Leafy greens and other vegetables offer many beneficial nutrients. They have fiber, antioxidants, and more. But the top reason to eat them may surprise you. Every plant contains compounds that allow it to grow and stay healthy. But, did you know their compounds can work in your body in much the same way.

Do you get your daily dose of chlorophyll?

Here’s why you should continue to eat greens all winter long and why chlorophyll is arguably the top reason to do so.

Keto Zone® Chlorophyll Green Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 scoop Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®
• 1 scoop Keto Zone® Fiber Zone
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/4 cup berries (any kind)
• 1-2 cups spinach
• 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
• juice from 1 lemon (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 cup of water
• organic stevia to taste
• ice, as needed for desired texture

Instructions

Place all ingredients, except sweetener and ice, in your blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Add sweetener to taste. Add ice until desired consistency is reached. Makes 1 serving.

Nutrition info (per entire recipe): 300 calories, 20 grams fat, 3 grams net carbs (16 grams carbs, 12 grams fiber), 4 grams protein

What Makes this Green Smoothie and Must-Have for Winter?

There are many outstanding ingredients in this smoothie that support the detoxification of cells and systems in the body. In fact, all 6 detox systems in the body can benefit from this smoothie. They include your:

• liver
• kidneys
• digestive tract
• skin
• lymph system
• respiratory tract

Detoxification is simply supporting, fortifying and strengthening these specific systems through nutrition. This includes consuming nutrients that help them, and avoiding foods, chemicals and ingredients that hurt them. From there, these systems do the rest.

The vegetables and grasses in Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®, the inulin and psyllium husk in Keto Zone® Fiber Zone, and the fresh fruits, greens, and healthy fats in the recipe all promote health and detox.

What’s more, this Keto Zone Detox Green Smoothie smoothie boasts a vital compound for cleansing the body. It’s chlorophyll, and it’s found in the greens, grasses, and algae. As you might remember from biology, chlorophyll is a pigment that gives plants their green color. Plants use chlorophyll along with sunlight to get their nutrients.

But how does chlorophyll support human health and detoxification? The compound, and the foods that contain it, works wonders for humans as well.

Chlorophyll for Human Health and Detox

Vegetables, grasses, and algae contain chlorophyll. Wheatgrass, chlorella, and spirulina are potent sources of chlorophyll. Spinach and parsley also contain good amounts of chlorophyll. In supplements, chlorophyll is typically added as chlorophyllin, which is a water-soluble derivative of natural chlorophyll. This makes it easier to digest when supplemented.

Whether through supplements or natural foods, chlorophyll supports human health and detox. Here’s how:

Natural Detoxification

Chlorella, spirulina, algaes, wheatgrass, and greens promote natural detoxification in the body. Chlorophyll is one of their main agents responsible for cleansing. In fact, studies have found that these foods support the removal of toxins, heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body (1, 2, 3).

One 2011 animal study from Japan found that mice given chlorophyll shots excreted much more mercury from their systems than the control group after exposure to it (4).

Heavy metals can accumulate from ingesting them through foods and supplements, inhaling them from the air, or working in toxic environments with harmful chemicals.

Experts believe chlorophyll promotes cellular and blood detox by binding the heavy metals and helping the body excrete them (2).

In addition, chlorophyll may reduce the amount of other non-metal harmful chemicals in the body. For example, chlorophyll has been found to reduce blood levels of dioxin, a known hormone disruptor (5, 6).

Blood-Building Properties

Hemoglobin is often measured to assess the iron status, oxygen, and health of a person’s blood. Chlorophyll is chemically similar to hemoglobin.

In fact, researchers have suggested that supplementation with chlorophyll through wheatgrass may improve hemoglobin levels when deficient. This means better energy, health, and well-being!

Anti-Aging and Skin Health Compound

As a topical application, chlorophyll may reduce signs of skin sun damage. A study found that a topical chlorophyll gel improved skin condition for 12 days after its application (7).

What’s more, it may be effective against blemishes and enlarged pores. One study found that a gel containing chlorophyllin helped reduce facial blemishes and large pores (8). Yet another study concluded that the combination of phototherapy and chlorophyll resulted in fewer blemishes and less oily skin (9).

One of the primary ways the body deals with toxins is through the skin. As chlorophyll helps the body rid itself of toxins, it may also promote skin health.

Wound-Healing Properties

When the body is healthy, it has an amazing ability to heal itself. A 2008 review found that chlorophyll supplements promoted better wound healing, fewer wound odors, and potentially fewer infections in wounds (12).

Natural Deodorant

When toxins are present in your body, you may also experience more body odor.

Researchers have studied chlorophyll for its potential as a deodorant for many years. Studies have found that chlorophyll supplementation may reduce body odor from digestion (in the case of a colostomy) and skin (10, 11).

In fact, some deodorants and mouthwashes now contain chlorophyll to help reduce body odor through toxin removal.

Alkaline Environment

Lastly, chlorophyll is highly alkaline and promotes an alkaline environment in the body. How does this help with detox, cleansing, and overall health? Alkaline diets can (13):

• Improve the potassium-sodium ratio in the blood, which supports bone health, muscle growth and maintenance, and healthy blood pressure
• Increase human growth hormone production which supports cardiovascular health and brain health
• Improve levels of intracellular magnesium which supports enzyme production, vitamin D activation, and hormone balance

As you add more chlorophyll-containing foods and supplements to your diet, you can support whole-body health, cleansing, and detox!

Potent Sources of Chlorophyll in our Green Detox Smoothie

Chlorophyll is found throughout the ingredients in our green detox smoothie. The most potent sources are found in Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®. These include (13):

• spirulina
• chlorella
• wheatgrass
• spinach
• kelp
• parsley
• spinach
• kale
• green tea

In addition, fresh spinach, lemon juice, and the inulin and psyllium husk found in Keto Zone® Fiber Zone are potent cleansing agents in our Chlorophyll Green Smoothie.

Bottom Line

Ready to add more detoxifying greens in your diet? Look no further than Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®. There’s no reason to not get in all the nutritious compounds, and specifically chlorophyll, this winter. Make this winter count and rejuvenate your health!

The post Drink This Detox Green Smoothie For Great Winter Health appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

This recipe is great as an easy breakfast, portable lunch, or afternoon snack.

Loaded with healthy fats from grass-fed butter, protein from almond flour, and fiber from blueberries, these decadent scones are both delicious and nutritious.

Try out different variations by using raspberries or blackberries instead of blueberries. You can even swap out the berries out for sugar-free chocolate chips for a decadent keto dessert.

Enjoy your Keto Zone scones today with a cup of keto coffee and a smile!

Ingredients

1 cup blanched almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
4 tablespoons keto sweetener (erythritol, xylitol, monkfruit, stevia)
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup almond milk
3 tablespoons grass-fed butter, melted
1 large organic/pasture-raised egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup organic blueberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Cover a large baking tray with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, sea salt, and baking powder and set aside.
4. In a separate smaller bowl, combine 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons melted butter, almond milk, vanilla extract, and egg and whisk until well combined.
5. Carefully fold the wet ingredients in to the dry mixture, continuing to mix until a dough is formed.
6. Add 1/2 cup of blueberries in to the dough and gently fold dough over until berries are well-combined.
7. Transfer the dough to the baking tray and form in to a large disk about 1 inch thick.
8. Cut in to 8 slices.
9. Arrange the slices to be about 1 in apart from each other.
10. Place tray in the oven and bake the scones for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
11. While the scones are baking, prepare your glaze by combining 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 teaspoon erythritol, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of blueberries in a blender.
12. Pulse until well combined.
13. Pour glaze through a fine mesh strainer.
14. Once scones are golden brown, remove from oven and top with blueberry glaze.
15. Allow scones to cool completely.
16. Serve and Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Scone

Per Serving:

The post Keto Zone Lemon Blueberry Scones appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Not everyone is a coffee fan. This Keto Zone matcha latte recipe has all of the benefits of keto coffee.

Matcha tea is a form of green tea that has less caffeine than coffee. Matcha also contains L-theanine which is a compound that helps calm the nervous system and counteract the jittery stimulant effects of caffeine.

Like coffee, matcha is also loaded with antioxidants. Additionally, matcha has the added benefit of containing chlorophyll which is responsible for the bright green color of the tea. Chlorophyll can help the body maintaining healthy detoxification pathways while nourishing the blood with essential nutrients.

So if you are not a fan of coffee, or you just want to get the benefits of matcha, try out the Keto Zone matcha latte today!

Ingredients

12 oz filtered/spring water
2 teaspoons organic matcha powder
1 scoop Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein, unflavored
1 scoop MCT powder, vanilla
1 tablespoon organic/grass-fed ghee
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Bring 12 oz of filtered or spring water to a boil.
2. Using a matcha whisk to stir in matcha powder.
3. In a large blender, combine matcha with the rest of the ingredients.
4. Pulse in blender until well combined and frothy.
5. Pour in to a mug for serving.
6. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1

Per Serving:

Calories: 350 kcal

Fat: 28 g

Total Carbohydrates: 3 g

Fiber: 1 g

Net Carbs: 2 g

Protein: 12 g

The post Keto Zone Matcha Latte appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Here are the facts and some essential grilling safety tips to use this year.

CARCINOGEN DANGERS OF GRILLING MEAT

When meats are cooked at temperatures above 300ºF (like when grilling) or cooked for a long time, they can form two types of carcinogens:

• Heterocyclic amines (HCAs): created when sugars, amino acids, and creatine in meats react at high temperatures
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): created by fat and juices dripping on heat sources, causing smoke that engulfs and sticks to the meat

Lab experiments have shown both chemicals can cause DNA changes and increase the risk of cancers like breast and pancreatic.

But if you enjoy grilling out each summer, you can still enjoy your barbecues! Just try to limit it to a few times a week and follow these safety tips:

GRILLING SAFETY TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER COOKOUT

Grill responsibly by following these tips every time you fire up the grill this summer.

1. CONSIDER LEAN CUTS

Choose lean cuts and/or trim visible fat before grilling.

The Keto Zone diet usually involves fattier cuts of meat, but for grilling and barbecuing, lean cuts can be safer. They’ll reduce the amount of fat that drips during the grilling process, thus avoiding excess exposure to PAHs.

Also know that beef, lamb, and pork are the worst meats to overcook or cook at high heats, although grilled fish and chicken aren’t immune to high heat cooking dangers.

2. USE HEALTHY MARINADES

Marinating your meat with homemade mixes like healthy oils, vinegars, and herbs and spices can help decrease the amount of HCAs produced. Just avoid marinades with sugars, as they can increase HCAs and are also poor for health.

3. UTILIZE YOUR OVEN FIRST

Reduce the amount of drippy juices by pre-cooking meats in your oven and draining the juices before putting them on the grill.

4. FLIP OFTEN AND REMOVE QUICKLY

If meat stays on the grill too long, it can become charred and increase HCA formation—so watch it closely and remove as soon as it’s cooked through. You can also cut it up into smaller pieces or make meat kabobs to decrease cooking time.

Also, be sure to flip your meat often. This will prevent overcooking on one side and help it to cook more thoroughly faster.

5. PLACE THE MEAT STRATEGICALLY

Avoid putting your meat directly above the coals so the fat doesn’t drip onto them. If you can, raise your grill rack higher so it’s farther away from the heat.

6. GRILL VEGGIES INSTEAD

High heat-cooked meats are the only foods that can potentially create significant amounts of HCAs, so consider other grilling options: like low-carb veggies!

If you want to go meat-free completely, grilled portobello mushroom caps or veggie burgers are another good alternative.

7. STAND AWAY FROM THE SMOKE

The smoke from grills can pose a health hazard too. To avoid breathing it in, always stand upwind from the grill—and make sure others do as well.

OVERALL, CHOOSE ALTERNATIVES TO HIGH HEAT COOKING

Keep in mind that other types of high heat cooking can create HCAs too. That includes pan-frying and broiling meats. So, the majority of the time, choose baking, roasting, poaching, steaming, or stewing over high heat methods.

Another great option is using a pressure cooker! You can cook foods faster, only up to about 250ºF, without the high heat, and it preserves a lot of the nutrition.

Use these grilling safety tips to make your favorite summertime Keto Zone recipes, like this Keto BBQ Chicken or burgers with Keto Zone Burger Buns!

The post 7 Grilling Safety Tips To Avoid High Heat Health Hazards appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

THE OBESITY AND INFLAMMATION CONNECTION

Everyone has immune cells in our fat tissues called adipose tissue macrophages, or ATMs.

In lean tissues, these cells maintain health and balance in the body. But in an obese body, the cells can become harmful, causing bad inflammation and insulin resistance.

In a recent study at the University of Virginia Health System, researchers were finally able to explain why these cells can become damaging [1]:

• Harmful free radicals in our bodies can react with substances called lipids inside fat tissues.
• This is known as lipid oxidation. And when it happens, the lipids produced an immune response leading to inflammation.
• Sometimes, these oxidized lipids reprogram immune cells to become abnormally active, spurring bad inflammation in the body.

Researchers found the bad inflammation happened when longer, “full-length” oxidized lipids were present versus shorter ones in healthy tissues. When they compared obese tissue with healthy tissue, they found higher ratios of longer lipids in the obese tissue.

It’s believed these longer lipids are responsible for inflammation that causes diseases connected with obesity, such as diabetes. Plus, research shows long-term inflammation is also a big risk factor for diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome [2].

HOW TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION IN THE BODY

Some inflammation in the body is normal, since it’s an immune response and you need healthy immunity to stay healthy.

But we want to reduce the bad, disease-causing inflammation in the body and brain. Here are some natural ways to help reduce it.

LOSE WEIGHT HEALTHFULLY

Since we know obese tissues tend to contain more inflammation-causing substances—and long-term inflammation is bad for health—weight loss is the most natural, direct way to reduce disease risks and address weight-related health concerns.

(The Keto Zone diet is a fantastic solution for fast weight loss because it’s fat-burning, low-carb, and anti-inflammatory.)

EAT ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS

Load up on foods that help fight inflammation, including:

• Leafy greens vegetables like kale, collards, bok choy, and spinach
• Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel
• Healthy oils like extra virgin or virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and MCT oil
• Nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds, and flax seeds
• Berries like blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries
• Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, and rosemary

And as much as possible, focus on organic, grass-fed meat and dairy options.

On the flipside, be sure to avoid foods that cause inflammation like sugars, refined grains, processed oils, and packaged foods.

REPLACE BAD HABITS WITH GOOD ONES

Smoking, avoiding exercise, and having fast food for dinner are all lifestyle choices that contribute to disease and inflammation in the body. See where you can replace each bad habit with a healthier one, like going for a walk and finding easy keto recipes to make.

REDUCE STRESS AND STAY CONNECTED

Don’t underestimate the detrimental effect of stress on your health! While we can’t avoid stress completely, taking time to unwind and do activities you enjoy can help relieve stress and anxiety.

Also, make time for important relationships to avoid unhealthy levels of loneliness. Stay connected with friends, family, and God to deepen the richness of life. Love, laugh, and spend time with others away from social media.

Sources:

1. http://www.pnas.org/content/115/27/E6254
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5507106/

The post How Obesity Causes Inflammation In The Body & How To Reduce It appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

This article will discuss what carb cycling is, when you might need it, and how to do it.

CARB CYCLING: WHAT IT IS, HOW TO DO IT, AND WHEN IT’S USEFUL

Carb cycling means alternating your carbohydrate intake over a certain period of time. The goal is to time your carb intake so that it gives you the most benefit without doing harm.

Carb cycling can be done on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis depending on your needs. For example, in a week, you could eat low-carb for five days and slightly higher-carb for two days. Or, you might eat extra carbs at a certain time of day or certain days during the month.

Higher-carb days can range anywhere between 50-150 net grams per day, depending on your individual needs and lifestyle.

Start on the smaller end first, and keep listening to your body to see what works.

And remember, low-carb days should be at 20 net carb grams or less if you’re following the Keto Zone diet.

WHAT TO EAT

When you do increase carbs, make sure they’re still nutrient-dense, healthy forms (like those allowed on my 21-Day Detox):

• Veggies like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, kale, and carrots
• Beans and legumes like lentils or chickpeas
• Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries

You’ll still want to avoid refined carbs like sugars, flours, corn, white potatoes, or grains and make sure your carbs are from nutrient-dense whole foods.

Here are some situations when you might need carb cycling:

1. AFTER REACHING A GOAL WEIGHT

When you reach your goal weight on the Keto Zone diet and are then in maintenance mode, you may benefit from moving into carb cycling. This will help you listen to your body and find what works best for you.

2. CARB CYCLING FOR SLEEP TROUBLES

If you’ve had trouble sleeping since starting a low carb diet, carb cycling might help. Having some extra carbs before bed can make getting to sleep easier for some people.

Try eating 1-2 teaspoons of honey before bed when you’re having trouble sleeping to help your body produce more serotonin and aid you into sleep.

In general, your body will get used to a low-carb diet after several weeks and you won’t need to rely on them to get to sleep.

3. CARB CYCLING FOR WOMEN

Although the ketogenic diet can actually help balance hormones, some women eating low-carb may experience a disruption in their monthly cycle. This is because the hormones estrogen and progesterone greatly impact carbohydrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

If you’re a woman who has experienced hair loss, low energy, or weight gain after following a low-carb diet, you may also benefit from carb cycling.

In this case, you’ll want to sync carb cycling with your menstrual cycle:

• During the first two weeks of your cycle, which includes menstruation, estrogen levels are highest. Your body will be more insulin-sensitive and better able to handle carbohydrates. This is a good time to increase carbs to meet hormone changes.
• During the third and fourth weeks of your cycle, ovulation has passed and your progesterone levels are highest. Your body is less sensitive to insulin and doesn’t tolerate carbs well. This is when you can continue eating the Keto Zone diet as normal.

During this process, always listen to your body. Some women need more carbs during menstruation, while others just need a little more. And some women do just fine on 20 net carbs or less per day without issues.

Remember to consult your doctor if you continue to have trouble with your cycle or hormones.

4. CARB CYCLING FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ATHLETES

If you’re a serious athlete or do very intense physical activity, you might also need more carbohydrates.

Carb cycling can provide more carbs on intense training days or around intense workout days to ensure they get used efficiently. Some extra carbs may also help with recovery [1]. (This is also known as a cyclical ketogenic diet.)

Another option is to have 25-50 grams of carbohydrates about a half hour before an intense training workout, then eat the Keto Zone diet the rest of the time. (This is also known as the targeted ketogenic diet.)

And remember the rest of the time when you aren’t cycling up, you’re back on 20 grams of net carbs or less. This is important to reap the fat-burning health benefits of the Keto Zone diet!

The post Why You Might Need Carb Cycling & How To Do It appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KETONE BODIES

To understand exogenous ketones, you first need to know about ketones, or ketone bodies. Simply put, ketones are an energy source for your body, created by your liver.

The “preferred” fuel for your body is glucose, which is broken down from carbohydrates. But when your body doesn’t have access to glucose, ketones act as an alternative source of energy.

When this happens—either when you’re starving, fasting, or eating a low-carb diet like the Keto Zone diet—your body turns to fat for energy instead. And it breaks that fat down into ketones.

There are three types of ketones your body can make:

1. Acetone
2. Acetoacetate
3. Beta-hydroxybutyric (BHB)

BHB is actually not a true ketone because of its chemical structure, but your body uses it like one and it provides energy like one—so BHB is still referred to as a ketone body.

NOW, WHAT ARE EXOGENOUS KETONES?

Exogenous ketones are just ketone bodies (ask described above) created outside of your body and taken as a supplement. (On the flip side, ketones that are created by your body are known as endogenous ketones.)

Exogenous ketone supplements—like Instant Ketones—contain BHB ketones. BHB is used because it’s most easily converted into energy as a supplement.

BENEFITS OF TAKING EXOGENOUS KETONES

There are a number of advantages of taking exogenous ketones, including:

TO ENTER (OR GET BACK INTO) THE KETO ZONE FASTER

The purpose of a ketogenic diet is to get your body into a state of ketosis (an aspect of being in the Keto Zone) where it’s burning ketones for fuel instead of glucose.

If you’re new to a ketogenic diet, exogenous ketones can be really helpful for getting you into ketosis and the Keto Zone faster. They provide you with extra ketones to use for fuel and boost your blood ketone levels.

In fact, our Instant Ketones can get you into the Keto Zone in less than an hour!

This also helps bypass symptoms of the keto flu, which some people experience when their bodies are switching into fat-burning mode. You can get into ketosis faster and feel great as you do it!

And if you’ve been in the Keto Zone before but slipped out of it from eating too many carbs, exogenous ketones make it easier to jump back on the ketogenic wagon and get back into the Zone again.

TO REPLENISH MINERALS AND FIGHT DEHYDRATION

When you first enter the Keto Zone, your body can drop a lot of water weight and increase its use of key minerals. That’s why consuming electrolytes and staying hydrated are essential when eating keto.

Instant Ketones pairs BHB ketone bodies with the minerals and electrolytes sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This combination has several benefits:

• Replenishes your body with these important minerals along with fat-burning ketones
• Helps you avoid the keto flu completely, as some keto flu symptoms are solved by remineralization
• Prevents dehydration caused by water and mineral loss

AN EFFICIENT SOURCE OF LOW-CARB FUEL

Exogenous ketones are clean source of energy that can be used to fuel your day and even boost athletic performance during workouts! This is especially beneficial for aerobic (cardio) exercises, but ketones can also help slow down protein breakdown during muscle building.

NATURAL APPETITE CONTROL

The Keto Zone diet is known to be amazing for (quick) weight loss, and part of it is due to the appetite suppression from ketones! Imagine less need to snack throughout the day, no crazy appetite, and (finally) control over your cravings.

DELICIOUS TASTE!

This last one is not true of all exogenous ketone supplements. Actually, exogenous ketones have gotten a bad rap for a pretty awful taste. But we ensured that wasn’t the case with Instant Ketones, which are created to be not only palatable but the most delicious exogenous ketone supplement.

Plus, you can add them water, milk, coffee, tea, keto smoothies, and more!

Bottomline, exogenous ketones can help you get into and stay in the Keto Zone faster, support healthy weight loss, and contribute the fat-burning fuel of ketones instantly, at any time. Ready to try Instant Ketones yourself? Order them in Coconut or Limeade today!

The post What Are Exogenous Ketones And How Can They Help Me? appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

WHY HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN IS GREAT AND HOW TO ENJOY IT

Hydrolyzed, or predigested, collagen is a fantastic source of bioavailable protein. The many collagen benefits include healthier joints and muscles, better hair, skin, and nails, fewer wrinkles, and better sleep. By taking at least a scoop of collagen daily, you can support your whole body and overall health.

The texture of hydrolyzed collagen makes it a great addition to just about any beverage. Let’s look at the best ways you can use it throughout your day.

1. MIXED WITH WATER

Although most people like to mix their collagen powder with other beverages, you can easily mix it with water and drink for a quick dose of protein.

2. IN HOT COFFEE OR TEA

This is the most popular way to take our Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen! Just blend in your tea or morning coffee for a creamy boost. You can also add it to your keto coffee along with MCT oil powderand grass-fed butter or coconut oil.

If you enjoy hot tea before bed, you can mix in some collagen to help you sleep. The collagen provides your body with the building blocks to heal and regenerate during slumber. This is why some of our Keto Zone members even use it as a sleep aid!

3. WITH UNSWEETENED MILK

Mix it with non-dairy milks, such as almond or coconut (just make sure they’re unsweetened), or cow’s milk. For more flavor, you can add a few drops of stevia or vanilla extract. Such a healthy treat!

4. MIXED IN HOT CHOCOLATE

For a special health-promoting drink, make this Keto Zone hot chocolate that uses hydrolyzed collagen powder. It tastes even better than normal hot cocoa and is way better for you!

5. BLENDED IN SMOOTHIES

Hydrolyzed collagen is also great in keto smoothies or shakes at any time of the day.

Collagen is great right after exercise, when some extra protein is best, in a post-workout drink. This is especially a great idea if you want to build lean muscle in the Keto Zone.

6. WITH BONE BROTH

Bone broth is another form of collagen in the form of gelatin. For a tasty double dose of protein, you can mix hydrolyzed collagen with organic beef or chicken bone broth.

Bone broth is also a good way to get your keto electrolytes and combat the keto flu.

7. WITH EXOGENOUS KETONES

With bone broth, pair your hydrolyzed collagen with Instant Ketones for a boost of keto-friendly protein and fat-burning ketones! It’s a great way to support yourself on the Keto Zone Diet.

Basically, you can enjoy hydrolyzed collagen in just about any beverage you like. Just blend it up and enjoy! And if you’re wondering about the best time to take hydrolyzed collagen powder, the answer it below.

BEST TIME TO TAKE HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN

Most people take their collagen with their coffee in the morning to curb hunger (or later in the day if they’re intermittent fasting) and then again at night to support good sleep. However, you can take it at any time you’d like and in any way you like.

You can also take the collagen up to three times per day!

And lastly, make sure you choose a high-quality form of hydrolyzed collagen. We make Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen is made with type II chicken collagen because it’s the best for joints, connective tissues, hair, skin, and nails, and more. You can try it here today.

The post Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder: 7 Tasty Ways To Take It appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

With this slow cooker chili, all the hard work is done ahead of time so that at the end of the day all you have to do is get out a bowl and get ready to eat!

Ground beef is replaced with cubed steak for a more gourmet feel to this meal. The steak will get so tender that it will basically melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds grass-fed steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon organic chili powder
1/2 teaspoon organic ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon organic ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon organic ground black pepper
1/2 cup organic sliced leeks
2 cups organic canned tomatoes, whole with juice
1 cup organic chicken or beef stock

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.

2. Stir, cover, and set the slow cooker to high.

3. Cook for about 6 hours, or until the steak is tender.

4. Use a fork to shred some of the steak cubes if and break up any tomatoes that remain intact.

5. Serve the chili hot in bowls with any desired toppings (grass-fed cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, etc.)

How did your chili turn out? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Slow Cooker Keto Chilli appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that reside in your large intestine and help you break down food, modulate the immune system, and regulate your neurochemistry. The community of bacteria in your body is referred to as the microbiome.

These bacteria are so important that many people regularly supplement with probiotics in order to keep the microbiome healthy.

But this is nothing new!

People have been getting probiotic bacteria through eating fermented food for many generations. Fermentation is a traditional preservation method used to store perishable vegetables after the growing season for consumption throughout the winter.

One of the most common fermented foods is sauerkraut. You can find many brands of sauerkraut in grocery stores everywhere. However, the unfortunate truth is most of these commercial sauerkrauts have been pasteurized which removes the beneficial probiotic bacteria.

That is why we are sharing this simple sauerkraut recipe. It can be made at home with only 2 ingredients so you can get all of the great benefits of probiotics!

INGREDIENTS

5 pounds organic green cabbage
3 tablespoons sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by cleaning your supplies! Since this is a fermentation project, we want to sanitize everything to be sure that we only grow healthy probiotic bacteria!
2. You will need a large bowl, 5-6 quart glass mason jar (or multiple smaller jars), and a spoon. Wash them thoroughly making sure no soapy residue remains that may kill your probiotic bacteria.
3. Remove the tough outer layers of your cabbage and set aside.
4. Remove another 4-6 leaves of cabbage and set aside for later.
5. Slice 1/3 of your cabbage in to thin slices and place in a large bowl.
6. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the bowl and begin to knead the cabbage with your (clean) hands until it begins to release moisture.
7. Slice the next 1/3 of your cabbage and add to the bowl.
8. Add another tablespoon of salt and knead until moisture begins to release.
9. Finish slicing the final 1/3 of cabbage and repeat.
10. Continue to knead the cabbage until a salt brine begins to form in the bowl.
11. Now you can transfer your sauerkraut in to your jar(s).
12. Use a spoon to firmly pack the cabbage in to jar until the brine covers the cabbage, add a small amount of spring water and some extra salt if necessary to submerge the cabbage.
13. Take the cabbage leaves you set aside and fold them so that they fit in to the mouth of the jar.
14. Stack folded cabbage leaves on top of the sauerkraut to ensure that the shredded cabbage remains submerged under the brine.
15. This is important because sauerkraut relies on anaerobic fermentation which means that no oxygen can be present.
16. Cover the jar and place in a cool dark cupboard or closet to ferment for 2-3 weeks.
17. Check your sauerkraut every few days to make sure the cabbage is still submerged in the brine. If not, open the jar and firmly press the cabbage back down and add more salt water if necessary.
18. Once the sauerkraut has finished fermenting it can be refrigerated for up to 6 months.
19. Enjoy!

NUTRITION FACTS

Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Per serving:

Calories: 14 kcal

Fat: 0 g

Total Carbs: 3 g

Fiber: 2 g

Net Carbs: 1 g

Protein: 1 g

The post Easy Keto Zone Sauerkraut appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.