Pudding de café, chocolate y canela.

Como era de esperase, uno de los platos más solicitados por la gente terminó siendo el postre.

Esta es una receta realmente fácil y sabrosa. Aporta grandes cantidades de antioxidantes y calcio, como también todas las vitaminas y minerales esenciales para mantener el cuerpo sano y activo.

Con solo 200 calorías por porción, y menos de 5gr de grasa, es una muy buena opción a la hora de hacer un postre para la familia.

Ingredientes:

- ¼ de taza de azúcar o su remplazo dietético Hileret (u otra marca).

- 3 cucharadas de almidón de maíz.

- 2 cucharadas de café instantáneo o malta.

- ½ a 1 cucharada de canela (depende de cuánto te guste este ingrediente)

- 2 tazas de leche chocolatada descremada.

- 50gr de chocolate amargo u oscuro (cortado).

- 1 cucharada de extracto de vainilla.

Proceso:

1. En una olla batir a mano el azúcar, la maicena, el café, y la canela.

2. Llevar esta preparación a la hornalla a fuego medio.

3. Incorporar poco a poco la leche uniéndola con los ingredientes.

4. Cocinar por 5 minutos aprox (el tiempo de cocción lo imponemos nosotros, según la consistencia que deseamos) . Una vez incorporada la leche, batirla ocasionalmente, después de manera frecuente y finalmente de manera constante 1 minuto antes de sacarla del fuego.

5. Sacarla de la hornalla y llevar a la mesada la olla (esto es esencial ya que simplemente apagar la hornalla y dejar la olla encima de ésta, no detiene que el calor residual se transfiera a la preparación). Incorporar el chocolate y la vainilla.

6. Servir inmediatamente. Si se desea conservar (se mantiene fresco por 5 días) depositarlo en frascos individuales o un bowl de vidrio, cubrir con papel film y llevar a la heladera.

Es un pudding muy rico y fácil, en menos de 10 minutos lo pueden llegar a hacer. Una alternativa agradable y saludable para el postre.

The Best Tip for Athletes this Year. The Cheapest sport supplement in the world.

It is time to attack the cupboards,  go to the grocery store or walk to the nearest nutrition center.

Scientists at the National university in Taiwan ,have found that sodium bicarbonate or baking powder has the fantastic property of increasing the strength and the endurance of any athlete.

Simply dissolve a tablespoon of this powder in a glass of water before any exercise, and watch how it increases your performance without attacking your wallet.

At 10% cost compared to any  sport supplement, this information comes as a relief for all athletes.

With research being conducted every day that verifies this information, and publications that prove its veracity, perhaps it time to implement this tip every day before our routine.

El Mejor TIP para atletas de este año. El suplemento deportivo más barato de la historia.

Es hora de atacar las alacenas, de ir al supermercado o caminar a la dietética más cercana.

Científicos de la UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE EDUCACION FISICA EN TAIWAN, han descubierto que el Bicarbonato de Sodio o Polvo para hornear, tiene la fantástica propiedad de aumentar  fuerza y la resistencia de cualquier atleta.

Con disolver una cucharada de este elemento en un vaso de agua antes de cualquier ejercicio, una persona puede incrementar su rendimiento sin la necesidad de batallar con su presupuesto.

Con un costo de casi 10% sobre cualquier suplemento deportivo, este dato viene como un alivio para cualquier deportista.

Con investigaciones llevándose a cabo cada día que verifican este dato, y publicaciones que prueban su veracidad podemos comenzar a implementar este tip cada día antes de afrontar nuestra rutina.

The Barkley Marathon(S)… Bleeding, crying, swearing and cursing are expected. Completing it is not.

In 1977, Martin Luther Kings Jr’s assassin broke out of the maximun security wing of the Brushy Mountain state Penitentiary. James Earl Ray, made a daring run for the isolated mountains west of Knoxville. 54 hour later he was found cold, hungry, dehydrated and ripped to shreds… He was actually relived, ecstatic at the fact that he had been caught. 

So the rumors started to feed the hungry ears of madmen, Cantrell, a Tennessee ultra runner, laughed at Ray’s futile attempt to escape the authorities… so much so, that he was heard remarking, that given the inmates opportunity, he would have been half way to Tijuana by the 54 hour mark. Thus the idea was planted for a half cocked, mad as hell race that to this day demolishes the spirit and bakes the athletes body in blood, sweat, mud and grime.

1986 the First Barkley was held… to this day only 1% of all contendants have managed to finish this ordeal.

Race Director Gary Cantrell is the Devil who orchestrates this madness. Dressed like John Wayne and with an evil eye over his flock, he starts the race with simple gesture, He lights up a cigarette. That’s your whistle, your starting sign… as you head into the unknown you hear him shout over your head:

 “The Barkley eats its young”.

There is nothing common about this race. From day one you feel like you have fallen thought he looking class. If you succeed in actually tracking down Cantrell, you have to beg for the chance to suffer. If you are accepted, you need to buy your place on the race: A Buck sixty ($1.60), and once that business is settled you receive this little bail of insight:

"Our heartfelt condolences on your recent selection into the Barkley Marathons field for 2010. Even though the odds were all in your favor, with six applicants for every slot, in any drawing someone must lose. This time it was you.

"Should you come up with any plausible excuse to avoid the painful failure that is the Barkley, please let us know as soon as possible. As incredible as it might seem, those other five people still want your slot.

"Otherwise, there is a very bad thing waiting for you."

After that, it actually gets easier. A few weeks later, if you haven’t chicken out, you get simple directions to the starting line:

"If you can't find Frozen Head State Park on your own, you shouldn't be coming to the Barkley."

Google maps be dammed, this is the way to get around.

What exactly are you getting yourself in… what are the rules of the insane trial. First of all you are in the clutches of madness, a race that was organized by inmates at Arkham Asylum… and supervised by the Joker. You do not come to the Barkley to beat it, you come to it; to cry, suffer and Bleed… The organizer priority is to torture you and make sure you do not finish it. Like demented Gods, this is how they get their kicks.

Rules:

-     You have to complete 5 loops around a precise trail… The problem is that there is no Trail, no Markers… Hell to make matters worst depending on who you ask, its either a 42km distance or a 46km distance.

-     You have exactly 12 hours to complete each loop... if you fail this objective you are disqualified.

-     There is no starting time or announcement (its usually between the hours of midnight to noon)… you have to camp out near the starting line, and wait for Cantrell to blow his conch horn, that’s his message to all would be masoguist to get ready… from there own you are in his grip, wanting for the cigarette to light up.

-     You have to take care of yourself, there is only two hydration station on the trail (a couple of juggs of water left the previous night by Cantrell) and you have absolutely no idea were they are.

-      GPS or outside help is not permitted

-     The direction of the course… well that up to Cantrell… each loop and which way you should go (clockwise or counterclockwise) are decision made in that moment by the Race Director.

-      Some written directions are give out, here is a tidbit:

"Look down. See that brier-choked, steep hillside? That is the Zip Line Trail. Go down, and bear only a little to the left."

-     To make matters worst you have to find 12 books, in the park (find a page with your ID on it, rip it out and collect it) at the end of each loop you have to present these 12 pages to Cantrell. Said books are tied to trees.

-     The trail varies from year to year, often new acts of madness are included (Steep 80 degree climbs for 90 minutes).

-     The weather is basically a “Bitch”, it constantly changes on you.

-     Your only markers are road signs devised by Cantrell with the following phrases:

“Rat Jaw, Big Hell, Raw Dog Falls, Testicle Spectacle, The Humps, and Leonard's Buttslide”.

-     You have 60 hours to complete the 5 marathon race (210km).

As expected this rules change on a yearly bases. The last known winner was Jonathan "J. B." Basham with 59 hours and 18 minutes, he has been the 9^th person in history to actually beat this monster. Most runners are disqualified by the 3erd loop.

Cantrell knows this… as such he simply nods at each defeat and states the following:

“Told you so… I tried to warn you”

But the Barkley does transmit a message, a story of possibilities, of never giving up and finally of the resilience of the human spirit… of looking at adversity in the face and spitting at its eye… for the runners who fail at the Barkley, always come back, not for the punishment, or the pain… but because its hard. Because it has become their Moby Dick and after all if it was simple they might as well bugger off and run their preordained 5k races. The Barkley teaches you the value of your life and of your soul, it stokes the fires of your inner strength and forges a man of steel and true grit.

This is why it matters. 

Have you ever wanted to run a Marathon naked??? Here is your chance.

If you are like me, after a while you are simply sick and tired of always running across the same pavement… seeing the same vistas, saluting the same people. Not only that, but in all likelihood, you have run every race your town has to offer… and if its anything like my neck of the woods, they most likely follow the same trail.

Well here are some good news, aside from using a Marathon as an excuse to visit a new city or locale… you can also use said excuse for some interesting, often fun and wacky fun.

Here is a List of the most outrages, toughest and weirdest races across the world.

1) Nepal - THE EVEREST MARATHON (November):
This race that’s starts at a height of 5184Mts and finishes in the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar at 3446mts, is the world’s highest marathon and to some the most spectacular.

1.

2.

2 2) Greenland - POLAR CIRCLE MARATHON (October): One of the most demanding marathons and coolest runs in the world. This race not only takes you thought snow covered roads, but it dares you to run over an actual Ice cap.

3. 3) Paulliac - MARATHON DU MEDOC (September): not a lot of running gets done in this event… which starts with a wine tasting at the starting line and finishes with a full blown festival at the end. The course in a criss-cross through wine country with over 22 Refreshment (variety of wines) and food (gourmet snacks: sushi, beef, oysters) Stands. The last 100mts are adorned with a red carpet… Dresses and eveningwear is a most.

4.

4) Manituo Springs - PIKES PEAK MARATHON (August): Known as America’s ultimate challenge… “this little jog”, begins with a 1,500 mts vertical ascend for 10 miles and finishes with a 3 mile almost 90 degree angle run.

5.

5) Sahara Desert - MARATHON DES SABLES (March/April): The hottest marathon in the world, with an epic 243km of distance to transverse.

6) Tennesses - THE BARKELEY MARATHON (March): held at Frozen Head park, this 100 km ultra race has a cutoff time of 60hrs. Over 700 hundred participate, it is estimated that only 9 athletes actually finish it. This is do to the fact that the trail has not been maintained for over 60 years.

7) Russia - SIBERIAN ICE MARATHON (January): known as the coldest marathon in the world, this Osmk sponsored 21km, has reached (in 2001) temperatures -39 degrees.

8) Orlando - RUN DISNEY (January): Although thought-out the year, Disney’s amusement parks, hold different races, the one that really stands out is the event known as WALT DISNEY WORLD’S MARATHON WEEKEND, with different challenges and distances; the contestant not only get to run through Disney’s various parks, but obtain a magical experience with bands, attractions and different FX adorning their race.

9. 9) Bare Buns Clothing optional MARATHON (Yearly): Held in Miami, France, Colorado and different locals. This Clothing optional races have become a new challenge for athletes… No Clothes equals no chaffing… plus the view might be incredible.

10) Nevada - ROCK AND ROLL LAS VEGAS MARATHON (December): ever wanted to run with Elvis well here is your chance. The most dazzling and electrically charge marathon in the world (This is not a metaphor… al Las Vegas light up for this event), the idea is to finish the Nightime race at an open party hosted by all the casinos… “Run the Strip at night”.

The Pineapple Express diet and its benefits.

The Other day I was re-watching the movie “Tropic Thunder”, about a 3erd way into the film there is a verbal exchange between Ben Stillers Character and Robert Downey Jr… In it, action man Ben Stiller, talks about the secret to his lean Physic and Muscles tone… PINEAPPLES.

As such, knowing fullwell that it might have been an exaggeration, I began doing a bit of research (Google it) as to whether or not there was some validity to his claim, amazingly there was.

The pineapple is not a fruit, first real shocker I discovered… It is a Plant from the Bromeliad family that is native to South America only. It contains a large amount of Vitamin C and E, magnesium, potassium, copper, and different types of acids that give it a large nutritional value.

But what really sets this plant apart from all others is an enzyme called Bromelian.  A substance that has a few startling properties: it alleviates arthritis pains, infections, fight of viral attacks, helps in healing wounds, is a great anti-inflammatory and has great digestive properties.

But the real payload comes from the fact that it metabolizes fat in abundances.  It not only helps in keeping you fit, but its unique structure actually contributes to reducing fat and toning up your body… giving you the lean, ripped and hard look most of use search for our entire life.

Plus, as an added flavor to the mix, its anti- inflammatory powers help in reducing pains in muscles and joints after any work out.

A fresh pineapple has about 100% of these qualities, while a canned pineapple has 200%...

So much so that a diet Fad, that started in the United States, proves that a rich diet in pineapples can help a person loose at least 2 pounds (1kg) a week… and a diet based primarily on pineapples and nothing more can actually reduce a pound per day (that’s about 0,5kg), although the latter is in dispute and most medical personal balk at the fact that a MONODIET (a diet based on only one type of foot) can be hazardous in the long run.

As such, for any athlete or persona who wishes to loose a few pounds before summer, or simply wants to look great for winter… here is a nice tip that can help you accomplish your task.

Neat science experiment to determine your foot type.

The evening before last I posted an article on different shoe types and how to select them, well frankly in retrospect, I committed a blunder.

As I was re reading it, I stumbled onto the fact, that in all likelihood, I might have pulled the trigger on it to early... and should have released this little essay first. One of the main problems, I discuses within said article, is the fact that each foot has a type. Each time you plant your self on the ground, your weight and height is distributed differently, as such sport companies have come up with different apparels that helps us with this situation.

Pronation, Overpronation, Supination… truthfully if you haven’t the foggiest clue as to what they are, I might as well be speaking in tongues… When you hear them for the first time, it sounds almost, as if I’m shouting the name’s of different Transformer types.

In reality this are the 3 classifications in which science and medicine has determined are foot strike fits. Depending on which category you fit in, you might be prone to injury during your training sessions.

There are a great deal of methods to find out were you fit in all this Mombo Jumbo… An orthopedic doctor can easily determine your foot type and prescribe different soles to help you on you’re way. A sport doctor can also do the former and go one more step, and give you advice on which shoe to buy… or you might like the more futuristic choice and have a machine, especially design for this purpose, figure it out (Most can be found in special sport stores).

Now if you are like me and simple do not have the time, nor inclination to go through al does ordeals. There is: THE WET TEST.

It simple really, wet your feet in a tub, or a retainer of some sort (bucket, pan, pond, etc)… and take a simple step on a thick blank piece of paper. Wait a second, and quickly step off and look down.

Now take a gander at this little chart I have constructed (if you want to pick a shoe, find yourself on this other chart… simple right:

Shoes, SHOES Everywhere… which to choose? A guide for Runners

There are certain topics that are taboo among runners and racing enthusiasts, each athlete, whether professional or amateur has a recipe for a great and enjoyable run. Mp3 or no Mp3? What to eat? Where to run? Etc ... but there is no issue more sacred to him that his shoes... in many ways it is the Holy Grail of a RUNNER, finding the perfect shoe.

For many, just starting in this sport, this in itself is a topsy turvy search and everyone has their own secret formula. ... most will try to sell you on their brand, and God have pity on your soul and you commit the cardinal sin: Going to a store and expecting reasonable assistance from a salesperson.

Anecdote time: the first time, I ran was with some old Converse All Stars, by the end of the week, I had the Chuck Taylors destroyed and my legs in constant pain ... as such I decided to go buy a decent pair of trainers ... Second mistake: I ended up buying basketball sneakers which boiled my feet... so I am well aware of the anxiety such a quest can produce.

Each company has their perfect tool, that little quizmo, they swear will make all your wet dreams come true… this is false, it is a personal choice perhaps you lean towards blonds not brunettes or you are more of a redhead kind of person… it all in the pursuer’s mind and taste.

Before approaching the chart that I designed bellow ... I'll lay down some facts to consider before buying any shoes.

1. Weight matters, the more weight you have, the more cushioning your knees and legs will need, so if you have an issue... my humble suggestion is to opt for more cushioning.

2. Don’t loose your mind with the fact that each company puts a number after their brand or model ... it simply means the generation of that shoe ... in other words how many years have transpired since they were released ...

3. There is NO one shoe pair, for all occasions ... maybe one day you face the task of running 50km, another you have an adventure race, or just need some simple training shoes ... they all have their purpose and were made specifically to meet that goal.

4. Try to have at least 2 pairs, so you may exchange between them and thus give them time to recover some of their cushioning ....

5. Always try to buy a pair with air chamber is not exposed, because although they look "cool" at the end this added accessory may damage easily.

6. Discover what kind of tread you have:

- Normal (pronation)

- Overpronation

- Supination.

And finally its time to pay up and give forth what i promised in the first place. I hope this chart helps guide the pro and more importantly the rookie in finding the perfect tool for the job at hand

Graphic design Johanna Pizlo

Conventional and unconventional methods to burn calories.

HOW MANY CALORIES DO WE ACTUALLY BURN WITH A GIVEN EXERCISE?

It is universally known that exercise, in many cases is the key element that helps us achieve that golden number on the balance ... but in reality killing ourselves on the stairmaster for 30 minutes and later on eating a pizza is sort fatal to our schemes.

To get a general idea, training at a constant pace, medium intensity and for about 30 minutes can help us lose between 100 to 300 calories. We must also take into account that our weight matters ... as you can imagine the higher our overall weight, the greater amount of calories we will ultimately burn…

So below I have drawn up a table with conventional examples of exercises and how many calories we manage to destroy in an hour.

Activity	45 kg (100lbs)	150kg (69lbs)	90kg (200lbs)
Bicycle 6miles (9,6 km)	160	240	312
Bicycle 12miles (19,2 km)	270	410	534
Jogging 6 miles (9.6 km)	610	920	1230
Jumping rope	500	750	1000
Running 5.5 miles (9 km)	440	660	962
Running 10 miles (16 km)	850	1280	1664
Swimming 22mts x minute	185	275	358
Swimming 44mts x minute	325	500	650
Tennis	265	400	535
Walking 2 miles (3,2km)	160	240	312
Walking 3 miles (4,8 km)	210	320	416
Walking 4.5 miles (7,2 km)	295	440	575

And I am glad to present some UNCONVENTIONAL examples to burn between 300 to 400 calories. Some are fun and good for the heart!

- Apply Lipbalm to your lips about 740 times.

- Try out 16 bikinis in less than an hour.

- Act like Keith Richards, and jam out with an air guitar for over 15 minutes.

- Chew gum for 16 hours.

- Go to the market, carry purchases (more than 5 bags) to your house (at least walk 2 blocks), store food and disposing of the bags.

- Push a supermarket cart for 45 minutes.

- Lift a baby of 5kilos for 25 minutes.

- Walk with "stiletto heels" for ½ hour.

- Fly a kite for 15 minutes.

- Carry a cooler with water 4lts of water for 20 minutes.

- Lose the remote control for 40 minutes and discover that there is nothing on TV ... have to constantly get off the coach to change channel.

- Watch the Simpsons on repeat 16 times (laughter burns a huge amount of calories.)

- Sing like Lady Gaga for an 1hr ... perform your favorite rendition POKER FACE.

- Write a good article on your computer for about 35 minutes.

- Roll a pencil incessantly on the surface of your desk for 45 minutes while you’re at work.

AND FINALLY THOSE THAT ARE QUITE FUN. (If there are children in the room ... please vacate them from the perimeter).

- "RIDE HIM" like a lawless cowgirl for 25 minutes ... not just burn 300calorias, also work helps work the leg and thigh muscles

- Have a 45minute session of foreplay and roll in the hay (in different positions) for 25 minutes ... 500 calories burned and according to your level of expertise, you might also workup different muscles.

- Burn 520 calories practicing the missionary position for 1hr and 7 minutes and 690 calories doing "Reverse monkey staring out window."

Hopefully these tips can help, not only in providing information on how to burn an extra amount of calories … but also to enjoy your self in the process.

"If you do things with a smile and a positive outlook, they will not only be done better, but we might have a bit of fun in the meantime."