So after a week of controversy, disappointment and some unfortunate news, our weekend road trip to Asheville couldn’t have come at a better time! If you ever get the chance to go to the Grove Park Inn, do not miss it! (Yes, I know it is RIDICULOUSLY expensive, but it is such an amazing experience with some of the most beautiful views on earth. My amateur photos are nothing in comparison to real life!)
And while I didn’t turn my computer on once while we were there (my phone is another story of course…), I did lots of thinking about this whole blogging thing.
My brain (and to-d0 list) are bursting with projects, and I’m not sure that blogging is one of my most valuable uses of time. While I try to provide you with helpful, encouraging words, I feel like you can probably find most of this somewhere else anyway. So… all that to say, I’ll continue to post every Monday through November, and then finish up our year-long Do One Thing (DOT) series in December, but beyond that, I won’t be committing to a weekly blog post.
This does NOT mean I’m giving up on blogging altogether… I’ve just decided that I’ll write when I feel like I need to, instead of at a prescribed weekly interval. Contrary to all of the blogging experts who say consistency is key, I want to share truly important things that God has laid on my heart rather than something forced for the sake of staying consistent.
And, believe it or not, coconut oil is something I feel needs a little light.
How many of you already have coconut oil in your pantry? We’ve been using coconut oil (mostly in place of butter for baking and cooking) for the past year or so – and love it! But just last week, my husband, (the doctor!) looked at the nutrition label and said, “I thought this stuff was supposed to be good for you!”
Well… it is…
Benefits of Coconut Oil
The benefits of coconut oil are quite impressive! Even though it contains a ton of saturated fat, coconut oil contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently and have been shown to provide therapeutic effects for those with Alzheimer’s and epilepsey.
Some studies show that MCTs actually increase your actual energy expenditure (compared to the same amount of calories from Long Chain Triglycerides) – thereby supporting the idea that a calorie is NOT a calorie.
AND – the ketone bodies created during those metabolic processes act as appetite suppressants as well, resulting in people eating fewer calories overall, and thereby losing weight.
More than Health Benefits
Beyond the physical healthy benefits of coconut oil, it’s really quite impressive in other ways as well. 50% of the fatty acid in coconut oil is lauric acid, which can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi (including Staphylococcus Aureus). Anything that’s going to eliminate dangerous pathogens and possibly prevent infections is ok with me!
Plus, I use coconut oil as a lotion as well. The organic, one-ingredient moisturizer is way better for my skin than any chemically created alternative – plus it smells amazing!
And, some people also use it for “oil pulling” – a process involving swishing it in your mouth (for 20 minutes!) in order to kill harmful bacteria there. I simply don’t have the time or mouth-muscle power to maintain that for such an extended period of time. There’s no way I can go 20 minutes without having to redirect, discipline, or answer a question from these two boys!
Coconut Oil Tips
But overall, a big tub of coconut oil is a staple in our pantry. We buy it at Costco – but you can also find some good deals online too. (And, as it’s becoming more commonplace, regular grocery stores are carrying smaller jars of it as well).
An important note: Coconut oil is a white solid but melts at 76 degrees. Don’t be the moron who returns it to Whole Foods, after being in the trunk for an afternoon of errand-running, concerned about its now liquefied state. *Totally. Normal!* (I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s been confused by that, but it sure was embarrassing!)
Along the same lines … remember that adding it to cold ingredients will harden the oil potentially causing lumps, and after baking something, you’ll likely need to put it in the refrigerator in order for it to set up well.
Coconut oil? Definitely beneficial. I’ll be sharing this post with someone in particular very soon…
The only question left is how will you use it next? Let me know!
Everyday Faith + Fitness 