J. Martin Noble

Life has thrown me some devastating curveballs, but I've been fortunate to come out stronger with a better outlook on life and a better sense of self after each disaster. I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2002 at age of 26. Through the miracle of modern medicine and with the support of amazing family and friends, I was able to beat it. During treatment I became aware of how important nutrition is to your overall health. My diet wasn't awful, but it wasn't great. I really learned how food can make you strong from the inside and that has stuck with me ever since.

I've always been a pretty active guy, and particularly loved skiing, snowboarding and martial arts. I exercised regularly, some may even say obsessively, for years. My main motivation was admittedly trying to look as good as possible. Shallow, I know. Vaniity aside, exercise made my body strong, and I would need that strength when I suffered a severe neck injury while training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I fractured my neck and was nearly paralyzed. The docotrs told me that at the time of impact, my body tensed up and protected me from suffering a more serious injury that could have left me without the use of my arms or legs. Modern medicine saved the day again and some of NY's best surgeons put me back together and I walked out of the hospital less than a week after my injury. After some physical therapy, I was able to regain full strength in my arms, and can exercise just as I did before the injury. Jiu Jitsu is out, but I get my fix through yoga, pilates, strength training and cardio. I've tried just about every fitness fad and class there is and decided a blog would be a great way for me to share some of the stuff I've learned through the years.

Several months ago, we purchased a Vitamix and have been on a steady diet of smoothies ever since. I get all my fruits and vegetables in a quick, delicious smoothie and I'm set for the day. I've been sharing my recipes on Facebook and Instagram for months, and finally people were telling me to just start a blog. So that's exactly what I did.