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!)