Better Living Through Nutrition

Here’s a trick I picked up in Hawaii 3 years ago. Don’t use ice in your smoothies! Instead, peel and cut a banana (or several). Then freeze it. Take the some of the banana, add that to a blender with milk or juice (whichever you prefer/fits your dietary restrictions), fruit of your choice (unfrozen or frozen) – I typically just use what’s avaliable – usually, that’s strawberries and a blend of Marionberries, Blueberries and Raspberries (from Costco/Rader Farms – I know, not local, not good for the environment, etc. Anyway, I believe these are the nutrition facts: http://is.gd/1pW9j). Then blend and enjoy. For more protein, use plain Greek yogurt and a tablespoon of honey instead of some of the milk.

I usually eyeball the ingredients. However, if you were to add:

1/2 cup skim milk

1.5 frozen bananas

1 cup strawberries

1/2 cup berry mix

1 kiwi (for fun)

1 cup fat-free greek yogurt

1 tsp honey

You would have a pretty nutritionally packed smoothie: http://is.gd/1pXGZ . High in potassium, vitamins, and fiber.

And it tastes really good.

That would serve one hungry person or two people that want a snack.

First of all: I’m not a registered dietician. I don’t have any formal training specifically in the science of nutrition. I’m just a college junior in pursuit of a Biology/Chemistry double major who is interested in improving his life via nutrition (hence, Living through Nutrition). Over the past few years, I’ve experimented with various diets (although I hate to use that term as it conjures up images of Atkins and South Beach – I simply mean different types of food sources). If I’ve learned anything, it’s that one of the biggest challenges to a good diet is time, money, and knowledge of what a balanced diet is (I’m still trying to learn this myself). Also – I’m not trying to sell you anything: not a Blendtec Blender (although I want one!) … not a patch of wheatgrass … not a recipe book.

However, it is apparent to me that nutrition is a key to improving life (among many other things). It’s important if one wants to be competitive in a certain sport (genetics are probably more important there, though); I believe that it’s also necessary to eat well if one simply wants to live comfortably.

I don’t claim to know everything – it’s quite the opposite. I just want to share my findings with others in order to facilitate a discussion about how toimprove life via nutrition. I’m definitely open to criticism and would like to hear other peoples views on nutrition.

About me personally: I’m a runner of several years (a relatively slow runner) who also spends time hiking, swimming, biking (very occasionally). I’m also going into my second year as a ski instructor at Whitetail Ski Resort;  I’m hoping to get my PSIA Level 1 certification this winter. I suppose I’m a fan of the outdoors in general. Also, recently, I’ve been experimenting with minimalist and barefoot running – I am an avid fan of Vibram Five Fingers (VFFs). I’m hoping that I’ll be diligent in maintaining this blog – hopefully it will be an enjoyable outlet for my thoughts!