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Showing posts from November 14, 2016

How I Trained for the Boston Marathon Running Three Days Per Week

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I always wanted to run the Boston Marathon , so when Stonyfield  approached me about running it, it was an opportunity that I just couldn’t refuse. I was only 3-months postpartum and running just a few miles at a time– often with lots of walking breaks mixed in– so I really didn’t think I could run 26.2 miles. Obviously, physically, it was going to be a challenge, but, as a brand new mom, making time to properly train definitely wasn’t going to be easy. In the end, it took a village for me to run the 2015 Boston Marathon , but what ultimately helped me run a good race was my training plan (linked below), which was provided to me by the  running coach working with Stonyfield at the time. Prior to beginning my  14-week marathon training plan , I was running at least two times per week with a jogging stroller  (2-5 miles) and then once without, which was typically a longer 60 to 90-minute run. I also did KFIT/CrossFit classes 2-3 t...

Dear Mark: Transdermal Magnesium and Vitamin D/B12 Products for a Vegetarian

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For today’s edition of Dear Mark, I’m answering two questions. The first one concerns transdermal magnesium. Does it work? Can magnesium actually permeate the skin and enter circulation? Probably. And for the last question, I provide a bunch of examples of natural products—foods and behaviors—that can increase vitamin D and B12 levels for an ailing vegetarian. Let’s go: Mark, what’s your two cents on transdermal magnesium? I take between 200-600 mg mag glyconate daily. I then add mag chloride via ‘magnesium oil’ to my shoulders and anywhere my muscles are tighter than usual. Anyone else use the mag oil or gel? I like it. If you rely solely on the scientific literature, there isn’t a ton of strong evidence. But there is evidence. In one study ( PDF ), subjects took daily 12-minute epsom salt (containing magnesium sulfate) baths for a week straight. After a week, magnesium levels had risen significantly in most subjects. Those who’d already had replete magnesium levels saw th...

Spiced Up Soufflé

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This post is sponsored by the National Milk Life Campaign  It’s time to start thinking about what dishes will grace your holiday table this year! Every year I have hosted, I look for new twists on old favorites. My mom often made this soufflé for our holiday dinners, and it’s one of my favorite dishes that she makes. It’s light and airy in texture but buttery and creamy in flavor. I was excited to make my own version of the recipe and spice it up with jalapeños and Pepper Jack cheese. While I wouldn’t call this recipe simple, it’s not very difficult either. And it will surely impress your guests as a fantastic side dish, whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday season brunch. While this recipe is rich enough to be a crowd pleaser, it is full of nutritious ingredients too. Goodness comes from four cups of fresh spinach, fresh jalapeños, a lighter amount of cheese than usual, and convenient, versatile milk. I used low fat milk in this recipe because i...