3 Ingredient Healthy and Easy “Candied” Coconut Chips

(Keto, Paleo, and Low Carb friendly)

Remember roasted “candied” coconut chips from carnivals or the stands in the city? Ahhh that aroma… It just entices your senses and makes your mouth water.

I remember when I lived in –Nu Yawrk City {inser accent}–my family and I had a tradition almost every year. We’d go see the Rocketts or the Christmas show, and then grab some dinner from any of the awesome restaurants in the area. From time to time we would plan to get “dessert”. Yep, I am talking about roasted nuts and candied coconut chips from the stands. The best ever– well until now.

There is nothing better than memories with loved ones.   We’d always make it a whole night affair that culminated with a nice walk around the city before heading home.

Fortunately, those days are over.  No, I am not talking about watching the Christmas shows- those I still go see on occasion.   I am talking about the roasted nuts and candied coconut chips from the street vendors… Yep, those days are over.  Why do you ask?

Well, on my quest to a healthier lifestyle and that of my family, I realized the original version isn’t healthy despite the fact that the ingredients are considered “healthy snacks”– nuts and coconuts.

See, what we forget is that the delicious roasted nuts and candied coconut chips are made most likely with canola, peanut or worse yet; GMO soybean oil.   As if that isn’t bad enough, what is it that gives that caramel color and flavor? You guessed it– sugar.

That combination may seem harmless but it is quite the opposite.  Here is why:

•  Sugar and processed oils develop chronic inflammation leading to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, eczema, coronary artery disease, and Cancer.
• Fried foods keep your sugar levels very high for over 24 hours. That is especially bad for Diabetics
  Chronic Inflammation + sugar + cholesterol = Plaque
• GMOs have been linked to organ damage and even cancer/.
  This study links heated vegetable oils with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and vascular inflammation.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

According to World’s Healthiest foods  Coconut oil use in many cultures and their food traditions that I will be surprised if the research doesn’t eventually show some key health benefits. Some of these health benefits are likely to be related to the unusual fatty acid composition of coconut oil, and other benefits are likely to be associated with the special polyphenols found in this oil (when virgin or very lightly refined).

Also, it’s the natural pattern of fats found in coconut oil that seems especially important to me, in addition to the blend of fats in the overall diet that results from the inclusion of coconut oil. If you decide to include coconut oil in your diet, I, therefore, recommend that you continue to use other high-quality oils (like extra virgin olive oil) as well.

Now the good news.

You no longer have to wait to go to a special place to get these copycat “candied” coconut chips.  They are decadent, crunchy, sweet, but with much healthier ingredients.

This version will satiate your need for a sweet snack without compromising your health goals.

Have you tried coconut chips? Are there any memories attached to them? Do share within the comments below. I’d love to hear about your experiences.

To your best health,