The benefits of FATS and free Coconut Oil

In the last several years I have learned alot about the benefits of different foods in my diet... one of these is good  FATS. Yes, you heard me right... our bodies were intended to consume FAT. I know years of lowfat, no-fat, and fat free marketing has messed with our heads. However, when  we consume the right fats our bodies process them correctly and we actually benefit from them. It's simple "Real Fats are Good" and Industrial Fats are Bad"! Below is a breakdown for you:
Real Fats (Traditional)

• coconut oil
• butter or ghee (from grass fed cows)
• extra virgin olive oil
• palm oil or shortening
• tallow and lard (rendered animal fats) from pastured animals
• some cold pressed oil like flax (in small doses)

 Industrial Fats

• margarine or other non-butter spreads or sprays
• processed oils (likely any at the grocery store) ex: canola, sunflower, etc
• products made with oils like cool whip or creamer
• trans fats, hydrogenated fats, or partially hydrogenated fats (all found in foods)

 Saturated (real)  fats are not the problem... they are good for your body in a variety of ways. Keeper of the home has a post on it here. Or you can check out these other links. #1, #2.
Check it out for your self... you might be surprised at what you can have that you have been depriving yourself of for years!

Tropical Traditions is a great resource for Coconut oil and Palm oil/shortening. Until Christmas Day they are offering a FREE 32 oz. container of coconut oil with a $16 minimum purchase as a gift to each customer. This is a fantastic deal... for those that buy coconut oil we have all watched it sky rocket in the last year. This would normally cost you $40! As of today the free shipping code (261112) was still working also!
 

Preparing for Illness

As Fall comes to an end and Winter draws near I become increasingly aware of the coming illnesses that could creep into my home. With that thought I could run out and purchase a variety of cold remedies from the store shelf or I can choose to care for my family's needs in another way. As my family moves to a more natural lifestyle I am constantly seeking out healthier alternatives. Here are a few tips shared by other bloggers:
Keeper of the Home is one of my favorite bloggers here area few of her selections:
homemade cough and cold syrup
cold kicker remedy
kudzu
boosting immune system
homeopathic solutions
drink your silver
good practice with herbs
here is another post on Keeper of the Home courtesy of Kate Tietje of Modern Alternative Mama with tips for the "sick season"!
Simple Organic has a few more:
5 simple home remedies
save $$$ on your natural remedies cabinet
how to naturally clean a house after illness
garlic poultice
I hope you find a new remedy for your family in the selections above or on your own. We keep a variety of natural tinctures around our home and have found that when paired with an organic whole foods diet we are less likely to become sick or stay sick for very long.