Cooking Oils...fats are very important for healthy body functioning.

In today's world of processed foods, who cares about what fats are we letting in our body and how detrimental it is in the long run for generations to come. Who has the time to think about what we are putting in our bodies?

But don't you think the food we eat is the most important thing in our lives...Everything else will follow...good health, happiness, beauty, fun, the capacity to work hard and the capacity to live a fulfilling life.

I use only 3 kinds of fats for cooking, ghee, butter and coconut oil. And I cant tell enough how much it has benefited  me any family. Other sources of just edible fats would be fresh poultry, red meats, raw nuts ,fruits like avocado and some cheeses.

I wont go on and on lecturing about how good Coconut oil is for all purpose cooking. I use it in my food and tropically on my skin. Either ways it is excellent! What is important is the source you get it from. I prefer Tropical Traditions Gold Label http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm.

Here is what Dr Mercola says about coconut oil:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/22/coconut-oil-and-saturated-fats-can-make-you-healthy.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOBuAe1IVRM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txWk1vWJjJM

My personal experience would be, it has helped me with severe digestive issues, keeping my weight under control, helped me maintain a younger looking skin(by applying it tropically), good for hair and the best part about cooking with it is food does not taste"coconut-y" although when used it baking, it might impart a very mild "coconut-y" flavor and I can live with it.

Enough said....I LOVE MY COCONUT OIL :)

The newest addition to my Trail Mix, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.

When I was younger(not that I am old now :)), I mean college days, things that I used to carry in my purse except wallet and cell phone would be lipstick, a compact, a small little mirror, a comb, a few extra hair pins and clips, kajal. Touch ups were required every now and then.  Now things that I carry in my purse are 1 or 2 bananas, an apple, Burt's bee lipbalm, and some trail mix . I have changed over the years, well for good. I go without makeup most of the time and concentrate on my health and well being. The way I look dosent bother me anymore. I know if I keep eating well and dont take my youth for granted, I will always look good. My Mom is my biggest inspiration. She is 58 and believe me her skin is silky smooth and she has almost no wrinkles! Yes, she has a very good eating habit. I want to look and feel beautiful too when I get to that age :). 30 years is not too far away!

Ok, coming back to the topic, I always get my trail mix from Whole Foods Trail Mix Bar. The other day I saw roasted pumpkin seeds that tasted really good. That reminded me of my dearest Grandmom who used to collect the seeds and roast them and use them as a snack or put in other vegeterian dishes. I wanted to make my own roasted Pumpkin seeds right then! So I got this pumpkin, took out the seeds, roasted them and added to my fav trail mix combo. I cooked the pumpkin in Indian style for my Hubby who loves pumpkins.

Pumpkin seeds are very healthy and full of nutrition. Here are the nutrition facts.

Ingredients:

1. 1 Whole Pumpkin.
2. Butter.
3. Salt and seasoning.

Process:

• Cut the pumpkin into 2 halves.
• Now with a spoon scoop out all the seeds.
• Wash the seeds throughly.
• Wrap them into paper towels/ let dry completely.
• Heat the oven to around 170 degrees.
• Spread the dried pumpkin seeds evenly on a cookie sheet and put in the oven.
• Let them roast for 20/25 minuites.
• Taste one of the seeds, if you want them crunchier put it back in the oevn for some more time.
• After they are done, add salt and your fav seasoning.
• Can add a little butter too(if desired).
• Add to your favourite trail mix.
• Enjoy! :)