Is Spring really here?

It always seems like we wait forever for the weather to improve and then BAM- it's Summer and we didn't get to complete all those Spring chores and preparations before the fun stuff.  Well, at least that is my story and I am sticking to it. 

I can't wait to get out walking again, I failed terribly at staying active over the winter,  I feel and look every bit of it.

We are doing our own seedlings for the garden indoors this year for the first time, I'll keep you posted on that progress.

The March  winner of the Desk Set is Rebecca Grantham...! (please contact me to claim your prize)

I am giving away a new Travel/Trial Size in April!  If you are receiving this newsletter in your inbox than you are automatically entered, if someone passed this on to you be sure to subscribe now so you can have a chance to win.

Find Natural Cures This Allergy Season
 download the report 

The Many Uses of Coconut Oil


There are many uses of coconut oil, besides its health benefits. Here is a list of the most common applications:

* Coconut oil can be used as salad dressing.
* It can be utilized as a substitute for shortening or vegetable oil.
* Coconut oil can also be used to deep fry and/or saute.
* Instead of putting butter on popcorn, why not use coconut oil.
* Coconut oil is a conditioner for hair.
* It can be used as a daily moisturizer for the skin.
* Coconut oil can be used as fruit topping.
* It can be used to make a smoothie.
* It can be used in baking ingredients.
* It relieves sunburn.
* Coconut oil can be used as a dietary supplement.
* It may prevent age or liver spots.
* It can control dandruff.
* It can keep thyroid conditions stable.
* It can prevent tooth decay.

While these are just a few ideas to incorporate coconut oil in your daily regimen, its main ingredients can have health benefits, too.

* If can be used to relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

* Taken orally coconut oil can help prevent a host of illnesses such as diabetes, viral infections, listeria, osteoporosis and diabetes, as well as aid weight loss, improve digestion and lower cholesterol.

Due to the high concentration of saturated fat found in coconut oil, specifically called lauric acid, you can incorporate this oil in your diet regimen by adding it to chicken and rice dinners, fish, salsa, and other recipes you have on hand.

Here is an interesting study that tried to determine how much fat was stored in people who maintained a low-fat diet, a high-fat diet containing long chain triglycerides, and a high-fat diet that contained medium chain triglycerides. Keep in mind that coconut oil contains the medium chain triglycerides.

After the individuals were kept on their diets for 44 days, the results were as follows: “The low-fat diet group stored an average of 0.47 grams of fat per day, and the LCT group 0.48 grams/day, while the MCT group deposited only 0.19 grams of fat per day. Thus, the MCT group had a 60% reduction in the amount of body fat stored as compared to the other diets.”

The assertion that coconut oil decreases food consumption has been proven. Studies show that by simply adding coconut oil to meals, individuals find that they become fully sated after a meal and have no desire for seconds or snacks.

As stated at the beginning of this article, there are many uses of coconut oil, but none more effective than its use as an alternative way to improve one’s health.

 

I have three products that I have been promoting the past couple of months that I am really impressed with and I want to Highlight these today so I am hijacking the Review section.

1. Monet Minerals- I have been wearing a light mineral foundation for about a year now and I love it, would never go back.  I even wrote up a little article on Mineral Makeup and posted it on my blog for those unfamiliar with the product.  I recently switched to Monet Minerals because I was impressed with their affiliate program and prices and now that I have received and used my first order, I am very pleased to be on board with them.

2. High Energy Eating- You have probably seen the ad for this  over here <----in the sidebar for some time, it is not something new for me, I have been a follower of the author for sometime now and I owe a lot of credit to her book and how it has made my transition to eating healthier so smooth.  I have come along way in a short time and I firmly believe that the way she has taken the time to put all of this information out for us is the reason I adapted so well to it.  It is an ebook, a large ebook for that matter but it is broken into 3 sections

"In part one, you'll learn the truth about the horrible things you're being fed - and what they're doing inside your body and how your diet is actually causing type II diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other diseases - and keeping you fat. And you'll be shocked to find out how you've been lied to and sacrificed for profit. Even by people who are supposed to be helping you get healthy. Talk about crimes against humanity!"

"In part 2, you're going to find out how to fight back and break free!  You'll learn about the great tasting foods you need to be eating to keep your body running at peak performance - healthy and full of energy for life.  How to eat to keep your metabolism humming and getting you down to your normal weight and keeping you there. and much more...

"Part 3 is the food guides - everyone's favorite part!
 It's where you get to flip through the food listings and find out about all of your favorite foods. You'll be happy to discover that you actually like so many healthy foods.  111 great tasting foods - You'll find out what nutrients each of the featured foods contains, what they do for your body, and if it's been recommended to combat any diseases.  and much more..."

The whole package includes more  recipe and wellness ebooks, you have to check it out. http://www.naturallydelightful.com/recommends/high-energy-eating.html

3.  Soap Making Fun

 Look at this pic of my very first hand made soap

 It may not be anything special to look at , but it turned out great, it's soap and it lathered up so good and smelled real nice and light of lemon ( yeah lemon you know me) . I did NOT have a convenient video/manual to take me through the process back then. I had researched soap making for about one year before I actually tried it, I was scared, real nervous. I compiled a ton of free tutorials from the internet and the library, I wanted to learn as much as I could before I jumped in. I wish I had owned this video then. Soap making is very rewarding . You control what ingredients are in your soap, not the factories that manufacture the soap you buy in the stores that have chemicals and other harsh ingredients added. Soaps make perfect gifts and who knows maybe you'll turn it into your own little profitable business??

Have you started making soap on your own yet? Guess what? J over at Soap Making Fun is going to teach you how. He is having a huge sale at his site. J is actually cutting the price of his soap video in half for 4 days only!

That's right, 50% off!

And it is the whole package - The How-To Video, the Soap Master Interview, and the Starter Manual!

All you have to do is go to this link and sign up for the newsletter which is always informative and filled with recipes, articles and other soap making tidbit goodies. Make sure you sign up because only then will you be given the Secret Sale Link!

Apple Sunshine Salad

Ingredients:

3/4 C. plain fat-free yogurt
1/3 C. nonfat dried milk powder
1 (4 serving) package, sugar-free orange, gelatin
3/4 C. lite whipped topping
3 C. unpeeled, diced apples
3 Tablespoons chopped pecans
1/2 C. miniature marshmallows

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine yogurt and dry milk powder. Add dry gelatin and mix well. Fold in whipped toping. Stir in apples, pecans, and marshmallows. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (Serves 6)

Low calorie, low fat, low salt