Cantillon Vigneronne

Beat that.

dave

How do you water?

Did you know? "Clean water is critical for sustaining life, yet polluted water and inadequate sanitation kills at least two children every minute worldwide." - here

As we all try to be a bit kinder to the environment, the way we consume water stands out. Whether it's the environment or their health, more people are working to avoid traditional plastic water bottles (more bloggers, anyway!).

"Only about 12 percent of "custom" plastic bottles, a category dominated by water, were recycled in 2003...that's 40 million bottles a day that went into the trash or became litter." -here

Worried about the health risks of plastic bottles and wanting to be more eco-friendly, I purchased my first Sigg bottle a few months ago. There are a lot of companies similar to Sigg, but I chose them because Sigg is safe, reusable and attractive. Love it.


That's fine and dandy, but what about the water I drink at home- my main water source?

I don't trust my tap water and can't picture buying gallons of water from the grocery store each week, so I use a Brita pitcher.
I thought Brita would be the best bet with its reusable pitcher and new filter every month. I liked the idea of turning sink water to drinking water in just a few minutes time. But lately the water that comes from my Brita pitcher is gross. (It tastes like chlorine.. any ideas?!)

I'm hoping you have ideas or tips on the best ways to water. Maybe there is something I am just missing?

What do you use to get your water? Do you use plastic water bottles? Any specific products you recommend?

ps- Giveaway coming soon!

Finding Caloric Balance

photo

Sometimes I will go for a long run or push through an intense spin class and burn tons of calories.

And for the next 24 hours my appetite is huge.

But how many extra calories did I really earn?

I would prefer to not eat back all the calories I just burned, yet sometimes I actually eat back more than what I burned with extra snacks/meal additions alone.

Since losing weight is about a calorie deficit and maintaining weight is about balance, these little overages just aren't going to work (on a daily basis... Christmas, weekends and birthdays are a different story!).

So let's look at the numbers:

One hour aerobics= -422

One Starbucks Grande Mocha Frapp= +380 cal.

One hour cycling= -563

One extra serving pasta= +500

Numbers are just approximates to get us thinking...

My best trick to keeping crazy-exercise-appetite in control is eating slightly larger but balanced meals. A complete breakfast leaves me less likely to overdo it with the candy because I am just so hungry!

Sometimes it feels like we've earned a refreshing Frapp or a second helping of pasta, but what we've really earned is an overall happier and healthier self.

How does exercise affect your appetite? How do you deal with it? Any tips?

Beating Cancer with a Paddle!

I mentioned how I was helping to promote the Sweetwater Paddle for the Cure race a while back. Well, the event was this past Saturday and turned out to be a total success!! Over $35,000 was raised for cancer research (all proceeds benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation)!
David took 400 photos at the event.. which doesn't even include what I took with my regular camera. Once I get a hold of all the photos I will post more. With the gorgeous downtown Tampa backdrop, cool water and colorful kayaks, it was hard to take a bad picture!

And we were featured in the St. Pete Times the day before the race. You can view that interesting article here.

Do you kayak? Do you want to? It looks like some fun exercise to me!

________

After Dinner Challenge (April 7-27)

At the beginning of the month we talked about habits we wanted to work on. Many of us pledged to avoid after-dinner snacking with the "After-Dinner Challenge."

Well, the last day of the challenge came up pretty quickly and is today!

Did you keep up with the challenge? Why or why not? What have you learned in the past 21 days? Do you believe it 21 days is enough to change a habit?

I did not keep up with the challenge most nights. I was busy and unfortunately my dinners turned into multiple snacks many nights. Still, I would like to curb the habit of after-dinner snacking. Just because the official challenge ended doesn't mean it is the end for any of us!

Allagash Confluence Now Available

From the press release:

"Allagash Confluence, the second release in our "series d'origine," is created with a nuxed fermentation; utilizing our house primary Belgian style yeast in combination with our proprietary brettanomyces strain. The two yeast strains work in tandem creating a marriage between spice and fruit flavors that ultimately leave a lingering silky mouth feel.
Confluence is brewed with a blend of both imported pilsner and domestic pale malts as well as a portion of caramel malt, resulting in a complex malty profile. Tettnang and East Kent Golding hops are added in the brew process to balance the intricate malty profile while adding a sweet and spicy citrus aroma.
After fermentation, Confluence undergoes a lengthy aging process in stainless steel tanks to enhance the flavors. Prior to bottling, it is dry hopped with Glacier hops, providing a pleasant balance of aromas. Confluence is then bottle conditioned and aged in our cellar prior to release.

Alcohol: 7.5%
Original Gravity: 1064
Cellaring Temp: 50F
Serving Temp: 40-50F

Come and get it!

dave

A Whole Lot of Yogurt

I love yogurt. It provides my diet with a creamy kick of calcium and protein.

So when representatives from two different kinds of yogurt brands contacted me to try out their products I screamed like a little girl.

Here is what I thought after trying the yogurts:

From the Whey of Life website:

Better Whey of Life™ introduces 5 yogurt flavors packed with 15-17 grams of protein in each 6 oz cup. Finally….whey protein in a delicious, convenient food! Better Whey of Life™ yogurt helps you get more out of your active lifestyle by helping you reduce inches around your waist, tone muscle and burn fat, especially when combined with exercise. Discover a better way to a leaner you.

I was sent three yogurts (thank you!) to taste and review: plain, peach mango... and another flavor that unfortunately met its death on the trip to me.
I tried the plain first with high hopes. I tried to like it. I really did try, but I hated the plain. There was something about the taste...I thought it was gross. I had to throw it away.

The peach mango was a really yummy flavor combo and not to sweet. I really loved the taste. The texture was similar to Dannon yogurts... nice and smooth. This was going well... until I saw gelatin listed on the ingredient list. Umm, not vegetarian. That bout of happiness was cut short.
Overall: If you're cool with gelatin, definitely give one of the flavors of the Whey of Life yogurts (not plain!!) a try. The extra protein is a great addition for most people. In case you would like to try this yogurt for yourself, click here for a coupon.

_________

I <3 href="http://www.stonyfield.com/OurProducts/GreekYogurt.cfm">Stonyfield Oikos Greek Yogurt.

From the Stonyfield Oikos website:

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt has 0% fat, just 90 calories per 5.3 oz.-serving (plain), twice the protein of regular yogurt, and fewer carbohydrates. Because it’s organic, Oikos is also better for the earth. And we think it’s better for you, too!

This was just pure amazingness. The texture was thick and rich and creamy. The taste of the plain was perfectly tart and oh so flavorful. I am in love and will be investing my savings at the grocery store for these protein-packed cups.
Compared with Fage, Stonyfield Oikos is slightly more creamy.

Overall: TRY IT and love it! Click here for a coupon for Stonyfield Oikos Greek Yogurt!

Are you a yogurt fan? What is your favorite brand/flavor?

I'm Back

image here

It seems like forever since I've had a real run... a run where my shins didn't feel like knives and a run when I didn't cry afterward.

And it has not been okay. Running is like a drug and being forced to abstain really messed with me. Over the last few weeks I actually started to resent running.

After reading about Bobbi's huge success at the Boston Marathon, I was inspired to start running again. A few weeks ago I tried to run but was taken down with shin pain, so I didn't know if I could do it. But this time my mind was in the game and all I wanted to do was run.

So I laced up the Asics and headed out for my beloved 3 mile loop. And I did it!!!

My legs felt heavy and breathing was hard, but there was no shin pain and I started to get into my groove.
People, I finally feel like myself again.

I'm back!!!

CANTILLON AND FANTOME? ON THE SAME DAY? YES, PLEASE.

JUST IN!!!

1. CANTILLON FOU FOUNE (not many bottles of this one so grab it fast. If you're curious about it, you can also try it on tap at Toronado. One of my all time favorites).

2. CANTILLON LOU PEPE KRIEK 2006

3. Fantome Printemps-The Ultimate Spring Beer!!!

Have a drink. It's hot out.

cheers,

dave

Country Bob's- WINNERS!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered in the Country Bob's Sauce giveaway.

The giveaway ended last night and thanks to random.org we have four winners for three free bottles of Country Bob's each:

Mica

MizFit

Anne

Natalie

Congratulations! Winners please email your mailing address to healthyashley at gmail dot com!

I really love this sauce. If you didn't win, you can still get a free bottle here!

Sorry for the suprise lack of posts- I'll be back tonight with a real post!

Working Out My Next Step

Play catch up: Last month I quit my job, outlined what I am looking for next and contemplated the perfect job.

When thinking of my next step, thoughts of success, money and happiness bounce around my mind.

In order to do something that I love, I might have to give up a fancy title and comfy salary.

But I've decided on a plan.

More so, I've really decided on a direction. At least I know where to start!

I love all things health, working with people and not sitting behind a desk in front of a computer all day.

So I am going to be a personal trainer

...and go from there to advance myself in the fitness/nutrition field. Maybe something will turn into a collaborative project, maybe I will go back to school... not sure yet. But I am definitely planning on doing more than training at a gym alone.

I am finishing my nutrition and wellness certification with AFPA right now. Once that is complete next month I can start the PT certification to hopefully be certified soon after my time with my current job ends (June 19th).

What do you all think? Do you have any tips for me if you're in the field? Any ideas?

Summer, Seahorses... and Skin Cancer?

Well, summer is almost here again. That means tiny swimsuits, days in the sun... and a greater risk for skin cancer.

I feel like people don't take skin cancer as seriously as other cancers. But we should take skin cancer very seriously. Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer with more than 1 million new cases each year (source).

A few years ago my grandfather was diagnosed with skin cancer and was quickly treated. Doctors said if he hadn't detected it and acted early he wouldn't be here today.
I am fair-skinned with light hair, blue eyes and freckles. I know my risk is greater so I am very proactive to make sure I don't become part of the statistic. I just scheduled a dermatologist appointment for an abnormal spot on my shoulder.

The responsibility of our health is on us alone.

Here are some skin cancer resources you should check out:

This link brings you to a clear and thorough slideshow of precancerous skin lesions and skin cancer pictures.

This link brings you to the Road to Healthy Skin Tour. Check to see if the tour is coming to your area for a free screening.

Some simple tips to remember:

- avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when rays are the strongest

- avoid tanning beds (!!!!)

- use a UVA/UVB sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 on exposed areas

- use hats, sunglasses and protective clothing when possible

- examine your skin often for anything unusual

- visit a dermatologist immediately if you find anything unusual

Do you think of skin cancer differently than other cancers? What do you do to protect yourself?

HEALTHY TWITTER

Healthy Spirits is now on Twitter!

To sign up, click the link on the upper right hand side of this page.

By following us on Twitter, you will have instant access to new product updates and special offers. You can even check it on your phone!

cheers,

dave

CONSECRATION IS BACK!!!

HOOHA!

cheers,

dave

Country Bob's GIVEAWAY

Sometimes I wish I had a food blog. If I had a food blog you would see some of the amazing products (and flops) I've found and incorporated into my cooking... like Country Bob's Sauces.

When I first reviewed Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce I hadn't fully grasped the awesomeness. Since then it has become a delicious staple. I use it on my sweet potato fries, tofu, eggs, marinades, beans, rice... pretty much everything.

So I want you to try it too! Country Bob's was nice enough to send several coupons for free bottles my way so we could have a little giveaway on healthy ashley. Yay!

I picked up my bottle at the regular grocery store. I believe Country Bob's sauces are sold across the United States. I am checking to hear back if they are available in Canada...!

Winners: Four different winners (selected at random)

Prize: 3 coupons each for 3 bottles of Country Bob's Regular or Spicy Hot Sauce and a little something extra (from me, not Country Bobs!)

How to Win:

1. Leave a comment on this post.

2. Blog about it on your blog (and let me know).

3. Tweet about it (and let me know).

That's three possible entries... Good luck!

Contest ends Tuesday, April 21st, 9:00 p.m. EST.

NEW BEER IN TODAY

Avery's 2 new releases bottled in Feb. have finally arrived!!

Maharaja - Imperial IPA Batch #9, notes of dank piney, resiny hops with hints of grapefruit

Collaboration - Avery and Russian River's blend of Salvations, a Belgian Strong Pale and a Belgian Strong Dark. Batch #3

Come and get it


Nate (Doggy dog)

What Do I Do With Cacao Nibs?

Last week I bought two bags of TerrAmazon Raw Cacao Nibs somewhat by mistake. See, I thought they were little chocolate pieces… sweet bits of heaven.

Instead I got a bitter, chalky nib of something. What a surprise!

Just as I was about to throw the bags out the window some wonderful bloggers gave me tips on this surprisingly great product.

lesley “ puts them in random things like yogurt, or on top of toast that has pb on it, stuff like that. It is VERY bitter at first, but I like it now”

Heather “Raw cocoa nibs taste really good stuffed in a Medjool date with nut butter. The sweetness from the date helps cut down on the bitterness. The nibs are so good for you! I also like to melt down dark chocolate chips, stir in the nibs, and then spread in a greased brownie dish. Let cool and cut into bars or chunks. The nibs add a nice little crunch, and now you have your own dark chocolate bars. :)”

Shannon “i'd say throw the cacoa nibs in some banana bread or other sweet baked good”

Big Raw Vegan Blog “Cacao nibs go great in a smoothie. If the smoothie is sweet, then it tastes more like chocolate. Try banana, vegan milk (like almond, rice or soy) and cacao nibs….Or grind them very fine and put them in warm vegan milk with some kind of sweetner, like date sugar or agave syrup and you have Hot Cacao.”

Dainty Pig “…delicious as a garnish!! Top some freshly cut up fruit with them…wonderful thrown on top of a bit of oatmeal that is sweetened with something else, like fruit…once you get used to them, they are quite delicious and add a nice crunch to things! They go really well in trail mix too. ”

So far I’ve had cacao nibs in my naner oatmeal … in smoothies…in yogurt… and in yummy oatmeal bars. As long as there is something sweet mixed in (a banana is great!) I love them!

Cacao nibs are rich in magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, potassium and antioxidants. So not only are they tasty, but they’re healthy too!

The Cupcake Project has a great recipe for Cacao Nib Cookies here.

They say: “Cacao nib cookies are to chocolate chip cookies as vanilla bean ice cream is to French vanilla ice cream - each has its place.” Love that.

I encourage you to try these out! Have you had cacao nibs? Do you have any other ideas for ways to use them?

Jack Comes Home!

Hello world! I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter weekend. We had a good time with a little beach and a lot of eating. I love days when we family gets together.

~~~~~
The best part of the weekend was definitely getting to know Jackson. Friday afternoon I officially adopted him from the PetSmart adoption center and took him home. I am in love.

David said last night that Jack is the cuddliest cat he's ever seen. He wants to push his whole body up to yours all the time. He is also playful. A little 'slow', but playful as a kitten! He is so much fun!
At night he was lying on the table outside the bedroom. I turned off all the lights and climbed into bed. He started crying until I picked him up and brought him into bed. He's such a baby!

Here's a look at some of the quirky (and some naughty!) things he's been up to (other than cuddling):

hanging out in the litter box (before he christened it)

hanging out on the table?!

Jackson and his tables!

this is bad! But he was so cute all I could do was take a picture (and get a new glass)

look at those crazy eyes!
playing on the bed

staring games

playing in the tub

I'm really not supposed to have pets in my apartment so Jackson is staying with David until I moved July 1st. Broke my heart when my two boys left me this morning!

Sorry for the kitty-break...Normal healthy ashley posts to resume tomorrow!

Stop Editing

This afternoon I got the great news that I have tomorrow off for Good Friday. Yipppeee!!! In honor of my night and day to catch up on a few to-do's, cook, plan a career (!) and watch my Thursday night ABC, I am posting something I wrote more than a year ago for a school assignment.

We had to do write about the biggest lesson we've learned this far in life so far. I stumbled upon mine tonight and enjoyed the reminder it offers. I hope you enjoy :)

I've never had a normal life. But who really has?

At 7-years-old I was a drama queen. At age 8 I was a big sister and my parents divorced. At the ripe age of 9, I thought I was the world's best speller. By 11 I was sure I was going to be the best lawyer out-- I could argue any case. By age 12, I began to discover who I was. At 13, I would fall down the stairs once a week! I also began my interest in boys. Year 14 was perfect. One month before my 16th birthday, my entire life fell apart. You know those horrible stories that you see on Oprah and say to yourself, "I couldn't imagine that happening to me!"… Yep, that happened to my family. My 16th year I struggled with an eating disorder. Year 17 I got my driver's license and my Jeep-- the pair was my vindication. I cried A LOT. At 18 I learned a bit about love. At age 19 I actually began discovering who I am (and accepting it). At age 19 I also learned what I have found to be unarguable:

Don't edit anything.

If we take away all of the parts that are different, or the parts that hurt, what will we have left? What will we pass onto the future? We can say "Everything happens for a reason" and "Work hard" and "Have fun," but the ability to stop editing ourselves enhances each one of these values. We have different beliefs, experiences, values and goals-- but don't let that stop you from being who you are. Be quiet, outgoing, strong-willed. Heck, even be emotional and sentimental if that's what fits.

Life’s up’s and down’s-- they all make us into who we are as individuals. We are flawed and fantastic for that. None of us will ever have it all together, so let’s run with who we are right now. And maybe we can take a step back and have a laugh. It’s a journey, and I say we enjoy it.

Don't edit anything. Even the worst times of our lives are beautiful.

Do you agree with my philosophy? How have you found this true in your own experiences?