Phew. It’s been a very hot summer. Personally, I must be mindful of keeping hydrated to maintain a proactive lifestyle in this scorching heat and humidity. What better thing to help with hydration than fresh young coconuts, to help us transition into fall!

Coconuts have become all the rage in the wellness industry from the oil to water and everything else that you can get in prepacked containers; you literally find it everywhere. Don’t underestimate the power of consuming fresh young coconuts as it helps to stimulate immunity, aids digestion, and provides a powerful potassium punch – as much as four bananas! Coconut also helps prevent heart disease, improves brain function, is rich in fiber and antioxidants, helps in skin regeneration and hydration, aids weight control, and will help in bringing forth health and vitality by giving you glowing skin, hair and nails. Believe or not, the list goes on.

As with everything in life, moderation and a quality source are key factors when consuming fresh coconuts. Look for organic young fresh green coconuts, as they have more nutritional value than matured coconuts. You can do so much with them, including getting the satisfaction of opening the young fresh coconut before you devour it (I recommend an opening device called the Coco Jack which you can find online).

Prepackaged foods are something that we most definitely take for granted; as a society, we look for convenience – often at our own detriment. Buying fresh coconuts not only gives you fresh coconut water and meat, but the satisfaction of having something that is very healing to the body. Depending on the consistency of the meat you can make different nutritious, delicious sweet and savory dishes to suit your culinary desires: from a fresh vegan/non-vegan coconut ceviche to a delicious, refreshing coconut yogurt parfait which I am going to share with you. This recipe is so easy and has no additives or preservatives as it’s made fresh with fresh ingredients.

Enjoy our fall weather and remember to stay hydrated!

Coconut Yogurt Parfait with Fresh Fruit

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut meat (young green coconut)

Lemon juice of 1/2 lemon (depending how tart you prefer it)

1/4 tsp. fresh vanilla bean

1 tsp. raw honey for drizzling

3 to 4 tsp. fresh coconut water

2 tbsp. seasonal fruits of your choice

Instructions:

Puree coconut meat, water, vanilla bean and lemon juice in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to your favorite dessert bowl
Drizzle with honey, and layer with fresh seasonal fruits and anything else you’d like to enjoy on top!

Dipika is a holistic health coach who empowers clients to activate balanced lifestyle of the mind, body and soul. She can be reached at [email protected] or www.loveyourlifehealthy.com.