2 mile run on the treadmill (easing back into running with some piriformis/hamstring issues...and some new shoes too. More on those later!!)
30 minutes upper body weight training (pull/press combo, 3-exercise-superset for the shoulders and tabatas for the biceps and triceps....lots of fire felt in the arms today!!)
A lovely green monster, made with kale instead of spinach today (kale, vanilla protein powder, banana and lots of water and ice...it was extra icy today, hence the funky look!!)
The bonus ingredient today was this...
"Chia, is familiar to most of us as a seed used for the novelty of the Chia Pet™, clay animals with sprouted Chia seeds covering their bodies. Little is known, however, of the seeds tremendous nutritional value and medicinal properties. For centuries this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the south west and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running form the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.
If you try missing a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leaving it for approximately 30 minutes or so, when you return the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Research believe this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.
In addition to the obvious benefits for diabetics, this slowing in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar offers the ability for creating endurance. Carbohydrates are the fuel for energy in our bodies. Prolonging their conversion into sugar stabilizes metabolic changes, diminishing the surges of highs and lows creating a longer duration in their fueling effects.
One of the exceptional qualities of the Chia seed is its hydrophilic properties, having the ability to absorb more than 12 times its weigh in water. Its ability to hold on to water offers the ability to prolong hydration. Fluids and electrolytes provide the environment that supports the life of all the body’s cells. Their concentration and composition are regulated to remain as constant as possible. With Chia seeds, you retain moisture, regulate, more efficiently, the bodies absorption of nutrients and body fluids. Because there is a greater efficiency in the utilization of body fluids, the
electrolyte balance is maintained."Pretty interesting stuff, huh?
Dadra, you are amazing! I can honestly say I don't believe I will EVER be as committed to working out/health as much as you! But you do show that it's possible, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI'd be willing to try a teeny, tiny sip of that just to see what it tastes like. It really doesn't look very appetizing though! I have to admire you though. You're like Rocky downing the raw eggs before his morning run. I salute you!
ReplyDeleteSo where do you buy chia seeds? I've finally found a place to buy psyllium husks, but I don't know if they have chia sees. I'll have to look.
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