Monday, January 21, 2013

My Secret Use for My Coconut Oil...

We've used coconut oil in our cooking, and recently, because I'm a HUGE fan of The Organic Momma, I started adding a tablespoon of coconut oil to my protein shakes. But today, I'm going to let you in on my super secret coconut oil use.


My secret? Hot Oil treatment using coconut oil! Partly because of my age, the fact that under the dye I am all grey, and that I not only get my grey hair salon dyed, I also get highlights. Oh, and my perpetual heat-styling!
I don't mind getting a salon treatment but why if I find a remedy that I can do myself that WORKS? Researchers found that coconut oil, which is a triglyceride of lauric acid (principal fatty acid), has a high affinity for hair proteins and, because of its low molecular weight and straight linear chain, is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft. So, I figured I'd give it a shot!

How To's For Coconut Oil Hot Oil Treatment:


Wash and towel dry hair. Heat 1 TBSP of coconut oil in the microwave. Allow to oil to cool slightly so that you can handle it without burning yourself. Apply it to your hair and massage it from your roots to your tips. Comb through and cover with a shower cap (or plastic bag) and sit under a hairdryer with low heat for 15-20 minutes (or cover with a warm towel for 15-20 minutes – you can heat it in the clothes dryer).Shampoo your hair and rinse. I had to rinse it a lot to get the oil out!!!! RINSE RINSE & RINSE! I can’t emphasize this enough. RINSE or else your hair will look super greasy! Do this once a month. It will keep your hair smooth and shiny!



Sunday, January 20, 2013

Szechuan Green Beans



Szechuan Green Beans
Recipe from the Tasting Table Test Kitchen

Yield: 4 servings
Cook Time: 15 minutes

1 pound green beans, ends trimmed
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (less if you prefer a gentler heat)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled (use the edge of a teaspoon to scrape off the skin) and grated

  1. Adjust the oven rack to the highest position and preheat the oven to broil. On a rimmed baking sheet, add the green beans. Broil until the beans are almost tender and are speckled with black spots, rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking, about 10 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn the beans out into a large bowl. Set aside.
  1. In a small skillet set over medium-low heat, add the oil. Once the oil starts to shimmer add the red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally, and cooking until they turn a slightly darker shade of red, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and immediately add the sherry vinegar. Swirl the skillet, and then stir in the soy sauce.
  1. Pour the garlic-vinegar sauce over the green beans. Toss well. Place the ginger pulp in your palm and squeeze the ginger over the beans to extract the juice; discard the pulp. Toss the ginger juice with the beans and serve.
Saturday, January 12, 2013

Calories Are Hiding


Not all foods that we would typically think of as healthy are what they seem. Today we have three that we think of as healthy but need to watch out for:

 
Salads

Salads are a huge hider of calories, especially when eating out. Instead of getting your salad saturated in an oily or creamy dressing, try oil and vinegar or topping your salad with salsa.  Salsa adds a lot of flavor without loading in more calories. 

 
Non-Fat or Low Fat Snacks

Read your labels on non-fat or low fat items. Typically non-fat or low fat means sugar and/or salt. The hidden sugar causes your blood sugar to spike then crash and causes you to crave more. Excessive salt intake makes you retain water. 

 
Fruit Juice, Smoothies, and Fruit-Flavored Yogurts 

Fruit Juices and fruit-flavored yogurts are loaded in sugar and corn syrups. Always go for fresh fruit. You can make excellent smoothies with a little milk (coconut milk, coconut water, almond milk, etc.) fresh fruit and ice. A tasty treat even your kids will love.

Do you have a treat you love that's diet friendy? Share with us!