Confused by all the diets out there?

There are so many fad diets: South Beach, eat for your blood type and Atkins', to name a few. Currently, the Paleo diet is very popular.

While there are many good things about most diets, no one diet is flexible enough to account for individual preferences, habits, and unique body chemistry. Basically, what works for many people, might not work for you.

I highly recommend the article at the web address below. It does a great job of explaining how to honor the signals your body gives instead of being a slave to the diet. While the author specifically discusses the Paleo diet, the article is true for other diets as well. http://chriskresser.com/beyond-paleo-moving-from-a-paleo-diet-to-a-paleo-template

Coconut Oil

Please go to coconutresearchcenter.org if you would like to see the many health benefits of using coconut oil.

I use the type that is suggested for medium to high heat as it is the most versatile.

Over the past few months, I've slowly replaced all other forms of oil/butter/fat in my baking, frying and cooking, with coconut oil

Here is a great recipe for homemade popcorn. I no longer purchase the microwave version as it is less tasty and much less healthy.

Cover the bottom of your pan with medium/high heat coconut oil. In a single layer, cover the bottom of your pan with popcorn kernels. Add 1/2-1 tbsp fine salt. Put the lid on the pan and turn the heat under the pan to high. Lift the pan off of the stove to shake about every 30 seconds and then replace on the heat. In about 2-4 minutes, the corn should begin to pop. 1-2 minutes after popping begins, reduce the heat to medium high. Shaking of the pan should continue throughout the popping process. As the popping slows down, remove the pan from the heat but keep the lid on. Popping will continue for a few minutes. When popping is done, remove the lid and let the steam escape for a few minutes. Popcorn is now ready to eat...it's seasoned and all.

If you find that you want a saltier taste, add more salt the next time you make this recipe.

Due to differences in stove tops, you may need to play with the timing a temperature just a bit.

My kids like extra butter and salt on theirs, but I think this lightly seasoned version is just perfect.