Coconut Oil, What to Buy??

When you head over to Tropical Traditions to buy some coconut oil for the first time, you may be overwhelmed (I know I was).  I had no idea there were so many choices!  Here's a little breakdown from their site that I found very helpful. 

What Kind of Coconut Oil Should You Buy?

Coconut oil has been around for thousands of years in the tropics where coconut palm trees grow. Recently, coconut oil has seen a resurgence in popularity in the U.S. and consumers are beginning to look at buying coconut oil again. So what kind of coconut oil should you buy?

Beef 101

Welcome to "101 Week"  I'm doing 2 posts this week that aren't really recipe based, but I thought I'd pass long some of the info that comes my way.  Thursday I talk about coconut oil!

We've all wondered... is grassfed worth it?  What part of the cow is the chuck?  Frozen or fresh?
Have no fear (some) answers have arrived.  This was recently sent over to me from FrugalDad.com and I think it does a good job of graphically breaking down our beloved bovine. 

Source: FrugalDad

Where's the beef?

Paleo Cauliflower Pizza

Got the inspiration for this one from Pinterest - there is no shortage of people trying to make pizza out of anything but white flour! 

Recipe...

Live Long. Drop Dead

Mark Sisson from Mark's Daily Apple did an interview for  Again Faster that I found really interesting.  It's high level, insightful, and philosophical.

We'll be spending Father's Day weekend in Carlsbad, camping and surfing with family like every year, no phones/electricity/tv/wifi.....just longboards, campfires, and conversation.  I really appreciate getting off the grid, and I know it makes my husband I more connected and happier.  Mark touches on our overstimulated, face paced culture, and how we can get back to "jumping out of bed in the morning".

"We are hardwired to be joyful, and content and fulfilled" 

If you're hungry for more positive and thoughtful learning, here's a great TEDx video from David H Newman called "Truth that Lasts" 

Paleo Coconut Citrus Creamsicle Cakes

These little treats (emphasis on treat, please eat responsibly) came to me from a friend, and while the original recipe is courtesy of the raw/vegan community (usually their recipes have me heading for the hills), with a few modifications these babies are actually a tasty, refreshing dessert.  

Citrus & Coconut Creamsicle Cakes....

Strawberries! Salad and Paleo Mason Jar Dressing

Strawberry season is upon us! I bought a flat for $6 the other day, and as I unpacked my groceries I realized I have no idea how 2 of us are going to eat all these. (the answer to that is always share with friends :)  This salad is easy, sweet, and tastes like summer! I call it mason jar dressing because sometimes I forgo the traditional vinaigrette making process and just throw everything in a jar and shake it up.  Makes it easy to store the leftovers in the fridge as well.

Read more for the recipe!

"The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” And my thoughts on grocery shopping....

If you want to eat healthy you have to cook for yourself, and if you want to cook for yourself you have to grocery shop (if you can afford to have someone shop and cook for you.... no need to read further).  The quote above is from Dr. Ann Wigmore, and if you've decided that healthy eating is the best medicine, you may have noticed your weekly grocery bill get a teeny bit higher.  I'm no shopping expert, but I thought I'd share a few of my little tips that help keep my fridge stocked and save some money.  Because saving money is making money, right? 

• Stay on the sides at the market - that's where you'll find produce and proteins.  Venture to the middle only for things like coconut flour, nuts and oils
• Eat in season - have you ever had a home grown tomato in July? Tastes waaaaayyyy better than something trucked in from Mexico in December and will be much more reasonable.  Check your local farmers markets or try Field to Plate to see what's in season in your area. 
• Check the sales - Buy proteins when they go on sale and freeze them.  We haven't run out of chicken in over a year.  Side note - I rarely ever buy chicken breast.  Thighs are much cheaper, and more flavorful in my opinion
• Be prepared - yes, that means make a list.  Pick some recipes you'd like to try out for the week and add those ingredients to your list.  It's much easier to eat healthy when you have a plan!  I use this app to keep organized when I'm food shopping.
• Forgo the organic - Hold your gasps, while I would love to eat everything organic, my budget cannot accommodate.  Dr Weil has some lists what you should always buy organic (aka, the 'dirty dozen'), and items where it's no big deal.   
• Frozen fish isn't that bad - Not all fish is created equal.  There's plenty of info out there about the nutritional differences, but what about the environmental impact?  I love fish and want to continue eating it, I also want my future children to enjoy it, so check out the  Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood watch app to see what's a good, sustainable option.  For example, Bigeye tuna (also called ahi, maguro, toro) is a great choice if it comes from the Atlantic and is troll or pole & line caught, but if it comes from anywhere else avoid it!)
• Stock the spice! - make sure you always have a lot of spices, onions, garlic, and lemons/limes on hand. On a busy weeknight, some ground beef in a pan with onions and spices can be a lifesaver.   Citrus juice and zest can also add a lot of flavor without adding calories or price.

This list is hardly complete but some food for thought.  What are your tips for finding good food and not breaking the bank? 

Paleo Mojito Watermelon

Watermelon is 5 lbs for a dollar right now people (cheap!)... and while we don't eat a ton of fruit, this is the perfect paleo summer dessert.  The lime really cuts the sweetness of ripe watermelons, and this can be whipped up in minutes! 

1 large watermelon (cut into wedges, cubes, balls or skewered)

Juice from 2-3 limes

2 tbs chopped fresh mint

Chop, squeeze, top and serve!  Try experimenting with types of mint (I grow spearmint, apple mint and even chocolate mint).  You can use this for all kinds of fruit salad - pineapple mojito skewers look and taste great at parties.