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Okay, I've recently discovered the wonders of coconut butter. Not the $14 a jar kind, but the made-at-home-in-food-processor kind. I use Bob's Red Mill unsweetened shredded coconut and a bit of salt. Not sure if it's organic, but it's the only kind I can find. Also, sometimes I'll throw in some macadamia nuts.

Anyway, I'm in love with the stuff and have been doing some reading up on it here on Paleohacks. I've heard more than once that "Coconut Butter is the only thing no one should feel guilty upon binging on", and similar statements. Something about the high saturated fat/fiber content making it so any over-consumption would just "go right through you". Is this true? Can you really not overdo it on coconut butter without consequences, such as weight gain?

It sets of a "too good to be true" alarm in my head--and no binge is a good binge in my binge-prone world. But regardless, I'm still curious.

So what do you think? Feel free to shovel it in by the spoonful? Limit yourself to the recommended 2 tablespoon serving suggestion? I plan on sticking to the latter, until I am convinced that going (coco)nuts over this stuff won't result in me having to widen my doorways and reinforce all of my furniture to handle the increased size of my butt.

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A binge of any kind is bad! – MathGirl72 Aug 13 at 13:16
Amen, MathGirl! – TheMooseMuncher Aug 13 at 17:30

8 Answers

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I've found that a lot of people here don't deal with "weight issues" as much as people are just trying to be generally healthy. So, I'm sure the nutrients are incredible for you... and that everything you mentioned is some what true.

However, I deal with "weight issues", aaand I can't eat coconut butter WITHOUT binging on it. I can tell you this, a lot of it isn't good for weight loss. It definitely stalled my weight loss and if I ate too much fat elsewhere throughout the day, I gain the weight. Lose it quickly, but I gain it. Unfortunately, it's not a "free food", if you feel me.

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As I suspected. Ah, wouldn't that be nice though? Coconut butter as a free food. sigh my dream world would be such a kick ass place. – TheMooseMuncher Aug 13 at 3:32
Preach! It's above and beyond. – Anthony D'Amato Aug 13 at 3:48
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I'd probably limit it just to maintain a healthy psychological relationship with said food (any food, really), but as long as you're not consuming it in lieu of the regular veggies and meats, I don't see a huge problem. Just keep caloric content in mind and be mindful of -why- you're eating it (do your best to avoid emotional eating, for example). Otherwise enjoy.

I've just discovered almond butter and know I'll have to make sure I eat it sparingly or the whole damned jar will disappear in a day! :P

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I discovered almond butter and the whole jar disappeared within 2 days. Yeah, did not repurchase that stuff--too similar to my beloved peanut butter, around which I have no self control. I seem to be better with the coconut butter, though. – TheMooseMuncher Aug 13 at 3:17
I think I like the texture (crunchy) too much. Thankfully it doesn't seem like I enjoy it on chocolate. I'll have to pick up some celery to enjoy it with. Just have to make sure the celery outlasts the almond butter. >.> – red_leaf Aug 13 at 3:24
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cough apple slices cough You didn't hear that from me. – TheMooseMuncher Aug 13 at 3:27
Already guilty as charged on those apple slices! I can't wait to dip some in honey for Rosh Hashanah! :D – red_leaf Aug 15 at 2:17
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It's all about calories. Do the math.

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it isn't all about calories, though. – nursling Aug 13 at 13:34
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The fact that your asking means I am sure you already suspect that it is bad. A binge of any kind is really not healthy for you psychologically, and justifying a healthy binge as acceptable just makes you more prone to repeat the behavior. What I have had to do is stop eating my binge trigger foods until I feel like I can get a handle on them.

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agree, I think "bingeing" on anything is a bad idea and perhaps a slippery slope. – juju Aug 13 at 11:58
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i agree with the above that the behavior isn't healthy even if the food is. but i totally understand where you are coming from...i discovered it yesterday and zomg. it is incredible

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Indulge! Enjoy! Get it out of your system and then you'll be sick of it....lol.

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Also a viable option. I...overindulged (definitely no binge, though) on it last night. The thought of it now makes my stomach turn. I'm sure I'll be back to loving it after a break. – TheMooseMuncher Aug 13 at 18:39
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Someone asked a similar question here: http://paleohacks.com/questions/141513/some-newbie-questions-re-coconut-and-exercise-cortisol/141546#141546

My answer below:

I no longer buy coconut butter. I enjoy eating it so much that I can't control myself. If exerting no will power could eat a whole jar in a day. It was causing some undesirable weight gain, so I cut it out completely. Unfortunately for me, coconut products cause the fastest weiht gain for me, and also happen to be my favorite thing in the universe. There's no moderation with me and coconut butter. It just had to go. If will power and weight gain aren't an issue, then by all means enjoy. I never experienced any other negative effects. Large amounts can be a bit tough on digestion. It's incredibly dense and coconut fiber is a bit of a challenge to break down.

For more Paleo Diet hacks: Some newbie questions re coconut and exercise/cortisol - PaleoHacks.com http://paleohacks.com/questions/141513/some-newbie-questions-re-coconut-and-exercise-cortisol#ixzz23R64QY4m

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Huh, and here I thought I was breaking new coconut-ground. Thanks, Brad. Good answer. – TheMooseMuncher Aug 13 at 22:53
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i definitely ate a whole bag of shredded coconut yesterday(8 oz) and am shitting pure coconut goodness today. sure cleans out the pipes. i honestly dont understand where my mind goes when i am eating all of this delicious food and why i cant stop when i know ive had too much. damn you deliciousness

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