A New Approach: Grains

Grains include wheat, barley, oatmeal, rice, and corn.  They are divided into 2 groups: whole or refined and are a source of carbohydrates.  Our body's main source of fuel comes from carbs.  However, those carbs should come from vegetables, fruits, and nuts/seeds.  Our bodies were not designed to process all the pastas, grains, beans, sugars, and processed foods we eat at every meal/snack or in the drinks we consume.

I recently began a new approach to my diet.  Back in January, I went on a detox and removed wheat, caffeine, dairy, soy, peanuts, vinegar, and anything processed.  I did that for 4 weeks.  After the initial detox, I never re-introduced wheat, soy, peanuts, and processed foods were sparingly.  I do, however, enjoy my cup of joe (caffeine) daily and use vinegar sparingly.
As a result, the only grains I was getting were from oat bran, wheat bran, brown rice ( of which I used brown rice protein powder or brown rice pasta) or my 'cheat meal' if I decided to have grains.   I have been reading up on grains and how they affect the body.  Within the past 2 weeks, I have omitted all grains from my diet (including brown rice, breads, and pastas).

Since doing so, I have noticed my energy levels have increased and my stomach doesn't get bloated.  Yay! Now, I do enjoy a cheat meal once a week and if I decide to have my grains or pasta, it will be brown rice indeed!  Some may notice that this type of approach is similar to the paleo diet.  I don't follow that to a 'T' or I din't intend to 'follow' a diet.  I go by my own approach and do what works for me.  This may not be for everyone.  I am just giving you my take on what I have been doing and the results of that.  And just so you know, I do get my carbs mostly from veggies and then fruits, so I am not without a carb source.   I would recommend that you try if for 2 weeks and see how you feel.  Would love to hear your thoughts/questions.

http://www.livingpaleo.com/avoiding-grains-part-1/

The most nutritious food on earth

In certain parts of the world, the coconut is revered as a cure for all illnesses and a valuable source of food.
To me, it has a wonderful scent and a light, sweet taste.  For those who don't particularly like the taste of coconuts (I don't know who would), there are products like coconut milk and creamer that do not have a 'coconutty' flavor.
If my husband was Tom Hanks on Cast Away, he would starve because the only foods one can eat on an island are seafood, bugs, & coconuts.  My husband dislikes coconuts a lot.  I, however, enjoy them.
When most people think of coconuts, they think of the fleshy, white 'meat' center of the nut.  There is so much more to the coconut than just the meat.  Coconuts also provide milk, juice, & oil.  Coconuts are the most nutritious food on earth.   They carry many health benefits including MCT (the healthy fat), fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

Recently, I went on a detox and discovered coconut milk, creamer, cultured milk, and raw coconut crystals.  Virgin coconut oil has been a staple of my diet for almost 2 years. It has been scientifically proven to help burn belly fat because it contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight.  It increases the body's metabolism by removing stress on the pancreases, thereby, burning out more energy & helping obese and overweight people reduce their weight.   It is also an excellent moisturizer for the face and hair.  I use it in my homemade sugar scrubs.    
There are many populations where coconuts are a staple in the diet.  Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas who eat coconut oil as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese, or overweight. 
If you aren't including this nutritional powerhouse in your daily diet, I would highly recommend you start doing so today.  The many health benefits you will reap from this addition will be much worth it.  


http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/
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