We all know that I love Diet Coke and candy, breakfast of Champions, but I also try to balance that out by being somewhat healthy.
Don’t let the word get out, but I love me some vegetables, Greek yogurt, and fresh fruit. BORRRRINNNG.
Anyways, here are two relatively new-to-me health foods that I’m eating/taking in hopes that I’ll live to a robust 37.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar is made from crushed, fermented apples. Sorta like wine but not as fun or good tasting.
{Delicious grape juice in the big gulp bottle}
You want to buy the raw, unfiltered ACV (it will be cloudy and slightly brown) because it isn’t distilled which breaks down some of the goodness (enzymes and such) due to distillation heat.
Unfiltered ACV also has the “mother of vinegar” in it – a membrane made of yeast and vinegar during fermentation. Honestly sounds disgusting and makes me want to vom, but it is the most nutrient-dense part. (source)
Apple cider vinegar is said to have a lot of digestive benefits, stabilize blood sugar and control appetite, clear up skin, ward off sickness, and make all of your wildest dreams come true.
It is really acidic so be aware of it. Also be aware that it tastes like sour butt. I take 1 tablespoon in the morning with a glass of water. I know Kristin makes all sorts of drinks with it so ask her for some recipes.
The most popular brand is probably Bragg, but you can buy it at most grocery stores or health food stores. I bought mine at Whole Foods for $9 million and a kidney $3.99, but you can get 32 ounces for $4.37 online.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is a saturated fat that’s also good for you: it contains a mix of short and medium chain fatty acids including lauric acid, has no cholesterol and contains metabolism-boosting medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). Some studies suggest that coconut oil can help reduce belly fat, improve cholesterol levels, promote digestion and weight loss, basically make your life wonderful. Dr. Oz loves the stuff and credits it for all the success he’s had in life. By “it” I mean, Oprah, not coconut oil.
There are a lot of other benefits of coconut oil – you can use it as a moisturizer for your skin, conditioner for your hair, and a slip ‘n’ slide on your wood floors. But I think the biggest benefit is that it tastes like smiles and sunshine at the beach. Because it’s coconutty, it goes great with sweeter things like roasted sweet potatoes, pancakes, and so on. This morning I made French toast for my husband with it.
{Yes, I make him breakfast in bed. He’s my boy; ain’t nobody gonna treat him better than I do.}
I bought my coconut oil from Costco for around $16. You can get 16 ounces for $8.89 online (Nature’s Way brand) or at grocery stores for slightly more. Look for virgin or extra-virgin, unrefined oil and extra hippy points if it’s organic.
If you’re interested, here’s a good article on what brand/type of coconut oil to buy.
Do you use either ACV or coconut oil? Have a different health food you recommend?
