MARATHONBrian

GET CAPITAN, a healthy grocery shopping app recently linked a 2013 blog piece I wrote after I ditched junk food and condiments earlier this decade.

Here's the link to their Flipboard: https://goo.gl/VLlVsk

CREAMY AVOCADO FUDGESICLES: Makes 6 Frozen Pops

Ingredients: 2 small avocados; 1 cup of coconut milk; 1/3 cup raw, unfiltered honey; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.

Halve avocados lengthwise and remove the seed. Scoop flesh into a food processor. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth and creamy. Transfer mixture to a popsicle mold and insert sticks. Freeze for 2 hours or overnight. Unmold and serve.

Nutritional Info: 189 calories per serving; 3 grams protein; 14 grams of fat; 19 grams of carbs; 4 grams of fiber.

CHEESE CONSUMPTION HAS NEARLY TRIPLED IN THE UNITED STATES SINCE THE 1970's:

Source: "Salt, Sugar, Fat" by Michael Moss, 2013.

NEW FOOD LABELS BEING PROPOSED: First Major Overhaul since 1994

Total calories would appear in a larger font; portion sizes revised to reflect actual eating behavior.

Added sugars category to be included and nutritional values benefiting bone health and blood pressure control as well.

Source: Wall Street Journal, 27 February 2014: http://online.wsj.com/news/interactive/FOODLABELS0227?ref=SB10001424052702303801304579407563027523046

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

Wayne Gretzky, Professional Hockey Hall of Famer

"The boss drives his men; the leader coaches them."

Harry Gordon Selfridge (1858-1947), American-born department store magnate

36% OF THE U.S. ADULT POPULATION IS CONSIDERED OBESE:

The obesity rate has more than doubled since 1980, but the overall rate remained level in every state in 2012, except for Arkansas.

The "leveling off" is being attributed to reduced soft drink consumption, eating more fruit, and better informed choices by Americans.

Source: Wall Street Journal, 17 January 2014

DIET SODA SALES FALL BY 6.8% IN 2013:

Sales of diet soda have decreased more than "regular" soda for the past 3 years; consumers cite health fears from artificial sweeteners as the primary reason.

Coke and Pepsi are reducing their use of aspartame and adopting stevia and new diet sweeteners in reaction to consumer concerns in this area.

Source: Wall Street Journal, 9 December 2013

FRUIT IS THE SECOND MOST POPULAR FOOD ITEM IN THE UNITED STATES:

Up from fifth (5th) place in 2003; sandwiches remain the top food choice for many Americans.

Consumption of soda, carbonated beverages, and juice has also declined over the past decade.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/31/fruit-increase-juice-decreases/3308427/

AMERICANS NOW CONSUME MORE WATER THAN SODA:

The average American consumes 58 gallons of water yearly, compared with 44 gallons of soda.

In 1998, Americans consumed 54 gallons of soda, while only drinking 42 gallons of water yearly.

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/03/how-much-water-do-people-drink/273936/

"You need dreams to live. It’s as essential as a road to walk on and as bread to eat."

Philippe Petit (Born 1949), who walked a 135-foot tightrope between the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center in August, 1974.

MONDAYS WITH DALE T: The Enduring Legacy of Friendship

Dale Tusen (1975-2013) was a husband, father of 3 young children, brother, pharmacist, avid cyclist, and a friend to many across the globe.

Just in case you missed it, I've written a blog post reflecting on my friendship with Dale and how his passing impacted our community last July.

Blogpost Link: http://wp.me/p1yuec-rS