580 days to Ironman

AUTISM DIET AND NUTRITION

The Autism Research Institute asserts that nutritional treatments have shown great success in autism treatment. They suggest for an autism diet avoiding yeast, glutens, casein and any allergens. The Chinese medical diet is determined by flavor (pungent, sweet, salty), temperature (both physical and energy quality) and action on the body. Central to the philosophy and practice of Chinese medicine, it is thought that many, if not most, of our health problems are related to imbalances in our diet. Sensitivity to foods is not the cause of autism, but it does appear that certain components of foods exacerbate some of autism's symptoms. Dietary therapy, by creating a healthy autism diet, helps patients treat illness and maintain health. The general rule in Chinese diet therapy is, "Warm foods restore balance. Just go to the center and forget either extreme." The following are Mary Cissy Majebe's suggested practices for an autism diet.

• Warming foods that have been lightly cooked or steamed are beneficial for autistic people. Medicinally, warming foods warm meridians, strengthen yang, invigorate Blood, open collateral meridians, and eliminate cold . A "warming" food refers to the physical temperature of food as well as its energetic properties. Dry ginger and garlic, energetically, are both warming foods -- they create heat or warmth in the digestive tract.

All vegetables, particularly root vegetables, are considered warming. Suggested vegetables include: acorn squash, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, pumpkins, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, yams, turnips, radishes, carrots, button mushrooms and scallions. Grains such as brown rice, white rice, amaranth, millet, barley and quinoa are beneficial. Suggested legumes include lima , navy, adzuki, kidney and lentil beans. Many animal proteins such as chicken or turkey are also considered warming, but should be additive, hormone and antibiotic free.

WHAT THE KALE

A couple days ago I mention that I had an excellent kale dish (perfectly prepared by wife). Well, my friend Lou asked that I post the recipe. This is a link to recipe from Food Network.

For those of you unfamiliar:

Kale is absolutely rich and abundant in calcium, lutein, iron, and Vitamins A, C, and K. Kale has seven times the beta-carotene of broccoli and ten times more lutein. Kale is rich in Vitamin C not to mention the much needed fiber so lacking in the daily diet of processed food eating Americans. The "Icing on the Kale" are the natural occurring all important phytochemicals sulforaphane and indoles which research suggests may protect against cancer. Let's not forget the all important antioxidant Vitamin E. Rest assured kale spares nothing in providing one with much needed nutrients and associated health benefits.

GOAL UPDATE

It's brought to my attention that some have donated but I haven't been notified. If anyone has donated please send me an email. As you know our goal is $50k by the Ironman. I need the info so I can update our efforts.

TRAINING UPDATE

Still plugging along with the 2-a-day training. Still only cycling and running but the results are still coming. My friend Ryan has volunteered to help me with the swimming leg. He's one of those special operation military types who's competed in many triathlons so, I think I'll be in good hands.

Kestrel USA has agreed to work with me on a triathlon bike. I'm not sure if it'll be free but I know they want to not only help me with gear but they'll help with the Autism cause as well. I'll keep you updated on the progress and look for a link and logo to their website.