Healthy Eats | Fats Go CocoNutty!!, P.H.A.T Meals
- La'Tara Jackson
- Oct 11, 2023
- 4 min read
But is it Good Tho'?!
Low in carbs and high in fiber and fat, coconut is a great choice if you’re on a low carb, paleo, or gluten-free diet. Not only that, it may help promote blood sugar control, contains powerful antioxidants, and also has antibacterial effects. But don't let the most important part (as it relates to this entry) miss you. Coconuts may be low in carbs but they are high in healthy fats. I used to enjoy almond joys when I was a young girl. I guess you could say that started my coconutty obsession. But not everyone has that kind of love for them. I've heard someone once say, eating coconut was like eating paper because it had no taste. Let's not even get started on the jokes about the texture of the meat. I once tried to get my youngest son to try coconut meat and his face couldn't hide exactly how he felt about it and me in that moment. Ha! I say this because I understand this recommendation won't be for everyone and that's okay! You have to find what works for you. Me on the other hand, I can eat coconut meat as a snack any day. If I look at this from another perspective, I also have the mindset if something is good for me, I need to learn to love it even if I don't like it. But that's neither here nor there. Because of its high fat index, eating coconut meat as a snack can help keep you fuller longer between meals. So let's explore a few ways I like to consume coconut. These too, can be added to our P.H.A.T meals.
But, Why Coconut?!
We eat certain things on a daily basis knowing they will contribute to our weight gain but how many of them do you know will benefit you? Whether you'd like to believe it or not, we (especially women) need a good amount of fat to regulate our hormones. When I fasted heavily during the birth of Ground Up Self-Love Workbook, I stopped having my moon cycle (I have spoken about this before on this platform). That's just how small I'd gotten. In addition to the hormone imbalance, sitting down and sometimes even laying with my legs atop one another was painful. I was bone on bone. During several seasons of my fitness journey, my goal was weight gain for aesthetic reasons. That period of time made me realize I needed weight (fat) more than to look a certain way. It was mandatory for comfort physically, mentally and emotionally. So if you're going to eat fatty foods why not go for the best kind.
P.H.A.T Meals
Now let's get into those meal ideas. First up on our coconutty obsession is,
✨ Fruit Cups
This quick and easy meal idea is super simple and multipurpose. You can have it as breakfast or a snack. Simply cut up your favorite fruits like, strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, banana, melon, kiwi, grapes, or watermelon, and through a few coconut meat slices in there. Don't forget to sprinkle tajin and a splash of lime on top. Delicious!
✨ Coconut Water
I know you're probably slack on your daily water intake? Some people don't drink water because it lacks taste. I'm not saying coconut water is your preferred taste, but I am saying it is more nutritious and nourishing. It may not be a complete meal, but it's a great addition to whatever you're eating. Drink Up!
✨ Protein Smoothie (Bowl) Topper
Here where are with another instant, quick and simple meal. You can make a smoothie with your favorite fruit, oats and milk (or water), or you can gloss it up with extra protein, vitamins and minerals (see one of my favorite smoothie recipes here, https://www.groundupselflove.com/post/healthy-eats-protein-smoothie-bowl ) and add shredded coconut and your favorite syrup on top. A smoothie is multifaceted, it can replace any meal or be added as an extra one to meet your fitness goals.
Final Thoughts | Eating Healthy Pays Off!
You could be thinking, I could find a million other things I want to do other than eating coconut or eating healthy in general. Let me assure you, yes, you could. The downside to that is your risk of dis-ease and illness rises every time you choose not to. Sadly, we do not reside in a nation that benefits off you being healthy. They make a lot more money when you're sick and overly consuming. I get it, I get it! The junk food tastes way better. But if you do your research you'll learn many of these food companies inject certain chemicals in their food to increase your cravings. It isn't always that the food is just that good. Their deception on the other hand, is. The less you buy into it, the more your appetite changes for the things and foods you eat and want in life. Way too often we make long term decisions based on short term pleasure. If we want a different result, we must do differently. Consuming coconuts could be your chance at breaking free. When you change your mind, you change your life.
Change starts with you but it takes a village. If you’re not sure where to begin with your healthy lifestyle, and or you’re looking for your people to do this walk with, it is possible, I am your people. To learn more, join my Pretty Beast Fit VIP Community and sign up for my next workshop. To get first dibs on details, subscribe to my email list. All links are below.
La'Tara Jackson is Author/Owner of Ground Up Self-Love Workbook and .com, and Holistic Coach both certified in personal training and yoga. She has over eight years experience in nutrition and wellness and it all began with being a single mom desiring a better life for herself and children by starting a woman's community bootcamp that would go on to change the lives of many. And that was just the beginning.
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