I Found the Fountain of Youth!

Fountain of Youth – Fitness Retreat

I have always used canola and/or extra virgin olive oil for cooking. I’d never even heard of coconut oil. Suddenly, it was everywhere and I had to find out what I was missing. Who knew?

Back in the 70s, propaganda spread by the corn and soy industries was rampant. Supposedly, coconut oil was terrible for you. Well, that just isn’t true. Finally, we have done our research and found the real story about the health benefits of coconut oil.

Benefits

Coconut oil contains lauric, capric, and caprylic acids. These not only have healthy body effects like supporting weight loss, regulating metabolism, and improving symptoms of other diseases, but they also make hair stronger and shinier and skin more radiant. This is like a miracle product or something.

• Prevents wrinkles.
• Nourishes hair.
• Supports weight loss.
• Improves overall health.
• Coconut Oil and Weight Loss.

Using coconut oil in a healthy diet will help you lose weight. It increases metabolism and the acids help with weight loss.

When purchased, don’t be surprised by the fact that this oil is in solid form. It has a high melting point that makes it a solid at room temperature. It needs no refrigeration.

If you are using it as a hair conditioner or skin treatment, you can easily melt a small amount in the microwave or by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water. Then apply it to hair or skin with your hands.

In cooking, coconut oil is so good you won’t even realize it’s good for you. Let’s try a yummy recipe to get started.

Recipe

The most important thing you should know about using coconut oil is that you can substitute it in any recipe that calls for shortening. It will improve the nutritional value and rev up your metabolism. Studies have found that substituting coconut oil (15-30 grams) increased daily calorie burn by about 120 calories each day.

Lemon Coconut Bars*

• 1 ½ cups White Whole Wheat flour.
• ¼ teaspoon salt.
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder.
• ½ cup coconut oil, at room temperature.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar.
• 1 large egg.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
• ½ teaspoon coconut extract.
• ¾ cup flaked coconut, plus 2 tablespoons, divided.
• ½ cup lemon curd.

Procedure

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spray an 8” square baking dish with cooking spray.
• Whisk together the first three ingredients.
• In a separate bowl, cream coconut oil and sugars on high speed until fluffy.
• Add egg, vanilla, and coconut extract and mix until combined.
• Slowly, with the mixer on low, add the flour mixture. The dough will be crumbly.
• Stir in ¾ cup coconut.
• Spread half the dough into the bottom of sprayed baking dish.
• Spread lemon curd over dough.
• Sprinkle the remaining dough over lemon curd, covering completely.
• Sprinkle 2T coconut on top.
• Bake 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown.

Nutrition facts determined by caloriecount.com
*Please note that you should balance out these healthy carbs with a protein-rich salad to keep your blood sugar levels in line.

At Live in Fitness, Andi will help you fill your diet with balanced, organic meals that provide nutrients, and healing properties and enhance weight loss. She has traveled the world studying the healing qualities of organic foods.

Coconut oil is one of these organic foods. She has created a cuisine that uses superfoods, organic ingredients, spices, herbs, and love.