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RestDays v2: Highest scoring NBA All-Star ever! 🏀

RestDays v2: Highest scoring NBA All-Star ever! 🏀

February 23, 2024

Highest scoring NBA All-Star ever! 🏀

Hello and welcome to RestDays! Where the only thing we take seriously is our recovery time...and our fantasy leagues.

The rule is simple:

Grab a seat, get comfortable, and let’s dive into today’s issue:

NBA All-Stars Soar in a Sky-High Slam Dunk Spectacle
The MLS Season Ignites: Messi, Acosta, and Hernández Lead the Charge!
What's All the Buzz about the Mediterranean Diet?
WHOOPs! Your Fitness Gear Probably Isn't That Reliable
The Controversial Spin on Olympic Glory at the Enhanced Games

NBA All-Stars Soar in a Sky-High Slam Dunk Spectacle

Hold onto your jerseys, folks, because this year's NBA All-Star Game just went full-on video game mode, smashing the scoreboard with a whopping 211-186 win for the East over the West.

Yup, you read that right – it's the first time we've seen the score hit the 200s.

Damian Lillard was out there playing like he mistook the All-Star Game for a three-point contest, sinking 2 half-court bombs and racking up 39 points to snatch the MVP title. Meanwhile, a certain sharpshooter from the Milwaukee Bucks showed Trae Young how it's done in the three-point contest, edging him out 26-24.

Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Haliburton weren't just there to fill the bench – they brought the heat with 36 and 32 points, respectively. And let's not forget about Karl-Anthony Towns, who thought he was playing NBA Jam, leading all scorers with a monstrous 50 points off the bench.

But here's the problem: despite all the record-smashing, some fans are calling it the snooze-fest of the century.

"Bring back defense!", as the game morphed into a dunk and three-point extravaganza. And get this – there's a wild idea floating around suggesting the All-Star Game winner should nab home advantage in the NBA Finals. Because, sure, let's make the outcome of an 82-game grind hinge on a game where the most defense played is against the buffet at halftime. So, what's the secret sauce to making the All-Star Game a must-watch? Do we need to add obstacles on the court?

Or maybe the losing team does the halftime show?

Link to the full article

The MLS Season Ignites: Messi, Acosta, and Hernández Lead the Charge!

As the MLS carousel spins back into action, this season's lineup is nothing short of exhilarating.

The opening act saw Inter Miami CF laying out the red carpet for Real Salt Lake, setting the stage on Wednesday, Feb 21, at 8 p.m. ET. This was merely a teaser of the soccer fest to unfold. Highlighting the weekend's agenda, a heavyweight tussle is on the horizon this Saturday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. ET. Fresh from their MLS Cup victory lap, Columbus Crew is bracing for a showdown with Atlanta United, serving up what promises to be a feast of football finesse.

The soccer maestro himself is gearing up for his first full season in MLS with Miami, flanked by the likes of Luis Suárez and coach Tata Martino. Fresh off their Leagues Cup triumph, Messi and co. are eyeing an even bigger prize this season, with ambitions that stretch far beyond letting trophies collect dust. Yet, the spotlight doesn't solely shine on Messi. Luciano ‘Lucho’ Acosta, the reigning MVP, is set to dazzle once again for FC Cincinnati, while Cucho Hernández has his sights set on MVP honors and guiding the Crew to another MLS Cup victory. The echoes of LA Galaxy's back-to-back triumphs in 2011-12 loom over his aspirations.

With a season ripe for drama, skill, and the unexpected, questions abound.

Will Messi's magic tip the scales? Can Acosta and Hernández carve their names into this season's lore? The stage is set, and the soccer spectacle is just getting started. Stay tuned, and let the games captivate you!

Link to the full article

What's All the Buzz about the Mediterranean Diet?

In the buffet of diets perfect for athletes, we've got ranges from keto to paleo, each promising to turbocharge your performance and keep you in tip-top shape.

But if we're picking favorites, let's zoom in on one that's been creating a buzz louder than a stadium on game day: The Mediterranean Diet.

Why's everyone talking about it? Well, it's the LeBron James of nutrition—versatile, powerful, and consistently at the top of its game. Known as the gold standard for health and longevity, this diet has bagged more accolades than most athletes, thanks to its unbeatable lineup of benefits and sustainability.

Here's the Playbook:

It’s like living in a sun-drenched Mediterranean paradise, minus the need to dodge tourists. This diet pulls from the traditional eats of Italy and Greece, where the menu's as vibrant as the scenery. We're talking a cornucopia of veggies and fruits that taste like they've been kissed by the sun, whole grains that haven't been zapped of their soul, and fish that'll make you want to take swimming lessons.

The roster includes:

MVPs: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, nuts, lentils, and olive oil.
Supporting Players: Poultry, eggs, and dairy, with red meat making rare guest appearances.
Benched: Refined grains, trans fats, processed meats, added sugars, and other culinary villains.

Why It's a Game-Changer:

This diet isn't just about eating well; it's about living well. Studies have shown that adopting this plant-heavy, minimally processed diet can fend off chronic diseases, put you on the path to weight loss, and might even extend your lifespan. Think of it as your body's personal defense against life's fouls, from heart disease to certain cancers. Plus, with its emphasis on antioxidant-rich foods, it's like having your own dietary superhero fighting inflammation and oxidative stress.

Aside from keeping your physical health in top status, it also scores points for mental well-being, reducing risks of cognitive decline and depression.

Any Trade-offs?

Since the Mediterranean diet isn't big on dairy, you'll need to scout other sources to ensure you're getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Think of it as diversifying your portfolio, but for nutrients.

In Summary:

While it's not specifically branded as a weight-loss diet, its roster of whole, unprocessed foods can help you shed pounds and maintain peak health. So, this might just be your ticket to the nutrition Hall of Fame.

Link to the full article

WHOOPs! Your Fitness Gear Probably Isn't That Reliable

So, WHOOP and other trackers love to tout metrics like Strain, but here's the scoop: they're not always as accurate as they claim. Why? They lean heavily on wrist-based heart rate tracking, which – spoiler alert – can be as unreliable as my uncle's barbecue plans. In the heat of a workout, these trackers might be sweating more about keeping up than you are.

Believe it or not, your grandpa's workout log might beat modern tech in accuracy. Jotting down your reps, sets, miles, or minutes with a pen and paper doesn't sound sexy, but it's straightforward and reliable. Plus, you won't have to charge it at night. Fitness trackers have their perks – they can give you a ballpark figure of your efforts, making it fun to see if you can outdo your past self. Just remember, they're entertaining, but not 100% reliable.

Instead of obsessing over digits on a screen, measure your fitness by real-world gains. Did you shave seconds off your mile, or are you lifting heavier than last month? These tangible victories are the true gold medals of your fitness journey.

If you're teaming up with a tracker, just keep its quirks in mind. Enjoy the data, but take it with a grain of salt. Don't let Strain'score mess with your zen or dictate your day's workout.

Remember, folks, the goal is to enjoy your fitness journey and keep pushing your limits, not to get tangled in a web of numbers. Whether you're a gadget geek or a pen-and-paper purist, what matters most is that you're moving, improving, and having fun along the way.

Link to the full article

The Controversial Spin on Olympic Glory at the Enhanced Games

Imagine a parallel universe where the Olympic Games have a rule-bending cousin, and you've got the Enhanced Games. This isn't your grandma's track meet; it's the place where doping isn't just allowed, it's part of the charm.

James Magnussen, the swimming sensation, is ditching his retirement plans for a shot at glory and, well, a hefty paycheck at these so-called Enhanced Games. The founder, Aron D'Souza, is on a mission to line athletes' pockets with more than just medals.

But here's the kicker: while some athletes are eyeing this like a kid in a candy store, the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) is not amused, calling it a no-go zone for role models. D'Souza's rebuttal? Clinical supervision will make it all A-OK.

Former Olympic medalist Steve Parry isn't buying it, though. He's all about preserving the Olympic spirit, where it's not about the fastest shortcut but the journey. Parry's sticking to the script where Olympians aren't just chasing dollar signs, but something a tad more noble.

So, in this corner of the sports world, it's not just about who's the fastest or strongest, but who's got the best...chemist? Stay tuned as the saga unfolds, and the debate rages on about what it truly means to be an Olympian.

Link to the full article

News Off The Field

This Week’s Meal Power-Up

Today we've got a recipe straight from the kitchen of Ironman coach and dietitian Marni Sumbal: a hearty, nutrient-packed Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Quinoa Curry. Perfect for fueling long training days with a blend of high protein, high fiber, and complex carbs.

Why it's good: Packed with 8 grams of plant-based protein per serving, this curry is excellent for muscle repair and growth. With 7 grams of fiber, it also promotes digestive health and stable blood sugar levels, making it an ideal meal for endurance athletes. Plus, it's vegan, gluten-free, and simple to prepare, offering a warm and comforting meal for chilly training days.

Ingredients:

1 (28-ounce) can plain diced tomatoes, undrained
1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped (about 3 cups)
2 couple broccoli crowns, cut into bite-size pieces
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 (14.5-ounce) cans light coconut milk
1 cup water
1 small onion, chopped
½ cup quinoa, rinsed
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari)
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

Start by combining all ingredients except the cilantro in your slow cooker. Then, just set it to cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. You're looking for those sweet potatoes to get tender and the curry to thicken up nicely. Once it's ready, ladle it into bowls, and if you're feeling fancy, garnish with some fresh cilantro. There you have it—six servings of delicious, nutritious curry that practically makes itself while you're out there getting your miles in.

Enjoy!

This Week’s Champion

Damian Lillard teared up this All-Star Weekend. The man was on fire, scooping up the NBA All-Star MVP and nailing the 3-point contest champion title, all within a whirlwind 48 hours. If there were any doubts about who deserved the spotlight, Lillard just shut them down with undeniable swagger and skill.