Good fats are IN! Coconut oil, omega 3 fats and DHA!

Did you know that eating "GOOD FATS" can help you lose weight? That's right folks, GOOD fats can get rid of BAD fat! Although fat used to get a bad rep, it's finally getting it's due! The fact is: we all need fats.

We now know that some fats, specifically the omega fatty acids (also known as Essential Fatty Acids-EFA's) are vital for health.

Omega-3 Fats

The king of the EFA's are the omega-3 fats: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic aicd (DHA). Unfortunately, although DHA is  also an omega-3 fatty acid, it is NOT found in the other fats, so you have to find it elsewhere. (see below)

Plant sources of omega-3's include nuts and seeds, especially flaxseed oil or ground flaxseeds. they are also found in lesser amounts in legumes, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Coldwater fish like wild salmon are a great source as well. The adequate intake guideline developed by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume 1.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids a day, and that women consume 1.1 grams daily. (unless pregnant or lactating, see below)

DHA's and Pregnancy

During pregnancy, developing babies rely on their mothers to get needed DHA. Since DHA is derived from the foods we eat, the content of DHA in a mother's diet determines the amount of DHA passed on to her developing baby. Unfortunately, the majority of pregnant women in the U.S. fail to get the recommended amount of DHA in their diets and DHA is not found in most prenatal vitamins. The good news is leaders in maternal health are beginning to educate women about the importance of DHA and some food manufacturers are starting to come up with creative ways to help people - pregnant and non-pregnant- get the DHA they need.

Current research suggests adequate levels of DHA may help increase a developing baby's cognitive functioning, reduce the risk of pre-term labor and decrease the risk of postpartum depression.

Why do pregnant and lactating women, who so critically need DHA, find it difficult to get the recommended amount of this crucial nutrient in their diets? There are two primary reasons. First, during pregnancy the daily requirements of DHA increase from 220 mg to somewhere between 300 and 1,000 mg (depending on which expert you consult). Second, DHA isn't easy to get in your diet, especially when you are pregnant. Significant amounts of DHA are found in animal organ meats and fatty fish.

My advice? Get a good DHA supplement from your doctor or from a health foods store. According to Dr. Barbara Levine, associate professor of nutrition in medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, "the purest source of DHA is not the fish itself, but rather what fish consume: the ocean's vegetarian plant algae." Taking DHA supplements produced from marine algae is therefore a safe way for pregnant women to boost their fatty acid stores. (like the spirulina which is inside Green Dream powder!)

Another good fat: Coconut Oil

Organic coconut oil is an unrefined, non-hydrogenated plant oil that's produced from fresh coconut kernel without the use of harmful chemicals. The production process retains a maximum amount of the active medicinal compounds in this organic oil, including lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid. Modern research studies have found that these coconut oil compounds provide a number of benefits.

Possible Weight Loss

Coconut oil can be a healthy source of dietary fat when you're trying to lose weight, according to Bruce Fife. In his book “The Coconut Miracle,” he writes that it contains fewer calories than most oils and has no toxic trans-fats. Furthermore, the saturated fats in coconut oil are in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are more easily metabolized than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) and are less likely to get stored as body fat.

True story:

My girlfriend, who had a baby the same time as I did, couldn't lose the last few pounds 6-9 months after having her baby girl. She tried everything. She connected with me about the stubborn last pounds, so I asked her what she was eating each day, when, and what her activity level/exercise was like. Everything seemed fine.  She was breast feeding, so that should be doing the trick. After I was stumped, I said, "just as an experiment, try having 1-2 Tablespoons of coconut oil each day in addition to the rest of the stuff you're eating/doing. Don't change anything else, only the coconut oil each day." She DID, and 2 weeks later she reported in that she had lost that last 5-7 lbs!!! With NO other change but the coconut oil. Yeee! Love success stories!

Improves Immune Function
Functional Benefits

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a compound that supports immune function, according to Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at Michigan State University. He writes that when you take coconut oil, the body converts the lauric acid in this oil into a compound called monolaurin. Kabara reports that monolaurin is a potent immune system stimulant that can also be obtained from human breast milk. It helps nursing babies to fight off infection while their immune systems are developing.

According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil is classified as a functional food because it provides a number of benefits beyond those provided by its nutritional content (also known as a superfood). Fife notes that more than half of the fatty acids found in coconut oil are in the form of lauric acid and capric acid, two compounds that have potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoal properties that aid in treating genital herpes, influenza, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and gum disease.

My son AND my dog LOVE coconut oil. They will eat it by the spoon full, which is the best way to consume it. If you (or your family) don't love it that way too, no biggie, just add it to any smoothie or substitute it for other oils when cooking. You'll fall in love, trust me!

HERE is a smoothie recipe including coconut oil!

and the majority of my desserts contain coconut oil, check out those recipes, too!

references and for more info:

The Coconut Miracle, Bruce Fife, 2004

Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D: Health Oils From the Tree Of Life

The Coconut Research Center: http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

She Knows-Pregnancy Website

Comments (1):

Julia Erickson on

Thanks for your research on coconut oil. This will hopefully redeem millions of Filipinos relying on vast regions of coconut plantations who got mired into poverty for the last half a century when Western medicine bad mouthed the coconut and its byproducts like coconut oil. Thanks again and Godbless! :-)

Leave a comment:

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Other articles:

Simple Steps to Let Go of Stress

Stress Less with Philosophie

Stress is pretty much unavoidable. Between traffic, busy schedules, and the many responsibilities that come along with the various roles each of us play from parent, spouse, business-owner or employee, it’s no wonder that we often find ourselves dealing with high levels of tension, either mentally, emotionally, or physically.

As natural as it is to feel this stress, if we allow it to become a constant in our lives, it can lead to a variety of negative effects including headaches, digestive trouble, elevated blood pressure, pain in muscles and joints, problems with sleep, fatigue, and mood disturbances. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’re doomed to suffer if you experience stress in your day-to-day life. Investing time in soothing and balancing practices can help you release the build-up of stress from your body and your mind.

There are tons of way to let stress go, and different people will find that some methods are more effective for them than others. If you find yourself struggling with stress on the regular, try out some of these simple stress-relieving practices to feel a greater sense of ease and peace in your daily life!

 

Sophie + Son

De-stress in the Kitchen

Cooking can be a wonderful way to relieve stress because it can help you focus your attention on something positive and nourishing. Many of the things that you do to prep a meal, snack, or treat involves some sort of repetitive process like chopping, stirring, or washing produce. These actions have a simple rhythm to them that can be soothing and almost meditative. Baking, in particular, is a great kitchen activity for releasing tension because the unique sensations of working with dough and batters with your hands can get you out of your head and back into your body very quickly. Not sure what to make? Try your hand at some delicious baked goods, like our Superfood Collagen + Cacao Date Nut Loaf Cake

Superfood Collagen + Cacao Date Nut Loaf Cake

Just Say "Om"

Developing a steady meditation practice is one of the very best things you can do to let go of stress in your life. It cultivates a deep inner peace and the ability to let distressing thoughts go instead of circling them obsessively. There are tons of different types of meditation practices, but even taking just a few minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can have dramatically positive impacts.

 

Spend Time with Friends

There are some people that always just leave you feeling refreshed and more positive and those are the people you want to spend time with when you start to feel the pressures of life building. Whether you choose to talk about what is troubling you, or you prefer to focus on what’s going on in their life, spending time with a grounded friend can help you get perspective on the issues that you’re struggling with.

 

Time with Friends Philosophie Image

 

 Have a Dance Party

This may sound like a silly suggestion, but I dare you to try it. Next time you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, step away from the source of the stress for a few minutes, turn on your favorite beats, and rock out. It may not feel entirely natural at first, but if you allow yourself to connect with the music and really let your body express any pent up feelings through your movements, you just might find that you can completely turn your mood around in just a matter of minutes!

 

Get Out in Nature

Another thing that can help you get perspective is getting out of the hustle and in to nature. There’s something about the simplicity and beauty of the natural world that reminds us that our ultimate purpose in life is to simply be the best us we can be. All of the added stresses and strains of modern life feel far away when you’re out on a long hike or floating in the ocean’s waves, and that little bit of space can help make stressful situations seem much more manageable.

Sophie Jaffe at the beach

 

Drink Water

Drink your water! Our lives can be so full, chaotic, and beautiful that sometimes stress, fear, worry or anxiety arises because we aren’t caring for our physical needs. A big glass of cold water can be SO healing. We love ours with a little bit of sunshine. What about you?

Sunshine Drops

 

Strawberry Banana Green Smoothie

Strawberry Banana Green Smoothie

When your kiddos (or you!) are craving something sweet, but still want to sneak in some nutrients THIS is the smoothie you need. 


It’s loaded with a blend of coconut water giving it a touch of sweetness from the coconut, banana to make it thick promotes healthy digestion, greens, strawberries, and both Philosophie Berry Bliss (vitamin C + plant protein) and Green Dream (iron support, energy + plant protein)! Another plus about this drink is that it really alkaline's the system and it is incredibly cleansing for the system.


You can take away the banana for less sugar or add more to make it sweeter. You'll still get the beautiful benefits of all the superfoods and greens.

Green Superfood Smoothie

Gather This:

Heaping spoonfuls of Berry Bliss + Green Dream

Spoonful of Cosmic Elixir (collagen + adaptogens!)

1-2 tbsp Coconut Magic or coconut butter

8 oz coconut water 

Handful of strawberries (tip: keep the stems on for extra greens!)

Banana

Handful of greens (we used spinach)


Do This:

Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender then pour into your favorite glass and top with bee pollen and a scoop of Culina yogurt alternative. ENJOY!

Strawberry Banana Green Superfood Smoothie

7 Health Goals to Set for Yourself This Year

Philosophie Superfoods

People often think an intention or resolution has to be a giant life change, but we believe in keeping things simple and setting attainable goals. Let’s start to think of this time as another opportunity to check in with ourselves and manifest our dream lives–one small, loving step at a time.


What did we accomplish last year? How did we feel defeated? What did we LEARN about ourselves? What do we want to take into the next chapter, and what do we want to leave behind?


Let this year be all about you and your authentic self. The very best YOU can be.

Cosmic Elixir + Tarot Cards

If you need a little inspiration for your health and wellbeing this year, we have you covered. We’re sharing 7 health goal examples to motivate you but your health is all about YOU. Find what works for you. Take the habits you’re doing already and ADD to them to more align with how you want to feel in life. Do the things that feel GOOD to you.


DRINK MORE WATER

Swapping out sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks for water is a great first step to better health. Elevate your water with Liquid Chlorophyll Sunshine Drops for better digestion, more energy and detoxification.


Philosophie Sunshine Drops

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Sleep is SO important to our mind, body and soul and deep, restorative sleep should be an absolute non-negotiable but often gets pushed to the back of your mind. Sleep is connected to so much in our body including our eating habits. Studies have shown that those who are well-rested have better portion control and will select healthier food options than those who are sleep-deprived! READ THIS POST for our tips to better sleep!


CLEANSE & RESET YOUR SPACE

Clutter in your physical space can create clutter in your mind, making you unable to concentrate on the things that actually matter in the present moment instead you’re focusing on the chores that need to be done, the work piling up or that box downstairs that was yet to be put away. Magic happens as you clear out the clutter that has been weighing you down mentally, physically and emotionally.


TAKE TIME FOR SELF CARE

Make sure to put yourself first by practicing self-care. Doing so allows you to take intentional time away from stress so you can be more resilient when you’re facing challenges. Know what your boundaries are and set functional limits in order to operate at capacity in all of the areas of your life.


Tarot Cards & Self Care

GET TO KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOUR BODY - INTUITIVE EATING!

Listen to your body instead of all the nutrition noise because you can. Why let your power go to the diet industry when you are lucky enough to be able to give your body what it is truly craving on a spiritual and cellular level? READ THIS POST for our tips on clean eating and attaining more nourishment.


UNPLUG MORE

Putting away your phone or laptop isn’t just good for your mental health, it’s good for your physical health as well. Download our Digital Detox Guide with tips for your own digital detox including a letter from Sophie Jaffe, a meditation ritual, and 5-minute check-in practice.


EMBRACE AGING

Being able to embrace yourself will help you become stronger. Our #1 secret to aging gracefully? SUPERFOODS, of course! Beauty starts within and when you load your body up with nutrient-dense, high-vibrational SUPER foods, your body just loves them. Our superfood blends contain highly potent ingredients like reishi, spirulina, goji berry and collagen to support longevity, skin elasticity, and vitality.

Sophie Jaffe

Winter Wellness Rituals to THRIVE in the Cold

Sophie Jaffe Winter Rituals

Winter is the season of softness and pause. It kicks off with the holidays where we loosen up on our routine and rituals and take off time for the holidays, celebrations and indulgences. We're all about indulging with intention here at Philosophie but find it so important to invest in wellness rituals to THRIVE during the winter instead of letting it wear you down.

Implement some winter wellness rituals into your routine so you can be at your BEST during the winter season and be present to all the wonderful celebrations during this time of the year. Following these tips can help you keep your body, mind, and soul strong during the cold & winter season. 

STOCK UP ON YOUR FAVORITE SUPERFOODS AND GET FREE SHIPPING WHEN YOU SPEND $75+

 

Superfood Coffee for Energy

SIP ON YOUR FAVORITE LATTES & ELIXIRS

There's nothing like a warm coffee, superfood elixir, latte or tea to warm you up during the winter. Transform your daily coffee into a superfood coffee or blend up Cacao Magic or Berry Bliss with milk and a little honey for an instant superfood elixir. A hot beverage instantly allows us to unwind. If you’re not a coffee drinker, tea or hot cocoa are great alternatives to keep you toasty.

 

CARVE SOME TIME OUT OF EACH DAY FOR SELF LOVE

Even if it’s just five minutes, finding some time in your day for some winter self love & care will can instantly elevate your mood and self-image. The cold often strips skin of moisture and with the dropping temperature we are more susceptible to colds & flus. And with the less daytime hours many experience a seasonal depression so caring for your energy, mental wellbeing and self-care are needed.

Using a deep-moisturizing mask or Chrysalis Water are great ways to rectify scaly, sullen skin. Many skincare enthusiasts also recommend dry body brushing in the winter, to exfoliate the skin and to increase circulation.

 

Chrysalis Water Healing Mist

SLEEP, SLEEP & MORE SLEEP 

In winter, the days become shorter, and our bodies begin to crave a little more rest and relaxation. To avoid midwinter exhaustion, ensure you’re getting a good 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Ease your body to relaxation with chamomile tea and a spoonful of raw high vibrational, nutrient-dense honey.

 

GET FUN & FESTIVE IN THE KITCHEN

A favorite holiday tradition is baking with the family. Baking is a great way to practice following directions and build self-esteem. When a recipe is baked perfectly, you have achieved a great goal for your mental health. The best part is you get to enjoy the delicious warm food. Plus, who doesn’t want their home to smell like freshly baked cookies?

 

Cacao Walnut Vegan Brownies

MOVE YOUR BODY

Winter tends to bring out the worst in the couch potatoes among us: as soon as the weather drops, we’re in front of the TV refusing to budge. Unfortunately, that’s possibly the worst thing we could do for our bodies and minds in the winter.

Since we need endorphins all year round, we’ve got to keep up our exercise in the colder months. Whether it’s a crisp winter walk or a group yoga class done in the comfort of a studio (or even at home), getting your body moving is vital.

 

FIND THE THING THAT RELAXES YOU

It’s so important to keep sight of the strategies and habits which curb our stress levels in the winter. For you, stress release might mean writing in your journal, or listening to music, or taking a long stroll on the beach – whatever it takes to get your mind off everyday stresses.

 

EAT WITH LOVE & INTENTION

Just because it’s not summer anymore doesn’t mean you should let go of your balanced diet and intuitive eating. In fact, it’s perhaps even more critical in the winter to eat healthy and mindfully. To ward off all of those unwanted colds and flu, choose hearty, tummy-warming foods such as vegetable stew which will keep you satisfied and energized through lethargic winter days.

Remember to stay hydrated, too! To support your immune system further, you might also want to supplement your diet with a multivitamin, if you’re not taking one already.

 

What are your some of your favorite self-care tips in winter? Share yours with me in the comments below!

Summer HIIT Workout With Bodyweight

Sophie Jaffe workout

During these summer days when the weather is still gorgeously beautiful we love to get outside for a quick workout. Try out this 20 minute 4x4 workout - no equipment needed! Do these 4 toning and strengthening exercises for 1 minute each for a total of 4 rounds, capping off your HIIT sesh with a bonus round of push-ups. 


Moving the body helps to keep us mentally and physically strong, balanced and grounded. Remember to cool down with some yummy yoga stretches and then mix up a superfood smoothie using Philosophie superfoods! Try out this Blissful Berry Pineapple Smoothie for a post workout treat!

 

STOCK UP ON YOUR FAVORITE SUPERFOODS AND GET FREE SHIPPING WHEN YOU SPEND $75+


1) Jumping Jack Squats

Do as many as you can for 1 minute.

jumping squats sophie jaffe workout

 

2) Side Plank

Hold on each side for 10 seconds, then switch back and forth for a full minute. Build that strength from within. Lift your top leg and hold!

 

sophie jaffe side plank workout

 

3) Front Leg Lift Into Warrior 3

Extend your leg behind you, flexing the foot as if it's against an imaginary back wall. Repeat on both sides for 1 minute.

sophie jaffe leg lift workout

 

4) Side Lunges

Alternate your feet for these lunges. Go for 12 on each leg!

sophie jaffe side lunges workout

 

Bonus 

Push Ups – do as many as you can do for 1 minute. 

sophie jaffe pushups

 

Cool down + stretch. 

Starting in Child's Pose, flow through some yoga asanas on your own to stretch out your joints and muscles. 

5 Benefits of Chlorophyll

chlorophyll water

It’s no secret that keeping your body well-hydrated does wonders for your overall health and wellbeing. It keeps us well-balanced and overflowing with energy. When you harness the power of plants you provide your body with vibrant skin, optimal digestion, a strong gut, and immunity.


Liquid chlorophyll is a fantastic detoxification and energizing supplement for the body and can help reset the system to get it back on track. Chlorophyll cleanses your system, boosts your energy, and hydrates and by adding fresh lemon juice with some mint you’re making a drink that tastes great and totally hydrates and boosts your body. If you’re someone who isn’t a big fan of the taste of chlorophyll, sneaking a few drops into your morning smoothie is an excellent way to get all the benefits of chlorophyll.


Our Sunshine Drops with liquid chlorophyll & mint essential oils help to eliminate harmful bacteria from the body, hydrates the skin, boosts your energy and ignites your senses!

green water

Here are 5 benefits of chlorophyll:

Helps with Hunger and Cravings

The best you can do for your body is to focus on a nourished, well-balanced diet and physical activity. There have been studies that compounds containing chlorophyll can help to suppress hunger and therefore, support weight loss.  


Changes Your Body Odor

Chlorophyll is good for the body from the inside out. Body odor is caused, not by sweat itself, but by the bacteria on your skin that feed on the sweat. When you consume chlorophyll, you are flooding your body with the molecule. The chlorophyll then binds to the compounds that would otherwise feed bacteria and cause bad odors.


Supports Cleansing & Detoxifying

We are CONSTANTLY taking on external & environmental pollutants like toxic metals. Chlorophyll has been shown to bind with toxic metals to lessen absorption. Chlorophyll has also been shown to support the liver’s natural ability to remove toxins and waste from the body, which is known as detoxification.

girls with chlorophyll water


Relieves Systemic Redness and Swelling

Traditional medicine has long used green leaves for infections. Modern approaches with limited effectiveness and a list of side effects, natural remedies are back in the spotlight. Studies have found that consuming your greens help reduce swelling and redness in the body.


Helps with Skin Health

Chlorophyll is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, which all play an important role in the radiance, rejuvenation and vitality of your skin.

sunflowers & green chlorophyll water