CooCoo for Coconut

Have you seen the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding?  You know how her father’s answer to everything is to spray Windex on it?  I have become that guy—with coconut oil.  It started with using coconut oil for my moisturizer.  Just the other day, a friend commented on how fantastic my skin looks.  And the skin on my neck is tighter (in a good way).  Then I noticed that the poison ivy that I inevitably get from cuddling with my cats was itching less, clearing up really quickly, and not leaving scars that last for months. I decided to order a couple of jars.  They came with a little book, explaining the science behind how really incredible coconut oil is.  This article lists 160 uses and explains how it is “Anti-bacterial (kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum diseases, and other bacterial infections);  Anti-carcinogenic (coconut oil has antimicrobial properties so it effectively prevents the spread of cancer cells and enhances the immune system); Anti-fungal (kills fungi and yeast that lead to infection); Anti-inflamm-atory (appears to have a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue, and it may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.)” Have you noticed that there seems to be a superfood or super nutrient of the year lately?  All the doctors suddenly realize that we are missing something and find a natural healing protocol.  A couple of years ago it was Vitamin D (more about this another time).  This year, everyone has suddenly discovered the benefits of coconut oil.  See below for several lists with hundreds of ideas for things you can use it for.  I’m hooked.  I literally have it in every room of my house and at my office.  I feed it to the cats and dogs.  I polish my furniture with it.  I condition my hair with it.  etc. etc. My husband and I have been on the GAPS diet for about 7 months.  I generally feel really good, although there are still a few issues to heal (like my dairy intolerance).  I lost about 6 pounds when we initially started the diet, but my weight has been constant since then—which is an awesome testimonial for the health benefits of a lower carb, high fat diet.  But I want to lose about 35 pounds.  Some friends suggested if I need to lose weight, I am not eating enough fat.  I turned to Eat Fat, Lose Fat by Dr. Mary Enig and Sally Fallon.  I started following the recommendation to eat a tablespooon of coconut oil before each meal.  The body gets the message that it is nourished and does not crave lots of other food.  It really works.  I lost three pounds the first week.  I am really convinced that this stuff is the magic answer to almost all of our problems.  The right fats in my diet make me peaceful, patient, and happy.  All this, AND it’s delicious! 

HUNDREDS OF USES FOR COCONUT OIL
160 Uses for Coconut Oil

52 Uses for Coconut Oil—The Simple, The Strange, and The Downright Odd!

122 Uses for Coconut Oil—Even More of the Simple, the Strange, and the Downright Odd

80 Uses for Coconut Oil—this one has a chart recommending a daily dosage by weight.

Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives, and how it can change yours!

SOME OF MY FAVORITE WAYS TO GET COCONUT IN MY DIET
Cherry Cheesecake Ice cream dairy-free, made with coconut milk

My own Thai Fish Soup

Creamy Coconut Chocolate Chip Macaroons

* Last month I mentioned my Sour Patch Kids addiction.  Of course, this recipe for healthy, nutritious sour jelly candies came across my desk just this week.  I’m so excited! http://www.mommypotamus.com/homemade-gummy-stars/