CrossFit Games – SoCal Regionals May 11-13, 2012

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Aloha MeeNuts!

This weekend is the long-awaited SoCal Regional qualifiers for the 2012 CrossFit Games! If you’re free come down and support all the amazing athletes! I am not a vendor but I will have my tent and banner up at tent city with some product. First come first serve. Pick up new jars, recycle old jars. Competition will be held from May 11-13 at the Pomona Fairplex. Details here.

Apologies in advance for being slow to respond to emails & messages. This is a crazy weekend for all of us. I promise to get back to you as soon as possible! Wish us luck! Go Team BeachSide CrossFit! :)

Twitt

RECAP: ROAD TRIP SUCCESS!

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What a road trip! As most of you know, I was and am a CrossFitter first, so I know full-well the amazing camaraderie that comes via collaborative suffering through a gnarly WOD. Once that clock beeps zero, even though you may have started out as “strangers”, you magically cross over into a deep CrossFit empathy rooted in an appreciation for clean-eating and the ability to move large loads long distances quickly. :)

So although the primary objective of my first official road trip was to help spread the Paleo MeeNut Butter stoke down to San Diego, an indirect byproduct was WODding at almost every affiliate I visited … 6 WODs in two days! Holy moly I am sore! But if I had to do the road trip all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Except maybe schedule in some free time because I didn’t get to surf once or even make it to the beach! No bueno! :(

So here’s what was accomplished in addition to dealing MeeNut-Butter-paleo-crack-in-a-jar for three days:

3 days of travel
8 CrossFit Affiliates
550 miles driven
6 WODs in 2 Days [ridiculous] which in total consisted of:
5400 meters run
358 double unders
185 kettlebell swings
165 box jumps
160 push press
75 abmat situps
60 GHD situps
71 chest-to-bar pullups
50 regular pullups
45 ball slams
25 power cleans
15 back squats
12 deadlifts
1 tree pose [can't leave that one out!]
1 amazing home-cooked meal [thanks again to Civilized Caveman!]
1 ridiculous dessert cheat meal [at Sprinkles!! hehe :) ]

 

 

 

I couldn't have survived the trip without Yoori's help!

And countless photos, videos, memories … all shared with my 1 amazing friend Yoori. Thanks so much for all your help on this road trip!!! Couldn’t have survived without your help and support!

Needless to say I am getting a massage today by the one and only Katie Carlo and am not looking forward to CF Games Open WOD 12.3! The only reason I didn’t do any toes-to-bar on this trip is because I was so tired by my second to last stop that I opted out of the WOD which programmed it. PRAISE THE LORD! :)

 

As exhausted as I am, I got to visit some awesome CrossFit Affiliates and share my Paleo MeeNut Butter with their equally awesome communities. Thank you all for your support! CrossFit Inland Valley, BoomBOX CrossFit, CrossFit Mission Gorge, CrossFit Socal, CrossFit 858, CrossFit Orange County, CrossFit Ero, Karma CrossFit you all rock! To those affiliates I couldn’t add to my itinerary, there WILL be a next time I promise!

MAHALO AND SHAKA LOVE TO YOU ALL! :)

P.S. All you curious ladies – I get asked a lot how I keep my mermaid hair under control during WODs – my friend Yoori caught my transformation here on video. All it takes is one braid, one rubberband, six hair clips and one headband of course! LOL :) The “Transformation”

Twitt

A TRIBUTE TO MY K.M. & COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW YEAR

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K.M.  Short for Korean Mom. K.M.s are infamous for their D.W.I.T. [Do Whatever It Takes] approach to child-rearing in order to churn out elite GPAs, classical music prodigies, doctors, lawyers, olympic athletes, and more from their offspring. An interesting, and oftentimes scary breed of mom … but a momma nonetheless … and I love mine :)

Learning to play classical piano at the ripe old age of four

Growing up, there were many moments when I resolved in my sinful little heart that this was NOT the case. These melodramas usually ended with slamming doors and high-pitched yelling from both parties. Definitely not my proudest moments …

However, with this recent business venture, I’ve come to realize that despite these growing pains, my K.M. was instrumental in shaping who I am today and I owe much of my success to her oftentimes irrational yet loving ways. Here are 5 basic lessons I’ve learned [among hundreds of thousands] that were directly and indirectly taught via my momma’s discipline stick and example.

 

I was never cut out to be a doctor or nurse but my parents and teachers sure did try to convert me

1. Never visit anyone empty-handed. As a child I remember my parents always toting a box of fruit or ricecakes whenever we were invited anywhere. I never thought much about it until as an adult I caught myself subconsciously following suit. I see now that it’s a simple expression of respect and consideration for others regardless of roles [who invited who] and social status [who's who], even if it’s a mere box of fuji apples or asian pears. This is how I want to run my business, showing respect and concern to my customers and hopefully one day my employees. I want to consider others before myself, and I ask all of you to help keep me in check. I don’t exist without all of you!

2. Chew your food. Thoroughly. Or “kok-kok sheep-uh-muh-guh” in Korean. I still get reprimanded for this! We’re always in a rush to do this and go there so the last thing on our minds is making sure we chew our bacon thoroughly before swallowing, right? Tons of studies show the health benefits of chewing food, but what’s more important is that during the act of chewing, you actually get to taste, savor, and enjoy the very thing that will provide nourishment and strength to your body. My life is a hurricane at the moment and my “to do” list has a mind of it’s own, but I keep reminding myself to “kok-kok sheep-uh-muh-guh” this process and remember that the joy is in the journey!

3. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. [I actually just got up to turn off the light in my kitchen haha!] From washing and re-using Bounty paper towels [they really were quite durable!] to turning off the water while brushing your teeth [which I hope all of you do!], my momma would literally shadow me from room to room shutting out lights quicker than you can yell “no rep!” We didn’t have much in terms of material wealth so conservation was the name of the game. As annoying as it was playing light wars with my mom, this was one way she really drilled in the importance of stretching a dollar and making the most of what you have. This mindset has helped me build Mee Eat Paleo to where it is today and will help me in my long adventure ahead.

Love ♥

4. It’s not what you do that matters but how you do it and mediocrity is not an option. My parents came to America with no formal higher education, their sole motivation being the hope of providing a better life for my brother and me. I’ve watched my momma work at an A&W fast food joint, cashier at Shop Rite, sell Cutco knives, attempt insurance sales, nanny … gosh, you name it! And now she owns and operates a small business. All vastly different but the common thread in all of it was her dedication to hard work through thick and thin. Momma worked her butt off no matter what the task. I adopted my workhorse mentality from her example and I’ll bet I can attribute my success with CrossFit to that as well. Starting your own business is no walk in the park, Kazansky, but I hope that I can work even half as hard as my mom did and still does and strive to provide you all with the most excellent products possible.

5. Always say “Thank you.” Repeatedly. While bowing. OK, I suppose the bowing doesn’t necessarily apply here in the U.S. but I’ve definitely learned not to be stingy in the gratitude department. I am nothing without God’s provision and the amazing support of my family, friends, and loyal fans. So although it’s already been expressed innumerably, I’ll tell you yet again, THANK YOU ALL so much from the bottom of my little paleo heart! Your support means so much to me and I am grateful beyond words! And to my dearest momma, thank you so much for everything. I hope to make you proud! I love you!

Today marks my last day at “work” and thus begins the first day of the rest of my life. I didn’t want to wait until “later” to take a stab at chasing my dreams because “later” is a luxury that isn’t guaranteed to everyone. Should I fail, I will rejoice knowing that I gave it a go and did the best I could. Should I succeed, I will rejoice knowing that it was all by God’s provision and sovereignty in my life and I want to ultimately do all things unto the glory of my Maker. So … here goes it!

Happy New Year everyone! :)

Twitt

CHOCOLATE MAPLE MEENUT BUTTER “FROSTING”

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Super easy Chocolate MeeNut Butter “Frosting” recipe that I like to use on my Chocolate Banana Muffins, cakes, sweet potatoes, bananas, etc. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something chocolatey but don’t need to “go there” … if you know what I mean! ;)

Just take a couple tablespoons of Paleo MeeNut Butter, mix in an extra tablespoon of Tropical Traditions Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, throw in about 2-4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, and a splash of maple syrup to taste. Mix into a thick “frosting” and use as desired. It is bomb! :)

Twitt

MEE’S CHOCOLATE BANANA MUFFINS

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Aloha all! Thanks so much for your patience! Here is the recipe you’ve all been waiting for! It is SO simple! Enjoy! :)

**Just a reminder my tendency to NOT measure things out when I cook/bake so these are very close approximations LOL … everything always turns out OK in the end, no worries! ;) **

Mee’s Chocolate Banana Muffins

Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp cinnamon

1 cup pitted medjool dates
3 ripe organic medium sized bananas [broken into about 3 chunks each]
1/4 cup Tropical Traditions Gold Label Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 organic eggs

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl and set aside

3. Load a Vitamix with the pitted dates, bananas, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla and eggs [in that order] and begin to mix at a medium speed for about 20-30 seconds. Gradually increase to high and mix at full blast for about 15 seconds or until you get a nicely combined and smooth mixture.

4. Slowly add in the dry mix and mix on medium speed until fully combined. This shouldn’t take very long at all. Once you have everything nicely blended, I blast on high for a few seconds to break down the almond flour. I’ve found that this makes for very moist and soft muffins.

5. Fill a 3/4″ muffin pan about 3/4 full and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approx 20-25 minutes.

6. Cool completely and add a dollop of Chocolate Maple MeeNut Butter “Frosting” and enjoy! Feel free to dust with unsweetened coconut flakes for extra flavor and presentation :)

Yields about 20 muffins.

 

Twitt

RECIPE: Sweet Potato [Protein] Muffins

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Oh, the illustrious sweet potato – so delicious, so many health benefits! Some of which include antioxidants like beta-carotene [in the orange-fleshed sweet potatoes] and anthocyanin [in the purple-fleshed ones], anti-inflammatory nutrients, and blood sugar-regulating nutrients. You can read about all of them in detail at WHFoods.org.

I developed the following recipe incorporating this wonderful root-tuber as a perfect  snack. I like to throw in Stronger Faster Healthier’s Pure Whey Protein or Post-Workout Whey Protein depending on my use.

SO! You asked for it, you got it! Merry Christmas everyone! :)

 

 

 

 

 

RECIPE: Mee’s Sweet Potato [Protein] Muffins

Prep Time: 15-20 min
Bake Time: 20-30 min

INGREDIENTS:
2 – 2.5 cups shredded sweet potato [skin on or peeled]
1 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp Paleo Meenut Butter [optional]

3 eggs

1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon [optional]
1+ scoop[s] Stronger Faster Healthier protein powder [optional depending on your use]

*SIDE NOTE on baking with protein powder – when you add protein powder to the mix, you need to compensate with some type of “liquid” otherwise it will result in a super dense and dry final product. i suggest mixing the protein powder in some full-fat coconut milk or coconut oil before throwing into your batter.*

1.5 cup almond flour
[I like to make my own almond flour so that's why I use almond flour here - but i'm sure you can use coconut flour and it would taste just as yummy.]


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREP:

Preheat oven to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit

Remove pits from dates and set aside.

If you like leaving the skin on sweet potatoes like I do, wash them thoroughly and cube into 1/4 inch pieces. If not, peel and do the same.

Mix the rest of the dry ingredients [minus the almond flour] in a bowl and set aside.

Set aside the eggs and almond flour.

DIRECTIONS:
Using a Vitamix [or comparable food processor/blender] finely shred the sweet potato cubes and set aside.

Add the coconut oil, meenut butter, dates, shredded sweet potato, dry ingredients [minus the almond flour], coconut milk, and vanilla [in that order].

Utilizing the masher tool, blend the ingredients at medium speed until you have a nicely combined thick mixture. I like “chunky” things so I don’t get too crazy with the blending but you can make your mixture as smooth or chunky as you like.

Once you’re satisfied with your mixture, add your eggs and mix in at medium speed until nicely combined. Don’t over-process.

*By the way, this is why I love my Vitamix and I take full advantage of the fact that I can cut my prep time by 15 minutes by doing everything practically in a couple steps!

Pour your batter into a mixing bowl and slowly fold in the almond flour. Mix well.

Lightly grease one 9″x13″ pan or two 9″ round pans, or 3-4 dozen mini muffin pans before filling.

Bake the 9″x13″ or 9″ round pans at 350 degrees for approx 30 minutes. Bake the mini muffin pans at 350 degrees for approx 20-25 minutes. Bake time and temperature will vary slightly depending on your oven & pans.

Let cool completely before serving and enjoy!

I garnished this one with my paleo dark chocolate ganache and dried cranberries. Needless to say, it was pretty amazing! :)

Twitt

WOD Gear, Christmas, OC Throwdown, Paleo Dark Chocolate Ganache!

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First of all, I had such an amazing time at WOD Gear’s Team Series competition this past weekend! It was Mee Eat Paleo’s first “official” CrossFit event :)

Super big shout out to WOD Gear for letting me be a vendor and great job to all the competitors (including my BeachSide team of course). The event was well-organized, well-programmed, professionally run, and most importantly … FUN!

So obvious I was having a blast :) It was great competing and always great meeting other CrossFitters. This wonderful CrossFit community has been so supportive and welcoming to me and my product. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Secondly, I just want to give you all a heads up that I will be shutting down production this week for the Christmas holiday. I worked through Thanksgiving and although in doing so, it prevented me from Paleo-cheating and engaging in nonsensical acts of gluttony, it was totally NOT fun working the whole time.

So … I’m going to actually attempt to take some time off this week! (from making MeeNut Butter at least … I still have to report to the office j-o-b) I really do hope to catch up on much-needed sleep and get organized to go full-force in prepping for the OC Throwdown on Jan 14-15, 2012! I’ll be a competitor and vendor again so I’ll need support for both :)

Last but not least, my long-awaited Paleo Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe! I am very bad at following / writing down recipes and I don’t know all the fancy culinary terms, so please forgive me if something is amiss in the following. Feel free to offer suggestions, adjustments, etc.

For those who wanted my Paleo Choco MeeNut Butter Cups recipe, this is how I make the chocolate for that too. Now without further ado …

 

Recipe: Mee’s Paleo Dark Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients:
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup organic coconut oil
1/6 cup organic cocoa butter
2 tbsp raw organic honey (more or less – to taste)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 pinch of sea salt
3/8 cup organic full-fat coconut milk

Prep / Cook Time: 10-15 min
Yields: approx 2 cups ganache / truffles

Directions:
Over very low heat melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil. Make sure you use only as much heat as necessary to melt the butter and oil. I don’t have a double cooker so I constantly remove from direct heat to not overheat. Mix in the honey, salt, vanilla, and stir continually to combine the mixture as much as possible.  The honey doesn’t fully combine with the oil in this step so no worries.

At this point I remove from heat.

Stir in the cocoa powder and mix until evenly combined.

Slowly drizzle in the coconut milk and stir carefully until evenly combined. Do NOT over-stir / combine too aggressively. Impatience here = game over.

Depending on your use, you can use immediately as a ganache. Otherwise, chill and harden into truffles.

Enjoy!

Twitt

WOD GEAR TEAM SERIES COMPETITION

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Thank you so much for all your orders and please keep them coming!

However, this week i’ll be busy prepping for the WOD Gear: Team Series Competition this Sunday 12/18 at Jack Kemp Stadium at Occidental College. I’ll be throwing down and have a Paleo MeeNut Butter booth as well.

IF YOU ARE LOCAL PLEASE SUPPORT AND COME STOCK UP ON YOUR JARS THERE! it would help me out so much, plus these jars of deliciousness make great Christmas gifts! Hint, hint … :)

And come cheer on my BeachSide CrossFit team as well as the other competitors! Besides Mee Eat Paleo would love to meet you in person! Also a great opportunity to come recycle your empty jars for a discount on your purchase. :)

Orders that came in last week will ship out 12/13. If you’re not local and can’t come to Occidental College this Sunday, any orders that come in this week will be processed the week of 12/19.

MAHALO for your continued support!

Twitt

Order Up!

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Thank you all for your patience!

I’ve finally set up a PayPal cart where you can now quickly and securely order your Paleo MeeNut Butter! Please let me know if you run into any problems. Click here to order.

Enjoy Thanksgiving and spending time with your families and friends. I will be … making nut butter! Yeah!

Please note that Mee Eat Paleo is currently an army of one, hence the 5-12 day turnaround time for orders. MAHALO!

Twitt

PAYPAL …

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hi everyone!

first of all thank you so much for your orders and support!

secondly, i am currently working on getting my paypal shopping cart set up. thanks so much for your patience and i hope to have everything up and running by monday night 11/21/11 at the latest. i’m exploring cheaper shipping options for all of you via fedex so it’s taking longer than expected.

in the meantime, please message me via my CONTACT MEE page and we will work out payment via credit card or check.

MAHALO! :)

Twitt