New Website!

(Kissing frogs at Rev3 Portland)

Don't forget, I have a new website/blog, here: http://guru.mc3digital.com/

You should still come back to this one for recipes, etc until I get the best posts archived and transferred over.

Love you.

American Zofingen Race Report

Is here, on my new blog/website.  Better URL coming soon.

Team Continuum Athletes - Paying Bills for People Fighting Cancer!

TC Athlete Profile: Jared Rose

As some of you may know, I was injured in 2009 while serving in Afghanistan when the vehicle my team and I were in took a direct hit from an improvised explosive device (IED).  As a result of the blast, I broke my back, took some shrapnel in the back of my legs and head, and suffered a second traumatic brain injury (a month earlier, I was hit by another IED but refused to be sent home). After I returned home, I was released to Wounded Warriors Battalion, as I was unable to continue my role as a machine gunner. While awaiting medical retirement, I began the long process of rehabilitiation. I was officially medically retired in July of last year. While in active duty, I received two Purple Hearts, a Combat Action Ribbon, an Afghan Campaign Medal, and an Iraq Campaign Medal, among others.

Through rehabilitation, I discovered cycling for the first time. Always an an avid runner, for the first time in my life I was unable to run for many months after the blasts. Before I began riding, I stumbled upon a televised triathlon and was instantly captivated. That day, I set a goal for myself: before I died, I would complete an Ironman.  

The opportunity to realize this dream came sooner than I thought. I am currently training for the innaugural Ironman U.S. Championship. When I decided to enter this race, I knew I wanted it to mean something. I decided to race for Team Continuum, a not for profit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families minimize the disruptions, hardships and uncertainties of everyday life so that they can focus on crucial medical care. I chose to raise money for Team Continuum because I feel personally connected to their cause.  

When I returned from Iraq in 2008, I learned that my dad had been suffering from throat cancer while I was overseas. Team Continnum provides immediate and vital, non-medical assistance to cancer patients and their families. The organization provides funding to health care facilities and foundations, to enhance the delivery of care, communication and educational services for cancer patients. Thankfully, my dad had a large support network of friends and family, who banded together and raised money to cover his non-medical expenses while he was unable to work. I am happy to say that my father has been in remission since November of 2008.  

However, many cancer patients still need tremendous amounts of help to win their fight against the disease. Organizations like Team Continuum are essential to many patients' battle against cancer. I am grateful that I can race the Ironman U.S. Championship for Team Continuum. My goal is to raise $5000, with proceeds going to Team Continuum in support of their efforts.  

If you would like to support me in this endeavor, please click on the link below. No amount is too small. Please feel free to email me at jaredrose0331@gmail.com if you have any questions, or would like to learn more about my story.

Thank you in advance for your support. See you at the finish line! 

To learn more about Jared, or to donate to his fundraising, please visit his TC fundraising page.

New blog/website!

My blog and my website fell in love and had a baby!  Together, they make this.

My new website!  It's a lovely integration of the Live and Eat Better Holistic Health site and this blog (that you have come to love). It's still a work in progress and I'd love to hear your feedback and suggestions.

Curried Lentil Soup

I always make soups when I'm short on time because I'm WAY into the one pot thing.  It's faster, it's easier... you just throw all that stuff in there and mix it sometimes (while you do your core workout).

This is my latest obsession.  I found the recipe in Triathlete Magazine, so maybe this is old news to you.

Curried Lentil Soup

8 cups water
2T coconut oil, divided
3 cups red lentils (rinse repeatedly and drain)
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (I used sea salt)
3 cans coconut milk (I used 2 + 1/2 can water to make it less decadent)
2 tsp roasted cumin seeds
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minsed (I used a million)
4 tsp fresh ginger, minced
3 tsp ground turmeric
3 tsp curry powder
1 large bunch of kale, washed and chopped

1.  Combine the water, a Tbsp of coconut oil, lentils and salt into a large pot.  Bring to a boil then simmer for 20-25 minutes.  Add the coconut milk and continue to simmer gently.

2.  Heat a dry frying pan over high heat.  Add cumin seeds and roast for 2-3 minutes until they start to smell fragrant.  Then add a Tbsp coconut oil to the pan and add onion.  Sweat the onions for 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat and add the garlic and the rest of the spices to the pan.

3.  Cook until the onions are brown and then add the entire contents of the pan to the soup.  Add the chopped kale and simmer for 5 more minutes.  Enjoy!

* This recipe makes a huge amount of soup that tastes even better the next day!

Peanut Ginger Baked Tofu

Served with Sesame Kale and baked yam

I make this dish a million times a week and always post photos.  I've also used this recipe in several cooking classes BUT I've never released the secret recipe publicly, UNTIL NOW.

You're welcome.

Peanut Ginger Baked Tofu

1 package of extra firm tofu, cut into 4 or 5 ‘steaks’

¼ cup peanut butter (or almond butter)

2 teaspoon maple syrup

2 Tbsp umeboshi plum vinegar

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1-2 teaspoons hot pepper oil or paste

1/3 cup water (or more for consistency)

The secret ingredients

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place tofu ‘steaks’ flat down in pan, leaving ¼ to ½ inch between them.  Put aside.
3. Put all of the other ingredients in a small pan on a low heat.
4. Using a whisk, mix the ingredients until they are smooth.
5. Pour evenly over the tofu and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Make sure you flex your biceps when you serve this dish

Yes, it is that simple.

THE Holisticguru's Spring/Summer Tour

I finally have the race calendar complete.  I may jump in some other events but there's a lot here so I think I need to CALM IT DOWN!

Check me out: Upcoming Events

April 15th - Brooklyn Bun Duathlon
May 6th - Bassman 70.3
May 12th - Shad Bloom 10k
May 20th - Am Zof Duathlon (long course) *Note: On the wait list so TBD
June 2nd - Rev3 Quassy Olympic
June 3rd - Rev3 Quassy 70.3
June 10th - HITS Hunter Mountain Oly or 70.3
*July 29th through Aug 18th - final push for 140.6
August 4th - Block Island Tri
August 26th - Rev3 Maine 70.3
September 9th - Rev3 Cedar Point 140.6 (Full Rev)
October 5th - CREWing for Bobby's 100 miler
October 20th - Beach 2 Battleship 140.6

It's a lot of racing!  This season I'll either catapult myself to the next level or completely burn myself out.  I think if I keep myself focused on a supremely healthy diet and resting as hard as I train and race, it's going to be the former.

If anyone wants info on any of these races, feel free to email me: christine@liveandeatbetter.com.  I've done 90% of them and can answer questions regarding reviews, courses, logistics, training, nutrition, etc.

I hope to see you all out there!  Let me know to look for you if you'll be at any of these events!