Living in Riverside County, Southern California, you're just an hour's drive from some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Yet, many locals rarely take advantage of this proximity. Regularly immersing yourself in seawater—ideally for several hours once a month—offers numerous health benefits, a practice known as thalassotherapy. This age-old therapy utilizes the ocean's natural elements to promote physical and mental well-being. 🌊 Health Benefits of Monthly Ocean Immersion 🧴 Skin Health & Inflammation Relief Mineral-Rich Composition: Seawater contains magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium, which can reduce inflammation, hydrate the skin, and aid in the removal of dead skin cells. Gralon Psoriasis Management: Regular exposure to seawater may alleviate symptoms of psoriasis by reducing redness and promoting skin hydration. ​Sea MagikAquamarina 🌬️ Respiratory Benefits Improved Breathing: Inhaling sea air, rich in iodine and magnesium, can help clear nasal passages and lungs, potentially reducing symptoms of asthma, sinusitis, and hay fever. ​ConvenientMD 🧠 Mental Health & Cognitive Function Mood Enhancement: Swimming releases endorphins and serotonin, natural chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress. Neurogenesis: Regular swimming promotes the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, enhancing memory and cognitive functions. ​Vogue 🏃‍♂️ Physical Fitness & Joint Health Low-Impact Exercise: Swimming provides a full-body workout that's gentle on the joints, making it ideal for individuals with arthritis or joint pain. Muscle Strengthening: The resistance of water helps in building and toning muscles without the strain associated with traditional exercises.​ 🏖️ Tips for Maximizing Ocean Therapy Benefits Consistency: Aim for at least one extended ocean swim per month to maintain the therapeutic effects. Sun Protection: While moderate sun exposure can benefit skin conditions, always use sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays. Hydration: Drink plenty of water before and after swimming to stay hydrated. Post-Swim Care: Rinse off after swimming to remove salt residues and apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.​ Embrace the natural healing properties of the ocean. Regular seawater immersion can be a rejuvenating practice for both body and mind. I you can't make it to the beach, you can make saline solution at home with distilled water, iodine-free salt, and baking soda. Follow the instructions here. Hydrotherapy (water therapy) and swimming have also been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. One study showed the effects comparable to a commonly used anti-depressant drug called paroxetine. Happy summer!

Here’s a traditional folk way to drink to your health. Fiery, potent, and ready to kick cold season’s butt, fire cider is a bold, spicy tonic known for its powerful healing and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s often used to support digestion, boost circulation, break up sinus congestion, and ward off seasonal colds and flus. Used for generations as a trusted folk remedy, fire cider blends a variety of healthful, nutrient-packed ingredients—often depending on the season and what’s growing locally. The result is a naturally antibacterial, antiviral, immune-boosting elixir that’s as warming as it is revitalizing.. 🔥 What’s in Fire Cider? A traditional base usually includes: 🍎 Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar 🧄 Garlic , peeled and chopped 🧅 Onion , chopped 🌿 Ginger , peeled and chopped ✨ Turmeric , peeled and chopped 🌱 Horseradish , peeled and chopped 🌼 Dried echinacea root  (optional but powerful) 🌶️ Hot peppers  (like jalapeño) ⚫ Black peppercorns 🍋 Citrus fruits  – lemon and/or orange, peeled and sliced 🌿 Fresh herbs & spices  – lemon grass, parsley, cilantro, thyme, oregano, rosemary, etc. 🧪 Did You Know? Fire Cider  was trademarked by Shire City Herbals , who bottle and sell it in stores. Their organic tonic is marketed to "restore, stimulate, and invigorate the body"  while promoting overall well-being. Despite the name, fire cider isn’t a beverage  you drink by the glass—it's a potent tonic , meant for small doses or culinary use. 💡 How to Use Fire Cider Try these creative and functional ways to enjoy the benefits: 🥗 Add to salad dressings  for a zesty, immune-boosting punch 🍢 Use as a marinade  for vegetables, tofu, tempeh, chicken, or meat 🌿 Drizzle over sautéed greens  or warm veggie bowls 🍹 Add a splash to juice or tea  for a wellness boost 🥃 Take a shot  – pour 1 oz into a shot glass and bottoms up! 🍯 Mix with hot water and raw honey  to make a spicy tonic tea 🍲 Add to soups, stews, or chili  for extra depth and spice 🍸 Use in cocktails  as a shrub or bitter alternative 🧑‍🍳 Make Your Own Fire Cider 🧾 Ingredients : 3 cups 🍎 unpasteurized apple cider vinegar ½ cup 🧄 chopped garlic ½ cup 🌱 chopped horseradish ½ cup 🌿 chopped ginger ½ cup ✨ chopped turmeric 1 🧅 large onion , peeled and chopped 1 🍊 orange , peeled and sliced 1 🍋 lemon , peeled and sliced 1 🌶️ jalapeño , sliced 2–3 tbsp 🌿 chopped fresh herbs  (parsley, oregano, thyme, etc.) ¼ cup 🍯 raw honey  (add more to taste) 🧂 Instructions : Place all chopped roots, herbs, fruits, and spices into a large mason jar . Pour apple cider vinegar over everything until fully submerged. Seal tightly. If using a metal lid, insert parchment between lid and jar to prevent rust. Shake well and let sit at room temperature  for 3–6 weeks . Shake 2–3 times per week. After steeping, strain the mixture  into a clean jar. Stir in raw honey, adjusting for taste. Store in the refrigerator  in a sealed jar. Keeps for up to 1 year ..

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and intentionally low-carbohydrate way of eating that shifts your body into a metabolic state known as ketosis. In ketosis, your body switches from relying on carbohydrates for energy to burning fat as its primary fuel source. Starting your day with a well-formulated ketogenic breakfast—rich in healthy fats and balanced with moderate protein—can help promote steady energy, mental clarity, and overall well-being. That said, it’s important to remember that your diet as a whole matters more than any single meal. Consistency is key when it comes to reaching and sustaining ketosis. At Comfort Keto, Chef Janine strongly endorses intermittent fasting as a powerful companion to the ketogenic lifestyle. A gentle fasting window helps enhance fat-burning and cure insulin sensitivity. Here's a simple guideline we often recommend: 7:00 AM – Break your fast with a ketone salts drink or a Bulletproof-style coffee (blended with grass-fed butter or ghee and MCT oil). 11:00 AM – Follow with your first solid ketogenic meal of the day, such as eggs cooked in healthy fats, avocado, and greens, or one of our gourmet keto breakfast bowls. If you’re already eliminating or significantly reducing: Sugars and added sugars Industrial seed oils and trans fats Bread and other flour-based baked goods Pasta and noodles Rice, beans, and grains High-fructose fruits Ultra-processed foods …then you're well on your way to achieving and maintaining ketosis. These dietary and lifestyle changes not only support metabolic healing and inflammation reduction, but they also contribute to better blood sugar regulation, weight control, and cognitive health. For us, a satisfying ketogenic breakfast goes far beyond just bacon and eggs (though we do love those classics!). Our internationally inspired taste buds crave variety, and let’s face it—eating the same thing every morning can get boring. That’s why we’ve developed a range of innovative keto breakfast ideas that keep things exciting and delicious. In this article, we introduce a refreshing keto breakfast option where eggs don’t take center stage—perfect for those days when you're looking to switch things up. That said, eggs remain a staple in many ketogenic breakfasts for good reason. They’re incredibly versatile and nutrient-dense. You can enjoy them: Boiled, poached, fried, or scrambled Folded into a savory low-carb veggie omelet with mustard greens, kale, asparagus, or mushrooms Baked into a rich, cheesy quiche made with heavy cream, onions, butter, and your favorite seasoning blend But here's the good news: you don’t have to eat eggs every day to stay in ketosis. There are plenty of flavorful, satisfying egg-free keto breakfast options that will still fuel your morning the fat-fueled way. Here is a Euro-Inspired keto breakfast plate: Who says a keto breakfast has to be heavy on eggs? This beautifully balanced, European-style plate offers a delicious departure from the typical morning routine—perfect for anyone seeking variety while staying low-carb. Let’s break it down: If you are prepared to experiment with keto bread baking, we recommend low-carb seed bread or nut (almond) bread. Hearty tomato slices rest atop low-carb bread—rich in fiber and flavor, and perfect for soaking up the juiciness of the tomatoes. On a ketogenic diet, it's generally best to avoid most breads, but if you choose to include some, you may occasionally allow yourself a small portion of very high-fiber, slow-digesting options such as Swedish WASA crispbread, Ezekiel bread, or sprouted grain bread which are not strictly keto. As long as you allow yourself a single slice of Swedish WASA bread (5 gr net carbs per slice), half a slice of Ezekiel bread or sprouted grains bread (5.5 gr net carbs per half slice), you may manage to stay in ketosis. Creamy avocado slices add a dose of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and potassium to keep you feeling full and nourished. A slice of rolled deli ham offers clean protein, while a strip of crisp bacon brings that familiar savory crunch. A selection of aged cheeses in generous wedges and slices gives this plate an elegant touch, supplying healthy fats and calcium. A crispy cheese stick or fried cheese roll adds texture and indulgence without breaking ketosis. In the center, a small serving of grainy mustard or Dijon-style sauce ties the plate together with a tangy kick—ideal for dipping meats or spreading on low-carb bread. This breakfast plate celebrates simplicity, quality ingredients, and variety—everything we love about European café culture, adapted to fit the ketogenic lifestyle. Whether you're breaking your fast after a morning of bulletproof coffee or sitting down for a relaxed weekend brunch, this kind of meal proves that keto can be both nourishing and gourmet.

Fall is here. The days are getting shorter. The sun sets earlier. And we live more in dark than in daylight. It will be even more prominent when next month on Sunday, November 6, 2022, the clocks will be turned backward one hour from 2:00 am to 1:00 am local time. We want to share a night blindness story with you which may resonate with you... Let's say you reside somewhere in Riverside County. You love the ocean and take every opportunity to get to the beach, especially during summer weekends. You decide to spend one of those magical Southern California weekends in beautiful San Diego. You find a great airBnB deal for Friday and Saturday nights in downtown San Diego. May be in Little Italy district. You are totally stoked. So, you take off on Friday mid afternoon and get to your destination right before sunset. Great time to check in and then go to a local restaurant for food and drinks. You spend the next two fantastic days in Little Italy, visit Coronado Island, may be swim at the Pacific Beach. The dream weekend will eventually be approaching an end. It is late Sunday afternoon. It is almost time to drive back home. But there is a problem... You turn into Mr. Magoo when driving in the dark. What do you do? Leave early (and waste half of the day on the road) to avoid darkness or ... What else can you do? We want to suggest a solution for you (try at your own risk of course). If you have night blindness, your eyes will have difficulty adjusting to dim light. It means that your vision in poorly-lit situations or at night is going to be fairly poor. You will have trouble while driving in the dark due to inability to see road signs. Here is what you do! About two hours before you head out, stop by a coffee shop and order a small hot coffee. While it's still hot, drop in a 2 oz block of dark chocolate with the highest cocoa content you can find—we recommend Trader Joe’s 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate bar (47g, 34g cacao, total flavanols: 316.3 mg). Stir until fully melted. You may add a little stevia and a splash of creamer if you like, but skip the sugar. Drink the entire cup. About two hours later, your visual acuity and contrast sensitivity may significantly improve. As the effects may not last indefinitely and need further clinical validation, we suggest eating an additional 1 oz of dark chocolate when you begin your drive, and another 1 oz every hour you're on the road. Bon appétit and bon voyage... Clinical tests on this subject are published here and here! (Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03326934)

Nopal is a type of edible cactus native to Central America, Mexico in particular. There are over 100 different types. Opuntia ficus-indica – or simply nopal – is the most widely cultivated species for food consumption. Nopales (or nopalitos) were grown and consumed as a vegetable in the Central American region before the arrival of the Spaniards. Spineless and spined varieties of nopal plant can be grown in southern California with ease in your yard. You can learn how to grow nopal here. This cactus plant sprouts in the spring and the autumn. These are the best times of the year to eat nopales as they taste best when they are at their juiciest – when they’re young and newly sprouted. Nopales leaves (called pads or paddles) are sold at Mexican grocery stores in cans or jars, dried or in juice form. The pads are commonly used in various Mexican dishes including carne con nopales (meat with nopal), huevos con nopales (eggs with nopal), tacos de nopales (tacos with nopal), and in salads with panela cheese, onion, and tomato. Some of the more popular Mexican dishes that use nopales as ingredients are nopales con costillas de puerco y chile rojo (cactus paddles w/ pork ribs and red chili), pico de gallo con nopales (salsa with nopales), and chile colorado con nopales (beef stew in a red chile sauce and nopales). Nopales leaves taste slightly citrusy and moist crunchy with a bit slimy and rubbery texture that resembles diced green bell pepper. Overcooked nopales leaves (diced or cut in strips) get slimy and rubbery, so they need to be removed from heat once the color turns pale. Nutrition Facts Nopal cactus with its "1 gram net carb per one cup of serving" is perfectly ketogenic! One cup of raw nopales (according to US Gov. FoodData Central) contains approximately: 13.8 calories 1.14 grams (g) of protein 0.08 g of fat 2.86 g of carbohydrate 1.89 g of fiber 0.99 g of sugar 19.8 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A 8 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C 141 mg of calcium 4.56 mcg of vitamin K Benefits of Nopales Nopales ... is low in sugar (carbs), thus ketogenic. is low in calories as it is mainly filled with water. is rich in antioxidants. is rich in health-promoting nutrients such as vitamins, and minerals. contain antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Nopal water is also rich in electrolytes that support hydration. The health food market Sprouts carries an organic nopal cactus juice under the brand truenopal cactus water. This juice with its naturally occurring seven electrolytes and minerals, including potassium and magnesium, will hydrate your body. It has a refreshing fruit taste and uses all-natural ingredients with no added sugars, sodium, preservatives, fat or GMOs, and it’s even vegan and gluten-free. In other words, it is straight from the earth, just the way it was intended to be. Oh BTW, nopal water has less than half the calories and sugar as coconut water. Nopal is used as traditional medicine for treating: • liver conditions • ulcers • diabetes • glaucoma • high cholesterol • obesity • hangovers • fatigue • wounds Chef Janine occasionally uses nopales in our perfectly ketogenic "Chicken Enchilada Casserole" based on the season and availability. Read more here. Bon Appétit! Your Master Keto Chef Janine

Epsom salt is a time-honored remedy for relieving muscle aches and reducing stress. Composed of crystallized magnesium sulfate, this natural compound offers a simple yet effective way to support your body’s wellness. When you soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath, the magnesium may be absorbed through the skin, potentially helping to ease tension, reduce inflammation, and soothe tired muscles. Although research on transdermal magnesium absorption is still evolving, a small 2017 pilot study published in PLOS ONE  suggested that magnesium levels in the blood may increase after Epsom salt bathing, especially when used regularly [Wang et al., 2017]. Epsom salt soaks have also been associated with stress relief and muscle relaxation—largely due to magnesium's known role in neuromuscular function and stress regulation. A 2018 review in Nutrients  highlighted magnesium’s essential role in modulating the body’s stress-response system and muscle function [ Costello et al., 2018 ]. This practice is especially beneficial for individuals who spend long hours on their feet, providing much-needed relief from foot pain, muscle soreness, and general discomfort. While more research is needed to fully confirm the absorption and therapeutic mechanisms of magnesium through the skin, anecdotal reports and historical use continue to support Epsom salt as a simple and relaxing home remedy. Benefits of Epsom Salt Foot Baths Magnesium is an essential micronutrient involved in hundreds of biological processes, from nerve function to inflammation control. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to several inflammatory and chronic health conditions in humans. Topical magnesium therapy is one of the oldest known treatments for skin and musculoskeletal issues—practices such as Dead Sea therapy and Epsom salt baths are notable examples. One clinical study estimated that soaking for just 30 minutes can allow measurable magnesium absorption through the skin, depending on concentration and exposure time. Benefits of an Epsom Salt Foot Soak 1. Eases Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot While Epsom salt does not  kill the fungus responsible for athlete’s foot, it can help draw moisture out of the affected area. This may make the environment less favorable for fungal growth. 2. Reduces Inflammation and Pain Magnesium may be absorbed through the skin during the soak. This could help: Boost your body’s magnesium levels Decrease inflammation Relieve stiffness and discomfort associated with arthritis, gout, and overuse injuries 3. Exfoliates and Softens Skin The crystalline texture of Epsom salt makes it a natural exfoliant. A foot soak can help slough off dead skin, leaving feet smoother and softer. 4. Helps Control Foot Odor Soaking your feet helps cleanse away sweat, bacteria, and dead skin—common causes of foot odor. Keeping the feet clean is essential to overall foot hygiene. Are Epsom Salt Foot Soaks Safe? For most people, yes! However, there are a few considerations: Don’t soak more than once or twice a week.  Epsom salt can be drying. Moisturize your feet thoroughly  after soaking to lock in hydration. ⚠️ Avoid foot soaks if you have diabetes, very dry skin, or open wounds. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of skin cracks and infection. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying foot soaks if you have underlying conditions. When to See a Healthcare Provider A foot soak may not be the answer to every foot problem. Seek medical advice if you’re experiencing: Persistent pain or tenderness after an injury Pain that doesn’t go away within a week Swelling, redness, or heat Open sores or infected areas How to Take an Epsom Salt Foot Soak According to the Arthritis Foundation, the ideal water temperature is between 92°F and 100°F . Follow these simple steps: Use a plastic container or foot spa  large enough to cover your feet up to the ankles. Add ½ to ¾ cup of Epsom salt  to the warm water. Soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes. Dry thoroughly  after the soak. Apply a moisturizer  to keep skin hydrated. 👉 Tip:  Use a USP-grade  Epsom salt product for safety and quality assurance. Learn more at the U.S. Pharmacopeia Bonus: Foot Reflexology If you're someone who’s on your feet all day, consider pairing your Epsom salt foot soak with reflexology massage . There are specific pressure points on the feet that correspond to different organs and systems in the body. A short self-massage post-soak may enhance relaxation and circulation.

In 2023, Americans from 47 out of 50 states searched for terms related to the ketogenic diet more than any other diet. FitnessVolt recently compiled the data, analyzed numerous search terms related to various popular diets across every US state to establish the nutrition plans that Americans are most interested in. According to the revealed data, the ketogenic diet is the most popular type of diet among Americans. Across America, 742,525 monthly searches were made in relation to the keto diet. Most searches for the keto diet were in the states Illinois, California, New York, Texas and Kentucky. The keto diet replaces a large portion of carbohydrates with healthy natural fats such as butter, cream, ghee, lard, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, to name a few. The Mediterranean diet (591,016 monthly searches) is the second most popular type of diet among Americans. The benefits of a Mediterranean diet, according to many studies, include reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and increased lifespan. The searches for paleo diet (132,508 monthly searches) ranked third. The Paleolithic (paleo) die is also known as the ‘caveman’ diet. According to studies, the paleo diet has helped in lowering blood pressure, aiding weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. We at COMFORT KETO offer weekly gourmet keto menus. We regularly include keto adapted Mediterranean recipes into our weekly changing menus.. So, why don't you check out our weekly changing gourmet keto menus? This study offers a fascinating insight into which nutritional plans residents from across the US are most interested in trying. It is important to note that diets work differently for different individuals, therefore it is important to consult a professional if you have any doubts or queries over any particular diet.

What is Jicama? Jicama (pronounced HEE-kah-mah) is a crunchy root vegetable commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Jicama also goes by the names yam bean, Mexican turnip, and Mexican potato. Jicama is a member of the Fabaceae (a bean family that counts "peas" as its main member). It grows on a vine up to 20 feet tall, however the only edible part of the plant is the bulbous root underground. Don’t consume the leaves, seeds, or flowers of the plant. The edible root can be as small as a Gala apple or grow as big as two fists put together. Harvested for centuries in Mexico and other all year round hot areas in South America, nowadays jicama is also grown in parts of southeast Asia. Traditionally, street vendors in Mexico sell peeled and sliced strips of raw jicama with lemon or lime juice and chili powder. Taste and Texture Unlike other root vegetables, jicama's tuberous root is "not" that starchy; although it tastes somewhat sweet, it is quite low in sugar, making it a perfect low-carb choice for people leading a ketogenic diet. Raw jicama root inside looks like a potato, is crispy, has a pleasant crunch and a refreshing juiciness to it, similar to a fresh water chestnut or a firm Asian pears (aka shinseiki). Jicama picks up flavors well due to its porous flesh. It can be marinated with citrus juice and the spices and chunks can be added to salads. It can be sliced thinly and added to a sandwich for some crunch; it can also be used in lieu of a corn tortilla for tacos. Cooking jicama proves tasty too, though it needs a gentle touch when it comes to heat. Storage It is best to keep jicama whole and unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or for about a week on your counter as long as it's not in sunlight or the kitchen gets too hot. Once peeled, you can slice the vegetable and keep it in water in the refrigerator for a few days. Cover any exposed areas with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure. It's best to eat it fresh, soon after peeling and cutting. Jicama Nutrition Facts Because of the high fiber content in jicama, it is considered a low glycemic food. The glycemic load of jicama is approx. 10 (has little effect on blood glucose response). The following nutrition information is provided by the USDA. Serving size: 1 cup (120 g) Calories: 46 Fat: 0.1 g Sodium: 5.2 mg Total Carbs: 11.1 g Fiber: 5.9 g Net Carbs: 5.2 g (sugar: 2.2 g ; starch: 3 g) Protein: 0.9 g Carbs 1-cup (120g) serving of jicama is has 5 grams of net carbs. Fiber: About 6 grams Sugar: About 2 grams of naturally occurring sugar Starch: About 3 grams Vitamins and Minerals Jicama is a good source of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid). A serving contains 24 milligrams of the vitamin—about 40% of your daily recommended needs. Jicama provides a small amount of vitamin E (0.6 milligrams or 4% of reference daily intake), folate (4% of RDI), vitamin B6 (3% of RDI), thiamin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid (2% each). Jicama also provides a boost of potassium, with a single serving containing 195 milligrams, or about 6% of your daily needs. Other minerals provided by jicama include: Iron (4% of RDI) Magnesium (4% of RDI) Copper (3% of RDI) Phosphorus (2% of RDI) Calcium (2% of RDI) Zinc (1% of RDI) Jicama Health Benefits The most significant advantages of including jicama in your diet come from its high fiber content and its concentration of vitamin C. Jicama has a low glycemic index. This means that eating jicama may help to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, which may make it a good choice for people with diabetes. Fiber supports digestion and regularity, lowers the risk of some types of cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Low in calories but with plenty of vital nutrients, jicama is high in a fiber known as oligofructose inulin (with its zero calories). Inulin promotes good bone health by enhancing absorption of calcium from other foods, protecting against osteoporosis. Inulin acts as a probiotic role in the intestine, promoting good bacteria growth to maintain both a healthy colon and balanced immunity. The prebiotic, fermentable fiber in jicama contributes to a healthy gut microbiome, the colony of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and regenerates other antioxidants within the body, including vitamin E. Antioxidants may help to prevent or delay the development of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. You can purchase medium-sized jicama with smooth skin and no softness or shriveling, best between October and March at your local grocery market. Note that larger ones tend to be less flavorful. Caramel "Apple" Power Bowl (ketogenic version by Chef Janine is prepared with Jicama) While this root vegetable is delicious raw, jicama can also be stir-fried or sautéed with onions and peppers. Chef Janine uses jicama in our popular power bowls as the apple substitute. She also uses raw jicama as a healthy salad topper, in coleslaw, or even adds in wrap sandwiches. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a new, healthy vegetable to add to your diet, then jicama could be the perfect option. Jicama is good for you. And it’s full of valuable fiber, plus plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial to your health. And, it’s versatile, refreshing, and delicious. Prepared the right way, it might even become a new household favorite.

With Super Bowl LVIII around the corner (February 11th), having the proper keto snacks is essential to a great shindig. A tradition unlike any other, the Super Bowl is more than just a game. It’s a moment where fans -friends and family members- sit in front of the flat screen to enjoy two best teams of the NFL season square off. If you’re like most fans, you won't be watching the game alone. Most likely, you'll be at a Super Bowl party with your friends and/or family, enjoying the game over some low-carb beer and delicious keto snacks. If you are hosting the big day, you know that it’s all about the food. Fire up the grill and serve the All-American classic burgers that will either melt in your stomach or ease the pain when it comes to watching your team lose. Make sure to buy low carb buns ahead of time. And also some low carb chicken wings.... Is there anything else besides great keto finger food? Oh, of course there is. The Beer!!! Here is the link to our blog post listing a few low carb beers we have tasted and liked. You will also find in our blog post links to two third party articles which list calorie-carb info on nearly 4 dozen keto friendly beers: https://www.myketopal.com/post/low-carb-beers-you-can-actually-drink-on-keto-diet What’s the perfect Super Bowl party keto menu? Every party needs finger foods. Here are some recipes and cooking instructions for delicious and easy-to-prepare classic keto finger food items of joy for all. As a keto-er, all you need to do is to download the recipes, follow the preparation instructions step by step, and your shindig will be a hit. Enjoy the game and your snacks! Chef Janine Lechuga Master Keto Chef

Wine has fascinated mankind for thousands of years. Great inventions from the antique tree press to computer-controlled tank presses have revolutionized wine making. Winemakers made wine an object of desire all over the world. Wine in moderation, is considered keto-friendly. In the recent years, a number of relatively low carb wines hit the market to choose from. Keto-friendly wines are usually certified to contain only 1 gram of carbs per bottle. If you feel like celebrating the "Valentine's Day" or simply enjoy your chef mastered Comfort Keto meals with a glass or two of low carb wine, please keep in mind that it can take just two glasses of wine to chisel away a significant part of your daily total carb count. This is a challenge if you’re struggling to reach or maintain ketosis. So, please enjoy in moderation. Consider stopping after one or two small glasses and always drink alcohol with a meal to keep your blood sugar balanced. Much like beer manufacturers with more options for low-carb beers, winemakers are also taking note to cater to the low-carb crowd. Here are a few keto-friendly wine brands which are paving the way for low-sugar and low-carb options that also taste great. Happy wine drinking! Dry Farm Wines Website: https://www.dryfarmwines.com/ Dry Farm Wines is the perfect solution for wine lovers who are on the ketogenic diet. This company offers a monthly subscription business model. Their keto wines they carry are all-natural, organic, low in alcohol and sulfites, free of additives, and contain just one gram of sugar or less per bottle. FitVine Website: https://www.fitvinewine.com/ FitVine is dedicated to making low carb wines that won’t sabotage your ketogenic lifestyle. Their wines are lower in sulfites, free of additives, and have less sugar than traditional bottles. Even with these great keto options, you can’t drink the whole bottle or split one with a friend without potentially consuming too many carbs for the day and kicking yourself out of ketosis. Usual Wine Website: https://usualwines.com/ Usual Wine doesn’t only offer low-sugar wine curation and delivery, they promise never to use any additives in the winemaking process. Just grapes, water, and sunshine. That means no added sugars, sulfites, pesticides, or stale wine. They’re unusual in that they ship you each bottle “by the glass” in 6.3 oz bottles. Since each bottle contains fresh, natural wine, you’ll usually only get about 1.5 carbs per glass - according to their website. Please read more on this topic at the KetoPerfect blog.

The olive trees do not like it when it rains a lot. Yet, they flourish during dry, almost drought conditions best. When we moved to San Jacinto Valley some four years ago during summer time, the valley was dry and hot. It has not been raining throughout a period of 4-5 years prior. And the olive trees were full of really good size olives. Late summer, may be in October 2016, the trees were loaded. Even some olives were fallen off the tree, and already cured naturally in the heat of the sun. The temperature was definitely over 105 F, and we didn't want to climb the trees. We didn't have tarp with us. So, we decided to pick only those olives that we could reach from the ground without a ladder. That year , we had a great olive harvest. From 25 pounds of olives, we produced about three dozens of large size mason jars full of pickled olives; some brown, some green and some black. We pickled some olives only with salt, while others we pickled with olive oil. We are finishing now the last two jars. These magnificent road side olive trees are located on the Old Mountain Avenue which runs along the foothills of San Jacinto Mountains. This year (2019) marked the third year of heavy rains in Southern Cali. The drought is over. All fresh water reservoirs and lakes are full. Yet, the olive trees apparently don't like this much rain. They are NOT bearing much fruit at all.

Dark chocolate is not a guilty pleasure! This delicious treat may be one of the best things to consume on a daily basis as more and more studies discover its health benefits, including memory improvement and immunity boost! The best super food dark chocolate, also known as "plain chocolate," has very high percentage of cocoa solids and nearly no dairy products, thus no lactose, and consequently ketogenic... Benefits of Dark Chocolate 1. Dark Chocolate Protects You From Disease-Causing Free Radicals As a strong antioxidant, dark chocolate helps your body to neutralize free radicals. Remember, the free radicals are harmful compounds resulting from cellular processes in the body. They contribute to inflammation and chronic disease. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, including flavonoids (help maximize the benefits of vitamin C) and polyphenols. The main ingredient of dark chocolate, cocoa contains high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids - even greater than wine and tea. The higher the cocoa content in your dark chocolate bar, the better! 2. Dark Chocolate Prevents Potential Development of Cancer One of the benefits of dark chocolate is its potential as a cancer-fighting food. A research study shows that the flavonoids and antioxidants found in chocolate may be especially beneficial against colon cancer, effectively reducing the growth and spread of colon cancer cells. Another research study shows that it could potentially help protect against colorectal cancer due to its ability to decrease oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and block the growth of cancer cells. 3. Dark Chocolate Improves Heart Health Main type of flavonoid found in chocolate is flavanols (help prevent blood platelets from clotting, thus reduce the risk of stroke). A research study shows that flavanols have a very positive effect on heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow to the heart as well as the brain. Another study shows that flavonoid-rich dark chocolate consumption significantly improves blood circulation and lowers the risk of heart problems. 4. Dark Chocolate Is Good for Overall Cholesterol Profile Cocoa butter is another key ingredient of dark chocolate. Cocoa butter is rich in healthy fats and polyphenol compounds that act as antioxidants in the body. A research study shows that even one week of dark chocolate consumption improves lipid profiles, decreases platelet reactivity and reduces inflammation. 5. Dark Chocolate Improves Cognitive Function A research study suggests that flavonol-rich dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain, which could potentially aid in the treatment of cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. Another research study published in the Journal of Nutrition notes that consumption of flavonoid-rich foods — such as chocolate, wine and tea — is linked to better brain function and improved cognitive performance. 6. Dark Chocolate Improves Blood Pressure Several studies show that dark chocolate consumption reduces blood pressure levels in those individuals with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, thus help protect against heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, dark chocolate consumption can significantly decrease fasting blood sugar levels as well. 7. Dark Chocolate Improves Vision A human clinical trial observed that contrast sensitivity and visual acuity improved after consuming dark chocolate. This means that dark chocolate could potentially help boost vision. 8. Dark Chocolate Protects the Skin and Improves Skin Health Another benefit of dark chocolate consumption is attributed to its flavonol content and its ability to protect against sun damage, reduce skin roughness, enhance hydration and improve blood flow to the skin. A study found that eating flavonol-rich chocolate could help prevent damage caused by ultraviolet light. Our Berry Good Chia Power Bowl with dark choco chips and cacao nibs Let's Celebrate Spring in a Ketogenic Way!!! During the peak of the pandemic, we served our repeat customers only! Now that Spring is here and the pandemic is under control, we decided to reboot! We are now accepting orders from "6" NEW CUSTOMERS from SAN JACINTO and HEMET area. The orders will be accepted on "first come, first served" basis. Please place your order for our chef prepared ketogenic menu of the week on our website at https://www.myketopal.com/comfort-keto-meals by Friday midnight in order to receive your weekly prepared keto meal package on following Monday! FREE curb-side pickup in San Jacinto; Delivery within 30 mi. radius from San Jacinto available for $10. Your $10 neighbor discount coupon code is MKP102020 .