Young coconut kefir. Never heard of it? Not to worry, I hadn’t either and I was definitely skeptical. But the coconut concoction is actually an amazing addition to your healthy diet. Not only does it hydrate your body, it has tons of probiotics as well as vitamins and minerals that help get your digestion in tip top shape.  It aids in the prodcutions of B-6, B-12 (among other things) and can help reduce allergy symptoms. It has been recognized as an aid in weight loss and weight maitanence and it just makes you feel good! What’s not to like?

First things first, it’s not the dairy based kefir that you are probably thinking of. They do make a dairy coconut kefir but that’s not what I’m talking about. This drink is much more refreshing and safe for people with any kind of aversion to dairy.

For you LA or NY based folks, you can buy premade young coconut kefir at Whole Foods and a few other select spots. I highly recommend Tonix brand – it tastes great, comes in an eco friendly glass bottle and is made in small batches.

And for you Dallasites and beyond here is how to make the young coconut kefir at home! It’s a little less convenient than popping into Whole Foods but it’s actually much more affordable!

Here’s how to make it yourself:

Step 1: Start with three to four moist, fresh, young coconuts like this one shown below.

Step 2: Start cutting thin slices off the bottom of the coconuts until you see a circle.

Step 3: The hole inside the circle should be a soft spot. Poke a hole into the soft spot. Now you are through the shell and can begin draining the liquid from inside the coconut. Widen the hole if necessary and place the coconut over a glass to capture the liquid. Repeat these steps with all of your coconuts.

Step 4: Put the coconut water into a pan and heat it to 92 degrees F.

Step 5: Pour the heated coconut water into a glass container and add a kefir. Donna Gates makes the best one around and you can get it here.

Step 6: Put a lid on the container and shake well. Store the container at room temperature (around 70-75 degrees F) and wait for 36 hours.

Step 7: You have fermented, young coconut kefir!!! The liquid should have a slightly cloudly appreance and now you should store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three weeks! Enjoy!

Give it a shot and I promise you’ll be hooked. Because, truth be told, it’s good for you but it’s also delicious…so, win-win!

Bottoms up!

Sources: All Biz, Happily Full, Nutri Buff, Body Ecology , Colorful Palate, Bit of Blue Sky

Jumping rope is an inexpensive way to burn tons of calories and improve your overall health in a short amount of time. Beginner jumpers should start by practicing proper, basic jump rope technique and be able to complete at least 50 consecutive repetitions.

Start by selecting a rope that is not too long or too short. Select a rope by stepping on the center of the rope and pulling the handles straight up. The handles should come close to your arm pits. I love the ropes from RX Jump Ropes (we all use them) and you can get yours here. I use the rope below…pink isn’t just for girls, ya know?

Start by standing with your feet together, your torso tall and your elbows bent at a 45-degree angle and tucked close to your sides. Use your wrists to rotate the rope, not your arms. Push off with the balls of your feet, just high enough to clear the rope and land with soft knees.
So for beginners, you will try to get 50 consecutive jumps. Once that gets easy aim for 75, then aim for 100. Your basic jump should look like this:

About 30 minutes a day, every other day is perfect. After about two weeks you should be pretty good at the childhood game. If you want to try some more detailed routines, this one from Fit Sugar or this one from Real Simple are quick and efficient! Jumping rope is a perfect addition to any workout routine, especially with summer rapidly approaching!  They are lightweight and easy to pack so you can take them with you when you travel – great for staying in shape on the go!  There will be more to come on jump roping but for now, go get your sweat on!!!!

Sources: RX Jump Ropes, Fit Sugar, Real Simple