Nothing compares to creatine for gaining muscle, losing fat, and performing better. Bodybuilding.com recently posted this article by Dr. Layne Norton.  Fantastic article.

Check it out Here

Walnuts are top nut for heart-healthy antioxidants

A new scientific study positions walnuts in the No. 1 slot among a family of foods that lay claim to being among Mother Nature’s most nearly perfect packaged foods: Tree and ground nuts. In a report here today at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, scientists presented an analysis showing that walnuts have a combination of more healthful antioxidants and higher quality antioxidants than any other nut.

One of my major interests in the area of health and wellness is cancer prevention.  I suppose this comes from the fact that my father, grandparents, and aunts and uncles have all died of cancer.  These short articles and videos discuss some of the mysteries of cancer.  I found them very interesting.

Why Cancer Attacks Some Tissues—And Not Others | Big Think Editors | Big Think.

How do Carcinogens cause cancer?

Here’s the official U.S. government list of known carcinogens

Check out this fantastic chart from a naturopathic doctor that tells you what you really need if you are having cravings. Very interesting
http://www.naturopathyworks.com/pages/cravings.php

I recently came across this article in my files from January 2002 about then-recent research into “superfoods.”  As research has evolved over the last nine years, more and more evidence has stacked up about these nutritional rockstars.  Check it out.

10 Foods That Pack a Wallop

This is a little preview of how my thinking has undergone some major changes  in regard to food biochemistry.

Writing a new post here has been on the to-do list for way-too-long!  Looking back and seeing that my last post was in May is a bit shocking.  A LOT has happened since then, in terms of my approaches to training, nutrition, training clients, and life-in-general.  So, rather than tackle everything I’ve been wanting to cover here all at once, I’ll start with a summary of a few observations, issues, and stuff-to-cover in near-future posts.

My last post was in May, just as I was ramping up my training for the usual summer peak.  I traveled to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in early June and was there for the Ironman triathlon (watching, not competing).  To put it mildly, watching the endurance athletes was pretty inspiring.  I ramped up my cardio more than usual, started competing in endurance events, and (shockingly) set PRs in my powerlifts.  …more on that later.

Also in May I took a part-time gig as a personal trainer at Bally Total Fitness to supplement my independent personal training business and get some experience in a club setting.  It felt a little weird at first, but it has worked out just fine.

As part of my newfound interest in using cardio for more than simple fat burning, I started doing more road biking and taking indoor cycling classes.  It was a natural evolution owing to my love of mountain biking.  Then, in October, I got certified as a Spinning instructor and have been teaching classes at Bally.

I’ve made some interesting observations concerning endurance sports and endurance athletes which I plan to get more in depth on in future posts:

• Amateur endurance competitions are much bigger than I ever imagined.  There are TONS of endurance enthusiasts.
• Most of the amateur athletes don’t seem very well informed about training, technique, or nutrition.  …I’d love to help them!
• There aren’t any really consistently good podcasts of music for running or biking.  Most are at wacky tempos for the activities they are intended for.  …I’m seriously thinking about doing a running podcast.
• Trail running is brutal.  I’d say a trail half-marathon is equal to a road full-marathon.  Major ouch for almost two weeks afterward!

On the non-training related side of things, I finished my Masters degree!  …now on to the doctorate.  …but more frequent training blog posts.  …if all goes well.

I’m sorry if this post seems a bit spastic. It’s been so long!

Beans are a staple on vegetarian menus, and their variety and versatility makes them infinitely customizable for any occasion.  As a bonus, they’re super inexpensive — especially if you buy dried beans and prepare them yourself versus purchasing the canned variety.

Since it’s been a while since I posted recipes, this will be a bonus 2-fer!  The first one is my own recipe that I call

UBER-PROTEIN-SUPER-HEARTY CHILI-LIKE CONCOCTION
3.5 cups prepared mixed beans (any will do)
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 onions (chopped)
2 cups cottage cheese
4 eggs
5 large carrots (chopped)
2 tbs salt
4 tbs chili powder
1 tbs cumin
5 tbs lime juice
1 tbs black pepper
1/2 tbs sage
1 tbs horseradish

Throw it all in a pot and simmer until the carrots are tender. Be sure to stir it up often to break up the eggs. This dish offers tons of protein and it’s super easy!

The next one I modified from a recipe in Low-Carb Vegetarian Cooking by Sue Spitler

It’s a cold bean salad perfect for picnics and other warm-weather occasions.

THREE-BEAN, CORN, AND CHEESE SALAD
12oz cut and cooked green beans
1 15oz can garbanzo beans rinsed and drained
1 15oz can kidney beans rinsed and drained
1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced green onions and tops
6oz cubed mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup reduced fat or vegan mayo
2 tbs Italian spice blend
1/8 cup balsamic or red wine vinegar

blend it all together and voila!