The Bras for a Cause event was a huge success! We raised over $10,000! A BIG THANKS to all of the volunteers and models. Here is some footage from Thursday night. See if you recognize some of the models. I was lucky #7!

When it comes to achieving your health and fitness goals, positive self talk is a key ingredient. Why? Because you can talk yourself into or out of anything. For example, if you tell yourself that losing twenty pounds will be a struggle, then it will be. When obstacles get in your way, you might take a detour. Doubt may creep in, and you’ll ask yourself if your goal is really worth it. But if you tell yourself that you CAN do it, then you’ll put in the work to make it happen. You might still run into obstacles and challenges, but instead of running away or quitting, you’ll find a solution.

So how do I know that you CAN achieve your health and fitness goals? Because other people have done it. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. People who are just like you. That’s why reading or listening to other peoples’ stories inspire us. If they can, you can too.

Just remember this quote by Rocky Balboa. “It ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

Warm, hearty, and savory. That’s the best way to describe this recipe. It’s one of our favorites during fall. So delicious and easy to prepare. Make a pot and put some in the freezer for a chilly night.

Ingredients
1 pound dried black beans (about 2 cups), rinsed, soaked in water, and drained
1 lb pre-cooked ham (or ham pieces)
2 bay leaves
8 cups water
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped rough
2 medium sweet potatoes, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large carrots, chopped rough
2 celery ribs, chopped rough
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 Tbsp chicken base
1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
3 to 4 Tbsp lime juice (can substitute lemon juice)

Directions
Heat olive oil in 4-quart pot. Add pre-cooked ham and brown for 5 minutes. Add beans, 8 cups water, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and let cook 75-90 minutes, until beans are tender. (To save time you can use canned black beans. If you do, just rinse and drain the beans. Since they are already cooked you do not need to cook them for 75-90 minutes.)

Add the onions, garlic, celery, and sweet potato. Cook about 15 minutes. Stir in cumin, chili powder, chicken base. Add bell pepper then reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 30-45 minutes. Before serving add 3 Tbsp of lime juice.

Mark your calendar for this great fundraiser! Bras for a Cause will be held on October 13th from 5PM-8PM at The Edgewater Hotel. Enjoy an entertaining runway show, live auction, music and food organized by the Women’s Council of Realtors in Madison. It benefits an amazing local charity Breast Cancer Recovery of Madison.

Beautifully decorated bras are premiered in a runway show, modeled by local business owners and celebrities (yes, I’m one of the models) for the roaring, energetic crowd. In addition, there will be music, food, entertainment, and a silent auction. 65% of the proceeds are earmarked for local Breast Cancer Recovery Retreats that directly benefit women in Dane County. This is the first year for WCR in Madison, however, other Chapters of WCR around the country raise thousands of dollars for their local Breast Cancer charities.

Click Here for Ticket or Sponsorship information.

Sleep’s function has long been a mystery, but many researchers have gathered evidence that it is important for learning and memory. Two new studies confirm that sleep plays a central role in solidifying memories and preparing the brain for new learning. Click here to read the whole story in the June edition of Science News.

As a spread, dip or garlicky pita filling, hummus is both delicious and satisfying. And it’s high in protein and fiber. Best of all, it’s whipped up in seconds in a blender or food processor. Kyle and Bruce love to dip their carrots, cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers. So enjoy one of our favorite recipes!

Ingredients
1 clove garlic
1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, half the liquid reserved
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions
In a blender, chop the garlic. Pour garbanzo beans into blender, reserving about a tablespoon for garnish. Place lemon juice, tahini, chopped garlic and salt in blender. Blend until creamy and well mixed.
Transfer the mixture to a medium serving bowl. Sprinkle with pepper and pour olive oil over the top. Garnish with reserved garbanzo beans.

If you’re looking for great savings at local businesses, then pick up Bucky Book’s 20th Anniversary Edition. Where can you find them? At your local Copps, Pick ‘n Save, Cost Cutters, Shopko or PDQ Food Stores. Or you might have a neighbor and former client who can hook you up. Thanks, John Flitz (Owner of Bucky Book). You can also buy them online at BuckyBook.com. They’re great for fundraising too! So get yours today. The NEW Bucky Book is valid through September 30, 2012.

As a Personal Trainer, I am required to be CPR certified and know how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Even if you’re not a trainer, it’s a good idea to get CPR certified. Why? CPR can buy extra time for your family member or friend until professional help can arrive. And did you know that over 70% of all cardiac and breathing emergencies occur in the home when a family member is present? So do your loved ones a favor and get certified today.

Learn more at the American Heart Association.

After my designation as “Healthiest Man In America”, I was asked to present at the Hi Tech Happy Hour on May 26th and talk about the process of being selected by Men’s Health Magazine. The presentation format allowed for 20 images for 20 seconds apiece, for a total time of 6 minutes & 40 seconds, making for a concise and fast-moving presentation. I had a lot of fun coming up with ideas, and I hope you enjoy it!

Miguel Cardenas, Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Gentle Tiger Acupuncture LLC, has a passion for helping people. He recently created a program that offers low-cost care in a group setting. What a great idea! Gentle Tiger Community Acupuncture allows family and friends to be treated together so they can experience the comfort of healing with others.

Learn more at GentleTigerAcupuncture.com