I’m Running on Veggies!

In just less than a month, I will be running my second 1/2 marathon on veggies in support of the Toronto Vegetarian Association. I ran my first half marathon two years ago and decided I would tackle this challenge again and try to run faster, run longer (without taking breaks) and overall just feel great before, during and after my race.

For those of you runners out there, you know how physically demanding and tiring running can be. You have to prepare yourself mentally, physically and nutritionally. If any one of these components is missing, then you are setting yourself up for even more of a challenge.

If you support the idea of running on veggies then I would love any messages of encouragement below or your support.

You can sponsor me here!

In return, I am going to give you some helpful tips on how to approach your next race powerfully.

Mentally:

You need to prepare yourself. You need to know the details of the race, the course you are running and making sure you take the think out of it so that you can approach each run with pure determination and enthusiasm.

Physically:

You’ve got to TRAIN! I learned this the hard way for my first 1/2 marathon. I figured, I run on a weekly basis a couple of times, do interval training, strength train, yoga – so I am good. If I can run for 45 minutes then I can surely run for two hours!? Well I was wrong. I completed the race but I did not feel like I achieved my goal or ran the way I wanted to, and my recovery after the race was  difficult. So I would advise you to take the time and train a couple of times a week. Get involved with a running group and have an action plan to run a certain amount each week. Increase your distance every time you run and add in some hill training. There are various resources online to give guidelines and several local running groups wherever you may be living. So hook up with one and you will see and feel the difference.

My group and I have actually already ran the full 21K. So now I know I can do it again on race day!

Another tip is to make sure that you cross train. Spend time doing other forms of exercise to condition your body in more than one way. Try things like strength training, yoga, cycling or swimming.

Nutritionally:

This is of course the most important one. Most marathoners and runners in general actually focus very little on nutrition or have adopted the old school way of eating which includes lots of white carbohydrates and the mentality of “I run, so I can eat anything”. Not true! Don’t get into this mess because your body will feel it and not perform at it’s optimum. Below I have listed some of the things I choose to eat when training and in my diet in general throughout the week so that I can prepare and recover effectively.

For more recipes and guidelines on this please see my book PURELY FIT!

Here’s what I do:

I have been using the VEGA sport performance line to help with each phase of my run.

Before I run:

•  Vega Sport Energizer (Lemon or Acai) – mixed with coconut water and Sun Warrior’s Ormus Supergreens
• If I have enough time I will also have either Vega Vibrancy Bar or Vega Endurance Bar

While I run:

• I like to have water on me in my fuel belt. I do one just plain and one with Vega Electrolytes (especially for long or hot runs)
• Endurance Gel – I carry this on me just in case I need some extra fuel, however I am usually good with just water. (For full marathoners, I would consider keeping a couple of these on you!)

After I run:

•  I take some water and sip on the Vega recovery accelerator. I try and finish it but even just having some of it helps. To be honest I am not overly hungry right after I run.
•  About 20 minutes later I have the Vega Sport Performance Protein with some rice or almond milk. I love making my smoothies, but after a long run, I just like something simple and easy to digest.

Meals:

Later on in the day (as I usually run in the morning) I will have a healthy veggie lunch consisting of quinoa, beans, salad, sprouts, sweet potatoes – or some variation thereof. For more ideas  see some of the recipes resources in my PURELY FIT book to get a better idea of the meals I make to compliment my training.

Sport nutrition or just fitness nutrition is a passion of mine. With a background in Kinesiology, exercise comes easily to me and is a an important part of my lifestyle. I have set myself up to run this race and reach a new personal best. I am also raising money for the Toronto Vegetarian Association. My goal is $1000. I want to achieve my goal by the end of September and really show people that plant based nutrition is optimal for effective training, performance and recovery. If you agree or just want to help me get there then please:

CLICK HERE!

Your support to me and the Toronto Vegetarian Association to accomplish my race powerfully would be greatly appreciated!

If you are a runner and you also run on veggies, then you know what it takes and how you feel to perform at your best. If you can share below your experience with running on a plant based diet, please enlighten my readers.

Why giddy-yoyo

I am continuously on the look out for great products that I want to support and promote – especially when it comes to chocolate. Mark and Bridgette have been at it for the last few years and have brought their love for chocolate to life.

They have masterfully created a line of raw chocolate bars that are made with Love and Gratitude, 70% plus pure cacao paste, chocolate, pure cane sugar and crafted essence extracts for each bar. Whether mocha, mint, ginger, orange, spice or just plain delicious original.

Why Giddy Chocolate?

As you know, I am not one for packaged products, but there are a few that I endorse and think are a great addition to a balanced lifestyle. Especially when it comes to chocolate. Since most commercial chocolate bars are just not an option (being loaded with sugar, dairy and containing cocoa that is devoid of any nutrition), why not get your hands on some pure giddy love. Carry them around in your purse or car (though not on a hot summer day). Keep them in your freezer, bring them to a movie, share with a friend – or mix into recipes.

I like to crumble my mint giddy yoyo bar on top of some Coconut Bliss ice cream for a chocolate – minty dessert. I have also crumbled down the original and ginger to top on some strawberries for a refreshing and tasty dessert. Your options are limitless.

The giddy yoyo chocolate is from the most pristine and exotic lands. They way the cacao processed is minimally invasive keeping the cacao as intact and as pure as possible. There is no side effects or strong caffeine-like reactions from consuming giddy yoyo, just pure enjoyment. To find out more see here.

Why Cacao?

The cacao bean is one of nature’s highest sources of magnesium and antioxidants, it is also high in iron, vitamin C, zinc, manganese, chromium, copper and fiber. Kind of like a multi-vitamin? It is also beneficial to your cardiovascular system, prevents against cancer, can balance blood sugar, lower cholesterol and makes you happy as cacao contains trytophan which is key for mood-enhancing and overall feeling good!

Now that you know why chocolate is so good for you,  I want you to have the chance to try one of these amazing bars.  I only have a few bars to give away, so please tell me why you are worthy of a giddy yoyo bar.

What you need to do to win is:

Comment below – tell me why you love chocolate or why you want to try some giddy yoyo.

Follow – Follow me on Twitter or become my Friend on Facebook and share this link and comment there.

Share – Post this link on Facebook and Twitter - linking post or tweet to me.

Like - Delicious Knowledge and giddy yoyo – and share on both of our pages.

 

Who ever shows the most activity and the most love – will win one of the 6 bars that I have to give away.

 

 

 

Dress Your Soul!

I am not usually one to recommend buying a store bought salad dressings, as I am a fan of making my own, but these aren’t any salad dressings – they are raw, pure, organic, nut free, vegan and delicious!

These amazing salad dressings have made their way to Canadian stores. I am proud to say that my family is behind this. My two cousin’s are the tag team who have created salad dressing infusions that are sure to dress your soul from the inside out. I am thrilled that healthy foods, and pure living runs in the family!

You don’t get that with salad dressings. Most are loaded with poor quality oil, sugar, preservatives and usually have a pretty bad after taste. I can’t even recall one that I have every loved off of the shelves of a grocery store.

Raw Dressings, are blended to perfection using top quality ingredients like olive oil, sesame seeds, apple cider vinegar, coconut sweetener and then added superfoods like dulse, goji berries, poppy seeds and hemp seeds. Each variety has it’s own unique flavour and can be paired with salad greens for any meal, any time of day.

To give you a run down on the flavours:

Sea-zar serenity is NOT your typical Caesar salad dressing. In conjunction with being entirely plant-based, organic and gluten-free, this dressing is comprised of a list of incredible, health-promoting, hand-selected ingredients. Dulse is loaded with protein, vitamins B6 and B12, potassium and iron. It also contains vitamins A, C and E (all super antioxidants) and large amounts of calcium. When coupled with other superfoods such as hemp and chia seeds, this power-packed dressing contains countless nutritional benefits and immune-boosting properties. These attributes put sea-zar serenity in a class of its own. However, when paired with superior consistency and taste, you won’t believe it’s actually good for you. Sea-zar serenity – Rich with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, this dressing won’t cease to serenade your senses, fulfill your diet and satisfy your soul!

French Fusion is a superior blend of super foods with a secret ingredient: the goji berry. This highly sustainable, immune-building, strength-promoting fruit makes our dressing incredibly unique and satisfying. There’s a polysaccharide found in the goji berry that stimulates the secretion of the rejuvenative human growth hormone. This sensational fusion of protein, vitamins and mineral-rich ingredients is created to perfection. French fusion is more than a comfort dressing with massive health benefits and savoury taste, it’s your salad’s answer to the fountain of youth

Purely poppy is a delicious alternative to the creamy-style, traditional poppy seed dressing. RawFoodz version is a powerhouse of nutrients with a plethora of disease-fighting, health-promoting, immune-boosting properties. Fortified with organic, unhulled sesame seeds and poppy seeds, each bottle contains an extra dose of calcium. In addition to protecting colon cells from cancer-causing chemicals, calcium helps in the prevention of bone loss and migraines, as well as the relief of PMS symptoms. This delectable dressing adds zest to any salad, while increasing your consumption of vitamins, minerals, omega 3′s, enzymes and antioxidants. Purely Poppy’s tangy taste and health-topping ingredients create a blended sensation of pure pleasur

Glorious Greek is a healthy infusion of Mediterranean bliss. Our unique blend of premium, organic ingredients make this a dynamic, wholesome and improved version of typical greek style dressing. With added hemp seeds, glorious greek becomes rich in protein, fiber, omega 3&6, vitamins and minerals. Our heaping dose of organic oregano provides effective anti-bacterial and antioxidant activity. Loaded with heart healthy and immune-boosting ingredients, this dressing is nutritionally dense, palate pleasing and exceptionally delicious. Glorious greek is clearly a step beyond a journey, it’s your salad’s destination!

These dressings are showing up in health food stores across Ontario – so be sure to look for your favourite blend in the produce section of your local health food and grocery stores!

You will be also able to purchase and sample their dressings at my cooking classes!

Why Choose Rice Milk?

Many people are still confused about the notion of rice milk. They turn up their faces and say “rice milk, what is that I don’t get it?” Then I simply tell them it is milk make from rice. You can basically make a milk using any grain believe it or not. Unfortunately it is not easy to make rice milk at home. Definitely not as easy as making your own homemade nut milk.

So unfortunately and fortunately rice milk would fit into a packaged product, but definitely on my approved packaged list!

There are many varieties at health food stores, grocery stores and other markets in between. Seemingly they may all be the same, but they are not. Many contain oils, added sugar and even preservatives. So just because it is non dairy, vegan and gluten free, doesn’t mean that it is always healthy. It is important to look at the fine print and look at the label.

The one brand that I have stayed loyal to over the years is Ryza. It is clean, pure and doesn’t have any oil, added sugar and hold together a really nice consistency. I don’t find that it separates like other rice milks. It is creamy, wholesome and delicious. I love pouring it on my oats in the morning, blending up in my smoothies or mixing it straight with just some Sun Warrior protein for a super high protein beverage.

 

 

So why choose Ryza Rice milk?

- easy to digest

- gluten free

- vegan

- made from whole grain brown rice

- alternative to dairy

- can use for baking and other recipes

- allergy free

- can use it in coffee and tea

- kids love it

- no oil

- no added sugar

Rice Milk Recipes:

Cozy Chai Latte

Yummy Berry Smoothie

Apple Muffins

 

 

Pure Pleasure

SEE DETAILS BELOW for my PLEASURE YOURSELF CONTEST!

I am going to stray away from food in this post. Part of living a Fully Nourished lifestyle includes taking active steps to do things that contribute to your wellness on every level. Just as important as eating, so is relaxation and rejuvenation. You need to nourish you soul and your mind, just as much as your body – and taking some time to for just you is what this post is all about!

One of my goals of 2011 is to take some time for myself. Some true time to work on my own healing and relaxation. While taking part in weekly yoga, getting 8 hours of sleep each night, and focusing on deep breathing – I also plan to round this all out with a plump pillow filled with healing essences.

I have had the pure pleasure of testing out an incredible product by Mette Vangso San Francisco. It is a pillow filled with herbal, pure fragrant natural lavender and organic buckwheat. The combination of the both creates a blissful experience that is purely relaxing.

So for those of you who need just a little extra help to make your eyes sleepy or to ease the tension from your day, this will help. I will also help with muscle tightness, cramps and just feels nice especially when warmed or cooled. The eye mask is delightful when pulled out of the freezer and rested on your eyes and forehead – want to get rid of morning puffiness? This is it!

I know that holiday gift giving is over, but there is such a thing as a belated gift or how about a gift to yourself? If you want to bring in the new year with a warm healing embrace order yourself a pillow or eye mask and try it out for yourself. I love that I can put the pillow anywhere on my body for instant relaxation. I know this sounds like an infomercial add – but I am being honest. I was watching a movie last night with my family on the couch, rested the pillow behind my head and not only had a comfy cushion to hold my head up but the soothing fragrance of lavender melted my mind within moments, I was ready for bed almost immediately. It is aromatherapy, deep relaxation and a natural sleep aid all wrapped up in one cushy, luxurious pillow!

I am fortunate enough right now to be in on vacation to give this the true test. I am forced to relax being taken out of my daily routine. But if it works here, I can’t wait for it to “de-stress” me when I am home in the daily grind of life.

—-Since I have posted this post I just want to share how else I have pleasured myself with this product and how Mette Vangso has healed and soothed me. I had a bit of a strained wrist (no not from chopping) but from Yoga – I wrapped the eye mask around my hand for an hour or so, and the inflammation completely went away! Also, I had my little monthly friend come and visit me last week, day one is not so much fun, but with a half hour of the big pillow on my lower abdomen – the cramping subsided and I felt amazing!

I just wanted share my incredible experience with this amazing product!

Do you want to PLEASURE YOURSELF…(who doesn’t?)

If you want the opportunity to get your very own Pillow and Eye Mask (and you Live in Toronto and can come and pick it up) here is how you can WIN!

The person who shares this post and information about this amazing product and contest with the most people will win!

1. Share a comment below – or as many as possible. Tell me why you want to pleasure yourself with this indulgent pillow pack

2. Share on Facebook and Tag + Become a fan of Delicious Knowledge and Mette Vangso in your post!

3. Tweet + Follow  @marniwasserman and @mettevangso in your tweet!

4. Share on your Blog and let me know here that you shared and connect your blog back to Fully Nourished or to Mette Vangso

The effort is worth it, after all your hard work you can reward yourself with the most incredible, luxurious and healing pillows you will ever experience!

Read what Mette Vangso had to say about me and our shared values!

Get Juiced…

***JOIN MY URBAN 1Day DETOX RETREAT THIS SUMMER ***

If you aren’t juicing already…you are truly missing out on the powerhouse of nutrients one glass of fresh vegetable juice has to offer. I am not talking about getting some pre-made concoction at the grocery store that claims that it is all natural – I am talking about making your own organic, whole vegetable juice in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Juicing is key to vitality and an overall sense of well being. It is even a great part of a good cleansing regime. Juices are a great addition to any diet. Even if it is just as simple as apple juice…I am encouraging you to make them!

You can go as basic as you would like with juicers, they range in price from $150 – $500. So pick and choose what works for your lifestyle and your budget. But remember, the more expensive juicers give you more juice and more nutrients and enzymes. (This is due to the way the juice is extracted from the vegetables.)

Check out online resources and other places in your area that may sell juicers and ask around to other people you may know – which juicer they use and if they like it!

If you are not ready for a juicer yet…

At the very least start your day by making a cup of lemon juice! You don’t even need a juicer for that! Squeeze a half of a lemon into some warm or cool water and drink on an empty stomach.
Another excellent way to cleanse your body (and flush your kidneys) and get your metabolism going for the day.

If you have a blender or a vita-mix you can make all kinds of concoctions and pour your juice through a sieve and capture all the pulp – or you can make a vegetable smoothie with the pulp (see the Simply Smooth posting below!)

But if you do get a juicer and you want a recipe to crack in your new toy…here it is!

Revitalizing (Salad) Juice

I call this a salad juice because instead of making a salad for lunch you can juice it! But don’t do this all the time as you don’t get any of the beneficial fibre from the vegetables. This is a great recipe for days when you don’t really feel like eating or when you are cleansing!

2 Carrots
Handful of Sunflower sprouts
2 small (really small) Beets
1 or 2 apples (Granny smith work nice)
2 stalks of Celery
1 inch piece of Ginger
1/2 Lemon
handful of Collard green or kale
small handful of Romaine lettuce

Place everything into you juicer according to instructions….best to do one vegetable at a time and finish off with lemons because it cleans the juicer at the end!

Enjoy!