The Cosmos in a Carrot: A Zen Guide to Eating Well - By: Carmen Yuen
This book is good for those who are in the beginning stages of transforming their lifestyle into one that is more healthy. Yuen shares Buddhist wisdom and practical tips for beginning a mind/body approach for eating and living well. The first part of the book provides a comprehensive explanation of "mindfulness" (being present) in order to make clear decisions about how we want to eat. The second part of the book helps the reader to understand nutrition, food labels, dietary guidelines, weight loss, and more. "When we are familiar with the science of nutrition, we can make confident decisions about the way we eat." Since no two people are completely the same, the book gives four personal accounts of how real people have incorporated mindfullness into their lives - describing personal challenges and successes. The Cosmos in a Carrot finishes with a grocery list, meal ideas, along with classic Buddhist mindfulness trainings (spirituality & ethics), and the Fourteen Percepts of Engaged Buddhism (by Thich Nhat Hanh).
Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes - By: Monique Ryan
I consider this book my nutrition "bible". This book is not only intended for endurance athletes or those training towards that goal, but is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the science of nutrition. This book equips the reader with the information needed in order to make better consumption choices on a daily basis through strategic timing, portions size, and education on the nutritional value of specific foods. What I love about this book is the diversity of topics which it gives educational information on and tips for - there is truly something for everyone and you can easily modify the examples given to fit your personal goals, weight, activity level, and needs.
Additionally, the book contains specific nutrition and training plans for those participating in the following endurance sports: adventure racing, cycling, rowing, running, swimming, and triathlon.
Additionally, the book contains specific nutrition and training plans for those participating in the following endurance sports: adventure racing, cycling, rowing, running, swimming, and triathlon.
Sparkpeople.com
A great resource for those interested in weight-loss or those curious about how balanced their diet actually is. Sparkpeople.com is a user-friendly site for tracking specific information about the food you eat (with nutritional breakdown/calorie tracking), the amount of fluids you consume, and your physical activity. It also has support groups, recipes, and blogs. You can set goals and monitor your progress daily or at your convenience with on-demand charts and graphs. There is no cost associated with joining this site :)
YMCA
If you're thinking about joining a gym the YMCA is probably the best place to begin. What makes the YMCA so wonderful is that they have the same equipment that the "meat market" gyms have without the pressure of being in tip-top shape to show up to work out.
Not only can you be in control of your workout but the YMCA offers educational classes, team sports, kids classes and camps, group exercise classes, and more. Visit your local YMCA website to learn more.
Not only can you be in control of your workout but the YMCA offers educational classes, team sports, kids classes and camps, group exercise classes, and more. Visit your local YMCA website to learn more.
Santa Rosa Community Market
Community Market is a worker-run, vegetarian, natural foods store that strives to carry only the best, most nutritional, and ethical products (most of them produced locally). Rumor has it that shopping at local-specialty markets like this are too expensive for the average person...I've personally proved this bit of information WRONG. Make your grocery list and highlight the items that you can find at a store like this and do it. Just try shifting part of your spending; You'll find that you get better products, that you can feel good about consuming/using, and you won't break the bank!
Oliver's Market
Another local grocery store which carries the same items you could typically get at the big-box supermarket, but specializes in stocking delicious, local, and healthier choices (at an affordable price). Since they carry locally produced goods, when you support them, they support us!
Eatingwell.com
Wonderful recipes that are surprisingly healthy, quick, and affordable.