OVERHAULING YOUR PANTRY (Part One)

Overhauling your pantry is something that will more than likely be a working progress for quite some time. It is however a necessary part of the process if you are trying to eliminate your unhealthy habits. Those sneaky treats like packets of fatty crisps, mini milk chocolate bars, lollies, high sugared muesli bars and goodness knows what else need to go! Let's face it, you will have plenty of opportunity to eat the odd treat here and there at birthday parties, Christmas functions or the odd (may I say rare) occasion that your willpower gives out during a stop to the fuel station or drive through. You don't need those things staring you in the face every time you open the pantry or fridge door!

Whilst we are at it you can start replacing your low quality cooking oils as they finish with something I believe is a much healthier choice, coconut oil. Your best option is to select the Extra Virgin organic Coconut oil but if the budget is a little tight then the standard Coconut oil will suffice. Coconut oil is well regarded as one of the healthiest oils in the world. There are by far too many health benefits to name them all here but I recommend you look further into this amazing oil. Some of the more important reasons for switching across to coconut oil are as follows:

• Coconut oil is heat stable therefore suitable for high temperature cooking
• It is primarily a medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) which does not have a negative effect on cholesterol. In fact MCFA's are known to lower the risk of heart disease and help to speed up metabolism, therefore assisting with weight loss
• Coconut oil contains Lauric Acid which converts in the body to monolaurin, a compound highly toxic to bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms. Breast milk contains Lauric acid which is why it's believed that breastfed babies are less susceptible to viruses and other sicknesses
• Regular consumption may boost immunity therefore reducing illness
• Coconut oil helps the body to absorb minerals such as calcium and magnesium, crucial for bone health
• It can ease acid reflux and aid in digestion, therefore important for healthy bowel function
• It can be used as an all over body moisturiser and hair treatment (a little goes a long way)

It is for these reasons and many more that our family has switched to using coconut oil for virtually all our cooking, with the exception being the use of olive oil with dukkah. Coconut oil remains quite liquid in the warmer months but you will find it solidifies throughout Winter. Simply place the jar into a jug of warm water a few minutes prior to use if it makes it easier for you to use it.

My recipes will list coconut oil as my oil of choosing but feel free to use your regular oil in place if need be. Coconut oil can be found at most health food stores or possibly in the health section of your local supermarket. I have commenced buying mine in bulk from a local Brisbane Food Co-op and it works out quite a bit cheaper doing so.

Stay tuned for the next instalment of your pantry overhaul, SUGAR ALTERNATIVES!