi) of the small intestine that absorb nutrients.  If someone with celiac disease continues to consume foods with gluten these fine hairs can no longer perform their function of absorbing vitamins and minerals.  When this happens a host of nutritional deficiencies occur and increased risk of conditions like intestinal cancer and even osteoporosis.  This should be taken seriously and if you think you have an allergy to gluten you should consult your doctor who can perform a blood test to find out.  Although it seems common, celiac disease occurs in  roughly 1 percent of the population.  What is more common is gluten sensitivity.  Symptoms of gluten sensitivity are similar to those of celiac (abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, exhaustion) but with a gluten sensitivity the small intestine is not damaged.

We see in the market today a plethora of ‘gluten-free’ products which is priceless to those with celiac disease and sensitivity.  But unfortunately, some have been adopting a ‘gluten-free’ diet with the goal of weight loss.  In my opinion, that is a bad idea.  If you are not gluten sensitive or have celiac and you choose to eat a gluten-free diet you are eliminating a wide variety of foods that include precious grains containing vital nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and fiber (to name a few!).  Gluten is what makes the foods we eat appealing, like the chewiness of pizza dough and breads to the thick sauces and gravies we enjoy.  So for those that need to eat a gluten free diet, you have to read labels of everything- gluten is even in some candy and soy sauce. When replacing gluten, some manufacturers do so by replacing it with fats and sugars.  So adopting a ‘gluten-free’ diet (when not medically necessary) may not be the answer and may increase your risk of health problems.  The reason many feel that it is a good diet option is because in general, those on a gluten-free diet eat more whole foods (fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, etc.) and therefore lose weight quickly in the beginning.  You can lose that same weight by adopting the habit of eating primarily whole foods and minimally processed foods.  It will cost you considerably less than buying gluten-free products but you will enjoy the benefit of healthy lasting weight loss! To reiterate what I said before, if you are gluten sensitive or have celiac then absolutely avoiding gluten is essential.

In general, don’t fall prey to weight loss gimmicks or fad diets.  We need to listen to our bodies and be our own advocate.  No one will fight harder for you than you!

Feel free to email me with any questions you may have about what contains gluten and what doesn't.  Or you can post your question right here!

XO  Joy

Self-doubt

We are all supposed to shine bright!  One light cannot dim another.

What is self-doubt?  Besides annoying!  I mean...where does it come from?  Where does it originate? What is its purpose?  Those questions, I cannot answer.  But I can tell you where it DOESN'T come from.  It doesn't come from your spirit, your soul, your authentic self.  It doesn't come from God or the Universe.  Nope.  Those tell us how amazing, unique, and irreplaceable we are.  Those remind us that we come from love which means we are love.  And from love...only amazing things happen!  I think self-doubt may come from our ego. Which is the same as our insecurities, unworthiness feelings, feelings of not being good enough.  The ego is not the TRUTH.  Don't listen to it.  Listen to your heart, your spirit, your soul, and Universal LOVE.  You are wonderful.  You can accomplish that goal or that dream you don't tell anyone about (because you think you're not worthy of achieving it).  Yes you are!  And yes you can!  We are ALL here to succeed and love.  We are all bright stars and your shine cannot dim someone else's.  We are all supposed to be wonderful!  So stop listening to your ego. He's not your friend.  Listen to your subtle quiet voice.  The one you can only hear when you quiet your mind.  THAT voice is your friend.  The one that loves you, encourages you, and guides you.  I KNOW that you ARE good enough, worthy enough, talented enough, and unique enough to achieve your inner most secret dreams.  Please believe that.  Today take a chance on yourself.  Take one step towards your dream or goal that you had given up on.  

XO  Joy