Love (of chocolate) is in the air! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a decadent chocolate-raspberry dessert that’s actually good for your sweetie to eat. Low in sugar, it’s made from healthy and yummy ingredients including raw cacao, raw honey, coconut oil and fresh berries. Simply pour the batter into small dishes and chill for easy-to-serve individual treats, or use a cookie cutter to shape into festive hearts for the occasion.
Last month, we asked about your most-loved product at Vitacost.com. Many of you had the same answer, so we figured we’d give you a special treat for Valentine’s Day – free coconut oil!
Q: I’ve heard that coconut is great for skin. What are the benefits? Can you recommend some coconut skincare products?
MyChelle Dermaceuticals licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy responds:
You heard right! Coconut is wonderful for skin. Women around the world (particularly in tropical regions) have used it for centuries as a natural solution for keeping skin soft, smooth and hydrated. Many swear by its anti-aging effects, said to be from both its intense moisturizing properties and its antioxidant content.
Delight your mitten-clad crowd with a cup of creamy, homemade hot cocoa the next time they come in from the cold. This twist on everyone’s favorite winter drink is made with organic cocoa powder and dairy-free almond milk, with a hint of citrusy-tropical flavor from orange extract and coconut oil. Artificially flavored powdered packet-mixes are about to become a thing of your past!
After the holidays, I’m ready for some new flavors after staying quite true to the traditional holiday themes for all the Paleo events I’ve hosted between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Add to that the fact that in the height of cold season, we could all benefit from a little “heat” in our food–via garlic, cayenne and ginger–to help ward off those bugs that are all too present this time of year, and we’ve got a perfect rationale for a little spice in our recipe today!
Fast food that’s healthy? You can’t score one of these “burgers” in a drive-through, but in less time than it takes to wait in line, you can make a meal far better for you than anything brought home in a hurry. Combine sautéed fresh vegetables, white beans and hemp powder for a hearty, protein-packed patty, then pan fry in coconut oil for a tropical taste!
Q: My hands are extremely dry and rough, especially during this time of year. What do you recommend to help keep them moisturized and feeling good?
Dr. Linda Miles, D.O.M., responds:
We know winter can be especially drying for our face and hair, but our hands may be the most used and exposed body parts. Also, as we age, the skin on the back of our hands tends to become thinner with very little fat underneath. All of these factors make our hands extremely vulnerable to everyday wear and tear, and aging. To help keep your hands hydrated, healthy and looking and feeling great, try these simple hand care tips:
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