Nutrition Information (per bar): 158 calories, 14.5 grams fat, 2.9 grams net carbs (5.5 grams carbs, 2.6 grams fiber), 3.6 grams protein

Why Make Keto Smores on National Smores Day?

Sure, smores are always great. However, just one regular smore can take you right out of the Keto Zone®. In fact, a typical smore has 46 grams of carbs and 24 grams of sugar!

Buy one commercially, and you’ll not only be loaded down with carbohydrates, but also with chemical, inflammatory, unhealthy, ultra-processed ingredients. For example, Keebler Smores Cookies contain:

SUGAR, VEGETABLE OIL (PALM, PALM KERNEL AND SOYBEAN OIL WITH TBHQ FOR FRESHNESS), BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, MALTODEXTRIN, COCOA, WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF CORN SYRUP, MOLASSES, COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, LEAVENING (BAKING SODA, SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE), SOY LECITHIN, SALT, PEANUT BUTTER (PEANUTS, PALM OIL), WHEY.

This National Smores Day, you do NOT want soybean oil, corn syrup, or artificial flavors.

Instead, make our Keto Smores and enjoy a tasty treat made with real-food ingredients, and almost no sugar!

Bottom Line

It’s National S’mores Day, so join in the fun! While it may take a bit of time and effort, make our Keto Smores for you new favorite treat! Just 3 grams of net carbs, and all the delicious flavor!

The post Keto Smores on National S’mores Day appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Great!

You may have tried in the past, and you may have not had important tools to help you along the way. Here are our top 9 Keto Zone Products and Habits for a Healthy Weight. They include clear, concise plans, tips, products and more.

You’ve got the drive, now add the tools that will help you get there!

Best 9 Keto Zone Products & Habits to Meet Weight Goals the Month

1. A Clear & Easy Keto Plan

Sure, you can spend hours online searching for keto tips and recipes.

But especially if you’re just starting out with Keto Zone® eating, it is much easier to use an all-in-one guide.

You’re in luck. There’s one written specifically for a Keto Zone® lifestyle: Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone Book.

From the beginning, you’ll get clear instruction on how to start a Keto Zone® lifestyle and reach a healthy weight. Not just philosophy or research (although it’s science-backed), but a complete plan.

2. MCT Oil and Fat Bombs

Medium Chain Triglycerides, or MCTs, are a special type of saturated fats that are digested easily and provide many health benefits in the body.

In fact, they aide in fat loss and energy production.

When MCT oil is obtained from foods like coconut oil, it is isolated and concentrated for maximum health benefits and a healthy weight.

MCT Oil is a must have product for your weight loss goals because it:

• Supports Heart Health. Medium chain triglycerides have been shown to improve cholesterol profiles by decreasing LDL cholesterol, decreasing the number of LDL particles, and increasing HDL cholesterol (1, 2).
• Helps the body burn fat. The most potent fatty acid in MCT oil is concentrated in MCT Oil Powder, and it helps your body burn fat as fuel rather than carbs (3,4).
• Increases ketone production and provides amazing fuel for your brain. In fact, when using the Keto Zone diet, MCT Oil will help the body produce ketones quicker. Ketones can also boost mood.
• Increases energy. Want more energy while losing fat? MCT Oil is easily digested and used by the energy-powerhouses of the cells as a sustained energy source (5).

Fortunately, there are 2 great ways to consume MCT Oil from the Keto Zone®. Try MCT Oil Softgels and MCT Oil Powder  today. Many of these Keto Zone® Fat Bomb Recipes and Tips utilize MCT Oil!

3. Ketone Strips

When aiming for the Keto Zone®, you may want to know if you’re actually in ketosis or not. An easy and inexpensive way to know is by using Ketone Strips.

When your body is utilizing fat for energy and making ketones, they are detectable in your urine. By simply using a ketone strip, you can find out if ketones are present in mere seconds.

Ketone strips take the guesswork out of Keto Zone eating.

4. Easy Starter Tips

Want real-life tips from real-life Keto Zone users? Try these! We’ve gathered some of the most effective, inexpensive, easy tips to help you in your healthy weight journey.

These tips include daily habits, keto tips, and exercise.

They’ve done it, and so can you!

5. Food Diaries

As you’ll see from the real-life tips, food diaries and carbohydrate apps can really help.

A food diary is an amazing tool for any weight loss journey. Simply write down your intake. Use an app or other resource to become familiar with carbohydrate amounts in foods. To learn more about carbs and reading food labels, check out this post.

While there’s nothing magic about food diaries, they do help by:

• Allowing for self-accountability
• Adding up the grams of carbohydrates and seeing how that affects weight loss
• Troubleshooting issues with weight loss, hunger, etc.
• Keeping a record to repeat successes and avoiding challenges

It’s easy and free to keep an online food journal or simply a written one.

6. Add Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is amazing for promoting overall health and healthy weights (5). And, it can be extremely motivating to jumpstart weight changes now.

An easy way to start intermittent fasting is to stop eating at 7:00 every night, and resume at 11:00 am every morning. Between waking up and eating at 11:00, you can have non-carb drinks such as coffee, coffee with MCT Oil and Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder, tea, or drinks that utilize healthy sugar substitutes (erythritol, stevia, etc.).

At 11:00 or so, eat a Keto lunch, and then eat your Keto dinner around 6:00. Between lunch and dinner add 1-2 Keto Zone snacks such as fat bombs or other healthy favorites.

7. Replacement Recipes for Your Favorite Foods

Do you miss some of your favorite foods? Do you crave them?

Why not replace them?

Your Keto Zone® food choices should not be boring or bland. In fact, you’ll likely find you don’t miss foods at all once you learn a few new recipes.

There are many amazingly satisfying recipes on this site. They include:

No-Bake Keto Zone Chocolate Almond Cookies

Keto Zone Lemon Curd

Keto Zone Cheesecake

In addition, the Quick and Healthy Keto Zone Cookbook is now available! And, you can find ample Keto Zone recipes here or on other Ketozone.com pages.

8. Daily, Weekly, and Overall Goals

Can you really change your weight in the next 6-8 weeks? You can. Set your goals now.

First, take time to set daily “habit goals.” These goals need to be action-based and in your control. For example:

• I will fast from 7:00 pm to 11:00 am each day.
• I will not eat more than 25 grams of net carbs per day.

Then, set weekly goals. These should also be in your control. They can include exercising 3 times per week, sticking to your daily eating goals each day, or journaling.

And lastly, set a goal overall for the next 6-8 weeks. Is your goal to lose 15 pounds? Set it and write it down.

Write all of these goals down and put the paper in a place you can read it when the going gets tough. It will keep you motivated to stay on track.

You can do it!

9. Support and Ongoing Challenges

Finding a supportive community is a big help on your weight loss journey.

First, you can find a lot of encouragement, tips, and Keto Zone recipes on this blog.

Next, consider joining the 21-Day Keto Zone Challenge. This challenge is the perfect way to get started, especially if you’re using the other tools listed above.

During the challenge, you’ll receive support and encouragement with blog posts, tips, and recipes.

Bonus: The Divine Health Keto Zone Starter Kit includes Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone® book and many of the other must-have products listed above.

Bottom Line

Changing your weight may be a challenge, but you can do it! Take time to use our top Keto Zone® products and habits listed above. Each will make your journey easier. Start today!

The post Best 9 Keto Zone Products & Habits For a Healthy Weight Now appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Here’s how and why to make summer’s best keto drink.

The Best Summer Keto Drink – Keto Zone® Frozen Whipped Lemonade

Instructions:

Delicious Add-ins: Try adding 1-2 teaspoons fresh chopped ginger, 1/4 cup mint leaves, 1/4 cup basil leaves, or 1 cup cucumber slices before blending. Delish!

Nutrition info: 35 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0 grams net carbs, (3 grams carbs, 3 grams fiber), 0 grams protein

Why Make Keto Zone® Frozen Whipped Lemonade?

We’re not just making Keto Zone® Frozen Whipped Lemonade for our health. Or, maybe we are.

This delicious drink has so many benefits! It will cool you down, offer a fantastic variation to your favorite summer drink, serve as a Keto Zone® fat bomb, and flood your body with the amazing nutrients of lemons.

Here are 10 ways lemons nourish your body.

10 Health Benefits of Lemons

1. Loads of Nutrients in a Low-Carb, Low-Calorie Package

Lemons contain powerful nutrients, packed in a low-carb, low-calorie fruit. In fact, the juice from ½ lemon contains just (1):

• 6 calories
• 2 grams carbohydrates
• 0.1 gram protein
• 0 gram fat
• 0.1 gram dietary fiber
• 10.8 milligrams vitamin C (18 percent DV)

In this low-carb package, you’ll also receive a small amount of thiamin, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, and copper.

Together, these nutrients provide the many benefits of lemons benefits listed below.

2. Immune System Support

Let’s start with Vitamin C. This water-soluble vitamin has been linked to immune health, and a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress.

In fact, one review showed that adequate vitamin C could reduce the duration of common colds and respiratory infections (2).

It may also reduce and/or prevent malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia.

3. Lemons’ Citric Acid vs. Kidney Stones

Lemons contain powerful citric acid.

This acid can increase urine volume and help prevent kidney stones.

In one study, 11 kidney stone sufferers drank lemonade for 4 years and experience an almost 90% reduction in kidney stone formation (3) (4).

In another study, lemon juice was shown to decrease the calcium in urine, indicating a reduced risk of stone formation (5).

4. Powerful Antioxidants

A lemon’s antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals that are in the body due to environmental toxins, food toxins, and natural biochemical reactions.

What’s more, antioxidants can help reduce plaques in arteries by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol.

5. Heart Health

Vitamin C in lemons goes beyond the immune system and can benefit the heart as well.

One study showed that increases in fruit and vegetable intake, especially high-vitamin-C options, reduced heart disease by 4 percent (6).

Other studies have shown reduced blood pressure with increased intake of lemons (7).

6. Cellular Health

Another benefit of lemon antioxidants?

They can fight unhealthy overgrowth in cells.

In lab studies, lemon extract has destroyed cellular overgrowth in breast tissue. Other studies have confirmed this result in other body tissues and cells (8) (9).

How?

It’s hypothesized that lemons’ compound hesperidin and d-limonene support healthy cells and fight overgrowth (10, 11).

7. Healthy, Youthful Skin

Lemon juice is a great anti-aging drink option, and can actually improve skin health.

Again, it’s the antioxidants fighting the free radicals.

Free radical build-up can contribute to aging skin, which results in wrinkles age spots, dryness, and loss of elasticity. Antioxidants, from the outside in, and inside out, may improve this condition (12).

In fact, studies have shown that those who suffer from severe acne often have a high level of oxidative stress in the body (13).

8. Anti-Nausea Properties

If you suffer from nausea, whether from a physical condition, medications or otherwise, lemons can help.

Amazingly, both the smell and taste of lemons can provide relief. Try cutting a lemon and smelling it when a wave of nausea comes on, placing lemon slices in simmering water to infiltrate a room with the scent of lemon, or drinking Fresh Keto Zone Lemonade.

9. Bacteria Fighter for Oral Health

Lemons contain anti-bacterial compounds that can reduce putrefactive bacteria in both the intestines and the mouth. This can reduce bad breath and gastrointestinal distress.

What’s more, the citric acid in lemons can help bust up mucus. Many people suffer from mucus production that clogs their throats. Drinking Keto Zone Lemonade can help.

10. More Vitamin C Benefits

There’s more benefits of lemons and vitamin C.

Vitamin C from lemons also:

• Increases iron absorption
• May reduce blood uric acid levels to help prevent gout
• Protects memory and may reduce cognitive decline (29, 30).

Bottom Line

Keto Zone® Frozen Whipped Lemonade is the perfect drink for summer. It’s also incredibly nourishing to your body with lemon juice, healthy fats, and water. You likely already have every ingredient needed, so whip up a pitcher today!

The post Best Summer Keto Drink – Keto Zone Frozen Whipped Lemonade appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Why wait? All you’ll need are popsicle molds, and ingredients you likely already have in your home. Bring on the hot day!

3 Keto Popsicles Perfect for Hot Summer Days

Keto Popsicle #1: Lemon Strawberry Creamsicles

Nutrition info (1 popsicle): 117 calories, 11 grams fat, 2.7 grams net carbohydrates (3.7 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber), 0 grams protein

Keto Popsicle #2: Extra Chocolatey Keto Fudgsicles

Ingredients

Keto Popsicle #3: Fresh Berry Popsicle

Bottom Line

The post 3 Keto Popsicles Perfect for Hot Summer Days appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

In fact, while getting into, and staying in the Keto Zone®, you need more electrolytes and more fluids than those who are not in the Keto Zone.

Why?

Let’s dive in. Here’s why you are more at risk of dehydration, and how to make sure your keto hydration is up to par this summer!

Keto Hydration: How Much Fluid Do You Really Need?

You Need Extra Fluid and Electrolytes in the Keto Zone

Why does the Keto Zone® increase your fluid needs?

Simply put, you need more fluid because your body holds less in the Keto Zone®. As you get into ketosis, your body will make less insulin. With less insulin, your body will store less carbs in its system, including glycogen (stored carbohydrates in muscle tissue). Glycogen is a heavy compound that holds fluid with it.

With every gram of glycogen decreased, your body will excrete 3 grams of fluid.

This means less fluid held, and more needed to keep your body in good keto hydration and balance.

Your Kidneys are Working Hard

As you decrease stored carbs and fluid, your kidneys will work to excrete the water grams rather than retain them.

You will feel less bloated and begin to look leaner and better.

However, your fluid losses means you need to ingest more fluid in your diet to both keep your body in a state of hydration and decrease the workload on your kidneys. Dehydration can hurt your kidneys overtime (1), so drink up!

Avoid the Biggest Keto Hydration Mistake

Of course, fluids are very important to hydration, no matter how you eat. But, electrolytes are the key to keto hydration.

Why?

First, they are excreted with the glycogen grams of water.

Second, electrolytes in your fluids help your digestive tract absorb them.

Third, electrolytes are vital to life. They are minerals that enable many functions in the body, including muscle contraction, heart contraction, hydration of the whole body and brain, nerve function, digestion, and much more (2). If you’ve ever been extremely dehydrated or low on electrolytes, you know your body will dysfunction in a hurry.

The most important and most impacted mineral electrolytes are sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Ever Experienced Keto Flu? It’s the Missing Electrolytes

As you get into the Keto Zone®, electrolytes tend to rebalance without the glycogen. But, if you’re just beginning, or cycling in and out of ketosis, you’re at risk of low electrolytes again and again.

Low electrolyte status is also known as the Keto Flu.

As electrolyte levels fall, you can begin to feel symptoms of heart racing, headaches, poor digestion, and more. This is just an adjustment period, but it can be avoided. And, you can easily keep electrolytes balanced in general while in Keto Zone.

The Low-Down on Keto Hydration Electrolytes

Since you’ll no longer carry electrolytes in glycogen, it’s imperative you replenish them through your diet.

Here’s how:

1. Sodium: You can simply add more salt. Although salt, in general, has a bad name, it’s a vital mineral electrolyte and simply needs to be consumed according to your diet and lifestyle. Keto Zone eaters need more; athletes need more. You can drink bone broth or a zero-carb electrolyte drink for added sodium.
2. Potassium: With a good variety of foods in your diet, you can easily obtain potassium through whole foods. Eat salmon, nuts, avocados, veggies, and mushrooms to get enough.
3. Calcium: Calcium is also readily available in the Keto Zone®. You can get calcium in fortified non-dairy milk, like coconut milk and almond milk, in high-fat dairy products, like Greek Yogurt, and in dark leafy greens, broccoli, and fish. If you choose to supplement, make sure you’re also consuming vitamin D.
4. Magnesium: Magnesium is incredibly important (3), and often deficient mineral in adults. It’s found in hemp heart seeds, raw cacao, leafy greens, and more. However, it’s not easily absorbed by humans and may need supplementation. If concerned about magnesium levels, read 7 Signs of a Magnesium Deficiency.
5. Electrolytes in Balance: A great way to get a baseline of electrolytes (with the exception of sodium) in a balanced formulation is to also add Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Mutlivitamin each day!

How Much Fluid & Electrolytes Do You Really Need?

So, how much fluid should you drink? How should you add electrolytes?

1. For most in the Keto Zone®, you can simply aim for 64-80 oz. fluids per day. You can usually accomplish this by drinking to thirst. Older adults are typically more at risk for dehydration (4). Make sure to consume at least this amount of fluids throughout the day.
2. Then, unless you have high blood pressure, consume salt with meals and add 1-2 daily servings of bone broth, boullion, or zero-carb electrolyte drinks while re-entering the Keto Zone®. Then, add a daily dose of Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Mutlivitamin.
3. Make sure to eat a variety of high potassium, calcium, and magnesium foods. Most adults should also supplement with 200-400 mg of magnesium per day.
4. If you notice you’re sweating when working outside or exercising, add 24-32 oz. fluid and 600-800 mg sodium for every hour of your workout. This does not need to be consumed during the workout, but before, during as needed, and after is fine. You can use low-carb electrolyte drinks, like NUUN, if desired for exercise.
5. Be diligent after any period out of the Keto Zone®. You’ll go through the glycogen-depleting phase again, and need to supplement with extra electrolytes to avoid the Keto Flu.

Bottom Line

It’s getting hot out there. This means it’s time to stay on top of your keto hydration. Form a plan to drink enough each day. Don’t forget electrolytes; add electrolyte drinks, bone broth and Dr. Colbert’s Enhanced Mutlivitamin. Then, have a hydrated, safe, and healthy summer in the Keto Zone.

The post Keto Hydration: How Much Fluid Do You Really Need? appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Instead of a full garden, try growing an easy-to-maintain container garden. It’s easy, and it doesn’t take much space at all. You can use a window seal, a small balcony, or a stoop.

The best part?

You can take any dish, smoothie, and drink to the next level, in terms of both flavor and nutrition benefits, by adding herbs. In fact, container gardens are a great option. First, growing herbs is much more cost-effective than buying them. Second, herbs contain amazing antioxidants and phytochemicals that impact your health – and you can add them every day. Third, even with just a small amount of dirt, you can enjoy the many health benefits of gardening.

Here’s a few to try and why you should.

5 Amazing Keto Zone® Fresh Herb Container Garden Herbs

1. PARSLEY for Heart Health

Parsley is one of the most-used herbs in culinary preparations worldwide. It’s no wonder since parsley adds a fresh, delicious flavor to almost any dish.

What’s more, parsley is incredibly healthful (1, 2). It:

• Encourages Heart Health: Parsley is a great source of carotenoid antioxidants, which have been found to support heart health. In fact, carotenoid-rich diets have been shown to improve heart disease risk factors like chronic inflammation, as well as elevated blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (3). One 12-year study of over 73,000 nurses found an inverse association between dietary carotenoids, like those in parsley, and the incidence of coronary artery disease (4). Another study of over 13,000 people suggested that those with higher blood levels of carotenoids had lower rates of heart disease mortality than those with lower carotenoid levels (5).
• Supports healthy blood sugars: In animal studies, researchers have found that the antioxidants in parsley reduce high blood sugar levels (6).

Parsley is a great choice for your fresh herb container garden!

2. BASIL to Fight Oxidative Stress

Basil is a superstar of nutrition among foods. It offers many health benefits (7). In fact, it:

• Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress:  Basil’s flavonoids, especially orientin and vicenin, are phytonutrients that protect cell structures from radiation and oxygen-based damage (free radicals/oxidative stress).  And eugenol, one of basil’s volatile oils, works to block the inflammatory activity of an enzyme (cyclooxygenase) in the body.
• Improves blood flow:  Basil’s vitamin A and magnesium can improve blood flow. Leafy greens like basil keep your artery walls strong and clear of plagues. Then, the magnesium in basil prompts muscles and blood vessels to relax, which improves blood flow out of the heart and throughout the body. 

Easy to maintain and grow, basil will be a superstar of your fresh herb container garden this summer.

3. OREGANO as a Potent Antibacterial Agent and Medicinal

Oregano is actually part of the mint family. It can also impact health in many ways (8). It:

• Has antibacterial properties. Its primary phytochemicals, thymol and carvacrol, fight infections and bacteria. Meanwhile, its antioxidants help reduce and prevent cell damage.
• Is a potent medicinal when used as an essential oil. It is considered a “hot oil,” and must be diluted correctly for topical use. When used, it’s known to support immune function, digestion, nasal health, and potentially joint pain.

For full-body wellness, don’t skip oregano in your fresh herb container garden.

4. CILANTRO for Brain and Blood Sugar Support

Known as a wonderful flavor agent when added to Mexican, Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Indian cuisines, cilantro is versatile and great for your body. Interestingly, the seeds of cilantro are known as coriander, and the leaves are called cilantro.

How can it affect your health? Cilantro is a great herb to grow this summer because it can:

• Support normalized blood sugars: Amazingly, cilantro has been shown to increase an enzyme in the body that removes sugar from the blood. It’s so potent that those taking blood sugar medication, or those who are at risk of low blood sugars, need to use some caution when eating it (9, 10).
• Promote brain health: Brain ailments associated with inflammation may also benefit from cilantro intake. One animal study found that coriander extract exhibited protection against damage to nerve cells following seizures. Another concluded that it may improve memory in those suffering from degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s (11, 12).

Add cilantro from your garden this summer for more flavor and health!

5. PEPPERMINT in Folk Medicine and Aromatherapy

For centuries, peppermint has been used in folk medicine and aromatherapy. It has been shown to:

• Improve pain management associated with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS: It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the colon, which relieves pain. It may also reduce bloating and other digestive symptoms (13, 14, 15).
• When used in aromatherapy, peppermint may help fight nausea.
• Fight oral bacteria and bad breath.

Peppermint is a great addition to your diet and your container garden. Since it spreads like a weed, you can control it well when in a container.

Great Ways to Use the Herbs from Your Container Garden

There are many great ways to use your fresh herbs. They include:

• Try herb sauces to add flavor to cooked meats, salads, and more. Try this delicious parsley-based sauce like Keto Zone® Chimichurri or Fresh Basil Pesto (recipes below)!
• Add herbs to smoothies. While you may have never thought of an herb in a smoothie, it’s actually a great addition! Try our Glowing Skin Basil Smoothie (recipe below).
• Boost your salad flavor by adding fresh mint or other herbs.
• Add any herb to your dessert (berries, whipped cream and basil make a delicious low-carb treat.
• Try fresh herbs on your burger, taco, or other Keto Zone® favorite!

Keto Zone® Fresh Herb Recipes

• Easy Keto Zone® Pesto: Place 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup pine nuts, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice in a food processor or blender. Process until  coarsely chopped. Add 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil. Process until fully incorporated and smooth. If desired, add salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add in 1/3 cup shredded parmesan and mix thoroughly.
• Keto Zone® Chimichurri: Mix 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley, 3-4 cloves minced garlic, 2 small red chilies (chopped finely and seeded), 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 level  teaspoon coarse salt, and pepper (to taste) in a bowl. Allow to set at least 2 hours before enjoying.
• Energizing Basil Smoothie: Place 8 ounces brewed green tea OR 1/2 teaspoon matcha green tea powder, 1/2 cup coconut milk (canned, full fat), 1/2-1 cup fresh basil leaves, 1 lemon, zested & juiced, 1/4 cup blueberries (or any kind berries), 1 scoop Keto Zone ®Hydrolyzed Collagen, 1 scoop Divine Health® Green Fermented Supremefood, and water or ice (as needed for desired consistency) in a blender. Process until smooth.  Enjoy the energy!
• Peppermint Tea: Boil 2 cups of water, remove it from the heat, then add in 4-5 torn peppermint leaves. Cover the pot with a lid, and steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea, pour it into a mug, and enjoy!
• Easy Daily Green Plan: Add 1-2 servings of Divine Health Red and Green Supremefoods® to your daily routine and get real-food organic herbs, greens, fruits, and more!

Bottom Line

There is no downside to growing a Keto Zone® Fresh Herb Container Garden of herbs. Each herb boosts amazing nutrition benefits, you’ll be healthier just with the act of gardening, and you can add flavor to your foods and drinks all summer long. Get yours growing today!

The post Grow a Keto Zone® Fresh Herb Container Garden appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Here are 7 ways to make this Memorial Day a healthy day of remembrance and celebration.

7 Healthy Memorial Day Keto Tips

1. Stay Hydrated – It’s Getting Hot!

While it may just be the start of summer, many states are already experiencing very hot weather. Dehydration and heat-related fatigue are common issues in hot summer months. When you’re in the Keto Zone, especially when you’re first trying to get into ketosis, dehydration is a greater risk (even more so for older adults (1)).

What can you do?

The best way to maintain optimal hydration in the summer months is to add a daily dose of Instant Ketones with water or other fluids. Each serving adds an optimal amount of sodium and exogenous ketones to help you get into and stay in the Keto Zone. Then, hydrate well throughout the day with water and green tea.

For full tips on avoiding dehydration in the Keto Zone this summer, click here. 

2. Keep it Low-Carb

It may be challenging to stay in the Keto Zone on special occasions, but you can do it. Simply think through each portion of your meal and stick to low carb options.

How?

• Focus on Proteins, Fats, and Veggies: Focus on the delicious foods you can have. Choose a nourishing protein such as seafood, steak, chicken, duck, or bison. Add sautéed or fresh vegetables (verify that these are sautéed in oil or butter, without extra sauces). If needed, add extra butter, cream, or olive oil to round out your meal.
• Trim the Starches: Identify any starches or grains in your meal and omit them from the get-go. This means no pasta, rice, potatoes, beans, tortillas, bread, etc. In their place, add extra vegetables.
• Watch Out for High-Carb Sauces: Ketchup, BBQ, Sriracha, Buffalo Sauce, and most gravies contain sugars or flour.
• Bring Keto Zone dishes you want: Others will likely appreciate low-carb options as well, so bring some to share.  Concentrate on the course of the meal that you think will give you the most trouble. For example, bring meat with a high-fat delicious sauce, low-carb salads, heavy whipped cream and berries, dessert, or meats and cheese.
• Keto Zone Drinks: It’s no surprise that many people completely derail their healthy eating plans with just one sugary drink, whether eating in the Keto Zone or not. In fact, a typical sugary punch packs in 30+ grams of sugar and carbohydrates per serving (2). Opt for a “skinny” cocktail or mocktail, green or black tea, water with cucumber and lemon (always a party pleaser), or another low-carb drink. Again, if needed, bring something to share.

With a little planning, any summer get-together can stay in the Keto Zone.

3. Keto Zone Picnics

Beyond the tips above, there are even more ways to enjoy and share food at a picnic. Did you know there are many Keto Zone Sandwich recipes? It’s true! Try these for your next picnic: 

Amazing Keto Zone Sandwiches

In fact, you’ll find Keto Zone sandwiches made with large flat pickles in place of bread (yum!), low-carb wraps, and great options for low-carb sandwich bread.

4. Barbeques

Barbeques are another great opportunity to stay in the Keto Zone. In fact, many grilling menus center around meats and veggies. 

There are many great Keto Zone cookout options. From appetizers to drinks to desserts, here’s a great list that will help you keep it in the Keto Zone:

Summer Keto Zone Cookout Menu & Tips

Barbeques are great for Keto Zone living!

5. Fresh Herbs on Everything

You can also take your Memorial Day Keto menu to the next level.

How? Add colorful nourishing herbs to every part of your meal. For example:

• Add fresh mint to your salad.
• Make delicious pesto or chimichurri for your steak, burgers, or chicken (see recipes below).
• Add basil to your dessert (berries, whipped cream and basil make a delicious low-carb treat.

In fact, you can make your entire summer (and year) healthier by growing herbs in a full-fledged garden, a simple container set-up, or within a community option. No time for gardening? Support your local grocer or farmer’s market and improve your health at the same time. Herbs are full of antioxidants, phytochemicals, anti-inflammatory agents and more(3)! 

Easy Keto Zone Pesto: Place 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup pine nuts, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice in a food processor or blender. Process until  coarsely chopped. Add 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil. Process until fully incorporated and smooth. If desired, add salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add in 1/3 cup shredded parmesan and mix thoroughly.

Keto Zone Chimichurri: Mix 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley, 3-4 cloves minced garlic, 2 small red chilies (chopped finely and seeded), 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 level  teaspoon coarse salt, and pepper (to taste) in a bowl. Allow to set at least 2 hours before enjoying.

6. Celebrate Outdoors

When you spend time outdoors, you automatically improve your health. In fact, being outside is known to reduce stress, increase vitamin D, and improve moods (4).

For even more benefit, take a walk and get a little exercise in. Exercise, especially outside, combats stress and supports whole-body health (5). To learn more, read these 10 Amazing Benefits of Walking!

On the other hand, allergy sufferrs may not always feel great when outside. If you’re worried about allergy symptoms, you’re not alone. Try these tips: Naturally Alleviate Allergy Symptoms.

7. Remember The Fallen with Gratitude

Of course, Memorial Day is not about food. Food can be a part of our gathering. But, the point of Memorial Day is to always remember those who have died while serving in our Armed Forces.

May we never forget. And, may we always be grateful.

Bottom Line

This Memorial Day, remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

And, whether you’re gathering with loved ones or staying home, take the steps to keep your food in the Keto Zone. Summer is a wonderful time to focus on healthy, fresh food. Our Memorial Day keto tips will help you make it a healthy day!

The post 7 Healthy Memorial Day Keto Tips appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

If you have a mason jar and a few delicious Keto Zone® ingredients, you’ve got everything you need to make a delicious chocolate collagen shake. As the weather heats up, this decadent treat will keep you cool.

What’s more, our Keto Zone® Mason Jar Chocolate Collagen Shake is incredibly nourishing. Unlike most store-bought or restaurant shakes, it’s loaded with ingredients that actually promote health and wellness rather than junk ingredients that drag you down.

Here’s how to easily make Mason Jar Chocolate Collagen Shake with Keto Zone powders!

Keto Zone® Mason Jar Chocolate Collagen Shake

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream (low-carb, such as Organic Valley) OR full fat organic canned coconut milk
• 2 tablespoon Keto Zone® Dutch Chocolate MCT Oil Powder
• 1 scoop Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder (unflavored)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• non-dairy low-carb milk (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a wide mouth, pint-sized (16 oz.) mason jar.
2. Tighten the lid and shake vigorously for 5-7 minutes.
3. You’ll know you’re done shaking when liquid doubles in volume, filling the jar.
4. Place in the freezer for at least 3 hours (and up to 24 hours).
5. Scoop out and enjoy. Add non-dairy milk to thin and re-shake if needed. Serves 3-4.

Why Make Keto Zone® Mason Jar Chocolate Collagen Shake Instead of Buying a Shake

In case you didn’t notice, this is no ordinary chocolate shake. The average store-bought or restaurant shake has 250 calories and over 20 grams sugar per 1/2 cup (2 grams fiber, 21 grams sugar)! Ingredients can include:

cream, liquid sugar (sugar, water), skim milk, water, cocoa (processed with alkali), wheat flour, sugar, soybean oil, brown sugar, egg yolks, chocolate liquor, cocoa, honey, guar gum, cocoa butter, vanilla extract, salt, baking soda, natural flavors, soy lecithin, carrageenan

The ingredients that stand out are 3 types of sugar, and soybean oil.

How Conventional Shake Ingredients Harm Health

First, sugar. Not only can overeating sugar cause elevated blood glucose, insulin resistance, weight gain, inflammation, and high triglycerides, it’s now linked to elevated health risk for women (1).

In fact, sugars in liquid form are the quickest sugars through the digestive tract and have the most potential for destruction.

Next, soybean oil is one of the most detrimental ingredients found in our commercial food supply. It can cause declines in:

• Metabolic Health: Lab studies show soybean oil is one of the most detrimental foods to metabolic health (2).
• Cardiovascular Health: Soybean oil has been shown to cause harmful abnormalities in cholesterol and triglycerides (3).
• Overall Health and Inflammation: Many studies have concluded that concentrated sources of omega-6 fats increase inflammation in the body (4).

How Keto Zone® Chocolate Collagen Shake Promotes Wellbeing

Opposed to eating harmful, sugary ingredients, our Mason Jar Chocolate Collagen Shake contains real foods to improve your health. These ingredients include:

• cacao
• collagen
• mct oil powder
• cinnamon

In fact, the healthy fats and amino acids are nutrition superstars!

Keto Zone® Shake Healthy Fats and Collagen

The post Mason Jar Chocolate Collagen Shake appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Your healthiest summer awaits! Here are 5 easy hacks to help you achieve your health and weight goals in the upcoming months.

5 Keto Zone Hacks for Your Healthiest Summer

1. Fill Up on Volume

When using intermittent fasting or forming new habits to eat less snacks, fill up and feel more satisfied with more volume. 

Did you know that the hormones that influence your level of hunger are largely affected by the volume of your foods, or how much your stomach is stretched?

It’s true. The more your stomach “feels” full, the more your brain tells you you are full. On the other hand, if you eat very small-volume foods, even if they are high in calories, your brain will not register as feeling satisfied.

What’s more, fibers, fats and proteins contribute to the “full-feeling” more than simple carbs because they remain in your stomach longer.

Use this Hack Now: Make Keto Zone Shake Chia Pudding. Mix 1 scoop Keto Zone Shake (Rich Chocolate Flavor) and ¾ cup low-carb milk of choice. Stir well. Add 3-4 tablespoons Divine Health Living Chia with Probiotics and mix completely. Let chia swell at room temperature for about 5 minutes, then mix it again to ensure no clumps form.Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to thicken, or overnight.

2. Add Instant Energy for a Keto Zone Hack

In general, it takes several factors for the human body to feel “energized.” It needs either ketones or calories, adequate rest, and healthy cells to use the substrates.

However, there are a few hacks to the human body that can speed up an energized feeling. 

First, there’s a special kind of fat that actually bypasses the need for bile and fat-enzymes. It is digested and used quickly for energy by the human body. It is called medium chain triglycerides.

Second, caffeine is an amazing compound that crosses the blood brain barrier, increases alertness, reduces sense of effort while performing activities, and increases feelings of energy.

Third, exogenous ketones increase ketone production in your body while you are entering or maintaining ketosis. In addition, Keto Zone Instant Ketones provides the electrolytes you need to maintain a healthy hydration balance and avoid the keto flu.

Use this Hack Now: Mix 1 scoop Keto Zone Instant Ketones (Limeade) and 8-12 oz. green or black tea. Take Keto Zone MCT oil capsules with it! Enjoy this quick morning or afternoon pick-me-up!

3. Intermittent Fasting and Keto Zone Coffee 

It’s no secret that intermittent fasting is one of the most effective Keto hacks. By simply not consuming foods for 15-16 hours per day, you can significantly increase your success with producing Ketones, achieving and healthy weight, and experiencing many health benefits.

To learn more about intermittent fasting, check out this article. In addition, here’s how Keto Zone Coffee affects fasting.

Use this Hack Now: Adhere to a plan of fasting from 7pm to 11am each day. You can actually drink decaf tea and/or Keto Zone Coffee (with Keto Zone Collagen and Keto Zone MCT Oil Powder) while fasting. Then, eat great Keto Zone foods from 11am-7pm each day.

4. Hydrate Adequately Each Day

One key to Keto Zone success is hydration. The process of producing ketones can actually cause dehydration in the body, so it’s more important than ever to hydrate well. What’s more, adequate hydration is simply good for your entire body including your skin, brain, organs, and everything else.

Use this Hack Now: Aim to drink 64-80 ounces of water each day. If you exercise, add 24-32 ounces of water per hour of exercise. Also, add 1-2 servings of Keto Zone Instant Ketones (Limeade) per day to add electrolytes and ketones!

5. Focus on your Long-Term Health Rather than just Weight

Remember, this is a marathon and not a sprint. Your weight, while important, is just one piece to the overall health picture. As you use Keto Zone, pay attention to how you’re improving your health, from head to toe, and let this continue to motivate you forward. In addition, your body may be changing for the better while you lose fat, but sometimes it won’t show up on the scale right away. Keep going. The health journey is worth it.

Use this Hack Now: Join the Keto Zone Challenge to keep your focus on the long-haul journey of a healthy lifestyle. Click here to start and receive guidance, recipes, and more, for free!

Bottom Line:

You can make this the summer you utilize every tool for Keto Zone success. It doesn’t have to be hard. Make small changes and use our hacks to stay in the Keto Zone!

The post 5 Keto Zone Hacks for Your Healthiest Summer appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Whether you acknowledge this day or not, it’s also just a good time to reflect on your own health jouney after settling into the new year. 

There’s never a bad time to get healthier. World Health Day is a great reminder that your health and worldwide health is one of the greatest gifts you’ll ever have. Let’s maintain it, improve it, and fortify it. Here are  7 healthy habits for this year’s World Health Day.

7 Habits to Boost Health on World Health Day

1. More Sleep

If you’re like me, you’ve likely thought of sleep as a waste of time at some point in your life. You may think the “early bird gets the worm” or you need to take advantage of every hour. You may think there’s not enough time in the day for everything you need to get done. Sleep only robs you of productivity.

Unfortunately, these outlooks are erroneous and can cause significant harm. Turns out, sleep is the only time your body and brain can heal itself fully, and it’s necessary for good health. In fact, your lymph system depends on your sleeping hours to support healthy immune function and brain health. It is significantly productive.

What’s more, when you don’t get enough sleep, your waking hours decrease in productivity. Lack of sleep actually contributes to many health issues (1) as well, and it’s tough to “live well” when health fails. 

Each 24 hours, aim for at least 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep. If you find you need more wake hours to get everything done, try to reduce your daily obligations or time-wasters during your day to make time for sleep.

2. Less Stress

If there’s anything we’ve learned in the last few years, it’s that stress can build in all different circumstances. Stress can build when we have too much to do. It can build when our activities and social lives are halted. It can build when we are healthy, but fearful about unknowns.

Since stress is a reality no matter our circumstances, we must take action to deal with it in healthy ways. Reduce unnecessary stress, balance our lives, and give our bodies healthy outlets every day. 

Why? 

When stress and cortisol build up, we feel a cascade of negative effects. These effects include fatigue and overwhelm. Chronic high stress can even affect your health (2).

What can you do? First, use daily destress tools, like these, to reduce stress and feel more energy.

Then, add Nature’s Best Stress Relief. Amazingly, there’s an all-natural oil that can fight and reduce stress. Nano-particle hemp oils can help you feel more energy by supporting stable moods (3), stress relief and normalized cortisol levels, healthy sleep habits (4), and healthy brain and nervous system functions (5). The highest-quality nano-particle hemp oil available is Dr. Colbert’s Nano-Science Hemp Oil. Get yours today!  

3. Greens, Greens, & Greens

Ever feel like you can’t wait for summer just because you crave the seasonal fresh greens and herbs? Can’t wait to plant your garden? Great! You are on track to form one of our 7 healthiest habits for World Health Day.

In fact, when you add more greens and herbs to your diet, you can consume the same component plants used to grow and flourish: chlorophyll. In addition, vibrant and brightly colored vegetables and fruits offer a vast array of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and other health-promoting nutrients. Try:

• Delicious Fresh Herb Sauces. A delicious parsley-based sauce like Keto Zone®
•  Chimichurri or Fresh Basil Pesto is perfect for any summer meal!
• Vibrant Salads and Green Vegetables. Greens are amazingly nutritious foods that are highly anti-inflammatory and health-promoting (6). Try eating a green salad with heart healthy extra-virgin olive oil every day.
• Fresh Low-Carb Summer Fruits. With a bit of portion control, you can add more colors from fruits to your greens and still fit into a Keto Zone® lifestyle. Berries support healthy blood pressure (7), deliver loads of antioxidants, and promote overall health. Lemons and limes are also great for you, adding vitamin C, antioxidants, and more. 
• Divine Health Organic Fermented Green Supremefood® and  Organic Red Supremefood®. A great way to add even more organic greens and fruits to your diet is through Divine Health’s delicious organic fruit and vegetable powders. They are great-tasting and easy to add to water, tea, smoothies, and more!

What’s more, when you plant a garden and grow greens, you add to the health of your local environment as well!

4. A Healthy Weight

For millions of adults, acheiving a healthy weight is much easier said than done. However, with a Keto Zone® plan and lifestyle, a healthy weight is attainable this year. Kick start your new life and weight on World Health Day with these Keto Zone® options: 

• Purchase the Keto Zone® Starter Kit: It includes Dr. Colbert’s Keto ZoneDiet Book (Comprehensive Guide), Keto Zone Cookbook, Keto Zone® Instant Ketones, Keto Zone® MCT Oil  Powder, Ketosis Test Strips and Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder!
• Join the 21-Day Keto Zone® Challenge. It’s free and will help guide you with tips, recipes, and more.
• Read through our Keto Zone® Start Guide to prepare.
• Join the Keto Zone® Facebook Group for an online community, recipes, tips, and more.

This Keto Zone lineup will teach you the basics of Keto Zone, how to make it a healthy lifestyle and maintain your weight goals, and how to continue it for years to come.

5. Move Your Body & Get Outside

While you may have always thought of exercise as a weight loss tool, it’s actually so much more than that. It is a crucial health habit that supports cellular health, mental health, and physical health. Exercise and movement go beyond the scale to improve mood, outlook, and health.

In fact, if you start a habit of daily exercise AND do so outside, you’ll get double the benefit. You’ll:

• Reduce Sedentary Hours. It’s important to stand, walk, and be active as much as possible. If your work requires that you sit, break it up to improve metabolism outcomes. One study found that getting up occasionally from sitting improved self-perceived energy and vigor, mood, levels of fatigue, and food cravings (8).
• Get Sunshine. Natural sunlight is one of nature’s best mood lifters and energizers. In fact, sunlight has been shown to decrease depressed moods and increase serotonin levels (9). 
• De-Stress. Studies have found that activity outside improves health markers and supports healthy cortisol. This means less tension, fatigue, and depressed moods.
• Take Advantage of Evening Hours. Try getting outside for an evening walk after dinner. First, walking always burns calories and supports heart health (10). Moreover, timing a walk after dinner can help normalize post-meal blood sugars, reduce evening stress, and encourage optimal sleep.
• Improve Sleep. When you get outside during daylight hours, you support your body’s 24-hour daily cycle and circadian rhythms. This fights the issues upon us from too much artificial light and promotes healthier sleep habits.
• Contribute to A Loved One’s Health. Getting outside for a walk, bike ride or hike can also be a great way to encourage others to get healthy. Invite a friend, neighbor or family member.
• Stay the Course. Amazingly, it may also help you exercise more consistently. One recent study concluded that men and women over 66 years who exercised outside reported higher levels of total activity per week than inside-exercisers (11).

6. Drink Up & Hydrate Better

Did you know that dehydration promotes feelings of unhealth, feeling overwhelmed, experiencing fatigue, and feeling mentally foggy? Amazingly, dehydrated adults often feel more stress and have more cortisol (12)! Unfortunately, most adults function in a state of dehydration each day..

This one’s an easy fix! Try to drink 32-48 ounces of water by noon, and another 32-48 ounces of water by 6pm each day. Add Instant Ketones for electrolytes and a ketone boost. If you exercise, add drink 16-24 additional ounces per hour of exercise.

7. Faith, Gratitude, and Optimism

Lastly, focus more on mental health this World Health Day. About 80% of the research on faith, gratitude, and optimism and their effects are in the realm of mental health. Since much of a faith practice is internal, in mind and Spirit, it makes sense that a faith practice would impact mental health the most.

They are effective.

Daily practices of faith, prayer, and gratitude can improve and encourage optimism. They are correlated with overall better health (13). Specifically, studies show greater:

• Coping with Adversity
• Positive Emotions
• Well-Being and Happiness
• Hope and Optimism
• Meaning and Purpose
• Self-Esteem
• Sense of Control

These effects are significant and can change your life. Start now.

Bonus Habit: Community

You’re on the path to making your own body healthier. Now what?

What’s one thing you can do between now and next World Health Day to support the health of others in your own community, state, country, or world? Can you contribute to a community garden or school’s backpack program for those who don’t have enough food? How about forming a walking or exercise group with others from your church or neighborhood? Can you support charities that feed those struggling with hunger? Or organizations that dig well so everyone can have clean water?

Amazingly, when you go beyond your own health crusade and support others, you’ll enjoy better health for yourself as well.

How to Make Habits that Boost Health Stick

Habits are best added one at a time until you master each. To make these habits stick, start by adding justone per week over the next 7 weeks. Focus on each for 7 days, and then add the next. You can make small changes to super charge your summer, and then continue them to turn your healthy habits into a healthy lifestyle.

Bottom Line

Why not add 8 habits that boost health on World Health Day? There’s health to gain, and nothing to lose. Add sleep. Reduce stress. Add greens. Acheive a healthy weight. Exercise outdoors. Drink more water. Practice faith, gratitude and optimism. Then, add a habit of supporting others to healthier lives as well. This is a great start to better health!

The post 7 Habits to Boost Health on World Health Day appeared first on Keto Zone® | Dr. Don Colbert, MD.