I love to cook with coconut oil and find the energy I get from meals that I’ve added it to is incredible.

I was going to write an article about the benefits of coconut oil and especially the work of Mary Enig (see sidebar for the cookbook, Nourishing Traditions), but this guy has already done a really good job,

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

so I’ll pass along the link.

After reading this article and based on my history, I should be feeling no pain.

Back Pain Eased by a Little Adversity

You may have noticed a lag in posts.

A few weeks back, I was involved in an auto accident that messed up my back, neck, and elbow. Ironically, all these injuries make typing extremely uncomfortable.

The physical stress is one thing, but I think the emotional stress might be the worst of it. And that’s been the hardest thing to deal with –pain is manageable, but depression is a little harder to get a handle on.

It has given me the opportunity to re-evaluate my goals and make adjustments that will be more practical to accomplish. And I’m thankful for that.

I do want to get back to daily blog entries, but until then, I hope you find something useful in what I do post.

I was scanning some notes from the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo (yes, I’m a geek) and this item caught my eye:

Drinking Coffee Regularly Reduces Disease Risks

You’ll have to read the report for yourself, but as long as I stay under my own personal tremor limit, I’m a believer.

Reading this article at CNN.com about the benefits of coffee, just made my morning cup that much more enjoyable.

David Turnbull is a young writer from Australia.

His blog has really developed over the years I’ve known him and though I’m twice his age (and a bit more), I’m not too proud to say that he’s taught me a few things.

Recently, I was deciding which new habit to add to my routine and David’s post about cold showers was just the inspiration I needed.

Read his blog here, and while you’re on his site, spend a little time to get to know him. David’s a good kid.

I really enjoy the writing of Ariel Schwartz at the magazine, Fast Company.

And she didn’t disappoint with this unbiased report of genetically engineered salmon that could soon make their way to your table if the company who designed these freak fish and the FDA have their way. And do you really doubt they will?

Though she mentions the Center for Food Safety, she doesn’t use this quote from George Kimbrell, a senior staff attorney at the organization, “We’ve seen assurances in the past from industry and regulators that there won’t be catastrophic consequences like the Gulf oil spill. We have a cultural amnesia about these things.”

Read her full article here.

Nuts are nutrient-dense and contain valuable vitamins that could go largely unabsorbed if not prepared properly.

Sally Fallon in her excellent book, Nourishing Traditions, explains how to perform this simple procedure. The following pertains only to almonds, so get her book or search her suggestions online for other types of nuts as well as seeds.

Almonds

4 cups Almonds
(preferably skinless- Sally mentions in NT, “Skinless almonds are easier to digest and more satisfactory in many recipes. However, you may also use almonds with the skins on.“)
1 tablespoon Sea Salt
Filtered water

Soaking time: At least 7 hours, or overnight
Drying Time:12 -24 hours, until completely dry

Put nuts in a stainless steel or glass bowl, pour water over nuts to cover, add sea salt and stir gently to dissolve. Leave in a warm place (the counter top out of direct sunlight is good) for the specified time. Then drain off water using a colander and spread the nuts on a stainless steel baking sheet. Place in a warm oven (no warmer than 150 degrees), turning occasionally (every couple of hours), until thoroughly dry and crunchy.

Make sure they are all the way dry! They could mold if they don’t get thoroughly dry.

I tweeted about the Toodledo.com website and phone app a couple of days ago and here is a link to one of the tips from their site.

Don’t Break the Chain

This article comes from the excellent website, Lifehacker.

The last two posts were about sleep and hydration so I thought I’d run a guest post I did for Lyved.com last year.

Recovery; Your Missing Element for Success?

Enjoy.