That's (Coco) Nuts! 5 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can be a bit of a challenge when it comes to learning about the most nutritious types of foods out there as well as understanding why we should avoid other kinds of edibles.

With that said... one thing many of us may not already know too much about is coconut oil. 

We know about coconuts as a tropical fruit (and a great adult beverage flavor) and we know about oils such as olive, peanut and canola. But what's all this hype about coconuts & oil rolled into one product?

Here are 5 great benefits of coconut oil our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad thinks are definitely worth knowing about (so be sure to add it to your grocery list right away):

1. It can minimize your mid-section.
Recent research shows subjects who were asked to consume fewer calories, walk daily and eat/cook with just 2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day not only lost weight, they reported a decrease in their waist circumference (belly fat). Those who were observed to have less belly fat also found that their cholesterol levels somewhat improved during this study. Combined with other weight loss techniques (like lowering your carb intake and increasing your protein consumption), results like these could sure add up to some significant inch loss around your mid-section, don't ya think?!

2. It can curb those nagging hunger pangs.

A recent study discovered that subjects who took in small amounts of medium & long chain triglycerides (like what's in coconut oil) consumed up to 256 fewer calories during the day... and those who had their share of fatty acids during breakfast actually ate significantly less at lunchtime. These studies were only conducted over a short period of time, but if this effect were to persist long-term it could definitely make a huge impact on waistlines over time worldwide.

3. It can be great for diabetics.
Anyone who has diabetes will attest to the fact that it's tough to know which foods you can and can't have, based on which ones will do a real number on your insulin levels. Coconut oil, however is NOT one of those foods. Not only can it help control blood sugar levels, this MCT (medium chain triglyceride)-rich ingredient can also improve the body's secretion of insulin and aid in more efficient utilization of blood glucose. Wanna see how our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad cooks with coconut oil? Click here NOW!

4. It can help you burn more calories.
Sure oils can sometimes carry the reputation of being fattening and/or bad for your health, but coconut oil doesn't quite have that stigma. Why? Because using the white stuff (in moderate amounts, of course) can boost your body's metabolic rate by alleviating stress on the pancreas, thereby burning more calories...and resulting in better weight loss results. Who knew something so tasty could also help shrink your waistline?!

5. It's hCG -friendly.
If you're currently on prescription hCG program, you may find it difficult to stay within your allotted amount of calories for the day while eating food that actually tastes like better than cardboard. Well good news-- using coconut oil is approved for hCG weight loss programs (especially if you're following Dr. Simeons's protocol). Cooking your chicken or shrimp in a dash of coconut oil will not only help keep your protein nice & juicy, it will add a tropical twist of fun to your fare. Try cooking with it for dinner tonight... We think you'll love it!

Want more information about prescription hCG weight loss or our other slimming solutions at Body SymmetryMD ? CLICK HERE to visit our web site now.

Here's to a healthier lifestyle that's so tasty, it's practically (coco) nuts!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad


References:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
http://www.pinterest.com/BodySymmetryMD/
http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/
http://authoritynutrition.com/coconut-oil-and-weight-loss/

Sticky It To Me: Body SymmetryMD 's Sticky Sweet & Spicy Paleo Chicken

Put a twist of the Far East on your chicken dinner tonight with this great new stick-to-your-ribs recipe from our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad. 

It's high in protein, low in carbs, Paleo -friendly and most of all, big on flavor!

Sticky Sweet & Spicy Paleo Chicken

Ingredients
-1 large head of cauliflower (for the coating) 
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 lb. chicken tenders
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup hot sauce 
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions
Cauliflower Crumbs:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 
2. Rice the florets of the cauliflower, using a grater or in food processor.
3. Spread out on a non-stick baking sheet (do not apply thick, because the cauliflower needs plenty of room to breathe).
4. Bake for approximately 1 hour, turning about every ten minutes so the tiny bits don't burn. The cauliflower should just lightly brown and dry out considerably.

Chicken:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the cauliflower crumbs, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper into a bowl and stir it together. Place the eggs in another bowl with a splash of water and whisk them.
3. Dip the chicken tenders, one at a time, into the flour then into the egg then into the flour again. 
4. Lay the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the chicken for 25 minutes, or until it is crispy and beginning to golden brown.
5. While the chicken is baking prepare the sauce. In a small frying pan over high heat bring the honey, hot sauce and garlic powder to a boil then set it aside.
6. When the chicken has finished baking remove it from the oven and turn the oven to broil. Dip each of the chicken tenders in the sauce then lay them back on the baking sheet. Save the extra sauce.
7. Put the chicken back in the oven for 5 minutes for the glaze to caramelize slightly.
8. Baste the chicken with any extra sauce one they come out of the oven. Serve immediately and enjoy eating Paleo -friendly (makes 4 servings)!

Nutritional Info
Calories per serving: 242
Protein: 29g
Total fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugar: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 4.25g

For more great healthy recipes and weight loss tips CLICK HERE

 Here's to "sticky"ing to your diet!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad