Thoughts On: Coconut Water

When I first tried coconut water, I definitely didn't think, "mmm." My thoughts were more along the lines of, "this tastes kind of weird." I've had coconut milk straight out of a coconut and did not like it, and this brought me back to similar flavors (except coconut water is much sweeter). I love coconut flavored things, and I was determined to find the good in coconut water, as I'd heard/read numerous things how good it is for you. Words like super-hydrating, packed with electrolytes, low in calories, and full of potassium were rattling around in my brain as I gave it another try. What also got me to take a second sip was the feeling the coconut water had left me with after I had swallowed my first sip. I had instantly started feeling super refreshed in a way that regular water did not make me feel. Once I trained my tastebuds and got used to coconut water, I now thoroughly enjoy it. My favorite is the "Live Better 100% Pure Coconut Water," which I purchased at Waldbaums. While coconut water can usually be pretty expensive, these ones are only $0.99 a can! It tastes sweeter than the other two in the photographs, BUT it has the least amount of sugar.....no complaints here. My second favorite is Zico Pure Premium Coconut Water, and rounding it up is O.N.E. Coconut Water, which is the least sweet of the three (I have a sweet tooth if you couldn't tell).

I don't replace regular water with coconut water, but I do drink it after going on a run or if I'm feeling really thirsty and want instant relief. If you haven't gone "coco for cocopuffs coconuts" yet, I definitely suggest trying it out. The first sip might make you shudder, but try to get to the bottom of the pouch/can and see if it grows on you--it did for me! 

Zico Pure Premium Coconut Water

Purchased at: Whole foods

Serving size: 11.2 Fl. Oz. (1 pouch)

Calories: 60

Sugar: 14g.

*In the photograph I'm holding the 1L carton which is why it looks so big

Live Better 100% Pure Coconut Water

Purchased at: Waldbaums

Serving size: 8 Fl. Oz. (1 can)

Calories: 30

Sugar: 3g

O.N.E. Coconut Water

Purchased at: Whole foods

Serving size: 11.2 Fl. Oz. (1 pouch)

Calories: 60

Sugar: 11g

How I Start The Day

I'm the type of person who likes to start the day off as healthy as possible. If I don't, I get the "well, I already started eating like crap today, so I guess it doesn't matter if I eat like crap for the rest of the day"  mindset. This leads to me feeling bloated and not very happy by the end of the night. In order for me to start my day off right, I need something easy to make. When I wake up in the morning, I want to be able to have my breakfast in 5 minutes, because if it takes too long I'll settle for something like a bagel.

This yummy breakfast was actually suggested by my sister one morning, and ever since we just cannot get enough of it.

You will need:

1/2 banana

1 cup Greek yogurt: I usually use Chobani plain nonfat, but you can use whatever you like. Fage is also one of my favorites)

Walnuts: I get mine chopped...they're called "fancy chopped walnuts" (what makes them fancy I'm not quite sure) just to make life easier, or else I have to break them apart

Agave nectar: mine is Organic Blue Agave from Trader Joe's. You could also use honey if you don't have agave, but I definitely prefer the taste of agave in this.

Although this is probably pretty obvious from the pictures, here's a how to:

Scoop Greek yogurt into bowl

Cut up banana, put ontop of yogurt

Add crushed walnuts

Drizzle on Agave nectar

And voila! This is seriously so delicious; I can't even begin to tell you. 

PS: Once I was done taking these pictures, I added more walnuts. I love the crunchiness...sometimes I even add some granola if I'm in the mood. How do you start off the day?