OM into SPRING - a message from Leonie and Sasha

As The Yoga Social’s OM into Spring continues, both Sasha and I are enjoying the diet changes we are making as part of our commitment to let August hear our OM at full resonance!  So what’s gone for us?  Coffee, alcohol, sugar, dairy, gluten for a start and instead we have a better sense of listening to our bodies to hear what it really wants for nourishment. To support us in our change of increasing protein and healthy fats into our diet we are using coconut oil in our cooking. It’s tasty and staves off sweet cravings.

As yogis we know that the practice of yoga incorporates the philosophy of food as life affirming medicine. We begin to review our food choices and look for products that provide us with real nourishment on a physical level, and nourishment on an environmental and social level. Coconut oil has a versatility of uses and health giving properties. Check this list out for some of them. Generally used as a food product, the oil is safe to use in a range of settings away from the kitchen. I take mine into the bathroom for use on my face and body and into the bedroom. I eat a teaspoon when I feel like something sweet and it suffices to take away any cravings. 

You might have noticed as you come into reception at The Yoga Social that tucked on a shelf above, are a couple of jars of coconut oil, and not just any old coconut oil. The Yoga Social has been stocking and selling Niuguini Organics Coconut Oil for the last four months, with buyers delighting in its deliciousness. Due to the purity of the product, this particular oil does not have a strong flavour, so your food is not going to taste like coconuts in a major way. 

We love Niugini Organics at The Yoga Social, not only because the oil is incredibly pure compared to other oils on the market, but the food miles are low – it comes from our neighbours in Papua New Guinea, its organic, raw and best of all, fair trade. Coconuts are sourced from local farms, which are regularly checked to maintain organic certification. No plantation farms, with coconuts picked by monkeys (yes this happens elsewhere), but local farms which employ local workers and deliver profits back into the local community. Just knowing that back story of Niuguini Organics, nourishes me. 

Sasha has put together a little recipe or two to help you see how you might integrate coconut oil into your life. 

 x Leonie & Sasha

SOME FAVOURITE DELICIOUS RECIPES

Simple Chocolate Fudge

• 1 cup cocoa or cacao powder
• 1 cup Nuigini coconut oil 
• 1/2 cup honey
• a pinch of sea salt (optional)

In a small saucepan on very low heat, melt the honey and coconut oil. Stir in the cocoa and a pinch of salt if using. Whisk until smooth. Pour carefully in to a small slice tin lined with baking paper. You could also use a small plastic container or kids shoe box lid. Place in the freezer for 1-2 hours to set. Remove from the freezer and transfer to a chopping board. Carefully peel off the baking paper, then cut in to bite size pieces.
Makes 30-35 pieces, you can easily half the recipe to make a smaller quantity.
Best kept in the fridge, or even in the freezer for a fudgey frozen treat!

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Almond Joy Fat Bombs

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 1 tbsp coconut flour
• Coconut sugar to taste

Mix the cocoa powder into the coconut oil. Add the almond butter and mix until smooth. Add the coconut flour and coconut sugar  Pour into round molds and freeze for at least 10 minutes.
Optional: Once firm, use a toothpick to grab and dip each ball in a thin layer of melted dark chocolate. Place on wax paper and put back into the freezer for 5 minutes.
These fat bombs store well in the fridge and freezer.

BEAUTY RECIPE

Homemade All Natural Deodorant
Ingredients:

• ½ cup organic coconut oil
  
• ¼ cup baking soda
  
• ¼ cup arrowroot flour
  
• 5-10 drops essential oil mixture (I used lavender and lemongrass)

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix the baking soda and arrowroot flour until well combined. Baking soda can be quite irritating on some skin, so if you think you may be sensitive to it, use less baking soda and more arrowroot flour – or you can substitute arrowroot flour for baking soda completely.
2. Add the coconut oil (room temperature works best) and mix until you reach a smooth consistency – there shouldn’t be any leftover powder. If you feel that your mixture is too dry, add a bit more coconut oil and mix some more.
3. Almost done! Add your essential oil mixture – this is totally optional, but it’s a great addition to smell great. 

Happy Om'ing :)