Reblogged from lol-sotrue

Reblogged from magikalstarz

Sprint Interval Training

Holy shit this is amazing. I started Sprint Interval training (SIT) approximately two weeks ago and I’m already seeing huge improvements in speed and agility, HUGE improvements…and so rapidly, I’m loving it.

Personally I do my SIT with 30 second at all all out run (approx 11.5 to 13 mph) for thirty seconds with a 2 to 2.5 minute rest period.  All in all I  get in about 4-7 sprints a session.

I’ve been reading lately about increasing rest times to fit in more sprint intervals. I may try that in the next few weeks.

(Source: sabino)

Reblogged from sabino

living-healthy-for-life: 10 Food Additives to Avoid  by Laurentine ten Bosch, Producer Food Matters 1. Artificial Sweeteners Aspartame, (E951) more popularly known as Nutrasweet and Equal, is found in foods labeled “diet” or “sugar free”. Aspartame is believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is not your friend. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumor, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, migraines and seizures. Acesulfame-K, a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baking goods, gum and gelatin, has not been thoroughly tested and has been linked to kidney tumors. Read more about the dangers of Aspartame here.Found in: diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, coke zero, jello (and over gelatins), desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table top sweeteners, cereal, breathmints, pudding, kool-aid, ice tea, chewable vitamins, toothpaste 2. High Fructose Corn Syrup High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a highly-refined artificial sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America. It is found in almost all processed foods. HFCS packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes and tissue damage, among other harmful effects.Found in: most processed foods, breads, candy, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals 3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / E621) MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. MSG is known as an excitotoxin, a substance which overexcites cells to the point of damage or death. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG may result in adverse side effects which include depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. MSG effects the neurological pathways of the brain and disengaged the “I’m full” function which explains the effects of weight gain.Found in: Chinese food (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome ) many snacks, chips, cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners, lunch meats 4. Trans Fat Trans fat is used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food products and is among the most dangerous substances that you can consume. Found in deep-fried fast foods and certain processed foods made with margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fats are formed by a process called hydrogenation. Numerous studies show that trans fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes and other health problems. Oils and fat are now forbidden on the Danish market if they contain trans fatty acids exceeding 2 per cent, a move that effectively bans partially hydrogenated oils.Found in: margarine, chips and crackers, baked goods, fast foods 5. Common Food Dyes Studies show that artificial colorings which are found in soda, fruit juices and salad dressings, may contribute to behavioral problems in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ. Animal studies have linked other food colorings to cancer. Watch out for these ones:Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133)Banned in Norway, Finland and France. May cause chromosomal damageFound in: candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks and pet foodsRed dye # 3 (also Red #40 – a more current dye) (E124)Banned in 1990 after 8 years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This dye continues to be on the market until supplies run out! Has been proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals, may also interfere with brain-nerve transmissionFound in: fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products and more!Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102)Banned in Norway and Sweden. Increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals, may cause chromosomal damage.Found in: American cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and carbonated beverages, lemonade and more! 6. Sodium Sulfite (E221) Preservative used in wine-making and other processed foods. According to the FDA, approximately one in 100 people is sensitive to sulfites in food. The majority of these individuals are asthmatic, suggesting a link between asthma and sulfites. Individuals who are sulfite sensitive may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes. In severe cases, sulfites can actually cause death by closing down the airway altogether, leading to cardiac arrest.Found in: Wine and dried fruit  7. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite Sodium nitrate (or sodium nitrite) is used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. This ingredient, which sounds harmless, is actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system. There, it forms a variety of nitrosamine compounds that enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of internal organs: the liver and pancreas in particular. Sodium nitrite is widely regarded as a toxic ingredient, and the USDA actually tried to ban this additive in the 1970’s but was vetoed by food manufacturers who complained they had no alternative for preserving packaged meat products. Why does the industry still use it? Simple: this chemical just happens to turn meats bright red. It’s actually a color fixer, and it makes old, dead meats appear fresh and vibrant. Found in: hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat  8. BHA and BHT (E320) Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. Effects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer. BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.Found in: Potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello 9. Sulfur Dioxide (E220) Sulfur additives are toxic and in the United States of America, the Federal Drugs Administration have prohibited their use on raw fruit and vegetables. Adverse reactions include: bronchial problems particularly in those prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. It also destroys vitamins B1 and E. Not recommended for consumption by children. The International Labour Organization says to avoid E220 if you suffer from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease.Found in: beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products. 10. Potassium Bromate An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls, potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals. Even small amounts in bread can create problems for humans. Found in: breads

living-healthy-for-life:

10 Food Additives to Avoid 

by Laurentine ten Bosch, Producer Food Matters

1. Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame, (E951) more popularly known as Nutrasweet and Equal, is found in foods labeled “diet” or “sugar free”. Aspartame is believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is not your friend. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumor, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, migraines and seizures. Acesulfame-K, a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baking goods, gum and gelatin, has not been thoroughly tested and has been linked to kidney tumors. Read more about the dangers of Aspartame here.

Found in: diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, coke zero, jello (and over gelatins), desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table top sweeteners, cereal, breathmints, pudding, kool-aid, ice tea, chewable vitamins, toothpaste

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a highly-refined artificial sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America. It is found in almost all processed foods. HFCS packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes and tissue damage, among other harmful effects.

Found in: most processed foods, breads, candy, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals

3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / E621)

MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. MSG is known as an excitotoxin, a substance which overexcites cells to the point of damage or death. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG may result in adverse side effects which include depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. MSG effects the neurological pathways of the brain and disengaged the “I’m full” function which explains the effects of weight gain.

Found in: Chinese food (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome ) many snacks, chips, cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners, lunch meats

4. Trans Fat

Trans fat is used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food products and is among the most dangerous substances that you can consume. Found in deep-fried fast foods and certain processed foods made with margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fats are formed by a process called hydrogenation. Numerous studies show that trans fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes and other health problems. Oils and fat are now forbidden on the Danish market if they contain trans fatty acids exceeding 2 per cent, a move that effectively bans partially hydrogenated oils.

Found in: margarine, chips and crackers, baked goods, fast foods

5. Common Food Dyes

Studies show that artificial colorings which are found in soda, fruit juices and salad dressings, may contribute to behavioral problems in children and lead to a significant reduction in IQ. Animal studies have linked other food colorings to cancer. Watch out for these ones:

Blue #1 and Blue #2 (E133)

Banned in Norway, Finland and France. May cause chromosomal damage

Found in: candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks and pet foods

Red dye # 3 (also Red #40 – a more current dye) (E124)

Banned in 1990 after 8 years of debate from use in many foods and cosmetics. This dye continues to be on the market until supplies run out! Has been proven to cause thyroid cancer and chromosomal damage in laboratory animals, may also interfere with brain-nerve transmission

Found in: fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products and more!

Yellow #6 (E110) and Yellow Tartrazine (E102)

Banned in Norway and Sweden. Increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in laboratory animals, may cause chromosomal damage.

Found in: American cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and carbonated beverages, lemonade and more!

6. Sodium Sulfite (E221)

Preservative used in wine-making and other processed foods. According to the FDA, approximately one in 100 people is sensitive to sulfites in food. The majority of these individuals are asthmatic, suggesting a link between asthma and sulfites. Individuals who are sulfite sensitive may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes. In severe cases, sulfites can actually cause death by closing down the airway altogether, leading to cardiac arrest.

Found in: Wine and dried fruit 

7. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrate (or sodium nitrite) is used as a preservative, coloring and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. This ingredient, which sounds harmless, is actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system. There, it forms a variety of nitrosamine compounds that enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of internal organs: the liver and pancreas in particular. Sodium nitrite is widely regarded as a toxic ingredient, and the USDA actually tried to ban this additive in the 1970’s but was vetoed by food manufacturers who complained they had no alternative for preserving packaged meat products. Why does the industry still use it? Simple: this chemical just happens to turn meats bright red. It’s actually a color fixer, and it makes old, dead meats appear fresh and vibrant.

Found in: hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat 

8. BHA and BHT (E320)

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. Effects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer. BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

Found in: Potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello

9. Sulfur Dioxide (E220)

Sulfur additives are toxic and in the United States of America, the Federal Drugs Administration have prohibited their use on raw fruit and vegetables. Adverse reactions include: bronchial problems particularly in those prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. It also destroys vitamins B1 and E. Not recommended for consumption by children. The International Labour Organization says to avoid E220 if you suffer from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease.

Found in: beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products.

10. Potassium Bromate

An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls, potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals. Even small amounts in bread can create problems for humans. 

Found in: breads

Reblogged from living-healthy-for-life

(Source: so-relatable)

Reblogged from so-relatable

(Source: poo-sex)

Reblogged from poo-sex

Citrapine IPA - Review

(Recipe here)

Appearance: Pale golden, large head that sticks around for 5 minutes or so, minor lacing as the glass empties.

Aroma: Pine, Grapefruit, Tropical fruit, mild good malt base (surprising given the color)

Taste: Similar to aroma with equal balance of pine and tropical fruitiness. Good malt backbone for all this hop flavor, just right.

Mouthfeel: Good medium-light bodied mouthfeel.

Overall: I’d brew this again exactly as noted, no changes.  Perfect Blonde IPA.

If you can’t tell I didn’t feel like doing a full real review tonight but I hit my last glass out of the keg so I was kind of forced to since I put this off so long!

(Source: n-orth)

Reblogged from n-orth

(Source: killti)

Reblogged from killti

Soft pretzels…Yummm

Soft pretzels…Yummm

Citrapine IPA

So with the weather here getting warmer I wanted something light and refreshing while still being able to hold up the major hop character of an American IPA.  I came up with Citrapine IPA.  I just kegged this up tonight.  I’ll review here in a few once it’s forced carbed up.

Recipe Specs

Batch Size (G):           5.5

Total Grain (lb):         12.100

Total Hops (oz):          7.20

Original Gravity (OG):    1.061 

Final Gravity (FG):       1.011 

Alcohol by Volume (ABV):  6.55 %

Colour (SRM):             5.0  

Bitterness (IBU):         60.2   (Rager)

Brewhouse Efficiency (%): 75

Boil Time (Minutes):      60

Grain Bill

11.200 lb American 2-Row (92.56%)

0.600 lb Crystal 10 (4.96%)

0.300 lb Aromatic Malt (2.48%)

Hop Bill

0.20 oz Sorachi Pellet (11.6% Alpha) @ 60 Minutes (Boil)

1.00 oz Amarillo Pellet (8.6% Alpha) @ 15 Minutes (Boil)

0.50 oz Citra Pellet (11.1% Alpha) @ 15 Minutes (Boil)

1.00 oz Simcoe Pellet (12.2% Alpha) @ 15 Minutes (Boil)

1.00 oz Amarillo Pellet (8.6% Alpha) @ 5 Minutes (Boil)

0.50 oz Citra Pellet (11.1% Alpha) @ 5 Minutes (Boil)

1.00 oz Simcoe Pellet (12.2% Alpha) @ 5 Minutes (Boil)

1.00 oz Citra Pellet (11.1% Alpha) @ 7 Days (Dry Hop)

1.00 oz Simcoe Pellet (12.2% Alpha) @ 7 Days (Dry Hop)

Misc Bill

1.00 tab Whirlfloc Tablet @ 15 Minutes (Boil)

1.00 tsp Yeast Nutrient @ 10 Minutes (Boil)

Single step Infusion at 152°F for 60 Minutes.

Fermented at 62°F with Wyeast 1272 - American Ale II

Faux Sour Simcoe-Dry-Hopped Saison Review


Appearance: Bright deep translucent orange, protein haze contributes to the opaqueness more than the low floc yeast, well carbonated, head retention is fairly good.  Head is fairly white, tight compact bubbles makeup the majority of the foam and grip the inside of the glass



Aroma: Extreme frutiness consisting of a wide range of citrus and tropical fruits, bubble gum is the second most promient aroma and is an encompassing canvas backdrop to the fruit, the highly recognizable Simcoe pine aroma is slightly outcompeted by the bubble gum but still very upfront. Peppery aroma is in the background and lends a well rounded counter balancing characteristic to the fruitiness

Taste: This almost tastes like fruit juice, quite literally, the extremely upfront fruity esters are similar to aroma, along with the slight acidity, is very reminisant of juice or possibly even a very fruity wine.  A very light malt characteristic is present and provides a foundation for all the flavors to really merge and mingle upon but is not a dominant flavor.  The spicy pepperiness really comes through in the flavor much more than it did in the aroma to provide a peppery finish.  The acidity is definitely not as sour as Fantome, but it is much more prominent than say the ever so slight tartness you get from Foret.  The acidity really makes everything pop and become brighter, definitely not puckering, but I would describe it as a little beyond refreshing

Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel is light and crisp, as expected for a well atttenutated saison. The mouthfeel isn’t watery at all, but very light while still maintaining integrety as a beer.  The mouthfeel is reminenisant of white wine, light bodied but not thin.

Overall: Overall this thing is a complex fruit bomb; who would have thought the fruity piney elements of Simcoe would merge this damn well with fruity bubble gum esters of the Dupont strain? The marriage of these two elements is beyond great. Wine like in flavor and mouthfeel and the refreshing acidity is thirst quenching.

Ah the wonderful tradition of cheese….

Mini Beer Fast

Well I’m starting a 7 day fast, only consuming water and beer. Why? Because I would hardly give up drinking beer, are you kidding me? I’m also getting super in shape and hit a plateau of sorts half way to my goal. I figure a 7 day extreme ass kicking to my body will remove the plateau to nothing, hopefully.  Wish me luck!