4.18.2011

O is for Oil

While low-carbing, you can get creative with oils used in cooking. We all are aware of olive oil and its possible benefits, but have you considered macadamia nut oil or coconut oil?

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is something I started using a few years ago, and am happy that I did. I purchase the Nutiva brand in the 29 oz jar for around $20 at my friendly neighborhood co-op. I would not recommend anything other than unrefined and organic, otherwise you just aren’t getting a nutritional advantage at all. (There are 0 carbs in a serving.)

I know some people eat the coconut oil right off the spoon, but I do not. It doesn’t taste like a coconut delicacy or dessert, but has a light coconut flavor for cooking. The benefits are pretty phenomenal if you ask me. This coconut oil contains quite a bit of lauric acid, which I’ve read boosts metabolism. You can read more about the health benefits on Nutiva’s website.

How do I use organic coconut oil? It is a mild enough flavor to use it to sauté red peppers, green beans and mushrooms. I also like to melt a Choco Perfection bar, mix in a little coconut oil, and add some almonds. I pour that mixture into a coated pie plate, and stick in the freezer for a little while. It makes an almost-almond bark that tastes like an Almond Joy candy bar.

You can even use a little bit of the oil to moisturize your skin.

If you’re feeling adventuresome with oils, you should definitely look into the nutritional benefits of organic coconut oil the next time you are at your local specialty store. Of course, you can order Nutiva coconut oil online, too.

I really wanted to blog about black olives on my “O” post, but there’s not much I can say about them other than I enjoy eating them while on my weight loss journey. I like to add them to regular salads with a little pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and Italian dressing. Of course, they’re tasty on taco salads, in pizza toppings, or simply by themselves. 5-7 black olives=about 1 net carb.

5 comments:

  1. I've never tried coconut oil but it sounds interesting. I don't cook with much oil anyway (well, it don't cook much of anything anyway, LOL).

    Popping in by way of the A-Z Challenge. I’m blogging at:
    Write, Wrong or Indifferent
    Marie Anne’s Missives
    In the Garden With Sow-n-Sow
    Every Day Crochet

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very cool posting. We use virgin olive oil only but coconut sounds awesome! Might try that for sure.

    Stopping by via the A-Z challenge! Come check out my latest post here:

    http://rodneysouthernsays.blogspot.com/2011/04/open-and-honest-prayers-god-do-you.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. My hubby has to watch his blood sugar, so of course, that means watching the carbs. We tend to use mostly extra virgin olive oil, but it's nice to have other options.

    My “O” post: http://www.word-nerd-speaks.com/2011/04/old-mother-hubbard-economic-reality.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the taste of coconut so I would probably really like this oil. My latest challenge blog is here: http://myheartblogstoyou.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really like coconut, sounds like its really useful to try the oil, thanks for sharing. Great to stop by and read some of your other posts on the A-Z challenge.

    Amanda
    http:realityarts-creativity.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete