Keto and Almond Milk......

​     Steve and I are tackling one of our biggest home repair problems, and I am thrilled because we think we've figured it out.  Some of our windows, including our sliding doors, became foggy, and the glass needs replacing.  We have an estimate for a partial fix that exceeds five thousand dollars, and we don't want to spend that much.  Thus, Steve started investigating and found a solution.  He intends to replace the glass himself.  A YouTube video demonstrates exactly how to remove the window, so he did that and put it back.  It was easy.  We found a manufacturer who will produce the replacement glass, and it is just across the border in Surrey, B.C.  What a relief!  Our view means everything to us. Here's hoping everything works out.  Also, I promised to focus this week on almond milk, an essential ingredient in my statin smoothie.  It is an excellent addition because it contains plant sterols, which help block cholesterol absorption.  It also prevents bile acid absorption, which can reduce cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that can enter your body. Plant sterols, called phytosterols, are naturally found in almonds and almond milk. Phytosterols help control blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.  It works because it competes with cholesterol for absorption in the digestive system. When your body processes phytosterols instead of the cholesterol, some cholesterol is removed as waste, resulting in lower cholesterol levels and improved cardiovascular health.  Plant sterols also assist in the prevention of diabetes, obesity, and cancer.  Most importantly, almond milk is a good option for my keto diet.  Of course, you need to read the label to ensure you use unsweetened almond milk.  Because almond milk has a low Glycemic index, meaning how quickly a type of food raises your blood sugar, it is a good option for people with diabetes or those at risk.  It is also low in calories.  Calorie counting is not necessary on keto since low-carb, high-fat foods are satiating. However, excess calories might be the culprit for those who aren't losing weight or have plateaued on keto.  Almond milk has less than one net carb per cup and only 41 calories.  It is also a source of essential micronutrients, such as vitamin D, E, calcium, and potassium. To prevent nutrient deficiencies when on keto, consuming diverse food sources that provide varied nutrients is important.  Consuming a cup of almond milk and other nutritious ingredients, including spinach, hemp hearts, chia seeds, moringa powder, matcha green tea powder, and protein powder, is a massive boost to my health while on the keto diet.  The proof is in my recent lab results.  So, if you haven't started using my statin smoothie, I suggest you start as soon as possible.