Is Coconut Oil the next big thing!?

We've all been reading about coconut oil recently -- from oil pulling, to using it as a cooking aide, to smearing it on our lips as a moisturizer. Let's look at all the ways Coconut Oil is the next big thing in beauty and fitness!

This article, 76 Genius Ways to Use Coconut Oil in your Everyday Life, gives you tons of ideas and suggestions for incorporating this popular product in to every aspect of your daily routine.

Have you tried any of these on the list? What has been your experience so far? Life changer or just the latest trend?!

30 Sugar Substitutes for Any and Every Possible Situation

We all crave sugar; some of us more often than others. Below you'll find a list of excellent substitutes for when that craving strikes!

You can read more about these ingredients here!

1. Agave Nectar
2. Maple Syrup
3. Lemon

4. Honey
5. Applesauce
6. Erythritol
7. Raisins
8. Cinnamon

9. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
10. Reb A
11. Cranberries
12. Processed Dates
13. Grapefruit

14. Coconut Sugar
15. Brown Rice Syrup
16. Rapadura
17. Lime
18. Pureed Banana
19. Milk
20. Frozen Juice Concentrate
21. Barley Malt Extract
22. Sucanat
23. Apricot Puree
24. Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice
25. Club Soda
26. Rum

27. Tea Leaves
28. Molasses
29. Balsamic Glaze
30. Yacon Syrup

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Processed Foods?

If there was any doubt left in your mind over the devastating effects of processed foods on your health, this may be the final nail in the coffin. In a video documenting what goes on in your body after consuming processed verses whole foods, a small electronic device reveals just how much your body struggles. 

Read more here!

What's your take on this... Inspirational or Insulting??

Some of you may have seen this post on Closer that has gone viral this week:

In the article, it appears (in the beginning, at least) that the writer is insulting a "fat person" who is running the track. As you read on, however, the article completely changes direction to what many readers found to be an inspirational story. As always, there were critics, most notably the person who was the supposed "inspiration" for the post. You can read his response here:

What are your thoughts? Was this an ill-conceived plan to shockingly grab readers attention by appearing to be an insulting fat-shamer turned cheerleader? Or, are we too sensitive as a society to what other people think? A person's weight loss/fitness journey is extremely personal, and as such, should it be open to public scrutiny?

Diet Woes

We've all been bombarded with fad diets and miracle weight loss solutions our entire lives. As women, the pressure to look a certain way is a constant struggle and concern for most of us. The lengths that our friends and family go to in order to attain this "ideal" is staggering. My clients come to me and say, "Which diet works best for weight loss? Should I never eat bread again? Am I destined to eat raw kale salads for the rest of my life?" I tell it like it is -- DIETS DON'T WORK!! The only "diet" you should be concerned with consists of the fuel you're putting in your body on a daily basis. There is no magic solution, no carb-free cure or juice fast jump start. It's simple to say, not easy to do -- eat a balanced diet and you'll get where you want to be. That, plus exercise, makes for the only long lasting solution.

As a student working towards a degree in Nutrition, I've learned that not everyone requires the same "fuel" when it comes to our diets. We should all consult our doctor or seek out a nutritionist to find the right solutions for our body chemistry. Some of us are gluten intolerant or dairy free, vegetarian, vegan or pescatarian -- but we can all find the right balance in our diets.

I feel blessed to have the tools I need to create a healthy lifestyle for myself and all of my clients. I can help each person find the best meal plan for their lifestyle, fitness level and restrictions. The reason "fad diets" are fads is because they fade away as quickly as they come. They aren't long term solutions; rather quick fixes that may give you some false hope while damaging your metabolism and can't be sustained for long periods of time. In order to #livethefitlife, we have to adopt a healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet, and ignore the "get thin quick" rhetoric that is unfortunately assaulting us from every angle.

Trust me, I've been there.

xo-
Brandi Davis


"You won't be successful at getting fit until you get over the idea of "fast." Stop looking for quick fixes. Stop buying unnecessary pills, stop starving yourself and stop wasting your money on fads. Eat clean, exercise and have patience. Trust the process, you'll get there. "

Sweet and Spicy Potato Scramble!!

Sweet and Spicy Potato Scramble

coconut oil spray
4 eggs (use only one egg yolk)
1 tablespoon half and half
1 small sweet potato
1/2 avocado diced
1 slice deli turkey cut into small pieces
dash of salt and pepper
Sriracha or favorite hot sauce


Wash sweet potato and puncture a few times with a fork.  Place sweet potato on a paper towel covered microwave safe dish.  Microwave on high for 4-5 min., turning over half way through. Peel sweet potato (skin should come right off), and cut into small pieces. Crack 1 full egg and 3 egg whites into bowl.  Add half and half , salt and pepper and whisk with a fork. Over medium heat, spray a small saucepan with coconut spray.  Add eggs and cook 1 min.  Add turkey and sweet potato.  Stir the mixture until the eggs are cooked.  Take the scramble off the heat and add avocado.  Add Sriracha or other hot sauce to achieve desired spiciness. Not: Scramble is also awesome without the hot sauce if you don't like spicy :)



May not look too pretty but it's yummmmmy, and so good for you!

Cauliflower Popcorn!

So easy, yummy, and guilt free!!

3 Easy Steps!

1. Cut cauliflower into small pieces.

2. Lay cauliflower on lined baking sheet.  Spray with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and turmeric.

3. Bake @ 425 degrees for 20-25 min. or until browning!

Enjoy!