Another wonderful holiday is now in the books. I am so thankful for being able to take a few days to spend with great friends as we celebrate all that the 4th of July means. With Mike as the history buff, the importance of this day of our independence is not lost on me. It's easy to get wrapped up in the fun and excitement of cook-outs, beach parties, and fun, but it's also important to remember the significance of this day.
Today, with so much going on in the world and so many countries currently fighting for independence or democracy, I am so thankful to be able to celebrate July 4th each year; I'm thankful to celebrate our freedom, our nation's birthday so-to-speak. I hope you all enjoyed friends and family and ate one to many burgers or pieces of watermelon, but I hope you also remembered the importance of this day to us.
Mike and I spent the weekend with wonderful friends in Rhode Island. We camped inside a historical house in Narragansett and played frisbee at the beach and grilled delicious food and walked to see fireworks. Mike interjected a few historical factoids in there along the way so we remembered the significance of this, or the importance of that. Rhode Island is home to the longest running Fourth of July parade- in Bristol. I'll bet you didn't know that!
And- for a little 'Treat Yourself Tuesday' I'm reposting some great informaiton about coconut oil that I read on a fellow CrossFitter's blog: http://wwwcleaneats-nickipeet.blogspot.com/. Nicki's blog is all about eating Paleo and she has some great recipes. You don't have to eat clean/paleo in order to sneak this little gem into your pantry. Throw out the other oils and reduce your olive oil consumption but adding this delicious and light oil into the mix. I've used it for everything from eggs to stirfry to crab cakes and it's become my 'Go-to' oil for cooking now. It's not overly coconutty tasting and I think you'll really like it. Go for unrefined as it's a bit better. You can find this at Whole Foods, the organic section of your standard grocery. Treat yourself, you won't be sorry!
Coconut Oil Benefits
1.) Heart Health- Extra virgin coconut oil contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. It helps prevent atherosclerosis (clogging of arteries), the saturated fats in coconut oil are not harmful, like the saturated fats in vegetable oil. It also increases high- density lipoproteins (good cholesterol), and does not increase Low-Density Lipoproteins (bad cholesterol).
2.) Weight Loss- C.O. has short and medium chain fatty acids that are useful in losing weight. It also improves thyroid (controls metabolism) function therefore increases metabolism.
3.) Digestion- this one is important to me since i've had stomach problems since middle school. Since I have been eating coconut oil regularly, I have had MUCH fewer flare ups. Coconut oil aids in digestion and absorption. The saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-microbial effects, so it works against bacteria that disrupts the normal flora of your digestive tract.
4.) Immunity- It has also been found that C.O. has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. This allows your body to fight off infections and viruses more efficiently.
5.) Kidneys- Can be useful in preventing kidney and gall bladder disease, and also useful in preventing and disolving kidney stones.
6.) Bone + Teeth- C.O. facilitates the absorption of essential minerals such as Calcium and Magnesium, leading to stronger healthier bones and teeth.
7.) Performance- C.O. is thought to improve athletic performance do to the fact that the fats it contains are easily converted to energy. It is thought to increase energy and endurance.
8.) Others- it is also thought to decrease premature aging and degenerative joint disease because of its high antioxidant content, useful in skin care, helps relieve stress, and is an excellent natural source of nutrition for your hair. Not only can you eat coconut oil, but you can rub it on your skin, and put it in your hair!
2.) Weight Loss- C.O. has short and medium chain fatty acids that are useful in losing weight. It also improves thyroid (controls metabolism) function therefore increases metabolism.
3.) Digestion- this one is important to me since i've had stomach problems since middle school. Since I have been eating coconut oil regularly, I have had MUCH fewer flare ups. Coconut oil aids in digestion and absorption. The saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-microbial effects, so it works against bacteria that disrupts the normal flora of your digestive tract.
4.) Immunity- It has also been found that C.O. has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. This allows your body to fight off infections and viruses more efficiently.
5.) Kidneys- Can be useful in preventing kidney and gall bladder disease, and also useful in preventing and disolving kidney stones.
6.) Bone + Teeth- C.O. facilitates the absorption of essential minerals such as Calcium and Magnesium, leading to stronger healthier bones and teeth.
7.) Performance- C.O. is thought to improve athletic performance do to the fact that the fats it contains are easily converted to energy. It is thought to increase energy and endurance.
8.) Others- it is also thought to decrease premature aging and degenerative joint disease because of its high antioxidant content, useful in skin care, helps relieve stress, and is an excellent natural source of nutrition for your hair. Not only can you eat coconut oil, but you can rub it on your skin, and put it in your hair!
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