Fit OR Food? Does It Have To Be A Choice?

CAN A FOOD LOVER STILL BE FIT?

Dear Grandma,

I hear the same things over and over again for weight loss: watch what you eat and exercise. But, for some reason, some people seem to have more success than others. I am frustrated with my weight loss efforts because I love food. I walk my dog daily, work at home and can cook most of my own food – to my delight. I have even been switching to organic foods, when possible. Yes, the doctor’s office says I am obese. Can you really be a food lover and still be fit?

Thanks, Paula C.

Dear Paula,

I think what you are talking about is having a HEALTHY love of food. Food can taste good and food can look great on you, too! My guess is if you gave yourself time to evaluate the foods you love and how they make you feel, sacrificing for a few pounds could be easier. The trick is learning to eat the foods that taste great, but also speed up your metabolism and drop off fat. Not every food fits into this category.

Here is a secret I’ve learned: coconut oil. They say, “don’t put on your skin what you wouldn’t put in your mouth.” Coconut oil is the perfect example of what to use.

Especially since you have the comfort of cooking your own food at home, let me tell you why coconut oil is good for even the idea of weight loss. Coconut oil:

• Has less calories than other oils
• Converts directly into energy, rather than fat
• Revs up metabolism more than protein
• Does not suppress thyroid function (like vegetable oil), which controls metabolism
• Good for digestion, leaving you feeling full (and eating less!)
• Assists in detoxification, too

Let the experts tell you exactly why coconut oils proves so many benefits over vegetable or soybean oil, but I believe it has something to do with the molecular structure and make-up of coconut oil. As a result, you can eat much more coconut oil than you can other oils before the excess is converted into fat. This is good news if you like to eat!

Try replacing margarine, shortening, and other hydrogenated oils in your diet and recipes with coconut oil. Olive oil and butter are okay, but use coconut oil whenever possible. Coconut oil’s properties aren’t destroyed with high heat, like olive oil, so it is perfect for over the stove. Personally, I love the smell of the coconut oil as it permeates the kitchen when I saut my vegetables or use it for baking. If you love food, you are going to love the flavor of coconut oil!

The best kind of coconut oil to use is organic, raw, extra virgin coconut oil. Believe it or not, but I’ve actually read that feeding it to your pets can improve their skin and coat! It’s not cheap, but you can always use it for a skin cream!

If you like being in the kitchen, Paula, try this recipe I found for Coconut Mayo! Fabulously Fantastic!

Coconut Mayo

• 1 whole egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 T. Dijon mustard
• 1 T. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. Celtic salt
• 1/4 tsp. white pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil (melt if solid)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1. Put the eggs, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a food processor or blender. On low speed, start adding your oils very slowly, first with drops and then a little stream. It should take about two minutes to add the oil.

2. Continue blending until there is no free standing oil.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups of some extraordinarily delicious coconut mayo! It is the perfect time to add to a potato salad for spring and summer picnics! This should satisfy your love of food by making it a healthy appreciation! Might encourage some weight loss, too. 🙂