nutrition, inspiration and a little surf fun: links for 3.26.10

paddleboarding at Anini Beach

Below are a few links from around the Internet that I found interesting this week. Wishing you all a wonderful and active weekend.

nutrition

Finally, solid science behind why high-fructose corn syrup is different (and a lot worse) than natural sugar. This article from Princeton University reports on some recent findings.

While on the surface, these two substances look very similar, there are specific differences between them, as well as their effects on our bodies. One of the quotes that stood out for me:

When rats are drinking high-fructose corn syrup at levels well below those in soda pop, they're becoming obese — every single one, across the board. Even when rats are fed a high-fat diet, you don't see this; they don't all gain extra weight.

Read that again. The obesity effects of high-fructose corn syrup do not happen naturally. I urge you to read the article, and consider what you put into your body.

inspiration: climber, majka burhardt

Majka is a climber and writer who is actively making a difference in the world. Her latest venture, WayPoint Namibia, has been nominated for an EPIC award (overseen by The White House Project). Majka describes the honor on her website:

On March 15th, I was nominated for an EPIC Emerging Artist Award for my work with the Waypoint Namibia film. I'm honored to have been chosen amongst this group of women as someone who embodies the spirit of EPIC: a depiction of a woman who is making a difference, changing the face of popular culture or leading in a positive, joyful manner. The White House Project oversees the award. Please cast your vote today and enjoy the work of all of these incredible women while doing so.

You can watch the trailer on YouTube, or go directly to the EPIC award website and cast your vote.

inspiration: a surfer, jodie nelson

I caught this link via twitter about surfer Jodie Nelson and her attempt to paddle in the Ocean Ohana annual Catalina Challenge on 3.28.10 (that’s this Sunday!) solo. If she succeeds, she will be the first woman to complete the 39.8 mile trip via Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP).

I was introduced to stand up paddle boarding when I arrived on Kaua'i last October. I've only tried the sport once, on a really calm day at Anini Beach (further protected by a reef). I had a blast calmly paddling this huge board (often longer than 10') while standing up. However, after experimenting with my foot placement, I realized how difficult it is to balance when you're on water that's moving. And to watch those on the open ocean, catching and surfing waves, or traveling long distances is inspiring. There is a great quote by Jodie in the article:

I'm setting out to do something that is, for me, super intimidating, unknown, and something that I have a good chance of failing at. But that doesn't mean that I shouldn't do it!

That doesn't mean I shouldn't do it. I LOVE this attitude. Taking chances, experiencing something new and scary because you believe in it. It's people like Jodie that continue to inspire me every day. You can also follow her blog.

a little surf fun

An amazing video from last week of big-scary-crazy-surfing goodness. Enjoy!