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Showing posts from December 4, 2011

Ironman World Championship airs TODAY!!!

"You learn you can do your best even when it's hard, even when you're tired and maybe hurting a little bit. It feels good to show some courage. ~Joe Namath." Ironman World Championship on NBC @ 4:30pm EST TODAY! The broadcast of the NBC Kona Ironman never disappointments me. For I think for many of us, the viewing of this 90-minute hard-as-nails, ever-inspiring, oh-so-motivating event is the REASON that we aspire to cross a finish line after racing for 140.6 miles. Regardless if you are an aspiring Ironman athlete or look forward to your first running or triathlon event, never, ever, EVER give up and always enjoy the journey. Feel free to check out my race report from the Ironman World Championship if you happened to miss it back in October, starting with Kona-eve...

HELP! Reconsidering a new decision on obesity

There is an ever-growing number of nutrition experts in our society. It doesn't surprise me that our society is getting more and more unhealthy as people take advice from self-proclaimed "helpers" to all nutrition-related problems. If you haven't heard the news, there was a recent decision by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) that has really upset a lot of RD's. As a recently credentialed RD, who spent the last 3 years obtaining the necessary accredited coursework and hours to sit for the National Registered Dietitian exam, it saddens me that RDs are not included in Obesity Therapy, under this new decision. Feel free to write to your members of Congress and tell them to urge CMS to reconsider its recent decision that excludes RDs from direct billing and limits services to the primary care setting. After reading this article that commercial weight loss programs are more effective (and cheaper) than doctor-based services for weight loss, I immediately signed

Biggest Loser and desire to be a RD

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.” -George Sheehan I recently read a blog post about the Biggest Loser show , which was posted on facebook by the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Thinking back a few years ago, I remember writing a similar post (yet not as detailed) on the Biggest Loser show. I have not watched the show since 2009 but I assume that not a lot has changed and if anything, it has likely gotten worse in terms of more dramatic weight loss, more sponsors and more yelling....I am only making an assumption because this is likely what people want to see and the Biggest Loser show is open to anything to gain more attention. I do not like to waste my energy on issues that I can not directly control. As an educator, however, I have knowledge and licensed ability to offer nutrition advice to those seeking weight loss/maintenance and performance changes. Therefore, I believe that my voic

Tempeh Egg Roll - tastes like a restaurant???

On Friday evening, Karel, Campy and me were making our 3 1/2 hour drive down south to visit my parents in the Tampa Bay area. I always enjoy talking to Karel about his youth, while growing up in Czech Republic. Karel has lived in the US for a good chunk of his adult life but after meeting Karel in 2006, I suppose I helped "Americanize" him by introducing him to wonderful things like peanut butter. Karel mentioned that his mother just finished baking several batches of holiday cookies. Although his mom always makes gingerbread cookies, these cookies are not your typical sugar-coated "Christmas" cookies. I can't even describe the work that goes into making these cookies as she makes dozens and dozens (for weeks and weeks), all hand made, with a touch of love and holiday traditions. If you can't tell already, we absolutely LOVE this gift of love, all the way from the Czech Republic. Sadly, however, getting mail to and from the Czech Republic is not as easy as

Product review - winter training gear

A lot of athletes have been emailing me about training in the cold. Today in Florida, we have a high of 79 degrees. On Thursday, our high is in the mid 50's and low is 39. Although we don't get snow days here in the south, we certainly get a taste of what it feels like to train in winter temperatures. In the Dec 2011 issue of Consumer Reports on Health there was a great article titled "Heat up your winter workouts". One thing that has advanced tremendously in the past few years, is the number of reputable companies that offer quality "winter" gear. Just like training in the heat, proper clothing is essential in keeping you comfortable as you exercise or train. According to the article, January is usually when people in the U.S. exercise the least, according to the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. But according to the American College of Sports Medicine, you can burn up to 40% more calories while exercising when it's cold. A few tips in improving

Forks Over Knives

Karel finally shaved his 'stache after raising over $530 for men's health and prostate cancer. So proud of Karel for his effort in raising awareness..but SUPER happy he has a clean face! On Saturday afternoon, after a 4 hour group ride with the Gearlink team and Karel (gotta love those LSD rides with a few quick intervals) Karel and my family watched Forks Over Knives . I highly recommend this movie for several reasons. As a dietitian, I am proud to see a movie encouraging a more plant-strong diet. In a society where food companies are out for profit, not for health, sadly, there is little money to be made by endorsing fruits and veggies (Ex. when was the last time you saw a fruit and veggies commercial??) from lobbyists and those who want to make money and keep their jobs. As you know I am not a believer that everyone must be a vegetarian. I am a strong supporter of a more wholesome diet, filled with foods that our body knows exactly what to do with when consumed. The movie r