Dare You To...

Quick note: Don't forget you've got 4 more days to enter the coconut oil giveaway! Click here for details.

I love spinach and artichoke dip. Who doesn't?  It's always a hit at any party, and it's especially impressive when it's homemade.


As delicious as some of the recipes are, I wondered if there was a way to clean up the ingredients a bit, simplifying complex recipes down.

Instead of sour cream, something to which I've always been averse, I decided Greek yogurt would be a nice way to add a creamy consistency, while also packing a protein punch.

It was also important to me to use some fresh, real cheese.  I was planning to go pick up some gruyere to try, since my friend Erica had just reminded me how delicious it is.  Thought it'd be a nice way to fancy up the cheese.  On my way to the store, though, I happened to pass a farmer's market, where I found this local, raw milk "Monterey Hot Jack" cheese.  Just like that, my plans changed.


Bonus…

On Tuesday, I talked about why you should cook with coconut oil.  If you missed that post, make sure to check it out and learn about which oils are safe to use in high heat.


Lucky for you, Tropical Traditions  is going to help you get started!  In the last post, I recommended Tropical Traditions as a trusted brand of high-quality coconut oil, and upon my own request, they're offering one lucky reader a jar of this:


Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!
From Tropical Traditions: Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?
You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:
Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit the…

I've already told you about my newfound use of coconut oil as a moisturizer, and there are loads of other beauty uses for it (like these recommended by Dr. Korson).  But today, I want to talk about cooking with it.

Did you know that every fat and oil has a smoke point--the temperature at which it begins to break down and increase toxic compounds?!  Thisrancid oil is no longer safe for consumption!  A year ago, I'd had no idea.  I had already taken canola oil out of my diet (see Balanced Bites to learn why), but I was still using olive oil for just about everything.  But was I burning my oil?

In learning more about paleo and food quality, I started learning more about cooking oils and their smoke points.  The smoke point determines which fats and oils are safe to use for cooking at various temperatures.  While I was still exclusively using olive oil, I learned that the smoke point of extra virgin olive oil is typically around 325-375 degrees.  It seems that olive oil smoke poin…

The 4th of July is tomorrow, and I hope my American readers have some fun activities planned.  If you can get outside, soak in some vitamin D, get active by walking, hiking, playing sports... all great healthy ways to spend the holiday!  Today, I dare you to add a healthier dish to whatever BBQ or party you attend!


A few years ago, I brought this "flag" out of blueberries and white chocolate-covered strawberries to a a BBQ.

Fruit can be used in other ways to create red, white, and blue desserts.  You can make these patriotic popsicles (below), recipe over at An Edible Mosaic. No sugar added!


Greatist also has 10 recipes for your 4th of July.  Check them out here.

You can also swap that apple pie for this grain-free apple crisp!

Want more ideas?  Pinterest is a goldmine for finding healthier treats to serve at or bring to parties.


Dare you to think outside the apple pie box and create some festive treats of your own!

How will you be celebrating Independence Day?  Have any favo…