Things have been a bit hectic these past few months over here. Let me explain…
Earlier this Summer, I started…losing my hair.
It all started this past June. I noticed my hair gradually getting thinner but didn’t think much of it at first. As the days went on, my gorgeous blonde locks got thinner and thinner, leaving me with, well, not a whole lot. It’s not a good situation. At the same time, I began losing sleep, sleeping for about 4 or 5 nonconsecutive hours a night at most. I’d wake up from these, let’s call them “naps” with heart palpitations and shaky hands.
So what’s the deal? Well, your guess is as good as mine. First thoughts…stress. But that baffles me since my symptoms began while on Summer Vacation! Hello, isn’t that all about leisure? No class, no responsibilities…doesn’t sound too stressful. While I probably did have a bit of stress in my life, I don’t believe that could be the only culprit.
Second thought…Maybe I’m Howie Mandel’s long lost daughter…. Umm, Mom? Is there something you need to tell me!??!?
I’m still working on figuring out what is going on. This whole hair loss thing is getting realllllllllllllly old. I am embarrassed to even acknowledge the fact that I have the start of a bald spot at the crown of my head.
I have gone to see a few doctors but we are still working on it. In an effort to slow down the process, and hopefully stop it, I have been changing my diet up a bit to make sure I’m getting all that I need. Lots of proteins, healthy carbs (gluten free carbs, that is), and healthy fats.
Enter Coconut Oil.
My friend (yoga instuctor/massage therapist/nutritional guru/goddess) recommended I start including coconut oil into my diet. Aha!
Coconut oil has gotten quite a bad reputation in the past. It was said to increase cholesterol levels and increase the risk for heart disease due to it’s saturated fats, but there was only one study done, and they were using hydrogenated coconut oil. Unrefined, extra-virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil has amazing health benefits! Truth is, we need some of those saturated fats, especially from quality sources like virgin coconut oil. Here’s some tid-bits:
– It has Lauric Acid, which is also found in human breast milk (interesting!?!?) – this medium chain fatty acid is crucial to building and maintaining a strong immune system.
– It is easily digested, and is wonderful for thyroid health – it has been shown to boost metabolism and help with weight loss despite the high fat content. The liver converts it to energy right away (rather than getting stored in the body) which also gives you a quick energy boost…or something like that. My terminology may be off here…but that’s the gist.
– It is also great for topical use. It makes a great moisturizer (not that I’ve tried it or anything Wink), and is also a great conditioner for hair. You can massage it into your scalp for a deep conditioning treatment – it will make your hair shinny and help repair damaged hair. Using it on the skin or hair is also therapeutic and has been shown to reduce stress.
-Oh, and it’s delicious!
I didn’t do the health benefits justice here, but trust me on this one! You’re going to want to pick some of this up while you are out grocery shopping this weekend. Go for the good stuff..Extra virgin, cold pressed organic coconut oil. It’s worth it!
I had some this morning in some pumpkin oatmeal (pumpkin and coconut!?…yes!). Lots of you asked how I do my pumpkin oats. Well, here you go.
I cook my oats like normal (about 1/2 cup with water to cover and let it come to a boil very slowly!), then add the goods. But first I make a mess…
I don’t typically measure it out – but that’s a heaping 1/3 cup in case you were wondering. Once the oats are done, I move the pot off the super hot burner and add the goods…
That white stuff is the coconut oil. It melts like buttah. Oh, and I also add some chia seeds for kicks and giggles.
Voila! (with a touch of honey and a nice spoon of organic peanut butter)
Orange you glad I made pumpkin oats!? Me too!
So what’s the verdict!? Have I convinced you to try coconut oil? Do you use it now? What’s your favorite way to use it?
Oh – and Howie, if you are my real dad…let’s go halfsies on a bulk order of coconut oil, yes? You at least owe me that much! Wink
