Probiotics.

I have recently been reading a lot about the Weston A. Price Foundation and the whole foods diet that is often linked to his findings and his dietary lifestyle recommendations.  One of the most common topics is probiotics, specifically those found in fermented foods.  I also follow Diane Sanfilippo, from Balanced Bites, on a regular basis...and she posted a recipe for homemade sauerkraut a few months back.  Realizing I need to add more probiotics into my own personal diet, I jumped on her recipe post and created some of my own sauerkraut just yesterday.  It takes a couple of weeks to complete the fermentation process, and could potentially be a failed attempt (I hope not), but I will post pictures once I am able to upload take a few to upload.


In the meantime, if you're interested in the impact that fermented foods can have on your diet please see this bit of information.  Or, perhaps you already know about fermentation and probiotics and need a great recipe; you can find that on the Balanced Bites blog post.


Until then...go make something sweet and savory...preferrably Paleo!

Coconut Mania.

co·co·nut/ˈkōkəˌnət/

Noun:

The large, oval, brown seed of a tropical palm, consisting of a hard shell lined with edible white flesh and containing a clear liquid. The flesh of a coconut, esp. when used as food

It's the basis of my new logo*.  It yields so many delicious elements of my current meals...coconut water, coconut juice, coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut butter, coconut chips, and my absolute favorite...coconut manna.  Who knew that one simple, slightly awkward-looking food could house so many healthy, hidden gems!

I have a friend who doesn't like coconut very much.  To be honest, I don't know that I loved it at first either.  However, over the past year I have truly grown to love my coconut sources.  In fact, I cannot imagine living without this revelation.  I am eagerly awaiting a package from Tropical Traditions and the box will be filled with lots of coconut goodness.

As for my current obsession over everything coconut...it's one step closer to incorporating the appropriate good fats into my diet.  I was afraid of fat for so long.  Mostly because the Standard American Diet (SAD) has done a wonderful job of convincing the general public that saturated fats are bad for us, but all fats are not created equal.  In the event you're curious about this last statement, please feel free to consult the various sources listed below:

www.thepaleodiet.com
www.balancedbites.com
www.paleoparents.com
www.tropicaltraditions.com
www.mercola.com
www.nutiva.com


Seriously though...the list goes on and on.  My hope is that you'll be enlightened by the information above and run out to your nearest grocery store to purchase some coconut products!  If you're not fond of coconut then buy the oil...it's nearly tasteless and is a great starter for stir fry or grilling meats.  I'm not a doctor...or a nutritionist, and I receive nothing but joy from sharing this news...I love coconut oil that much.


As for my cooking, baking, and Paleo treats...well, I couldn't do it without the coconut.


(Definition courtesy of Google)


*Interested in my other sites?  Check out Classic Confections (classic and gluten-free/Paleo baking) and Vibrant Photography (photography fun).

Protein Bar Success!

I had no idea the demand for Paleo Protein Bar goodness would result in dropping off 12 bars at CrossFit Vitality on Saturday morning...only to return on Monday night (for my daily WOD) and find 3...yes, 3 bars remaining!  I am humbled and grateful for the immediate feedback and response from my fellow CrossFitters!  Rest assured, a new batch will be gracing the refrigerator shelves by Saturday!


For those who are interested in purchasing the bars in bulk, or just buying them directly from me, feel free to email me here.  I am also tweaking the recipe a bit as the weeks go along - to reflect the season and specific spices that I would like to incorporate.  


Thanks again!!


Christina


P.S.  My Paleo treat for this evening comes from a wonderful website, PaleOMG.  I am currently baking an amazing batch of her granola recipe!  You can find the recipe on her site, www.paleomg.com, or follow this link.

Paleo Protein Bars

I used to eat protein bars all the time...prior to embracing the Paleo lifestyle.  I thought I was doing myself a huge favor.  I mean, they were protein bars!  I would go to my local YMCA, jog on the elliptical for about 30 minutes, and drive home while eating my protein bar and drinking my giant bottle of Vitamin Water.  I thought I was an absolute fitness genius!  Now, I have nothing against your typical protein bar, the YMCA (I used to attend their camps as a child...LOVED them!), or yummy Vitamin Water...but, these items don't fit into my current lifestyle.  I made a change in early January 2009, thanks to a great set of coaches over at CrossFit Vitality in Concord, NC.  I left my life of minimal challenges and very little progress, and chose to embark on a CrossFit and Paleo adventure.  

My newest product, my Paleo Protein Bar, emerged from the need for a new Paleo snack completely unlike my old protein bar from long ago.  These bars are made from a combination of great coconut oil (good fats), some dried fruit (carbohydrates), and a whey protein concentrate powder (protein).  They're not only good for you...they're absolutely delicious.  

I'm thankful to have an opportunity to launch distribution of these bars at my local CrossFit box.  The bars are vacuum sealed to keep them fresh and solid.  They are best eaten while cold - due to the concentration of coconut oil involved in the recipe.  If you are interested in purchasing these bars directly from me, please email me here, and I will be happy to arrange an order and pick up.  Here's to the beginning of something grand!

Christina