140 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of my favorite must haves in the house AT ALL TIMES!! It is affordable, natural and completely natural! There are tons upon tons of uses for it, it would not be a complete home without it!! You can buy it at any grocery/health food store- or even order it in bulk offline! Trust me with as many things you can use it for, it is worth buying in large quantities!

Coconut Oil is...

Anti-bacterial 

Anti-carcinogenic

Anti-fungal

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-microbial

An Antioxidant

Anti-parasitic

Anti-protozoa

Anti-Retro viral

Antiviral

Infection Fighting

No harmful or discomforting side effects(unless you are allergic to it)

Improves nutrient absorption

Nontoxic

Coconut oil is safe enough to consume daily, in fact with the long list I am about to inform you on- why wouldn't you want to take it? It is recommended that adults take anywhere from 2 to 4 tablespoons a day and children can take 1-2! If you weigh less lean towards 2-3 where as if you are heavier set 4 would be ideal. Make sure you maintain a healthy lifestyle with the right exercise and diet!

Uses for Coconut Oil

Health and Wellness uses...

1. Vitamin and nutrient absorption

2. Weight Loss

3. Stress Relief- rub in a circular massaging motion on the head.

4. Nose bleeds

5. Nausea- rub coconut oil on the inside of wrist and forearm to calm an upset stomach

6. Lung Function 

7. Improves Insulin Secretion 

8. Fitness- proven to stimulate your metabolism 

9. Energy Booster

10. Digestion

11. Bones and teeth

12. Breast feeding- mothers consuming 3 tbs daily can help enrich their milk supply

When Taken orally Coconut oil can help relieve, prevent and even cure the following...

13. Acid reflux/indigestion aid if taken after a meal

14. Adrenal fatigue

15. Allergies (seasonal hay fever)

16. Alzheimer’s/Dementia

17. Asthma, even in children

18. Autism

19. Bowel function

20. Bronchial Infections

21. Cancer 

22. Candida Albicans

23. Cholesterol 

24.  Chronic Fatigue

25. Crohns Disease and resulting inflammation

26. Circulation/feeling cold all the time

27. Colds and Flus

28. Constipation

29. Cystic Fibrosis

30. Depression

31. Diabetes

32. Dysentery

33. Eczema- you can also rub it on the area as well

34. Edema

35. Energy boost

36. Epilepsy (known to reduce epileptic seizures)

37. Fever Support

38. Flaky, Dry Skin

39. Gallbladder disease and pain

40. Gas

41. H. pylori

42. Head Lice

43. Heart Disease

44. Hemorrhoids- can applied externally or internally twice a day

45. HIV

46. Hot Flashes

47. Hyperthyroidism

48. Immune System Builder

49. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

50. Jaundice

51. Kidney Disease

52. Kidney Stones- aids in dissolving them

53. Liver Disease

54. Lung Disease

55. Malnutrition

56. Mental Clarity

57. Menstruation Relief regarding pain/cramps and heavy blood flow

58. Migraines

59. Mononucleosis

60. Osteoporosis

61. Pancreatitis

62. Parasites

63. Periodontal Disease and tooth decay

64. Prostate Enlargement 

65. Rickets

66. Skin problems

67. Scurvy

68. Stomach Ulcers

69. Toenail fungus

70. Thrush

71. Thyroid Function

72. Ulcerative Colitis

73. Underactive thyroid gland

74. Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)

When applied topically coconut oil can help prevent, relieve or even cure...

75. Warts

76. Toothaches

77. Ringworm

78. Acne

79. Athletes foot

80. Back pain

81. Sore muscles

82. Boils

83. Cysts

84. Canker sores

85. Cellulite

86. Circumcision healing

87. Decongestant

88. Ear Infection

89. Genital Warts

90. Gingivitis

91. Herpes

Personal Hygiene uses...

92. Wrinkle prevention/reducer 

93. Tooth paste

94. Swimmers Ear

95. Stretch Mark Cream

96. Sun Burn relief

97. Sunscreen

98. Tattoo healing

99. Moisturizer

100. Skin Problems

101. Pre-shave

102. Conditioner for hair- let your hair soak in it for a few minutes to a few hours! You will have to shampoo it out sometimes a few times to get all the oils :)

103. Make up remover

104. Healing for cuts/bruises/burns

105. Lubricant-be careful its not for use with latex!!

106. Hair Gel

107. Control frizzy hair

108. Dandruff

109. Diaper rash

110. Deodorant

111. Cradle Cap

112. Chap stick

113. Bug bites

114. Body scrub- add a little sugar or maybe some coffee grounds into your skin

115. Nipple cream

116. Mole remover-when applied after an apple cider vinegar compress for several weeks, moles have been known to slide off or even just disappear.

117. Massage Oil

118. Stretch Mark Cream

119. Oily skin- use before makeup to help control that oil! Use a small pea sized amount

120. Age spots

121. After shave

122. Baldness- apply three times daily it is known to support cell regeneration!

123. Birth Marks

Cooking with Coconut Oil...

124. Use in substitute of butter/Pam/Lard/Crisco

125. Nutritional Supplement

Other uses for Coconut Oil...

126. Soap making

127. Seasoning cookware

128. Polish Furniture

129. Oiling wood cutting boards/wood bowls

130. Insect repellent

131. Moisturizing leather products

132. Cleaning leather products

133. Goo Gone- mix equal parts oil and baking soda into a paste- use an old toothbrush or sponge to scub it off

134. Remove chewing gum from hair/animals 

135. Add to your bath water

136, Metal polisher

137. Use instead of WD-40

138. Use on your cuticles

139. Natural guitar lubricant and string cleaner

140. Mascara brush cleaner

There are literally hundreds of uses for this wonderful product! There is tons of benefits to giving it to your animals too! I however did not list those today! If you can think of anything I am missing please let me know so I can add them to the list!!

A cheerful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17 :22

Key to our first place :)

Jacob and I are moving in 49 days!! I am super excited to start a new journey but sad to leave our first house together! So I decided to make a little memory of our first place together. It is a very cute idea, and inexpensive way to keep a little piece of your first place! 


Things you will need:
Computer and a printer
A key to the house
Picture frame of your liking


Step 1:I started off by googling the town we live in, in our case Jacksonville, NC! I simply typed it in and and centered it to where it showed the whole town! I then screen printed this and opened it up in photoshop. 


Step 2: I measured my frame and opened a file up with a 3x3 size, I then pasted on my map from google! I centered it and sized it to my liking!


Step 3: Type your address out and center it to where you would like it to be, in this case I did bottom center. (most likely your best choice since you will be gluing your key on)


Step 4: Print it off when you like the way it looks! Cut it out and tape or glue it to the back of card stock or whatever works for you! Something harder works best since paper is thin and flimsy!


Step 5: Glue on your key in the center of the picture!


Step 6: Ta-da!! You are done! It is that easy!! 

The finished product!! I love it, and my husband is going to love it especially since its sporting Oklahoma Sooners :)

This is so simple and easy you can add anything you want to it! I also thought of adding a picture of our house, but in the end loved the map look more!

Simple everyday tips to be more active!

I thought today I would share a list from my college course on just simple tips to be more active throughout your day! Simple things like this can help you burn some extra calories and is just an all around good idea to start working these into your daily routine! 


The list is a bit long, but that is because you can substitute any daily routine for a workout related activity! For example not feeling going outside for a walk because its cold? That is okay, clean the house, sweep up, or vacuum! All great ways to be more active on a daily basis!

• Between commercial breaks do jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, pull ups, whatever you fancy!
• Bike to work, school or an appointment 
• Carry a child upstairs
• Clean the cobwebs from the ceiling
• Clean the gutters
• Take stairs instead of an elevator or escalator
• Cross country ski on the streets when it snows
• Dig post holes
• Do errands by walking/biking
• Edge the yard
• fix up your garden
• Enter a walk-a-thon in your area
• Explore your city by foot
• Explore a new city by foot
• Go bowling
• Go dancing
• Go for a hike
• Help out with your child's sports practice
• Hit a few golf balls
• Hit some baseballs at the bating cage
• Lay cement( yeah i thought this was kinda odd myself haha!)
• Make exercise bets ( like i bet you 20 push up's if you lose, even if you win do them anyways)
• Move furniture
• Mow the lawn
• Paint the walls
• Park farther away when at the store
• Plant bushes or trees
• Play catch with your child or friends
• Play Frisbee
• Play golf but do not rent a cart, walk the course!
• Play tag with children, they are always so hyper its a good way to burn extra calories!!
• Rent a rowboat
• Ride a stationary bike while watching TV
• Run to catch a bus or plane (some airports a huge, great for a nice jog!)
• Run upstairs
• Sand the deck or your furniture(by hand!)
• Scrub the floors
• Shovel snow
• Sweep the walkways
• Take a lunch time hike
• Take your dog for a walk
• Trim the hedges
• Vacuum the floors
• Walk around a large museum/mall(for all my Minnesota people this one is great for you! MOA!)
• Walk fast
• Walk upstairs
• Walk to work/school
• Wash and wax your own car

This is just a few things you can do to be more active throughout your day! Of course there is millions of things you can accomplish if you change your lifestyle! Making small steps like this will encourage you to change the way you think and you shall be one step closer to your health and fitness goals! Don't fall into daily temptation when you are trying to reach your goals! Remember to find a workout buddy, you are more likely to workout if someone is holding you accountable!! 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Obesity in America: the sad truth

This post is a little more serious than most I normally do, I have been studying more and more lately as I am trying to finish up my degree before I move..in 51 days(wow that is so fast)!! I have recently been learning more and more about the American's obesity problems and couldn't help but think "wow what happened?!"

Yesterday I was out for a fun in my neighborhood and passed by a gentlemen walking his dog. I usually run through all the cul-de-sac's and streets to get more millage in, I had passed by him 3 or 4 times. The last time I passed him he had just got to his house, I saw his lips moving so I figured he was talking to me. Indeed he was, he was asking how far I was planning on running! I kept my pace and just shouted back "Oh, just a short day today. Maybe 3-4 miles, nothing big"! Right? 3-4 miles is nothing compared to people who run a marathon on a daily basis! He yells back "wow that is so much, you are insane for running that much." I smiled and went on my way... Couldn't help but think..wait what? I am insane? Am I insane because I believe in health and wellness? Because I want to live longer than the national average? Because I think living healthy is the most important thing a person now a days can do?! I was so confused and very distraught by the comment. Is America so lazy that they think 3 miles is insane!? What would he of said If I was running 10 miles that day, I was running a death sentence? It makes me sad that we are creating a generation of children that live off fast food, tv and social networking! When I was growing up we were lucky to watch Saturday morning cartoons. The thing is, I WANTED to be outside!! I would wake up, eat breakfast, and run off to be playing outside. I loved it, I remember getting mad when it would start getting dark and I was forced to come in! I hardly ever see children playing outside anymore, they just want to text on their phones, or Facebook with friends, or watch TV for hours on end!

Did you know that over 61% of American's are overweight and 20% are obese!!! Those are outrageous numbers! Obesity is caused by many factors, genetics and environment being the two main causes. You can have the gene that makes you susceptible to obesity but that doesn't mean you have to put yourself in that environment! If you are taught from a young age how to eat right, engage in daily activity and take care of yourself we wouldn't have such high numbers. The worse part is, there are so many children overweight that it is out of control! Doesn't help that we also have a bullying issue on your hands, so when a child starts to feel better an get out there there is another child taunting them for it! Rule number 1, you CANNOT make fun of someone who is trying to better themselves! If you see a larger person out for a walk or at the gym what gives you the right to say anything?? They are trying and we should be encouraging them and giving our support! You will always see me in support of any person, big or small who is trying to engage in a healthier lifestyle-in fact I am all for everyone being in support!!

Scientist have found over 200 factors that are associated with obesity. Today, I am going to share 12 risk factors that are most common in today's society!

1. Brain-Centered Obesity. 
2. Cushing's Disease. 
3. Low Thyroid output (hypothyroidism).
4. Growth-Hormone Deficiency. 
5. Pregnancy. 
6. Oral Contraceptives. 
7. Drug-Induced Weight Gain. 
8. Smoking Cessation. 
9. Sedentary Lifestyle. 
10. Diet. 
11. Psychological and Social Factors. 
12. Socioeconomic and Ethnic Factors. 

Of course there are plenty more factors, but these sum of the majority of the issues we have today! A person who sees they fall under on of these 12 should definitely seek out help and start the road to a healthier life before they fall under that 20%! If you or someone you know is having problems with being over weight, please feel free to contact me. If you are not in my area I am more than willing to help out by referring someone and even motivational help from afar! I am always going to be in favor of helping someone achieve their goals! Let's all work together to change these numbers and get America fit and healthy!!

www.issacertifiedtrainer.com/sommerolson

Spring is here!!

Spring is here, and I am so very happy for that too! I love warm weather, everything about spring makes me so happy. Spring is full of so much love, bird chirping every where and more and more people are coming out of their house! I love the way the crisp air feels against my skin while taking that 7 am run...ahh no better feeling!! It is just warm enough to lay out by the beach, but not warm enough to get me in that water just yet!!

So today we embraced this warm beautiful weather and went down to Wilmington with Tex, Tracy and Connor Gill! Connor is just about 6 months so they wanted some updated pictures of him as well of them! I had a blast taking their pictures, of course Connor is my favorite little guy so why wouldn't I? He is so cute, I just love him!!

So after a fun day of picture taking we had lunch at Flaming Amy's Burrito..best place ever! The burritos are legit the size of Africa!! They have so many different ones to choose from as well as make your own..which Jacob loves :) But all in all it was a beautiful day and topped off with some wonderful time with friends!! Tracy and Tex were also nice enough to snap a few of Jacob and I..and I must say Jacob is one handsome man! I sure am one lucky gal to have such an amazing husband!!

Just a cute shot of us with Connor!

Psalm 67:1-2
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

Oh so yummy (and healthy) Banana Bread!!

Banana bread is one of my favorites to make! I love making it almost as much as I love eating it :) I thought today I would share this awesome recipe I have!! It is guilt free eating too!

What you will need:

1/3 cup smashed apples(you can use apple sauce as well)

1/2 cup raw honey

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

about 3-4 overly ripe bananas

1 3/4 whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup hot water

1/2 cup chopped walnuts(or whatever nut you like!)

Nutella (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 

Step 2: In your mixing bowl combine apples and honey...

Step 3:Add eggs and mix well...

Step 4: Add Bananas and vanilla...

                                                     

Step 5: Add flour and salt. Mix baking soda and hot water in separate container. Mix well and add to mixing bowl. Add in nuts and continue to mix...

Step 6: This is completely optional! I add anywhere from 2-4 tbsp of nutella to the mix. I love the taste and it makes the bread taste even better!! You can opt to add more or less depending on what you like...

Step 7: Spray down the banana pans, I usually use two 9x5's but you can of course use whatever you prefer! 

Step 8: Pop them in the oven for 55-60 minutes at 350 degrees. Check with a toothpick or knife to see if it is finished! Since it is oil/butter free it will not be as fluffy as the normal banana bread, but I swear the taste is just as good..if not better :) 

The finished product!! Let them cool for a while before cutting into them! 

The results are in..

Well they are in! Looks as if I placed 30th in my first race, and I was 10th in the women! I am extremely pleased with these results!! I know its strength like this that comes from above! I could not have done this without the strength God has given me! It amazes me that just about a year ago I was a out-of-shape, barely could run a mile kind of girl! Now I am finding myself addicted to my new found love of running!! Hard work, dedication and the power of God has brought me to much closer to being where I want to be! I am finding myself signing up for races left and right :)


 I want to thank my supportive husband who woke up early on his day off just to watch me run!
Erin for having the strength to run this race with me, I am super proud of you girl! You did awesome!! 
God for giving me the legs to run <3

The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38