Nutty for Coconut Oil

It all started innocently enough...on Pinterest. If you are like me, crazy things happen when start pinning things: recipes, makeup ideas, home decor, crafty picture frame making out of newspaper and old buttons, ect. You know, you've probably been sucked into that time trap known as Pinterest! Anyhoo, here I am searching away for healthy stuff. I find coconut oil. Innocent.

So, a month later, I am now putting coconut oil in my cappucino and coffee, in my shakes, in the skillet when I cook, on my eyes to remove makeup, on my skin to moisturize, on my hair to condition... The list goes on. Below are some FAQs I've answered for friends recently who have recognized my love of coconut oil (and may think I'm just nuts).

 

What are the possible benefits of coconut oil? It may help with digestion, metabolism, skin condition, hair growth and repair, immunity, help stop tooth decay, among many others. The list is actually quite long.

Does coconut oil taste like coconuts? No, it doesn't. It really doesn't taste like anything. There is just this faint coconut smell. I can mix it in anything but not taste coconuts, which is actually a little disappointing as I love coconut!

Doesn't it make you greasy if you put it on your body? Nope. The interesting thing about coconut oil is that it is a liquid above 75 degrees. Once I scoop some into my fingers, it starts to liquidize. It isn't greasy, and smooths onto skin or in hair easily. 

How much do you consume? For me, personally, I have 1-2 Tbsp a day. I've read that you really need 3 Tbsp to reap the benefits. 

What have you experienced? I love how shiny and soft it makes my hair and how silky it makes my skin. My husband has very dry, irritated skin, and I've noticed his skin is finally starting to heal. AS far as internal health, I haven't noticed any differences, but I love the richer texture it adds to my coffee and shakes. It seems to fill me up too. 

Verdict: It is not causing harm so I'm going to keep using it and expanding my uses of it!

Weight is Just a Number

"Weight is just a number." I bet you have heard that before! I have too, and I truly believe it deep down. But knowing this, believing it, and then pushing confidence-killing thoughts out of your head are very different things.


I really use the scale too much. I know this, and I can admit it. I've gotten better. I used to hop on that thing so often, and the numbers rarely made me feel good. My goal is to just weigh myself once a week. I weighed myself earlier this week and was super-psyched to see a 1.5 lb loss. I've been tracking everything I eat, working hard, and I saw those numbers and thought, "Wow, I am on the path to success!"

After starting my new workout routine and doing some serious weight work, my muscles have been just screaming. I don't mind the feeling...it feels like change to me! But the scale...the scale I should have avoided...was the bearer of some bad news. It told me I had gained 2 pounds! I know that I have some water retention. I'm being sensible here, and I recognize that this isn't because I'm not sticking to plan, or because I have truly gained fat.

All the same, those numbers... oh, those dirty, rotten, evil numbers are real crushers! I'm sure I had a look on my face that matched my feelings...a little broken down and frustrated.

Here's the deal. They are numbers. I'm working hard, and I'm sticking to my plan! I feel good! Can I wear those Miss Me jeans I'm dying to wear without muffin top explosion? Not yet...but I'm headed in that direction. How can some numbers ruin that? They can't!!!

If you are reading this, the chances are that you know how I feel! It sucks! Look around you. Look at your "ups" and not your downs. Look at your true value, in the eyes of God or even in the eyes of your kids and family... That value is great. Far greater than some number on a scale. :) Weight is, after all, just a number.