Almond Coconut Pancakes Recipe

I took my very favorite pancakes and re-invented it into this delicious healthy almond coconut pancakes recipe. The results are scrumptious!

These are a great way to sneak nutritious ingredients into breakfast for picky kiddos. I now make the dry portion in bulk for my own super fast homemade baking mix for mornings when we are in a rush.

almond coconut pancakes recipe

Ingredients for Almond Coconut Pancakes 

  • 3/4 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp organic champagne or white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup organic spelt flour or whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup ground almond meal
  • 2 tbsp organic cane juice
  • 1 tsp aluminum free baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp himalayan pink sea salt
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • coconut oil for the pan
  • oats – optional, for thickening
  • toasted coconut – optional, for sprinkling

 Almond Coconut Pancakes Recipe Instructions

  1. Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to “sour”.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. 
  3. Whisk egg and melted coconut oil into “soured” milk with a fork. (TIP: if you whisk the egg and warm coconut oil together first and then slowly whisk in the soured milk, the coconut oil will not clump and your liquid mixture will be smooth.)
  4. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with coconut oil. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet. Sprinkle oats on top of the batter side of the pancake for extra thick and fluffy pancakes. (This REALLY works! It’s kind of amazing!)
  6. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.
  7. Serve with organic maple syrup or with plain yogurt and fresh berries. Or both if it suits your fancy. Sprinkle toasted coconut on the top. Yum! 🙂

I learned the trick of adding dry oats to the bottom of pancakes from my great aunt when I was a kid. It never fails to make your pancakes EXTRA fluffy!

 

Chocolate Coconut Maca Muffins {Healthy Muffin Recipe}

These Chocolate Coconut Maca Muffins are a great healthy muffin recipe for kids to have on hand for busy school mornings. They are also a fun healthy snack option when you’re in a pinch….best of all your kids (or husband who eats like a kid) won’t be able to tell that they’re good for you!

You can feel good about the healthy fat from coconut oil and the low amount of added sugar, with only 1/4 cup of cane juice for the entire recipe. They are not officially gluten free because of the spelt, since spelt is a distant cousin of wheat, but for those without serious gluten sensitivities, they are a great alternative to a traditional muffin.

These chocolate maca muffins also double and freeze well. I like to keep a stash of healthy homemade muffins on hand in my freezer for those mornings when I hit the snooze button one too many times. Or just for any morning. Or afternoon. Because they’re yummy. 🙂

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup cane juice
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 and 1/4 c organic unsweetened applesauce, room temp
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 cup filtered water, room temp
  • 2 eggs, room temp
  • 1 cup organic spelt flour
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup organic ground flax / flax meal – (can also sub chia seeds for an energy boost and a slight crunch to the muffins)
  • 2 tbsp organic raw maca powder
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp himalayan pink sea salt
  • 1/2 cup organic unsweetened coconut
  • Optional: for an extra yummy variation, add 1/3 cup chocolate chips to the maca muffin batter.

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Directions for Chocolate Coconut Maca Muffins:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line muffin pan with parchment paper liners.
  2. Cream together oil and cane juice using mixer. Keep mixer on while adding the following in order: banana, applesauce, vanilla, and filtered water. Mixture will get creamy and smoother/frothier.
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, while keeping the mixer on until both eggs are mixed in. (Note: If your eggs, water and applesauce aren’t at room temp, the mixture will be lumpy instead of creamy. The end result will be the same, but it won’t look the same along the way.)
  4. In a separate bowl add all the dry ingredients, except the shredded coconut, and mix with a fork to combine.
  5. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently by hand until fully combined, being careful not to over mix. The texture will appear mousse-like.
  6. Gently fold in the shredded coconut (and chocolate chips, if using).
  7. Spoon batter into the muffin pan. I find an ice cream scoop will yield quick and clean results when spooning batter.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven. Test for doneness by inserting a fork. Maca muffins should be moist.
  9. Makes 12 healthy maca muffins.

#10 – Coconut Oil Health Supplement {10 Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil}

You may not believe this, but a coconut oil health supplement is a powerhouse of nutrition! The benefits of coconut oil are so plentiful that it’s worth incorporating this wonderful nutrition boost into your diet.

Benefits of A Coconut Oil Health Supplement

Coconut oil is a medium chain fatty acid and provides your body with the healthy and beneficial kind of fat that you need. This kind of fat turns to energy quickly and doesn’t settle in your body as stored fat. A coconut oil health supplement helps aid the body with important functions such as digestion, weight loss, and also helps to really beef up the immune system. The lauric acid found in coconut oil helps to increase the body’s immunity agains viral and bacterial infections. It also helps fight damage from free radicals and gives you a natural energy boost.

coconut oil supplement

How To Use a Coconut Oil Health Supplement

The great news is, taking a coconut oil health supplement is super easy on your wallet and on your palette! A jar of high quality cold-pressed, extra virgin coconut oil should run you between $6-10. There are several ways to add a coconut oil health supplement to your diet. The first is to buy pills filled with coconut oil. If you go this route, make sure to get one that is pure and unadulterated, with no fillers. I will say, however, that it’s cheaper to make your own at home with empty gelatin capsules, such as this GMO-free brand.

Another quick and convenient option is to just take about 1tsp-1tbsp per day by spoon. I do this with my kids and they love it! If you can handle this, you can also add 1 tbsp chia seed to the coconut oil for all day long energy.

However, if a spoonful of coconut oil just isn’t your cup of tea (or oil) ;), then you can drizzle it over salads, quiches, spread it on toast or sandwich bread, or melt it in a bowl of soup. Or my personal favorite…a teaspoon in your morning coffee. You’d be amazed at how good this tastes considering the fact that it sounds abhorrent! It’s actually quite delicious and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how good it tastes and by the bump in energy you experience on days that you ingest it early in the day.

Learn More about Coconut Oil Health Supplements

If you’re fascinated, as I am, about all of the many benefits of coconut oil as a health supplement, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this terrific book, “The Coconut Oil Miracle“, by  Bruce Fife. I’ll be reviewing it in detail on here at a later date, but it’s worth owning a copy. The health benefits I’ve highlighted in this blog post are merely the tip of the iceberg on reasons why a coconut oil health supplement is so beneficial.

#7 – Coconut Oil Lotion {10 Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil}

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most effective, such as using coconut oil lotion for intense skin benefits. Did you know that coconut oil makes a really lovely stand in for regular lotion and in fact has WAY more benefits?

Benefits of Using Coconut Oil Lotion…There are SO many, but here are a few:

  • Antiviral – Yes! Coconut oil eliminates or inhibits growth of viruses
  • Exfoliates – Coconut oil is a natural exfoliant for your skin. It works by removing dead skin cells.
  • Moisturizes – Coconut oil moisturizes skin by absorbing deeply into the skin. It provides healing moisture, not just a superficial coating.
  • Anti-aging – Again, you read that correctly! Coconut oil DOES help with wrinkles due to its vitamin E content. I am here to tell you that I’ve noticed a difference in my 30-something self after using coconut oil lotion over the past couple years.
  • Baby soft skin – Using coconut oil lotion results in baby soft skin. It’s awesome!
  • Sunscreen – Coconut oil has an SPF of 4 naturally and makes a great light layer of sunscreen for short outings. I’ve used it on myself and my kids all summer. We’ve used it anytime we’ve been outside (even swimming) for less than an hour and a half and we’ve had fantastic results. No burns, gorgeous tans all around!
  • Healing – Coconut oil heals the skin and is known for its many restorative properties.
  • Babies – This is a great alternative to baby lotion after a baby’s bath time and massages easily into the skin.

Here are My Two Favorite Brands of Coconut Oil for Lotion

As when using coconut oil for anything, you want to find one that you’d be willing to eat. Extra-virgin and organic is the way to go when shopping for coconut oil. Here are my 2  faves:

     

Using Coconut Oil for Radiant Skin

This is a really fun tip! Spread a thin layer of coconut oil on your legs, arms, and chest in the summertime and you’ll notice a very subtle, but beautiful glow on your skin. Make sure to give it a little time to absorb into your skin…10 minutes should do the trick and you’ll soon have radiant, healthy looking skin.

 

#6 – Coconut Oil Personal Lubricant {10 Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil}

A coconut oil personal lubricant…are you rubbing your eyes and wondering if you read that right?
Yep, I said it…you can use coconut oil as a personal lubricant in place of all those (really gross and really synthetic) bottled options you normally find in the “family planning” section of your local pharmacy. Let’s just say, that the scent and the texture are both a whole lot more pleasant! Coconut oil also has a much reduced  gross out factor than the conventional options we’ve always heard were bedroom necessities. I’m pleased to tell you folks…those old guys are a way of the past!
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Enter coconut oil as a personal lube….it’s cheaper and it smells better. Plus…it’s not going to harm you, cause skin irritation, and it can double as a massage oil. It’s also not going to get all sticky and gooky on you either, but it does the job nicely.
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Another benefit of using coconut oil as a non-toxic lubricant is that if you’re trying to get pregnant, it does not inhibit things from “happening” shall we say. Some conventional lubricants can inhibit conception by changing the PH balance in those essential “areas” and some can actually be toxic to the sperm or inhibit the travel of sperm to it’s goal. So if you’re in baby-making mode, toss out those old bottles and go au natural instead. (Side note: olive oil will also work, but coconut oil is easier to apply if it’s in a solid state.)
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So yes…you can use coconut oil as a personal lubricant. I don’t really need to give you directions, right?
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You can use scented or unscented, depending on your fancy.

Important Tip on Using Coconut Oil Personal Lubricant

Keep coconut oil designated for this “special” purpose in a separate container from the coconut oil you use for everything else!  You really don’t want this to get mixed up with coconut oil you use as a lip balm (yuck) or night cream, do you? 🙂
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You can repurpose old squeeze bottles if your coconut oil remains liquid at room temp in your climate. If not, a wide mouth glass jar is ideal to keep on hand for when you and your partner are feeling a bit randy!

#5 Cooking with Coconut Oil {10 Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil}

You’ll find cooking with coconut oil a surprisingly easy transition to make in your kitchen. The first step is to buy a jar of high quality extra virgin organic coconut oil and keep it on hand. It takes time to change over from the old toxic “vegetable oils” we all grew up on, but once you get the hang of it you won’t go back!

Why is Cooking with Coconut Oil Beneficial?

  • It is comprised of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA’s) which are beneficial in so many ways.
  • It is highly nourishing to the body.
  • Coconut oil can increase the metabolism.
  • The MCFA’s make it easy to digest.
  • Has medicinal properties.
  • Bolsters immunity
  • Coconut oil can increase energy
  • Can be used a higher temperatures than olive oil

cooking with coconut oil

Tips for Baking with Coconut Oil

While cooking with coconut oil is super easy, baking with coconut oil takes just a tiny bit of know how to feel confident. Don’t worry…it’s really easy if you’ve never tried it!

Here are a few tips:

Tip#1: For those who have never worked with coconut oil before, it has a melting point of 76°. So depending on the temp in your house and where you store it, your coconut oil could be solid or liquid.

Tip#2: When baking with coconut oil, it’s always best to measure it at the liquid state for most accurate results. It melts quickly and easily and for safest melting (if not using a microwave), I like to melt via stovetop OR by putting coconut oil in a bowl inside a bowl of hot water. A couple of minutes should do the trick.

Tip#3: Make sure to use stainless steel measuring utensils as a general rule, but especially when measuring hot liquids such as coconut oil.

Tip#4: If possible, have both scented and unscented coconut oil on hand. Use the unscented in recipes where the mild coconut flavor of the oil just won’t be masked and you don’t want a hint of coconut shining through. I find I only need to use the unscented coconut oil in baking sweets and use the regular variety for everything else. This is the unscented coconut oil I recommend…I buy it by the gallon! And here is the scented brand I recommend when cooking with coconut oil.

Tip#5: If you’re baking with coconut oil and your recipe calls for a cold ingredient, such as milk or applesauce, then you will definitely want to heat up your coconut oil even if it’s already at the liquid state to avoid clumpy-ness.

Tip #6: If you’re just learning to bake with coconut oil and you happen to make a delicious dessert and want to go back for seconds (and thirds!), try to restrain yourself. If you aren’t used to eating coconut oil, start with a little at a time to give your body time to adjust or you’ll have some, shall we say, intestinal issues at first. 🙂

15 Ways to Transition to Cooking with Coconut Oil 

  1. Drizzle it over popcorn
  2. Use for making fried or scrambled eggs
  3. Sautéing meat
  4. Put a dollop (1 tsp) in your morning coffee for some healthy fats and extra daily energy boost. This really works and is surprisingly delicious if you like coconut even a little! Stir well or use a coffee milk frother, for better emulsification.
  5. Spread on toast like butter. Coconut butter also works, but is harder to find in stores.
  6. Use it to replace spray oils of any kind
  7. Coconut oil makes a lovely replacement for butter. Use it whenever butter is called for in a recipe.
  8. Use it in muffins
  9. You can also use coconut oil in cookies. They might be a little flatter and you might have to cut back slightly on the amount of oil or add a bit more of a thickener, such as more flour or some flax seeds for an added nutritional punch.
  10. Baking bread
  11. Pies, cakes, tarts and brownies are great for cooking with coconut oil. Can I get a “Yum!”?!?
  12. Sautéing veggies
  13. Roasting potatoes or root veggies
  14. Homemade granola
  15. Stir in morning oatmeal for an added punch of healthy fats and an energy boost.

As you can see, there are as many ways to cook and bake with coconut oil as there are yummy things to make! It’s one of the most delicious and versatile oils you can use in your kitchen.

Cooking with coconut oil is one of the healthiest changes you can make for your family. The quicker you start, the easier it is to make the switch!

#4 Coconut Oil Eye Makeup Remover {10 Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil}

Remember that thick white greasy eye makeup remover your mom used to use every night? Well, coconut oil eye makeup remover is nothing like that!
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One of the biggest chores of my day is removing makeup. I hate it so much that many days I opt not to put makeup on in the first place just so I don’t have to take it off again! But I do love the look of a good mascara. (Lotus is my fave).
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Let’s face it, when you’ve been up with kids all night and are completely exhausted, sometimes your eyes need that little perk just so people don’t stare at you pitifully and say, “Oh honey. You look so tired!” So on those days where eye makeup is a must, coconut oil eye makeup remover is also a must!

coconut oil eye makeup remover

How To Use Coconut Oil Eye Makeup Remover

Coconut oil is such an easy way to remove built up eye makeup and condition the eyes at the same time.
  1. Simply glob some coconut oil on your eyelids and gently rub it around to dislodge built up eye makeup. (You can put it on solid and the heat of your skin will melt it easily, so there’s no need to heat it up if the coconut oil is at a solid state.)
  2.  Gently wipe off with a soft cloth – preferably an organic cotton washcloth, but any soft cloth will do.  You’ll be amazed at how much dirt, grime, and makeup comes off so quickly!
  3. For really thick makeup, you may have to repeat a second time.

Tips on Using Coconut Oil as Eye Makeup Remover

Remember, never put something ON your body that you wouldn’t put IN it! Always opt for high quality organic coconut oil, such as Omega Nutrition.
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You can buy organic baby wash cloths (like these) or organic cotton cloth baby wipes (like this pack of 12) that work perfectly for this. Or you can purchase some really soft organic cotton fabric and cut it up yourself to make your own washrags. Any of these options do double duty for face washing with the oil cleansing method (OCM).
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Another tip is to give yourself time to get used to using coconut oil for your eye makeup remover. It does feel a little funny at first, but it doesn’t take long to get used to it. Especially when you see how quickly it removes eye makeup without feeling harsh or abrasive.

#3: Coconut Oil Diaper Ointment for Babies {10 Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil}

You may be surprised to hear that coconut oil diaper ointment is a great non-toxic diaper cream substitute. It’s hard to find non-toxic diaper creams that work well and that you feel good about putting on your baby, but coconut oil does the trick. Best of all, if your baby eats it, you don’t have to rush to the emergency room!*
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Of course, you’ll want to keep a special container of coconut oil set aside for your diaper ointment. Again, just because you cook with it too doesn’t mean it should come out of the same jar! 🙂
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You can be keep coconut oil diaper ointment in baby’s room or in the fridge. I prefer to use it at a cooler, solid state so it’s less messy to apply and more like the consistency of a regular diaper ointment. It melts quickly when it touches skin, so it’s very easy to apply when solid.

How to Use Coconut Oil Diaper Ointment

  1. Simply put coconut on affected area just as you would a regular diaper cream or ointment.
  2. Apply early. For best results, apply coconut oil diaper ointment at the very first sign of a problem.
  3. Apply liberally! Use a bunch…don’t be shy. Slather it on in a thick layer for best results. Since it’s completely pure and natural, you don’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals, toxins or dyes touching your little one’s skin.
  4. Apply often! Since coconut oil easily absorbs in the skin and isn’t a barrier product like traditional diaper creams, you’ll want to apply it often.
  5. Optional: Add a couple drops of therapeutic grade essential oils. Be really careful here to only use pure and unadulterated essential oils, such as Young Living. Not all essential oils are created equal and it’s not worth putting something of low quality on your baby. If in doubt, leave it out! If you decide to add them, lavender, roman chamomile or tea tree (melaleuca) are excellent options that are all great skin conditioners and generally considered safe for babies.** Always keep products with essential oils in a dark colored glass jar.

Other Tips for Using Coconut Oil Diaper Ointment

  • One of our children was prone to yeast infections as a baby. After taking her to the doctor for the first couple infections, we learned to spot them early on and treat them with coconut oil at the first sign of a problem. When we caught them early enough, coconut oil took care of the issue and we avoided a costly doctors visits.
  • Use non-toxic, chlorine-free diapers to significantly cut down on diaper rashes. Years ago, we made the switch to non-toxic diapers (cloth and disposable) and noticed a huge decrease in diaper rashes. Honest brand is my very favorite disposable (and adorable to boot!), with Earth’s Best a close second.
  • It’s also a great idea to bathe your children in salt baths or baking soda baths when there is a problem for faster results. Apply coconut oil diaper cream to a clean and dry behind after the bath. (Also, if possible, let baby have a little diaper free time after the bath to get extra dry before putting diaper back on.)
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*Applies to plain coconut oil diaper ointment. Please use appropriate caution if you opt to add essential oils. Even high quality, safe for adults to ingest, essential oils often to not apply to infants or young children, so know your products and keep out of reach of children if essential oils are added!
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**I’m not a doctor or an expert, just a mom passionate about all things green who loves to share what I learn. You are responsible for your family…my blog is not medical advice of any kind, it is a compilation of my experience and antidotes  Also, when I discuss essential oils on my blog, I am primarily talking about Young Living essential oils. There are very few brands I would consider safe enough for babies.
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#2 – Coconut Oil Deodorant…it Really Works! {10 Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil}

Coconut oil deodorant?!? Yes, you did read it correctly…you can use coconut oil in place of deodorant! I’ve heard mixed results about this, but it’s been working for me for about 7 months now. Summer’s fast approaching, so I’ll update this at some point and let you know if I’m able to use my coconut oil deodorant during the summer with the same great results or not.
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How to Use Coconut Oil Deodorant

  1. For women, I recommend making sure armpits are clean and well-shaved.
  2. Then apply a liberal, but thin layer of coconut oil, just as you would regular deodorant – but rub it in a little more. It absorbs into the skin quickly if rubbed in, but takes longer if you don’t rub it in. I find it easiest to apply when the coconut oil is at a solid state.
  3. To be safe, give yourself time for those pits to dry before putting your shirt on to avoid an oil stain…maybe 5-10 minutes. (I tend to be impatient and usually wait 1-2 minutes and have not had a problem with staining.)

Tips on Natural Coconut Oil Deodorant

  • Please, please, please keep the coconut oil you designate for deodorant separate from the coconut oil you use for cooking! 🙂 Need I say more?
  • As with any product, never put something on your body that you wouldn’t eat. So opt for high quality, organic coconut oil, like Omega.
  • You can get great little glass jars like this one, on Amazon or repurpose an old glass jar of some sort for your deodorant. If you’re adding essential oils, make sure to use a dark colored glass jar to keep the integrity of the essential oils.
  • Add essential oils for extra odor protection or for a lovely smell. Lavender, tea tree (melaleuca), frankincense or roman chamomile are fantastic options. However, always use super high quality (therapeutic grade) essential oils. The coconut oil will need to be at room temp (liquid) in order to mix in the essential oils and you only need a few drops. Use a glass stirring rod, like the one below, or improvise with a stainless steel utensil or straw.

Note on Using Coconut Oil  Deodorant

Quick note about using coconut oil for as a natural deodorant. Coconut oil is not an anti-persperant, so it will not keep you from sweating. I recommend trying it on a colder month so you can get an idea if it works for you as a deodorant and see how you like using it. I first tried in on a rather strenuous and much too hot week in September…and I was surprisingly pleased with the results….not to mention that my pits were buttery soft and had less razor burn. It does however take some getting used to not using traditional deodorant with a built in antiperspirant.
To be honest I expected coconut oil deodorant to NOT work, but found that it has worked better than any natural option that I’ve tried. Even after a round at the gym, I smelled fine.
But do know, that coconut oil as deodorant may not work for everyone and it does take time to pull away and adjust to a lifetime of using conventional deodorants.

#1 – Coconut Oil Face Cream {10 Easy Ways to Use Coconut Oil}

Coconut oil face cream? Yup! Forget everything you’ve ever heard about oil clogging your pores and giving you zits…Not so with coconut oil as face cream. I liberally slather my coconut oil face cream on my face at night and wake up to a very noticeably softer, smoother, and more even toned complexion. This is my new favorite way to use coconut oil as a beauty product…you can buy it at the grocery store or online and coconut oil face cream is greener than just about any face moisturizer you can find!
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Why I Started Using Coconut Oil Face Cream

I usually use the oil-cleansing method to clean my face (with great results), but had been on the run for a few weeks and had gotten lazy about keeping up with it. My diet had also been a reflection of my on-the-go schedule and I had consumed a lot more sugar than normal. As a result, I had some big, painful under the surface zits and a bunch of tiny bumps, both of which I do not normally have.
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I was a little nervous to try coconut oil on my face like that, but thought that it couldn’t get much worse. I LITERALLY noticed a huge difference overnight after using coconut oil face cream…the tiny bumps all over my face had decreased by at least 50% and my face was much smoother, in only one night. The under surface zits also went down some. I was an instant believer in coconut oil for face cream and now apply it nightly with great results.  I love how fresh my skin looks and feels when I wake up in the morning. The coconut oil makes it feel nourished and healthy as opposed to dry and old feeling.

Directions for Using Coconut Oil Face Cream:

  1. Wash your face and hands first.
  2. Then liberally apply pure, organic coconut oil all over your face and neck, including carefully applying around the eyes. (I lightly apply it right over my eyelids and under my eyes!) Unlike other night creams, it won’t burn if it gets in your eyes.
  3. It’s a good idea to put on a head band of some kind so the coconut oil face cream doesn’t get in your hair. Just for a few minutes until the coconut oil absorbs into your skin.
  4. Do this 30 minutes before going to bed so it has time to soak into your face before sleep.
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Disclaimer: Omega Nutrition is the brand of coconut oil I usually use and it is unscented. I’ve also tried organic scented varieties with great results! Also, keep in mind that we are all unique individuals, so what might work on me might not work on you.
*Photo courtesy of “umstwit” on Flikr.