Here are a few of my favorite products and companies. If you visit them, please let them know you heard about them here.
Books
Scales/Body Composition Monitors
Sports Nutrition
Injury Prevention & Treatment
Identification & Safety
Cholesterol Control/Fiber Supplementation
Books Field Guide to Produce: How to Identify, Select, and Prepare Virtually Every Fruit and Vegetable at the Market by Aliza Green. This is a great resource to have with you when you go to the grocery store or farmer’s market. It is small enough to put in a pocket or purse, and provides information about 200 fruits and vegetables including color pictures to help figure out what that odd item you may find is. You’ll find out about when an item is in season, how to pick a ripe one, its history and how to prepare it. What to Eat by Marion Nestle. This has become one of my favorites. Ms. Nestle gives you all the details to help you navigate the grocery store and all the advertising hype. Have you wondered if you should by organic or not? Grass fed vs. conventional beef? Both are discussed in accessible terms to help you make informed decisions about what you and your family eats. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser. I don’t know a single person, including myself, who never eats fast food. This is an enlightening read on the history and background of the fast food industry. You learn about the treatment of the animals and workers which makes you think about putting your money where your mouth is. Nutrition Periodization for Endurance Athletes: Taking Traditional Sports Nutrition to the Next Level by Bob Seebohar. A readable and actionble book for endurance athletes who want to align their nutrition with their training plan. This is a book takes you through how to plan how much you need to eat and drink along with when (daily, as well as before, during and after workouts). Nutrient Timing: The Future of Sports Nutrition by John Ivy and Robert Portman. If you’re trying to put on lean mass, this is the book for you. Much like Bob Seebohar’s book for endurance athletes, this book will guide you about what to eat and when to gain maximum mass. Its not just what you eat, but when you eat that matters. Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook by Nancy Clark. Nancy is a master at helping all sorts of athletes plan and execute nutrition plans. Not only does she help with planning, she has recipes to help with execution. Nancy is one of the premier names in sports nutrition. Eating for Endurance by Ellen Coleman. Ellen Coleman, like Nancy Clark, is one of the premier names in sports nutrition. This is also a great resource for endurance athletes in determining what to eat, when and why.
Mindless Eating : Why We Eat More than We Think by Brian Wansink. All of us eat more than we think and the food industry counts on this fact. Mr. Wansink has written an easy read providing examples from experiments conducted in his lab about how we eat more than we realize and how to short-circuit those tendencies. Back To Top
Scales/Body Composition Monitors Tanita available through The Competitve Edge*. I’ve used a Tanita scale for years. I like that it measures in 0.2 pound increments. They have plenty of scales which also monitor body composition. The body composition scales use bioelectrical impedance (BIA) which runs a small current through your body. Fat is more of an insulator than lean tissue, so the more fat the slower the current moves. BIA is sensitive to hydration status. So, if you’re going to use it to measure body composition, you have to be aware of your hydration status. Many of the body composition monitors also track body water percentage – which I’d recommend if you really want to track your body composition. However, just like weight you have to remember that the number on the scale is just that – a number. You can use it to track trends, but don’t attach emotions to it. Back To Top
Sports Nutrition
Infinit Nutrition. I’ve recently started using Infinit and am very pleased. I like the light flavor (which encourages me to drink more). Even better is the ability to customize the formula to my specific needs. You can use the Introductory Interview and in under three minutes have a formula customized for your specific needs. You can also use the sliders or select a pre-mixed formula. They also have a recovery drink which has been working well. Endurox R4. I’ve used Endurox for years with great success. I can tell a huge difference in how I feel after a workout. Use after workouts lasting at least 60 – 90 minutes. There are plenty of other recovery products out there. I recommend everyone try a few and see which works best for them.
Back To Top
Injury Prevention & Treatment
Trigger Point Performance Therapy. Trigger Point has some great tools to workout all those knots and tight places. I have their Total Body Package plus Ultimate 6 Guidebook. I can get into all sorts of places that are bothering me (calves and neck) as well as find knots I didn't even know I had. The staff is knowledgable and helpful.
The Pain-Free Triathlete by Julie Donnelly BS, LMT and Zev Cohen MD.
This book is a wealth of information that can help you address those aches and pains that come with training and with every day life. Often, where you feel pain is not where the pain originates. The authors explain referral pain, how to find out the real source and how to work on it. Honestly, the solution often isn't pleasant, but I feel so much better when I'm done.
Back To Top
Identification & Safety
RoadID. If something happens and you can't speak for yourself, RoadID can speak for you. Here's my blog on the topic. I've used a RoadID for years and years. I won't workout without having somewhere on my body. I also like the FireFly. I clip it on my waist or bike bag if I'm out while it is still dark or the sun is just coming up. Their products are high quality and affordable. RoadID tags make great gifts, too!
Back To Top
Cholesterol Reduction/Fiber Supplementation
Bios Life. Bios Life has a lot of science behind it in helping lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) and raising HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind). It also helps your digestive tract by adding fiber to your diet. Be careful when starting this supplement that you don’t add too much at once or your digestive system may not be too happy. Start with one serving a day and increase as your body adjusts to the additional fiber.
Back To Top
| 
