Sweet Thursday: Honey
I’ve learned over the course of my studies and experience that nearly all sweeteners have their downfalls, and the state in which we consume them is immeasurably important. I don’t use any sweeteners in my food anymore unless I’m purposefully indulging. I understand, however, that folks are looking for healthier options when it comes to savory’s counterpart. Every Thursday, over the course of the coming weeks, I’ll examine the virtues and downfalls of popular sweeteners in an attempt to educate and allow you to make your own decision about which to ingest. One note: I won’t be addressing artificial...
Grind Your Own Coffee
In an effort to cross the finish line of the caffeinating race with you, we started with a discussion of the French press. Now, I’m adding in one more small recommendation. Get a coffee bean grinder. We go to great lengths to produce a delightful cup of coffee for our daily fresh start. To maximize the flavor and crispness from your java, you must grind your own beans. I used to walk into my local coffee shop and soak up their exceptional selection of organic, fair trade coffee. I regularly conversed with the baristas about the flavor combinations, learning...
Showering Without Soap
There isn’t much I won’t do for my readers. I’ll be putting my body (and reputation!) on the line to experiment with showering without traditional soap. It turns out that that Johnson and Johnson, among other soap producing companies, have been selling us a form of perfume masquerading as detergent for our skin. As a general side note, I’m becoming my father. I admit that my spectacular ex-wife, Lisa, used to do the shopping for soap, shampoo, lotion, etc., for our home’s bathrooms. Since that responsibility dropped into my bathtub with a thunderous splash, I’ve been, well…meh…at remembering to...
Fred Update – 8 Weeks
Quick reminder, my friend Fred is an NBA executive who, 8 weeks ago, began the 5 X 5 lifting program and recently added sprints. For further context, check this out then rejoin us. Fred reached out excitedly to me today. Just completed my 8th week of the Kap 5×5 training system. Few items of note. My strength has increase at a nice steady pace and I am really digging the new type of workout. I think I have asked our teams Athletic Performance Director approx 1,000,000 questions relating to form and function to the 4 different exercises. He tells...
French Press
I use a French press whenever possible to enhance and inspire my personal caffeinating process. Coffee isn’t just about consumption; it should be an elegant experience. The first sip of bitter and sweet, just off the boil, should transport your racing mind to the countryside or the beach or the mountains. It’s worth adjusting your routine to make your mini morning vacation as fulfilling as possible. A French press utilizes pressure to force coffee to the base of glass cylinder after brewing, exposing and illuminating the layers of flavor. Quite simply, this is coffee in its purest form. Assuming...
Romanian Deadlifts
The Romanian Deadlift (RDL) is a good fill in for your star player, the squat. I was a role player with the Boston Red Sox during 2003-2006. I usually started versus a tough lefty, I pinch ran, played defense and generally kept the line moving as necessary. The Red Sox and their fans knew that our club was best with Manny Ramirez in the lineup, but when he needed a break, I was there to step in for him. The squat is the weight lifting equivalent of Manny. I’ve decided first to implement the small change of replacing squats...
Freezing Bulk Meat
It’s a pretty common misconception that freezing meat negatively impacts its flavor and nutritional potency. This doesn’t appear to be the case. My brother, Jeremy, is surrounded by farmland in Northern California. A few days ago, he was raving to me about the virtues of living in the midst of such majesty. Actually, he was unabashedly boasting about his access to the earth’s finest produce and animal flesh. I had visions of him strolling down a dirt road and striking up random chats with old dudes in overalls on tractors. In my brain, he’s sampling corn and blueberries daily...