Yesterday I started my training for a half marathon. I did 3.1 miles on the treadmill. 2mi at 5.5mph, 1.1mi at 6mph. So average pace was 5.7mph or 10:30 min/mi. Today I will be doing 2 miles at a faster pace and possibly another mile or 2 at an easy pace. I have designed my new Nike shoes and just need to purchase them. I really need to get new shoes soon otherwise I am going to have knee problems!
I am running the CHaD Heros Half Marathon. (http://www.chadhalf.org)
If you would like to donate to CHaD as part of this event please go to my website:
Nicole's CHaD Half Donation Page
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Mysterious Allure of Cheese
While my goal is to be a 100% raw vegan and I am finding myself to be quite successful on that endeavor so far (today is day 28!) that isn't to say that there aren't roadblocks along the way.
Cravings are the biggest culprit in tempting me off of my path. With all of the fantastic delicious food that I'm eating I have to wonder, are my cravings for the flavors and textures of foods or is there something more? Am I possibly chemically addicted to foods?
Take cheese for example...one blogger describes the aroma as "perilously close to old socks." Sure it's creamy and gooey (and loaded with fat) and it's got a nice salty taste. But it's not really that special is it? So why do so many people find it difficult to give up, even with the best intentions and knowing full well that it is not particularly healthy?
The rumor is that casein, a protein in cheese that gives it it's melty and gooey properties, is addictive. It's addictive properties come from the fact that it breaks down into an opioid during digestion. Casomorphin to be exact. According to the great and powerful Wikipedia: "Casein has been documented to break down to produce the peptide casomorphin, an opioid that appears to act primarily as a histamine releaser. One theory is that this casomorphine aggravates the symptoms of autism." But aside from releasing histamines, which do have aggravating effects on the body, no mention is made of these opiates being particularly addicting.
Scientists seem to have yet to be able to discern whether or not casomorphin acts in the same way as other peptides, such as endorphins, which bind to receptors in the brain and contribute to pleasant feelings. General experience with cheese seems to indicate that these casomorphins may do just that which is why we feel addicted.
Some articles on the web claim that cheese has morphine in it. They claim that morphine comes from the cow's liver and that morphine is created from the digestion of casein. I think this may be an over simplification and that casein breaks down into casomorphin. Which begs the question....does casomorphin behave the same way morphine does in our system?
I'm certainly not trying to defend cheese here. I truly believe that I am addicted to cheese, whether that addiction is chemical or not. And I definitely think cheese, especially commercially produced, over processed cheese is not a healthy food choice by any means. I would just like to see some concrete evidence about the addictive nature of casomorphin so that there can be no question as to the chemically addictive properties of dairy products and cheese in particular.
Cravings are the biggest culprit in tempting me off of my path. With all of the fantastic delicious food that I'm eating I have to wonder, are my cravings for the flavors and textures of foods or is there something more? Am I possibly chemically addicted to foods?
Take cheese for example...one blogger describes the aroma as "perilously close to old socks." Sure it's creamy and gooey (and loaded with fat) and it's got a nice salty taste. But it's not really that special is it? So why do so many people find it difficult to give up, even with the best intentions and knowing full well that it is not particularly healthy?
The rumor is that casein, a protein in cheese that gives it it's melty and gooey properties, is addictive. It's addictive properties come from the fact that it breaks down into an opioid during digestion. Casomorphin to be exact. According to the great and powerful Wikipedia: "Casein has been documented to break down to produce the peptide casomorphin, an opioid that appears to act primarily as a histamine releaser. One theory is that this casomorphine aggravates the symptoms of autism." But aside from releasing histamines, which do have aggravating effects on the body, no mention is made of these opiates being particularly addicting.
Scientists seem to have yet to be able to discern whether or not casomorphin acts in the same way as other peptides, such as endorphins, which bind to receptors in the brain and contribute to pleasant feelings. General experience with cheese seems to indicate that these casomorphins may do just that which is why we feel addicted.
Some articles on the web claim that cheese has morphine in it. They claim that morphine comes from the cow's liver and that morphine is created from the digestion of casein. I think this may be an over simplification and that casein breaks down into casomorphin. Which begs the question....does casomorphin behave the same way morphine does in our system?
I'm certainly not trying to defend cheese here. I truly believe that I am addicted to cheese, whether that addiction is chemical or not. And I definitely think cheese, especially commercially produced, over processed cheese is not a healthy food choice by any means. I would just like to see some concrete evidence about the addictive nature of casomorphin so that there can be no question as to the chemically addictive properties of dairy products and cheese in particular.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Nic in the Kitch: Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
1 frozen banana, sliced
1c frozen cherries
1/4c cacoa powder
1/4c cacao nibs
water to thin (1/2 to 1 cup)
sweetner to taste (optional)
blend all ingredients except cacao nibs in blender until smoothe. Add cacao nibs and blend briefly to incorporate. Amount of water used will depend on desired thickness and blender quality. If neccessary add more water and refreeze to get desired consistency. For a stronger cherry flavor blend additional fresh or frozen cherries in along with cacao nibs.
1c frozen cherries
1/4c cacoa powder
1/4c cacao nibs
water to thin (1/2 to 1 cup)
sweetner to taste (optional)
blend all ingredients except cacao nibs in blender until smoothe. Add cacao nibs and blend briefly to incorporate. Amount of water used will depend on desired thickness and blender quality. If neccessary add more water and refreeze to get desired consistency. For a stronger cherry flavor blend additional fresh or frozen cherries in along with cacao nibs.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Knee Pain Recovery
After several months of casual running with a knee brace I am finally able to leave the brace in the closet when I head out the door in the morning. Having a consistent training program and proper pre and post run stretching has allowed me to run without a brace! It's a really wonderful feeling to be able to run and not worry about knee pain or feel constricted in my movement by an awkward brace.
I think raw food helped with my recovery as well because it allows my body to focus on other things aside from just food digestion. What a wonderful diet!!
When it comes to exercises to recover from knee pain, gentle and easy is the key! Don't over do it or you'll just make your problem worse!
Lunges and squats are great for strengthening the muscles that support the knee but if you have knee pain doing half lunges and half squats is best. Keep your repetitions to a minimum so you don't over do it. I do both forward and side lunges as part of my pre run stretching routine. Always remember to keep your knee behind your toes for any exercise that involves bending the knee.
I'm glad my knee pain is now a worry of the past. I hope I can continue to strengthen my knees and keep my legs in top condition as it gets closer to race day!
I think raw food helped with my recovery as well because it allows my body to focus on other things aside from just food digestion. What a wonderful diet!!
When it comes to exercises to recover from knee pain, gentle and easy is the key! Don't over do it or you'll just make your problem worse!
Lunges and squats are great for strengthening the muscles that support the knee but if you have knee pain doing half lunges and half squats is best. Keep your repetitions to a minimum so you don't over do it. I do both forward and side lunges as part of my pre run stretching routine. Always remember to keep your knee behind your toes for any exercise that involves bending the knee.
I'm glad my knee pain is now a worry of the past. I hope I can continue to strengthen my knees and keep my legs in top condition as it gets closer to race day!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Two Weeks In The Raw
Today is officially the 15th day that I have eaten a 100% raw food diet. This is the longest I have ever maintained a 100% raw diet and I'm feeling really good about it. I feel really confident that my diet will continue to be 100% raw for 100 days and beyond. Lately I've been really focused on getting more greens into my diet. 
Leafy green vegetables are rich in antioxidants making them a great asset to runners; they keep the immune system strong, even under stress from hard workouts. Minerals in leafy greens also contribute to eye and brain health. The most unique and significant aspect of leafy greens is their chlorophyll which helps rebuild red blood cells, and also reduces risk for heart disease, cancer, and degenerative diseases. Chlorophyll also contributes to digestive health. The high fiber content in greens also contributes to digestive health. So eat your greens!!
I start my official 10k training program tomorrow. I am currently averaging 8:10 per mile on longer runs (still at 3 miles) and I have my single mile time down to 7:35. My goal is to be right around 8 per mile for a 10k by the day of the race. My best friend has decided to join me in training for and running in this race. Too bad he's in NH and I'm in GA!! But it's nice to know that he is with me in spirit and that we can support each other during our training.
I'm contemplating running the Susan G. Komen race in my area in late September. I'm struggling with this though because I know that the Komen foundation supports "cancer research" that promotes big pharma companies and medical institutions that don't have the best interests of their patients in mind. There IS a cure of cancer!! So I might still run the race and just pay the registration fee and not donate and then wear a shirt that says "raw food heals all" or "let food be your medicine - Hippocrates" or "Gerson Therapy NOT ChemoTherapy".
I watched a really amazing movie on Netflix yesterday called The Beautiful Truth which has me all fired up about the whole issue of big pharma and our sick care system of poisoning people in the name of medicine.
Take a stand against this medical paradigm and don't leave your health in the hands of people who don't really care about you. Eat raw food!!
Leafy green vegetables are rich in antioxidants making them a great asset to runners; they keep the immune system strong, even under stress from hard workouts. Minerals in leafy greens also contribute to eye and brain health. The most unique and significant aspect of leafy greens is their chlorophyll which helps rebuild red blood cells, and also reduces risk for heart disease, cancer, and degenerative diseases. Chlorophyll also contributes to digestive health. The high fiber content in greens also contributes to digestive health. So eat your greens!!I start my official 10k training program tomorrow. I am currently averaging 8:10 per mile on longer runs (still at 3 miles) and I have my single mile time down to 7:35. My goal is to be right around 8 per mile for a 10k by the day of the race. My best friend has decided to join me in training for and running in this race. Too bad he's in NH and I'm in GA!! But it's nice to know that he is with me in spirit and that we can support each other during our training.
I'm contemplating running the Susan G. Komen race in my area in late September. I'm struggling with this though because I know that the Komen foundation supports "cancer research" that promotes big pharma companies and medical institutions that don't have the best interests of their patients in mind. There IS a cure of cancer!! So I might still run the race and just pay the registration fee and not donate and then wear a shirt that says "raw food heals all" or "let food be your medicine - Hippocrates" or "Gerson Therapy NOT Chemo
I watched a really amazing movie on Netflix yesterday called The Beautiful Truth which has me all fired up about the whole issue of big pharma and our sick care system of poisoning people in the name of medicine.
Take a stand against this medical paradigm and don't leave your health in the hands of people who don't really care about you. Eat raw food!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Day 10 on 100% Raw
The last 10 days have both flown by and felt like a month. So much has taken place in the last 10 days, so much has changed. But I haven't struggled or questioned what I'm doing at all. I feel like I've already accomplished a lot on this journey and the exciting part is that I'm only beginning!!
I weighed myself when I woke up this morning and have lost 5.2lbs in the past 9 days. That is really something! I am already starting to see a difference in myself physically. My abs are regaining their definition!
My running is quickly improving which makes me very happy. For the past week I've been running 1 to 2 miles daily with an average pace of about 8:30. Yesterday I ran a mile at 7:43 and today I ran 3 miles with an average pace of 8:17. My speed is steadily increasing and I've been able to increase my mileage without causing myself too much agony. Those races I'd like to do are really starting to feel manageable!
With my diet I've really been focusing on getting a decent amount of variety without spending a lot of money and it seems to be working well so far. I'm getting a variety of greens, fats, fruits, proteins, and vegetables without spending a fortune. I haven't been eating 100% organic but I've been eating as cleanly as possible and drinking lots of (filtered) water.
I'm really pleased with the past 10 days and look forward to seeing what the next 10 have in store for me!
I weighed myself when I woke up this morning and have lost 5.2lbs in the past 9 days. That is really something! I am already starting to see a difference in myself physically. My abs are regaining their definition!
My running is quickly improving which makes me very happy. For the past week I've been running 1 to 2 miles daily with an average pace of about 8:30. Yesterday I ran a mile at 7:43 and today I ran 3 miles with an average pace of 8:17. My speed is steadily increasing and I've been able to increase my mileage without causing myself too much agony. Those races I'd like to do are really starting to feel manageable!
With my diet I've really been focusing on getting a decent amount of variety without spending a lot of money and it seems to be working well so far. I'm getting a variety of greens, fats, fruits, proteins, and vegetables without spending a fortune. I haven't been eating 100% organic but I've been eating as cleanly as possible and drinking lots of (filtered) water.
I'm really pleased with the past 10 days and look forward to seeing what the next 10 have in store for me!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Back In The Raw
Life has been a bit crazy the last few months and needless to say I have fallen off the wagon...HARD!
But it's been about a week now and I am back on that wagon and working really hard at getting back into the swing of things and feeling rejuvenated and excited about all that raw food, running, and a positive outlook have to offer.
Today is 100% raw day #8 for me. I have been enjoying a lot of delicious raw foods including soups, salads, and a few gourmet meals and treats.
I recently discovered fantastic raw desserts by Earth Cafe. You can order their fantastic desserts directly from the website or find them in a local health food store (GreenLife Grocery carries them and that's where I found them!)
I've also gotten back into running though I must admit that I am horribly out of shape. I'm currently doing about 8-12 miles per week. I've got a few race interests in mind so those are really great goals for me to set in order to help myself stay motivated with running even though I currently feel like a snail!
I am interested in running the Susan G Komen Race (5k) for the Cure in Chattanooga, TN on September 27th.
I am also interested in running the Nike+ Human Race (10k) in Brooklyn, NY on October 24th.
I would really like to be able to find some fellow raw foodies to run these races with as I think it would be a good opportunity to meet someone with similar interests.
I splurged today and made a few raw related purchases. I ordered a Spirooli spiralizer off of NaturalZing.com I just ordered it today and it's already been shipped out!
I also got two new recipe books. I got Ani's Raw Food Kitchen by Ani Phyo and Living Raw Food by Sarma Melngailis. I waver between loving raw gourmet food and preferring a more simple way of eating but both of these gals seem to offer a lot of recipes for both a simple and gourmet way of preparing food. That brings my raw food book total up to just shy of a dozen! What can I say...I'm a foodie!
I plan to go through my books today and start picking out a few new recipes to try. I'm going to mix it up between simple and gourmet to give myself plenty of variety. Because VARIETY is key!!
And this post wouldn't be complete without mentioning Raw Fu. That site is what has kept me going and continuing to come back to raw food no matter how many times I fall off of the wagon. If you're not already a part of this amazing community you should click the link above and do something wonderful for yourself today!
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