The Circle Z

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - Coconut Oil: My Experience

Posted in Nutrition
Here's the story on my experience with coconut oil (thanks for asking, Amber).

I first read about the benefits of coconut oil last spring on Dr. Mercola's blog. I was skeptical that it would actually help with weight loss, but decided to start using it, just based on its nutritional benefits. That was in April. Over the next few months, I noticed I was losing weight. I don't weigh myself regularly, so I didn't realize it at first. In March, I weighed somewhere between 160 and 165 lbs. By the end of June, the range was 140-145 lbs. I lost 20 lbs. without really even realizing it! Here are the possible contributing factors, for me: I was refined sugar-free at this time. Also, I had already stopped cooking with all trans-fats and vegetable oils (canola, corn, soybean, etc.). I had no exercise plan in place (unless you count lifting laundry baskets and chasing toddlers), and I was not dieting in any other way.

I was really not cooking much with coconut oil. At that time I was cooking with some coconut oil (Spectrum Organic refined, which is cheaper than the really good stuff), butter, and olive oil. What I would do, is eat about one tablespoon of the Garden of Life coconut oil (Extra virgin, organic, not bleached, refined or deodorized) in the morning, either straight off the spoon (tastes great!), or on my oatmeal (I didn't microwave my oatmeal or the coconut oil, and I think that might make a difference).

Here are the brands that I have tried:
LouAnn (cheapest of the cheap from Wal-Mart; wouldn't buy it again)
Spectrum Organic (ok to cook with, I still think, but not as high quality as others)
Garden of Life (still my favorite - best tasting and highest quality, I think)
Nutiva (my husband's favorite, he had similar results with this brand; also very high quality)
Tropical Traditions (recommended by Dr. Mercola)
Jarrow (I think that's the name; also high quality, tastes like Nutiva brand)

Here are a couple of links from Dr. Mercola that talk about coconut oil, why it's gotten a bad rap, and why it's so good for you. The weight loss benefit apparently comes because coconut oil speeds up your metabolism. I found that when I first started eating the coconut oil that it took me longer to get hungry later in the day, and it also gave me a boost of energy. About olive oil: it is good for you, but only if you don't cook with it. I believe that cooking with olive oil results in the formation of some trans-fats. It is very good for you when you eat it raw (salads, on bread, etc.), but unlike coconut oil, it is  fattening. Personally, I still use an olive oil cooking spray, just because it's so quick and easy to spray a pan, as opposed to coating it with butter or coconut oil. But once I figure out a better way of coating my pans, I probably will.

I hope this is helpful. I know different people have different ideas about fats and oils, and this is one view that you don't hear very often. Usually we hear how terrible for us saturated fats are, but I think this is misinformation.

Blessings!

Amey
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Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - Coconut Oil

Posted by borderling
I didn't realize that coconut oil would aid in weight loss. I began using it about 4 months ago after reading The Maker's Diet. Do you eat a teaspoon every morning? I just cook with it. Maybe I'll try eating just plain. I could sure use some weight loss. :)
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Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - Thank you!

Posted by Amber
I'm sorry I didn't come by sooner. This is GREAT! I'm buying some tomorrow!

For weightloss, another great thing is:

2tsp raw honey
2tsp Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
8oz. water

mix and drink. it doesn't taste bad.

Last thing, want to enter my HSteadB Contest?

God Bless,
Amber
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Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - oil

Posted by alllnc
I have this oil too. I was taking it, but I gained weight. However, when I gained weight, I was drinking a lot of whole milk from the farmer and also drinking a lot of kefir shakes with maple syrup. I think I gained from that. I stopped drinking so much milk and kefir shakes. I stopped gaining. Now I will try the oil again. Thank you for reminding me. I was an average of 125-130 pounds. I am now 143-148 lbs. I really would like to take that extra poundage off. I just joined Bally's Total Fitness to help also.
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Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - FYI

Posted by Amber
I went out today, but couldn't make it to the health food store or Wal-Mart, but I'm going tomorrow, so I can get the cocoanut oil. BUT, can you believe they don't sell it at Toys R Us, Party City, or Dillard's. What is this world coming to?!
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I'm a midwestern gal, living my dream life on 7 acres in the country. I love Jesus, my husband, three children, Daisy the Wonder Goat, and our chickens. I'd still love to someday have a miniature jersey milk cow.

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