Treasures in your own Backyard?

I can't help but think (if only I got paid to think!) that in this constant quest to simulate better and more efficient periodization models, sophisticated program design and even peri-workout nutrition, that we've somehow managed to forget that the best workouts, the most fulfilling and potentially even some of the most demanding athletic endeavors are waiting for us, in our own backyards.

As an athlete, I am constantly striving to match my stimulus with recovery, and lately, have been thinking about my fitness future, once I've hung up my competitive field hockey stick. I've been frequenting the gym for almost 10 years (since I was just 15!) and wonder, how it can be that I've come to value my training environment as something other than my natural environment. You see, Manski and I have been snowshoeing and soaking in as much of the mountains and snow as we can, and I have found that the demands of blazing your own trail in the snow, of bouldering through huge rocks, and even decelerating down steep climbs incredibly rewarding.

Am I advocating a switch from gym-life to full-on outdoorsing? Not entirely, but I do think that most of us could merit from a more integrated approach to wellness. The benefits of exploring the landscape around you go far beyond the aesthetics of the land; they include variety in movement patterns, fresh air, a sense of connectedness and respect for one's environment, physical/athletic challenges and a wondrous sense of escape from city life.

Also, I encourage one and all to scope out Iron Radio, a brand new and really fascinating compilation of leisurely (but incredibly well informed) discussions on all manner of topics related health and fitness/nutrition. For serious information, or tongue-in-cheek podcasts on unique and thought-provoking subject matter, I definitely recommend checking it out!

And Now for Something (not) Completely Different...

I do realize that my posts are punctuated by weeks (if not months), but my intentions remain sincere!

Having explored the exercise and fitness links, I have to confess my bias toward the latter half of the links, where (for me at least) the magic happens! Most of these sites feature healthy cuisine, but bear in mind that my equation for healthful eating is derived more from an idea of nourishment than "nutrition" (a distinction that is the current lovechild of my academic and recreational writing).

The cosmologically choreographed timing of this post couldn't be better: most of us need some respite from baked goods, salty treats and the sweet and savoury goodness of the holidays. If, like me, you enjoyed to within inches of your threshold, then you have no regrets but perhaps feel a bit more inclined toward say, cabbage and salmon, than cookies and truffles.

It is with great pleasure that I share these links; mostly food blogs written by people who value whole, real foods and the sanctity of their nutrients and flavors. Please bear in mind that while the mission of the kitchen generally results in some form of output, the process should, above all, be dictated by fun.

101 Cookbooks is a site that I frequent for vegetarian recipes with the most unlikely and charismatic flavor combinations. Writer and photographer Heidi Swanson couples dreamy and smart writing with nutritious and inventive recipes. This holiday, I made Heidi's adorable gingerbread cookies. The only thing more endearing than a gingerbread cookie, is a gingerbread cookie on a stick! Just when you think she's reached the brink of creativity, she churns out another surprise!

Cindalou takes recipes that are everything-free and somehow wont for nothing! I especially loved her Applesauce Raisin Spice muffins. I have probably made hundreds by now, adding in all kinds of extras like goji berries, shredded coconut, even dark chocolate! They are too easy and delicious to be true.

Dani Spies writes about food with a voice that is so colloquial, comical and down-to-earth that it is nearly impossible not to love her (and her recipes). Probably the best feature of this site is the how-to videos. Dani often posts videos to accompany her recipes in which her passion for food, nutritional expertise and lively spirit really shine through.

Elena's Pantry features gluten-free recipes that look and taste so gourmet, and yet hardly require any ingredients. In particular, her baking, featuring mostly coconut and almond flour, and sweetened with agave looks amazing! My favourite recipe from her site is definitely her Community Supported Spinach Cake, but I recommend you try any and all!

Kalyn's Kitchen began as an initiative to share and exchange South Beach Diet recipes, but has evolved into an incredible resource for healthy recipes (in general) and great gardening tips; an excellent way to eat fruits, vegetables and herbs in-season. I often make her Roasted Butternut Squash with Moroccan Spices, even subbing in sweet potatoes for squash on occasion. Kalyn has categorized her recipes in the neatest, most accessible way. I think she would be the perfect roommate!

LiveWell360 is the brilliant site of Sheila Viers. From a 30-day oatmeal challenge, in which Sheila presents 30 delicious and healthy and sometimes savory ways to eat oatmeal, to motivational articles, this site glows with an almost youthfully optimistic approach to vibrant health. Sheila has an impressive arsenal of great recipes; often "makeovers" (or makeunders, as the case may require) of popular dishes.

Rice of Life is like a long, relaxing exhalation. You can't help but feel more self-accepting and empowered after reading each post. Filled with beautiful, nourishing recipes and all kinds of insight and postulations on what it means to really live, breathe and be yourself, I can't help but love this blog! The author, Ameet, is a cooking instructor and holistic health practitioner who is not afraid to tackle some of the more hushed (but significant!) topics in discussions of health.

Sunita's World is where I head when I need some great Indian recipes. Sunita writes with such a gentle and wondrous tone of voice, that it's hard not to fall in love with her family, her life and her food. A staple in my recipe collection is her Chicken Spaghetti Soup; a perfect use for Soba (buckweat) noodles! Whether you are looking for traditional Indian (and Assamese) recipes or some rad fusion fare, stop by for an otherworldly peek.

All of the links posted in the Kitchen on a Mission section boast some special feature, but the ones I've mentioned in this post have all contributed to my culinary repertoire and/or the health of my self-concept. The extravagance of sharing food, culture and imagery is one that each of these people enjoys with humour, diligence and joy.

Introducing...

If you've ever taken a few moments to browse the links featured on the right-hand side of my blog, you will have come an across an amazing breadth of knowledge, humour, entertainment and information. Each of these links merits some further elaboration, but tonight I've endeavored to provide you with a short synopsis/rationale for some of my very favorites among the bunch:

Bill Hartman is the co-owner of I-FAST, alongside one of my mentors (and my strength coach) Mike Robertson. Bill obviously operates at a very advanced level, but his passion for pondering and postulating cool ideas related to corrective training make his writing a must for anyone who puts health at the top of their reasons for training.

Cassandra Forsythe's blog is required reading for anyone (especially women) seeking well-articulated and extremely accessible writing on the latest dietetic research, social and psychological studies on food. Cassandra is not only an incredible role model, but a newly published author of 2 books (one of which I will be reviewing in the near future) and a strong advocate of heavy lifting for health and confidence. Her research on low-carb/ketogenic diets and also on dietary intervention (using the fibre, glucomannan) is incredibly interesting and has immediate and fascinating implications for the real world. I can't say enough great things about her. She's as real as she is smart!

Chad Waterbury is an author and neurophysiologist/trainer whose ability to simplify training modality into amazing programs and understandable terms, has made him a favourite author of mine. His book Muscle Revolution is a great read for anyone who takes their training seriously enough to plan and periodize for specific goals. I had great success using his Total Body Training Program to transform my body a few years back.

Jonathan Fass is a young, energetic writer and CSCS whose blog discusses everything from social/cultural dialogues on fitness to corrective exercise methods. I particularly enjoy his brand of myth busting!

Lesson, Laments and Thought Experiments is for anyone who
a) Keeps a dictionary near by, and
b) Seeks something more philosophical and pondersome(punctuated with great laughs)in life.
Written by a close friend of mine, this blog is both anecdotal and outward-looking, and talks about training in a way that always reminds me that the human condition is such that nothing is ever seems enough, but to dispel that fallacy for yourself is to find a great liberation of the spirit! If nothing else, this is worth a click for the lexical stimuation!

Lina Augaitis is a high school friend of mine. Her graduate studies in Sport Psychology and her athletic gifts are incredible, but her work ethic and motivation are truly inspiring. Follow along, as she trains and blogs her world-class talent toward the most elite adventure/multi-sport events in the world! Besides being humble and focused, Lina's blog is an incredible example of how you cannot fail when you follow what's inside your heart.

Mike Robertson is a lot of things, and although I can think of many adjectives to describe him, the best of all is REAL. Mike is an accomplished competitive powerlifter, the co-owner of a brand new training facility, a distance coach, recognized author and an amazing guy. I've had the great fortune of working with him for 2 years, and in these two years, every dimension of my athleticism has improved by an order of magnitude. Mike is a true professional and stays true to his methods and ideas about holistic and purposeful training. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who gives so generously of his/her time as Mike to answer questions and disseminate information that he believes can make a difference for others.

Nate Green packs a lot of personality and success into his two-syllable name. At 23, he is the author of an upcoming book, as well as a contributing author to one of the internet's premier bodybuilding and fitness sites, and an entrepreneurial prodigy. Although he would credit the many resources and networking tools that he has at his disposal, his blog is an amazing compilation of personal and professional posts that will make you think twice about how you spend your money, time, energy...life. Although I may be guilty of bias (via friendship), I don't think anyone could argue that his clarity and hilarity make for a very distinct style of writing.

Vinkomorf is a site that features all manner of fitness/strength related discussions and operates primarily in French. My buddy, and Editor-in-Chief, Pat Gagnon (who I am hard pressed to believe ever sleeps) provides top-notch information and translations of many articles by top industry minds, as well as information on regional events such as seminars and talks by academics and industry folks, alike. Redacteur-en-chef Gagnon has been a great inspiration to me to believe in big ideas, as he successfully brought some of the top trainers from around the continent to Montreal last year for the first ever Vinkofest seminar!

When we next meet, I will continue down the list and share some of (what I consider to be) the most impressive recipe blogs and sites on the net! For all of you atomists out there, seeking maximum pleasure and health utility from your meals, the next post is definitely for you!