Coconut Oil Is Delicious and Nutritious

Besides being excellent for your thyroid and your metabolism, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which converts in your body to monolaurin – a compound also found in breast milk that strengthens a baby's immunity.

Its medium chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCT's) also impart a number of health benefits, including raising your body's metabolism and fighting off pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi.

There are some studies in the works that suggest the possibility that coconut oil may serve as a natural treatment for Alzheimer's disease, as MCT's are also a primary source of ketone bodies, which act as an alternate source of brain fuel that can help prevent the brain atrophy associated with dementia.

Make sure you choose an organic coconut oil that is unrefined, unbleached, cold-pressed or expeller pressed (made without heat processing or chemicals), and does not contain Genetically Modified ingredients.

Have You Kissed Someone Today?

Did you know that kissing can offer amazing advantages for a long and healthy life?

It is true!

Take a look at some of the benefits researchers have found.


Why pucker up?


Those who kiss their partner goodbye each morning live five years longer than those who do not.

Kissing is great for self-esteem. It makes you feel appreciated and helps your state of mind.

Kissing burns calories, 2-3 calories a minute and can double your metabolic rate. Research claims that three passionate kisses a day (at least lasting 20 seconds each) will cause you to loose an entire extra pound! It's time to start that kissing diet!

Kissing is a known stress-reliever. Passionate kissing relieves tension, reduces negative energy and produces a sense of well being, lowering your cortisol ‘stress’ hormone.

Kissing uses 30 facial muscles and it helps keep the facial muscles tight, preventing baggy cheeks! The tension in the muscles caused by a passionate kiss helps smooth the skin and increases the circulation.

Kissing is good for the heart, as it creates an adrenaline which causes your heart to pump more blood around your body. Frequent kissing has scientifically been proven to stabilize cardiovascular activity, decrease blood pressure and cholesterol.

Those who kiss quite frequently are less likely to suffer from stomach, bladder and blood infections.

During a kiss, natural antibiotics are secreted in the saliva. Also, the saliva contains a type of anesthetic that helps relieve pain.

Kissing reduces anxiety and stops the 'noise' in your mind. It increases the levels of oxytocin, an extremely calming hormone that produces a feeling of peace.

The endorphins produced by kissing are 200 times more powerful than morphine.


Now you have 10 more reasons to smooch someone today!

Live Well,
Lisa

These home made pretzels are even better than the ones you find at the stadium !!!



Ingredients:

Dough:
1 package all natural active dry yeast
1 teaspoon organic brown sugar
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
4 cups organic all-purpose flour
1/2 cup organic brown sugar
1 teaspoons pink himalayan sea salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

Baking soda bath:
1/2 cup baking soda
4 cups hot water

Topping:
pink himalayan sea salt
butter

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center; add the oil and yeast mixture. Mix and form into a dough. If the mixture is dry, add one or two tablespoons of water. Knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes.

Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.

Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in hot water.

When risen, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape.

Once all of the dough is all shaped, dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution and place on a greased baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, until browned.

Once they come out of the oven, brush with butter and sprinkle sea salt on tops.

Here is a Delicious Treat for Game Day

GAME DAY WON TONS




12 oz pkg all natural won ton wrappers

1 lb ground turkey
...
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

½ cup each diced jalapenos and green chilies

1/2 cup sliced green onion

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp cayenne

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 TB honey

Lightly press won ton wrappers onto the bottom and up the sides of greased miniature muffin cups. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey until no longer pink and drain. Stir in the cheese, peppers, onions, carrots and spices. Spoon a rounded tablespoonful into each won ton cup. Wet fingers and tie up won ton baskets. Bake 6 or 7 minutes or until heated through.

Some like it HOT !!!

If you like hot and spicy foods our White Chicken Chili is for you !!!




Ingredients:

4 ounces diced jalapeno peppers
4 ounces chopped green chile peppers
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
2 cups cooked white beans
1 cup cooked black beans
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream
Tomato
Avocado


Directions:

Puree 1 cup of cooked white beans with 1/2 cup chicken broth, jalapeno, green chile peppers, cumin, oregano, cayenne and sea salt. Gently mix this puree with the chicken, remaining white beans and black beans. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the mixture from heat. Slowly stir in the cheese until melted.

Serve warm topped with a scoop of sour cream, diced tomatoes and sliced avocados.

Delicious !!!

How Do You View Things ?

Are you the type of person who sees the glass half full ? or half empty?

Did you know that Optimism can be learned? It's true! Optimism can be developed, as much as any other skill. We can make it a mental habit and it will make a major difference in how well we handle whatever comes at us. So go looking for the good side of change. Focus on potential.

My Most Requested Dish

This is by far the most requested dish in my house. We like it spicy so adjust if you prefer things a bit more mild. I prefer to use all fresh and organic items and yes - I really do cook the beans myself!



Lisa's Mexican Medley


1 pound lean ground beef (you may also use ground turkey)
2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
6 tomatillos - diced
6 ounces diced green chilies
2 jalapenos - diced and seeds removed
2 cups cooked black beans - drained and rinsed
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
8 corn tortillas
4 tomatoes - diced
2 avocados - sliced
fresh cilantro
sour cream

Place ground beef in a skillet, season with cayenne, paprika, chili powder, cumin, sea salt and white pepper and cook over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink. Be sure to drain any excess fat.

Next add the diced tomatillos, green chilies, jalapenos, cooked black beans and 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to the skillet, mix gently and simmer 10 minutes.

Spoon mixture over a warm corn tortilla and top with a scoop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced tomato and sliced avocado.

Enjoy!

Try this delicious and healthy soup to warm you up this winter!





Spicy Italian Sasuage and Lentil Soup

1 pound spicy Italian sausage
1 (16 ounce) package dry lentils, rinsed
1 cup chopped carrots
5 cups water
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon white pepper


Directions:

Place sausage in a large pot. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Stir in lentils, carrot, water, chicken broth and tomatoes. Season with garlic powder, parsley, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, basil, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover, and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until lentils are tender.

Enjoy!

Success Tips For Living Well

It's January and everyone is getting back on track with making the best healthy choices so I thought it might be a good time to review some of our favorite success tips for living well !

Lisa's Top 5 Tips:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water per day. Also limit or avoid coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages as they create a very acidic environment and dehydrate the body.

2. Eat: Studies showing that metabolism and blood sugar levels respond favorably when we evenly space our caloric intake throughout the day. We suggest enjoying 3 meals per day plus 2-3 healthy snacks. Be sure to include a protein and a carbohydrate plus a healthy fat in each meal/snack.

3. Keep it real: Avoid fake sugars, pre-packaged and processed foods. Our bodies were not designed to live on the synthetic components found in these products. Natural and organic options are optimal.

4. Use the buddy system: Bring a friend or loved one along for the ride on your journey to optimal health and you will find that you get greater results and have a lot more fun along the way!

5. Plug into success: Through our coaching we find that individuals who reach out for support from a coach or someone who has already achieved success get 500% greater results than those who go at this on their own which is why we offer free coaching and multiple layers of support for our people.

Enjoy your New Year and remember living healthy is a journey not a sprint so take consistent, persistent action and you will achieve your goals.

Live Well,
Lisa
602-361-1074

A Healthy Twist on an Old Favorite!

Chicken Enchiladas

YES - it is possible to watch our waistlines AND enjoy our favorite dishes. Just make better choices with what you put in the dish. Remember - homemade, organic and natural is always better.


Ingredients

1 Diced Jalapeno Pepper
2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken Breast (boneless,skinless)
1 cup Natural Shredded Cheddar Cheese
8oz Organic Salsa Verde
4 oz Diced Green Chilies
1 1/2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1/3 cup Cilantro
8 Corn Tortillas

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Mist an 8 X 8 baking dish with grapeseed or olive oil.

In a large bowl, combine chicken, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/3 cup salsa, diced jalepenos and mild green chilies. Stir until well combined.

Pour broth into skillet and heat until almost simmering. Working one at a time, dip a corn tortilla into broth, taking care to work quickly so tortilla doesn't become too soft, then transfer to a clean workspace. Spoon about 2 Tbsp. of chicken mixture down center of tortilla. Roll tortilla around filling like a cigar, and transfer, seam side down, to prepared dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Pour remaining salsa over top of enchiladas, spreading to coat. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top.

Bake enchiladas, uncovered, until cheese is melted and enchiladas are hot throughout, about 20 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with cilantro.

You can also add a scoop of sour cream and sliced avocado for garnish :)

Enjoy!