I decided to take a tropical vacation to celebrate National Almond Day so I asked Angela, my amazing friend and creator of my beloved fitbook, to come by and tell you why she’s nuts for coconuts.
Now I really must go grab a pina colada while you give it up for Angela….
So my new-found recent obsession with coconut oil has just hit a new all-time high. While coconut has been the new “it” food, I haven’t completely jumped on the coconut water bandwagon (really – I just drink plain ol’ water) but I must admit I’ve been fascinated to learn about all the benefits behind this tropical oil. My reason for loving it is two-fold: because 1) I love coconut and 2) I heard that it was a natural thermogenic (i.e. fat burner) so of course I had to learn more. Here are the facts behind coconut oil:
- Since coconut oil primarily consists of medium-chain fatty acids, your body easily digests and converts those triglycerides into energy which speeds up your metabolism. In one study metabolism increased by an average of 48 percent – and the thermogenic effect can last up to 24 hours.
- Coconut oil slows the digestion of food, making you feel fuller, and also prevents blood sugar spikes by slowing the rate carbohydrates are broken down into blood glucose.
- This trans-fat and cholesterol free oil actually improves your HDL, or “good cholesterol” levels.
- Coconut oil acts as a detox, actually improves your immune system, and is even used for body moisturizer. Check out this video from Underground Wellness to get more facts:
Ok sign me up! So I’ve been adding 1 tablespoon of the extra-virgin coconutty miracle into my morning oatmeal which tastes fantastic by the way – so imagine my happiness when I was perusing the grocery aisles only to see that So Delicious makes a coconut milk creamer for my morning cup o’ joe!
Rewind: I’ve been on a never-ending search to find a good replacement for my half-and-half which clocks in at 40 calories per 2 tablespoons…and some days I have to admit we’re looking at upwards of 100 calories added when I’m really needing my coffee. Coffeemate…soy creamer…the powdered “stuff”…you name it, I’ve tried it.
The So Delicious creamers come in Original (10 cal/tbsp), Hazelnut (20 cal/tbsp), and French Vanilla (20 cal/tbsp). I grabbed the original and hazelnut to give them a try! These soy-free, dairy-free, medium-chain-fatty-acid packed rockstars ROCKED my java world. I must say the original was good, but not quite the half-and-half creaminess, but definitely the best alternative I’ve found.
However, the hazelnut had a nice kick of flavor without being too sweet – and while the calories are the same as half-and-half, the health benefits make it a no-brainer. I’ve always said life was too short to give up wine, chocolate or cream in my coffee….well now, I’ve found a way to still “indulge” and even get a little after-burn effect from my hot cup of morning coffee. Bonus: I get to check off a (healthy) fat box in my fitbook!
~live life fit (and So Delicious!)
Miz says:
February 16th 2010Ive read a ton about this and not yet tried anything…from the oil to the water.
I need to get off my arse and git to the store and check it all out for my coconuttyself.
Jessica@HowSweet says:
February 16th 2010I have added coconut oil to my oatmeal and it is great. I haven’t tried the creamer yet. I looove coconut butter!
Jess (Fit Chick in the City) says:
February 16th 2010I haven’t tried coconut oil yet, but its everywhere these days. I love the So Delicious coconut products!
amanda says:
February 16th 2010I love coconut too and always wear it as base scent. I have been also hearing more and more about coconut oil. On twitter i saw there is even coconut peanut butter. Yummmm
Jody - Fit at 52 says:
February 16th 2010I have been reading about this for a couple years now & have tried the water but not the oil. I must! I LOVE coconut so why not try this! I will watch the video a bit later when I have more time. Right now, it is time for a couple hours of sleep! Just finished my great workout for the day!
April says:
February 16th 2010I put coconut oil in my oats too! That with a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder and i’m eating a Mounds bar :D
Lance says:
February 16th 2010A couple of months ago, we switched over to coconut oil for a majority of our cooking. It’s been a big hit here, and the health benefits are awesome!! Great stuff, for sure!!
Heather (Wheres the Beach) says:
February 16th 2010This may sound stupid, but does coconut oil have a coconut flavor? I’m not a fan of coconut…just curious.
jason says:
February 16th 2010i am not a big fan of coconut, but i think i need to give the coconut oil a try! also, i had to chuckle the other day when i saw the coconut water trend reported on the news the other day. i lived in costa rica for a while and they sold the stuff in baggies on the street corners! ticos loved the stuff. :)
Yum Yucky says:
February 16th 2010Looks like I gotta try it!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says:
February 16th 2010Thanks for the So Delicious half and half review- i keep seeing it at the store and want to try it, but don’t want to risk it being nasty ;)
Madeline - Greens and Jeans says:
February 16th 2010Coconut oil is such a great addition to so many things!
sian-girlgetstrong says:
February 16th 2010I love my coconut oil too! Thanks for reminding me of all the health benefits!
Amy says:
February 16th 2010For the people who asked whether coconut oil has a flavor,, it does; but you can get it w/o the flavor as well. I happen to LOVE the flavor and use it in my oatmeal, shakes, to cook with and just about anything else!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman says:
February 16th 2010I’ve heard a lot about this, too. I’ve never tried any but the coconut water seems really cool. (Not to be confused with coconut milk, which is high in saturated fats.) I’m not 100 percent sold on the coconut oil yet, though. It’s mostly saturated fat (1 tablespoon has 13.6 g of total fat, 11.7 g of which are saturated.) I’ll probably stick with my olive oil, which has monounsaturated fats. Thanks for the great info!
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad says:
February 16th 2010I love coconut oil! I really only use it for baking though. Not sure what I think about the idea of putting it in smoothies or oatmeal…
april says:
February 16th 2010I’ve been using coconut oil lately too! I think we’re twins or something! J/K. I haven’t tried it in oats yet but I’ve been putting in on my muffins and protein pancakes!
Evan Thomas says:
February 16th 2010You definitely achieved making those creamers sound So Delicious
Matthew Feerhusen says:
February 16th 2010Love coconuts! Will try that trick in my oatmeal too. I worked out at Urban Active fitness this morning -146th and Maple-. Very nice, clean, and new faces.
Amanda Thebe says:
February 16th 2010I was going to post an article on coconut oil too this week and spout off about its virtues. I am glad you love it too. But never thought to stick it in my morning porridge, that sounds delicious. People are so scared of fats these days and its silly because we need them!! great article thanks x
Linda says:
February 16th 2010Once again you’ve sold me! That sounds so good to add to my oatmeal..also, in the midst of this miserable Chicago never-ending winter, anything that makes me feel tropical and will help to make my fitness quest any more efficient, I’m all over! Thanks Jo and Angela!
Brianne says:
February 16th 2010I slather coconut oil all over my body! It smells so amazing, and makes my skin so soft and smooth. And I love So Delicious coconut milk coffee creamer. The French Vanilla is incredible in coffee and chai tea!
Cammy@TippyToeDiet says:
February 16th 2010I’m new to the coconut oil world, too, and I didn’t know that about the fat-burning potential. I’m all for that!
Sondra Dubas says:
February 16th 2010Wow! What a coincidence! I’m just launching into a 28 Day Cleanse diet that boasts the use of coconut milk and oil! I discovered the SO Delicious products today at Whole Foods! LOVE the cultured coconut milk…basically like yogurt! YUMMY!!! Bought one just to try it and I’ll be back to get more tomorrow! Kind of expensive, but it will get me through the 28 days of no dairy or soy products!!
angela says:
February 16th 2010Mmmmm….I love coconut oil! IF you are like me and love coconut – here’s how I’ve used it:
* in my oatmeal with banana and a dash of cinnamon
* saute shrimp in coconut oil and then add a little shredded/toasted coconut (add to spinach and you’ve got a coconut shrimp salad!)
* coconut oil, shredded unsweetened coconut, egg whites & vanilla for quick coconut macaroons
* use as butter on protein pancakes or whole wheat waffles
….or as my trainer friend does…eat it straight from the jar!
IF you don’t like the flavor of coconut (what?!) there is unflavored coconut oil which has no flavor and to me is kinda gross…but you’d never be able to tell if you toss it in your oatmeal! Thanks for the opportunity to guest post Joanna – LOVE MY fitness & spice!
Angela
Ed says:
February 16th 2010The So Delicious products are too sweet for me, so I opt for coconut milk powder which has considerably less sugar. Coconut oil is 90% saturated fat, but it’s primary fatty acid is lauric acid which does raise cholesterol, primarily HDL cholesterol, the “good” kind. It’s effect on LDL cholesterol is minor. Most of the triglycerides in coconut oil are burned directly for fuel and not stored in fat tissue which explains its thermogenic properties. Coconut chips are also a good snack.
FatFighterTV says:
February 16th 2010I’ve been wanting to try coconut oil for awhile, but keep forgetting to buy it – I am completely unorganized lately! And it sounds so good in oatmeal! I am writing it down NOW!
Lani says:
February 17th 2010I ditto FatFighterTV – I tried to buy some at Trader Joes awhile back but they didn’t have any then I forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder Angela – great guest blog and oh yes I need to try the coconut macaroons!
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil says:
February 17th 2010Virgin coconut oil is one of my favorite healthy oils. It makes a great pre-workout energy drink – simply add a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil to a glass of hot water, stir it in to dissolve and then drink it. I find it provides an excellent energy boost for my workouts.
You can also use virgin coconut oil as a hair moisturizer and conditioner. After shampooing your hair and rinsing, rub some coconut oil between your palms to liquify it and then coat your hair with the oil – from the scalp right to the tip. Leave the oil in for about an hour and then rinse it out. Studies showed coconut oil actually penetrates the hair shaft and reduces protein loss and hair breakage.
You can also use coconut oil as a skin moisturizer and conditioner. I apply coconut oil to my skin after showering. I find it helps keep my skin soft and moist. Coconut oil can also be used in a variety of cooking recipes.
coconutty for coconut oil! (plus blogs i heart) « blogging my fitlosophy says:
February 17th 2010[...] give your body a boost with coconut oil (by yours truly) [...]
Mel P says:
February 17th 2010I am obsessed w/ coconut oil. i have been spreading it on an apple in the am and dashing cinnamon on top…delicious! it’s also really good as an EVOO substitute. i put some in the skillet and then throw in my Brussels sprouts and they are delish!
Melinda Neely says:
February 17th 2010Though I’m not so sure I’ll slather coconut oil on my body any time soon (though my dry winter skin could probably use it, especially here in dry Idaho), I do like cooking with it. I had heard of its health benefits, but not to this extent. Thanks for sharing.
Healthier Living says:
March 16th 2010Health always a great wealth for all. Why we will not achieve this? In this consideration everyone want to have good health. Let us build our healthier life with controlled food habit,discipline, keep pace with work, rest and or exercise. While Health is the root of happiness let us build a Happier life.