Mind
"Hang on to your youthful enthusiasms -- you'll be able to use them better when you're older" - Seneca
Meals
I try to avoid giving "recipes" but rather a template. Recipes do two things: either intimidate you or make you follow directions.
I'm not a fan of either.
After talking with a classmate this week about the food I post, he brought to my attention the common struggles for most people when it comes to eating well - 1. Not knowing where to begin when it comes to cooking and 2. The effort to get it together. However, if they had the ingredients given to them they could figure it out (say if someone gave him a list of the basics (spinach, chicken, dressing, etc. he could make a salad, no prob).
My philosophy? I hardly follow recipes; though, I do seek inspiration (sometimes this is through pictures/videos/friends, challenging myself to use what I have, and also being in touch with what I feel my body needs). Then I use my means to make it happen.
Example: I have butternut squash, black beans and quinoa -- find a way to use it...make burgers, salad, etc.
This approach to my food isn't much different than my approach to life - no recipe, no set instructions but learning what you like, using what you got, and enjoying it is key. The secret to cooking (and life!) and enjoying it is doing so without recipes (or instructions!) and following what feels right for you. Learn as you go, use what you got, and enjoy the process.
To come (special requests from other's *keep 'em coming people*): The template to work from when it comes to food basics
*If you haven't already...you'll want to check out all of this week's food pics - played around with a broad range of meals, tried to do something different each time - they are mad sexy*
What I'm lovin: Ging'zing Refresher
- In a water bottle over night I shake up 3 tbs chia seeds, 1/2 squeezed lemon, and 1 tsp of powdered ginger
- Pour it in a glass over some ice (even add frozen berries for some extra flav)
Ginger's been well known and studied for it's superpowers to treat a variety of ailments - reducing inflammation, improving lipid metabolism, and containing antioxidant properties. Now, combine this with the detoxifying and brain-stimulating benefits of lemon while getting in that much needed h20 (which is straight up just good for you, especially if your weather is anything like this hot and humid NC summer).
Moves
Now that my month of Pure Barre is over - it's on to the next - LA Fitness. The swimming deprivation has taken a toll on the soul and a sacrifice had to be made.
On another note I hit two relatively long distances with both the bike and sneaks' this weekend (on to the pool tomorrow).
Hit my max running distance since before surgery and it felt damn good.
S/O to ice and the lax ball for making this possible.
- Ice cups: Since I no longer have the luxury (?) of full body ice baths at JMU - this does the trick. Cheap, painful, and not only reduces inflammation but promotes healing and mobilizes soft tissue.
- Lacrosse Ball: My best friend. My saving grace. The benefits are truly endlessly but most importantly (and for many reasons) this has been the game-changer for injury prevention. Again, cheap (steal from your brother, find on the ground near a tennis court, go buy one for a few bucks...)
- Overuse injuries creep up real fast, and usually way too often. However, most of the time this is simply a result of improper muscular balance and timing. Muscles become tight, others become weak, body parts start going in directions that they shouldn't, you keep pounding...and there it happens.
- Self myofascial release (soft tissue mobilization) does the job.
- While research is still emerging, studies have found foam rolling and and SMR to improve muscle length (even more so than stretching) and activation, increase range of motion, influence neural responses, decrease soreness, increase vascular function, decrease arterial stiffness, rehydrate fascia, prevent fascia adhesions, improve muscular circulation and reduce swelling.
- Here is a little vid from the Swimmin Scientist himself showing how it's done: here
More
Once every four years, Swimming enjoys it's five minutes of fame (or 30 seconds). This calls for couch duty and isolation for seven days while I relish the moment. Consider this an advanced warning if you don't hear from me.