When I first heard about putting coconut oil into coffee in the morning, I was skeptical. I thought that this "bulletproof coffee" fad that would soon leave our realm. So many fads pass through our brains every day. It is difficult to decipher which are true and which are bogus.

I then started reading more about coconut oil and realized it was time to give it a chance. I first brewed drip coffee. Then, I added the coffee, 1 tablespoon of unrefined organic coconut oil and 1/4th cup of Califa Farms coconut milk into my Nutri bullet. Blend for 10 seconds. By blending the oil, it becomes more frothy and palatable, instead of a liquid, runny-like substance. After I drank the coconut coffee, my energy was through the roof. I went to the gym and ran like I've never ran before. I was hooked.

I now start every morning with coconut oil coffee. I also sometimes fry eggs, salmon or sauté vegetables with the coconut oil. I have already seen improvements in my overall well being and health in just 6 weeks. I've convinced my coworkers, clients, friends and 1 out of 2 sisters to try. Did I sell you, yet? If not, read on.

In short, coconut oil contains Medium Chained Triglycerides (MCTs), including Caprylic acid, Lauric acid & Carpic acid. Unlike other fats, these digest quickly, with a 3 step digestive process instead of a 26 step process like other fats. I like fast. Our liver converts the MCTs into energy and due to this, they aren't readily stored as fat on our body. The energy is USED.

Benefits:

Remember Me

Our brain can use the MCTs from coconut oil without the usage of insulin. Studies have shown that coconut oil improves memory, cognition and recall ability, especially in aging subjects.

Fuel Me

Many professional athletes use coconut oil to fuel for trainings and races. As mentioned earlier, the oil is directly converted to energy, allowing for sustained energy. It is recommended to have 1 tablespoon 30 minutes before exercise. I am not a professional athlete (surprise!), but I do see the benefits in my running, vinyasa yoga & barre class.

The Good Gut

Coconut oil improves our gut health, by promoting "good bacteria" AND also by destroying "bad bacteria." Win, win. It also decreases our stomach acid, helping with ulcers and poor digestion. Studies have also shown it helps with IBS/IBD.

That Blood Sugar Stuff

MCT's help balance our bodies insulin reactions, by taking the strain & work away from the Pancreas. This means that our body can have a constant energy source without dipping into our insulin. This is ideal for Diabetics and anyone who suffers from insulin resistance.

Belly Be Gone

We all hate our stubborn belly fat. Luckily, coconut oil is here to help. MCTs have an unique fat burning ability. Specifically, to burn our abdominal fat (which is also a sign & symptom of insulin resistance.) Not only does coconut oil burn fat, it also will help promote muscle growth. Again, win, win.

Aging!

We can't all stay and look young forever, as much as we all would like to. Coconut oil reduces liver stress, oxidative stress and supports detoxification. Combined, all of these all can slow down the process of aging.

Hormones

Consuming coconut oil has a positive effect of estrogen levels. It is especially recommended to consume during menopause, but will also help balance hormones of women who are of child-bearing ages.

The list above contains just a FEW of the many health benefits. You also will have better skin, shinier hair, decreased inflammation of joints, etc. Just try it once in your coffee & let me know what you think!

A couple of my amazing bowls from the Kripalu dining hall.

I just spent a long weekend at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. I was happy to spend time with my good friend, Jen, practice some half-moon poses and sweat it out in the sauna; but most of all, as per usual, I was excited to check out the food. Luckily, the dining hall at Kripalu did not disappoint.

Kripalu's menu is based on Ayurvedic principles. Ayurveda is the "science of life", with an emphasis on diet & lifestyle. The purpose is to eradicate sickness and achieve optimal health by balancing the three Doshas; Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Each Dosha possess certain characteristics and qualities.

Vata qualities are dry, cold, light, mobile, clear, rough, subtle. The body type of Vata is slender with little muscle tone. They tend to feel cold and have very dry skin. Insomnia, indigestion and bloating are all common ailments of Vata. In order to warm the body, their diet should avoid raw fruits & vegetables, carbonated beverages and dry/crunchy foods. Instead, they should eat warm, cooked foods including cereal, soup and roasted vegetables.

Pitta qualities are slightly oily, hot, intense, light, fluid, free flowing, foul smelling. Pitta body types are toned with a medium build. Often, very emotional, Pitta-types should focus on a diet that soothes and calms. Spices, alcohol, coffee and acidic foods should be avoided, while there should be an increase of sweet fruits and vegetables with a high water content, for their cooling properties.

Kapha qualities are oily, cold, heavy, stable, viscid, smooth, soft. Kapha body types are large with broad-shoulders. Though they have good physical stamina, they are more likely to become obese compared to the other Dosha types. Kapha-types tend to have poor circulation and digestion. If you're a Kapha, you should reduce overall fat, salt and sugar intake, while focusing on a high fiber diet.

Though, each person tends to encompass more qualities of one Dosha than the others, the goal is to achieve harmony within the three. This will allow us to live within the rhythms of nature. The main goal is to preserve your Agni, otherwise known as digestive power.

Some of the "rules" seem like common sense, yet the Western-belief nutrition system doesn't always promote them. Though I have a strong science-based nutrition background, I have always found holistic views of nutrition fascinating and believe they should be incorporated into our diet plans and lives.

Diet Tips For All Doshas:

Wake With Water

In the morning, before coffee or breakfast, drink a glass of room-temperature water. A few years ago, an acupuncturist told me this, and I've continued with this ritual ever since. I always encourage this with all of my clients and patients. It should be noted that cold water will work in opposition with digestion, so make sure water is relatively warm. This will promote digestion, regularity and obviously, adequate hydration.

Breathe

Everyone is always rushing from one place to another. Meals are often eaten quickly, just to get them over with. It is important to try to break this habit and take a few breaths before eating each meal. Chew each bite thoroughly, while focusing on the smell, flavor and texture. Eating should be an act, not a rush job. This is especially a challenge if you go many hours without eating, as you feel "starving", which is why we should remember to have snacks between meals in order to avoid the feeling where food needs to be shoveled in at record speed.

Eat Only When Hungry

This is such a basic idea, yet so difficult for many, myself included. We eat for many reasons, including emotions and lack thereof. It is important for us to be aware of what hunger feels like and what anxiety or sadness feels like. Once we distinguish the two, we can feed only what is necessary and treat the sentiments accordingly.

Observe

Before you eat a meal, observe how you're feeling. If you notice you feel uncomfortable, eat to counteract whatever you are experiencing. For example, if you feel a dryness, have food that is moist. If you're feeling cold, have soup, or something warm. If you're feeling lightness or ungrounded, try to have a meal with a heavy quality.

Cycle It

For the most part, try to have a schedule around your eating by having meals at the same time each day. Nature is all about cycles and your digestive system should be, too!

Lunch & The Sun

Lunch should be your largest meal of the day. The heat of the sun is strongest mid day, and so is your digestive power. Don't be afraid to dig in! I find that many people try to "save their calories for later" and end up splurging on dinner. In actuality, you should do the opposite.

Spices

Certain spices, including ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, turmeric & black pepper, all aid in digestion. Try to add these to your cooking, especially if you experience bloating or cramping after meals.

Teas

I often like to end my meals with tea, as many promote a balance in the digestive system, including sausalito spice, ginger and peppermint.

As always, Happy Eating! Feel free to contact me to talk Doshas, diet and digestion.

-Allison