Stay Lean with Healthy Fats

Eating more fat actually helps us to loose weight- it is just that we must eat the right fats! Avoid anything that has hydrogenated oils or trans fats on the label. The best fats to eat come from nuts, seeds (especially flax, hemp and chia seeds), avocados, olives, olive oil, salmon, and coconut oil. Coconut oil is one of the BEST weight loss secrets. Coconut oil increases your metabolism, lowers blood sugar and increases your thyroid function, which regulates your weight. Lastly, for those with high cholesterol levels, coconut oil is a great addition to your diet as it increases good cholesterol (HDL) which lowers your overall risk of heart disease. Coconut oil is composed of medium chain fatty acids, which the body does not hold on to easily. Lastly, coconut oil has lauric acid, which is also found in mother’s milk and very healing. I highly suggest adding coconut oil, milk, and water to your shopping list.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is the most deficient major mineral in the standard diet, with the majority of the population being severely deficient in this mineral. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain the nervous system, strengthens the immune system, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes normal blood pressure. Magnesium also supports the heart, increases alkalinity and strengthens brainpower. Studies prove that magnesium deficiency leads to heart problems as well as causing a disruption to the flow of oxygen, blood and nutrients throughout the body. An early sign of magnesium deficiency is weakness or fatigue. The best-known source of magnesium is found in raw chocolate, a superfood containing the highest amount of both antioxidants and magnesium.  Buckwheat, oats, nuts, seeds, and beans are also great sources of magnesium. (Quick note: the body needs magnesium to absorb calcium, however most foods that contain one, are likely to contain the other.)

Iodine

Aside from Vitamin D and magnesium, Iodine is one of the most neglected minerals in the standard diet. Iodine, which is naturally found in sea vegetables, ocean fish, yogurt, strawberries and eggs, is needed for the normal metabolism of cells (the process of converting food into energy.) Iodine deficiency is also the world's leading cause of mental defects. One of the worst things a lack of iodine does is to slow the development of a baby's brain even before the baby is born. A lack of iodine also leads to weight gain, depression and thyroid dysfunction. One of the best ways to maintain a slim healthy figure and a happy disposition is to make sure you get your recommended intake of iodine. I take a kelp supplement everyday, which gives my body the iodine it needs to function properly.  I have also found a salt alternative made with kelp or dulse that is great on eggs, salads and boiled vegetables. One of the reasons we crave salt is because of a lack of iodine. Other reasons of craving salt include the use of medicine, adrenal exhaustion (stress, not enough sleep), magnesium deficiency, dehydration or pregnancy in women. Sea salt should always be used in place of table salt!

Raw Pomegranate Granola

I have had so much fun the past two weeks getting to know my new Excalibur 9-tray dehydrator. It has been very exciting and quite delicious. I realize that not everyone has a dehydrator so the recipes that follow can be modified and prepared in a warm oven, turned all the way down, with the door cracked and light/fan on. This morning for breakfast I had pomegranate granola!

Raw Pomegranate Granola

One cup almond meal, sweetened with Stevia (almond pulp from almond milk, dehydrated for 24 hours)
Large dash of cinnamon
1 TBSP raw cacao nibs
1-2 TBSP Goji berries
1 TBSP flax seeds
Small handful of pistachios (very high in Vitamin A!!)
Fresh pomegranate
Almond milk or cream

Add all the ingredients in a bowl and top with fresh almond milk. I made my milk very thick (kept portion of almond to water (1:2) and had a very thick and creamy milk. This tasted like dessert! Delicious!

Note: You can also use soaked almonds (8-24 hours) in place of the dehydrated almond meal, or raw almonds, ground in a processor.

Raw Chocolate Goji Cookies

Raw Chocolate Goji Cookies
1/8 cup raw cacao powder
1 cup ground oat flour
1/8 cup flax seeds, ground
3/4 cup ground cashews
1/3 to 1/2 cup raw honey or agave
1/3 cup cranberry juice
1/3 cup goji berries as a garnish

1) Blend all ingredients together in a bowl by hand.
2) Place on wax cooking sheet and top with goji berries.
3) Place in dehydrator for 3-4 hours, or in an oven turned all the way down, cracked open, and with the fan and light on for 4-6 hours.