WHAT IS OIL PULLING & HOW DO I DO IT? Option with essential oils

Oil pulling has made it's way back into mainstream and is at an all time high. You can google oil pulling and see all the benefits that people including doctors like Dr. Axe claim and I too am a believer. I claim that it:

• Whitens my teeth.
• Has actually made some of my cavities disappear according to my dentist when I went in to get some filled!
• Strengthen my jaw so much that I no longer have any horrible symptoms of TMJ.
• Clears my sinuses.
• No more bad breath.
• No more tonsil stones.
• Strengthens my enamel and gums. My receding gum lines have stopped! 

Tooth brushing is relatively new. Did you know that it's only been around for less than 100 years?! Crazy, right? If you do a historical search for oil pulling, you'll find that traditionally it was a Native American and Ayurveda (South Asia/India) holistic practice. 

Most dentists I've encountered and hear about do not like this practice as it generally can take money away from them. You do the practice of oil pulling, it heals your teeth and gums and you don't see the dentist except for your bi-annual check ups. Yeah, not a good combo for dentists. But for you, it can be a major money and headache saver. 

You can research all the mechanical actions and medical jargon of how and why but I like to just boil it down.

1. Pick an oil. My favorite is coconut oil. Choices: Coconut, Sesame, Olive.
2. Choose the amount. 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon is perfect. I prefer around 1/2 tablespoon.
3. Optional: Add 1-2 drops of essential oil. (Buy pure EOs at link in the right column of this page.)
• Clove essential oil - heals wounds, relieves toothaches, banishes bad breath, pain reliever, boosts immune system, reduces gum disease, anti-inflammatory, etc.
• Cinnamon essential oil - anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, astringent, anti-clotting, decreases inflammation, etc.
• Orange essential oil - anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anti-septic, kills bacteria, fights infection, etc.
• Lemon essential oil - astringent, detoxifying, antiseptic, disinfectant, anti-fungal, banishes bad breath, thirst quencher, kills bacteria, etc.
• Lime essential oil - immune booster, fights colds/flu/sinusitis/sore throat, kills bacteria, promotes oral health, etc.
• Peppermint essential oil - anti-microbial, freshens breath, promotes healthy sinuses, allergy reducer, etc.
• Basil essential oil - anti-bacterial, fights infection, anti-inflammatory, anti-virus, anti-fungal, fights colds/flu, etc.
• Black Pepper essential oil - anti-bacterial, anti-viral, etc.
• Cilantro/Coriander essential oil - anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, etc.
• Thyme essential oil - anti-septic, anti-bacterial, expectorant, kills infection, treats respiratory conditions, cures bad breath, promotes teeth from decay, etc.
• Oregano essential oil - relieves colds/flu/sinuses, kills parasites, eases infections, heals cold sores, etc.
4. Put in your mouth and swish. Set the timer for 20 minutes, no more, no less. 
• Do this while you take a shower, check your email, play a video game, prep for the day, read a book or study. It will fly by when you're preoccupied. 
5. Do not spit this down the drain or swallow it, rather spit it in the trash. Remember that it can solidify in the pipes and you don't want to swallow all the bad things it's been pulling from your mouth, sinuses, throat, gums, etc. 
6. Do this 3-5x a week. 

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: VEGETARIAN VEGETABLE ZUCCHINI CHILI

Since the "outlaw" of over the counter hcg in the USA, I'm now seeing a weight loss doctor that prescribes hcg injections and gives me a weekly check up. I have found it more informative than the few times I did the hcg diet with the drops. Although she uses the original protocol as a base, she also goes by blood type, allergies, etc. She has me on a vegetarian protocol which is why I'm deviating from the original protocol in the past. I've actually had more success!

1 small chopped zucchini
1/2 C chopped onion
garlic powder
chile powder
cumin
1/4 heaping cup black beans
1 can petite chopped tomatoes
1 1/2 C water
several slices pickled jalapenos

Bring it all to a boil, then reduce to medium, cooking until it reduces. Cool slightly and serve.

This has become my favorite!

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: VEGETARIAN VEGETABLE ZUCCHINI LASAGNA

Since the "outlaw" of over the counter hcg in the USA, I'm now seeing a weight loss doctor that prescribes hcg injections and gives me a weekly check up. I have found it more informative than the few times I did the hcg diet with the drops. Although she uses the original protocol as a base, she also goes by blood type, allergies, etc. She has me on a vegetarian protocol which is why I'm deviating from the original protocol in the past. I've actually had more success!

Slice 1 small zucchini lengthwise

In a saucepan, heat:
8 oz tomato sauce
2 t Italian seasoning
1/4 C chopped onion
1/2 C chopped frozen spinach

1/2 C fat free cottage cheese

Layer:
Zucchini, Sauce, Cottage Cheese, repeat, ending with remaining cottage cheese.

Cook 375° for 30-40 minutes or until zucchini is tender. Cool slightly and serve.

For P3, add ground beef or sausage too!

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: SPICY BLACK BEAN HUMMUS vegetarian

Since the "outlaw" of over the counter hcg in the USA, I'm now seeing a weight loss doctor that prescribes hcg injections and gives me a weekly check up. I have found it more informative than the few times I did the hcg diet with the drops. Although she uses the original protocol as a base, she also goes by blood type, allergies, etc. She has me on a vegetarian protocol which is why I'm deviating from the original protocol in the past. I've actually had more success!

1/4 heaping C black beans
cilantro
garlic
a few slices pickled jalapenos

Place all ingredients in the blender. Blend until smooth.

Serve with raw green vegetables. My favorites are sliced cucumber or sliced green bell pepper.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: Baked Blackened Tilapia low carb

Line a small baking dish with foil.
100 g tilapia
Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning & parsley.
Squeeze half a lemon on top.
Preheat oven 400°
Bake 12-14 minutes or until fish flakes.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: Kale Chips low carb

Preheat oven to 350°
Roughly chop kale.
Spread kale over seasoned pizza stone or parchment lined baking sheets. Lightly spritz with coconut oil spray. Sprinkle with sea salt, garlic powder, chile powder, and any other seasonings you wish. Bake for approx 10-15 minutes, turning once. Be careful not to burn.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: Caramel Cappuccino low carb

1 T fat free milk, warmed then frothed
Brew 4 oz strong coffee directly on top of the frothed milk.
Pour 1 T Walden Farms Caramel Syrup on top.
Stevia, to taste

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: CLOUD / OOPSY BREAD low carb

Since the "outlaw" of over the counter hcg in the USA, I'm now seeing a weight loss doctor that prescribes hcg injections and gives me a weekly check up. I have found it more informative than the few times I did the hcg diet with the drops. Although she uses the original protocol as a base, she also goes by blood type, allergies, etc. She has me on a vegetarian protocol which is why I'm deviating from the original protocol in the past. I've actually had more success!

3 eggs, carefully separated
1/2 t cream of tartar
2 T fat free cream cheese or cottage cheese
couple of drops of stevia

Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Beat the remaining ingredients, including the yolks, together in a separate bowl. Fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Drop large spoonfuls onto seasoned pizza stone or parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake in a preheated 300° oven for 10-16 minutes. Watch carefully! You want them to be lightly browned. See photos.

Now I've seen many blogs where they tell you to cool completely then to store them in a ziploc overnight, but let me tell you, I found them soggy and gross. I love them fresh out of the oven either plain, sprinkled with cinnamon and stevia or served with Walden Farms pancake syrup.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: Vegetarian Asian Cabbage

Since the "outlaw" of over the counter hcg in the USA, I'm now seeing a weight loss doctor that prescribes hcg injections and gives me a weekly check up. I have found it more informative than the few times I did the hcg diet with the drops. Although she uses the original protocol as a base, she also goes by blood type, allergies, etc. She has me on a vegetarian protocol which is why I'm deviating from the original protocol in the past. I've actually had more success!

1/2 chopped cabbage (VEGETABLE)
1 1/2 C fat free vegetable broth or water
2 T chopped onion
1 t grated or dried ginger
pinch cayenne
1 T tamari soy sauce (aka gluten free soy sauce)
 red pepper flakes, to taste
1 t garlic powder
1 T vinegar
1/4 heaping cup pinto beans (PROTEIN)

Add all ingredients except the beans in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and cook until cabbage is tender. Add beans. Cook until water has evaporated and it's sticking slightly on the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat. Cool slightly and serve.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: VEGETARIAN Deconstructed Cabbage Roll

Since the "outlaw" of over the counter hcg in the USA, I'm now seeing a weightloss doctor that prescribes hcg injections and gives me a weekly check up. I have found it more informative than the few times I did the hcg diet with the drops. Although she uses the original protocol as a base, she also goes by blood type, allergies, etc. She has me on a vegetarian protocol which is why I'm deviating from the original protocol in the past. I've actually had more success!

1/4 heaping cup pinto beans (PROTEIN)
1/2 chopped cabbage (VEGETABLE)
1 1/2 C fat free vegetable broth (or water)
8 oz tomato sauce (FRUIT)
2 T chopped onion
3/4 T paprika
1/2 t cumin
salt, to taste

Combine it all in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Turn down to medium and cook until cabbage is tender.
Cool slightly and serve.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: Zucchini noodles

1 zucchini, spiral cut & boiled to tender (VEGETABLE)
8 oz tomato sauce, heated with 1 T chopped basil & salt to taste (FRUIT)
100 g lean ground beef or bison, browned (PROTEIN)

Layer and serve.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: Quick Pickled Cucumber Slaw

1 Cucumber, julienned
1 T ACV
1/2 t amino acids
1/2 juiced lime
salt & pepper, to taste

Mix and all ingredients in a bowl.
Allow to rest for a few minutes.
Drain well.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: "BREAKFAST" TACO

I know, I know what you're going to say. That corn tortillas aren't on Dr. Simeon's original protocol. Here me out. One corn tortilla is 50 calories. Because I'm gluten free anyway, I can't have a melba toast. So occasionally I sub a corn tortilla (or half of one) for melba toast. I personally have never had a stall or difference in my weight loss when I do have a corn tortilla. I have 1 - 2 corn tortillas per week with absolutely no problems. It sure is nice to have a little variation during phase 2!

In a non-stick pan, scramble 3 egg whites with 1 egg. Salt & pepper to taste. Place on a corn tortilla. Top with HcG diet approved salsa (optional).

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: Roasted Radishes

I'll be honest, I don't like radishes. In fact of all the times I've done this diet, I've never had them. Well, that changed today and actually forever. I'm in love with roasted radishes now! This might be my new go-to vegetable recipe.

1 bunch radishes, trimmed & quartered
1 t coconut oil
salt & pepper to taste
juice of 1 lemon OR 1 T water & 2 drops dōTERRA Lemon essential oil (NO calories!)

Preheat oven to 500°. In an ovenproof skillet, heat coconut oil until shimmering. Add radishes, season with salt and pepper and cook over high heat stirring occasionally until lightly browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Return skillet to the burner and add lemon juice or water/essential oil. Optional: add the radish greens. Cook over moderate heat until greens are just wilted, about 2 minutes, or until liquid is gone. Serve hot.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: Tuna & Apple "TAPAS"

Mix well:
100g tuna canned in water, well drained
2t - 1T dill (no sugar) relish
2t mustard - I used a no sugar horseradish mustard
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Top tuna salad on slices of a small apple.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: Strawberry Spinach Smoothie - Complete meal on the go

Although I am a purist sticking closely to Dr. Simeon's protocol, I have found a few variations that work extremely well for me. For example, 1 C plain non-fat Greek yogurt for a protein. (I get mine at Costco.) I'm on my 3rd week of the 6 week protocol currently and I lost 1.4 lbs this morning from yesterday morning. My average is .8 lb per day so I'm not being hindered by it at all.

This is a great choice for when you're on the go or to put in an insulated cup so that you have it cold for later on. Sometimes I pick up a large size cup of ice from Sonic and put the smoothie in there. Love it.

2 C fresh spinach leaves - I usually do 2 handfuls
4-5 medium strawberries, hulled
1-2 cubes ice - optional
1 C plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 - 1 C water
stevia, to taste

Blend until smooth.

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: GRAPEFRUIT FRAPPE

1/2 Grapefruit, sectioned & squeezed
still or carbonated water
stevia, to taste
2 cubes ice

Mix in blender.
Serve immediately.

HcG diet recipe phase 3 P3: ROASTED CHICKEN CREAMY SALAD

4 C diced roasted chicken, about a 3-5 lb roasted whole chicken (pick one up at the grocery store)
1 apple, diced
1 1/2 t dried tarragon
1 T dried or 2 T fresh parsley
1 C mayonnaise
juice of 1 lime
1 t Dijon mustard
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste 

Mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

4-6 servings

HcG diet recipe phase 2 P2: MARINATED GRILLED SHRIMP on a George Foreman Grill

Marinade:
1/4 C water
1/4 C chopped fresh parsley
3 limes, juiced
2 T Frank's hot pepper sauce
3 cloves minced garlic
1 T tomato paste NSA
2 t dried oregano
1 t salt
1 t pepper

Use 2 T marinade per approx 5 jumbo shrimp with skin/tails still on. Place all in a ziploc. Shake to distribute evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Refrigerate the rest of the marinade for up to a week. OR using ziplocs, place 5 jumbo shrimp in each along with 2 T marinade per bag. Seal and shake each back. Place in freezer for another time. The night before wanting to use, place a bag in the bottom drawer of your refrigerator to thaw 12-24 hours.

FYI: The 5 jumbo shrimp should weight approx 110g but after cooked, you remove the skins and tails that weight approx 10g.

Heat grill on high (if you have settings) for 5 minutes.

Thread shrimp on 2 wooden skewers, piercing once near tail and once near head. Discard rest of marinade.

Lightly spray grill with coconut oil. Coconut oil spray can be bought at Trader Joe's. This has not stalled me at all! Cook shrimp for 5 minutes or until opaque.

Peel and eat.

I like these best on a bed of spinach OR with grilled asparagus and 1 corn tortilla instead of melba toast (since I'm gluten free and melba toast is full of gluten).

Trying new products that work on original Dr. Simeon's HcG diet protocol for phase 2 P2

I'd be lying if I said I'd been trying out different products that are different than the original protocol for Dr. Simeon's HcG diet. The truth is I've been having a very hard time this time on my 5th round in 3 years staying on protocol. I'm bored. I needed to find some other options.

ONE corn tortilla for lunch and/or dinner has not stalled me at all!

Spraying the pan with Trader Joe's coconut oil spray for sauteing 

chicken, beef, fish or a vegetable has not stalled me at all!

ONE serving of prepackaged UNSWEETENED natural applesauce

has not stalled me at all!

1/4 C freeze dried strawberries (I've tried several brands just make sure it's just strawberries and no sugar or other sweeteners added) has not stalled me at all!