Alaska’s Finest Seafoods

You are at the dining room table with your spouse; the dim lighting, combined with some soft big band on the radio, create an atmosphere that is alluring and sensual.  The appetizers were quite delicious, and you feel yourself enjoying a glass of Chardonnay a little more than you should.

Your spouse gets up and enters the kitchen, returning with a tray of some of the finest King Crab legs you have ever seen.  They place a butter dish down in front of you, a candle lit underneath them to keep the butter warm and melted.  You crack open the first leg and a greeted to crab meat that has been cooked to perfection.  Soaking a piece in the butter, you let it overwhelm your taste buds as the King Crab melts in your mouth and slides ever so easily to your stomach.

This experience is one that you are looking forward to repeating.

Making a Meal of Crab

Many people consider lobster and crab to be a delicacy, and though their price certainly elevates them about the price range of macaroni and cheese or pan fried steaks, their availability and abundance makes them something that can be enjoyed at any time.  King Crab legs can be added to just about any meal in an economical (and tasty!) way.

However, if you are looking to make a meal of the crab itself you may want to start saving now as King Crab is quite expensive, though the flavor and texture of King Crab makes it well worth the premium.  Crab legs can add a touch of sophistication and pizazz to just about any meal, and their pricing keeps them well within the range of most people’s budgets.

Add crab legs to your grilled steak dinner – While the steaks are cooking, place butter dishes in the dining area.  Don’t forget to leave a tea-light lit underneath them to keep the butter warm. If the butter is already soft, place it into the dish and enjoy.  If the butter is hard, place it into the microwave for 10 seconds.

Cook a full King Crab to enjoy – Preparing a King Crab for dinner is surprisingly easy, and the resulting barrage of flavors and aromas are sure to be the highlight of any meal.  Always keep moist towels and clean napkins around to deal with any eventual mess.

Add crab to your existing diet – Try adding chunks of crab meat to your sandwich, soup, and salads.  Not only is crab high in protein, it’s also a source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, making it quite good for you (so long as you don’t drown it in butter).

When you are looking for crab, pay careful consideration to King Crab- their size and temperament make them easy to catch and consume.  Never overcook the crab as it will become immensely tender.

Get around this by finishing your preparations when the crab turns a rich white.  After that, you know that it’s yours to enjoy.

The taste of a non-baked Cheesecake is an experience that is second to none. The flavors tickle the palette, entice further exploration of the dessert, and create a response within the mind that is the equivalent of a multi-sensed dive into euphoria- the taste buds tingle, the nose fills the lungs with warm, sweet smelling air, and the eyes scan every surface of the dish in anticipation of the next bite.

Cheesecake is easily the single most popular dessert since the creation of ice cream, and it’s twice as sinful to enjoy. There are thousands of different recipes that you could prepare, though the chocolate inspired cakes are the ones that get most attention when presented to an audience. With names that inspire your senses and inform your stomach, such as “Triple Chocolate Cheesecake” or “Toblerone Chocolate Cheesecake”, you immediately know what you are indulging your desires with. Other recipes, such as the “Chocolate Reverie” or “Sensual Silk Cheesecake”, tease the mind with images of things to be.

Regardless of the name or even the kind of cheesecake being consumed one thing remains true for all cheesecakes: the proper and correct preparation and presentation of a cheesecake is a highly sought after commodity, and the artists which choose cheesecake as their medium of expression or very well respected within the community.

Not a Pastry, Not a Cake

What makes cheesecake so unique is the sheer amount of different ways that it can be prepared and presented. Cakes can be presented in thousands of different ways, and there is no shortage of recipes that would like to offer their input. Cheesecakes are the same way, and their creators soon find themselves exploring methods of preparation that are far beyond the traditional circular shaped cake. Unlike a regular cake, however, cheesecake can be made to bring out the attributes of its accompanying flavors. After all, what’s a good cheesecake without some kind of intricate flavoring.

A plain cheesecake, often referred to as a “New York” style cheesecake, is typically served unflavored with fruit on the side. This type of cake is rich in flavor, quite creamy, and absolutely delectable to those who enjoy controlling exactly how much flavor goes into each bite. The flavor of the cake is well known – cheesecake is kind of infamous that way – though the quality of the fruit accomplice is often questionable.

Flavored cheesecake quickly takes off from the baseline set by a New York cheesecake, and from there the sky is the limit. Those seeking a fruity flavor will find refuge in a strawberry and banana combination cake, or perhaps in a blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry mix. For someone in the mood for something a little more sultry, a double chocolate cheesecake with a white chocolate ganache may be just what the doctor ordered.

But don’t let this article preach to you the wonders and value of cheesecake- treat your taste buds to a piece of cheesecake from a local craftsman and try for yourself.

Without getting into a long and drawn out analysis about what Omega-3 acids are and why you need them, this article will instead focus on the numerous benefits of the essential nutrient type. Omega-3 Fatty Acids have experienced a massive surge in press and popularity in the last few years, partly due to recent media attention because of some prospective health benefits claimed by scientists that were later reinforced by the American government.

There are many different cuisines that are described as food for the soul; Omega-3 Fatty Acids can be described as food for the heart. Recent medical studies have shown a direct connection between Omega-3 Fatty Acids and a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. These results have been further proven by tests done in various countries, including a joint study done between the EPA and Japanese health organizations.

Quick Omega-3 Facts

Omega-3 Fatty Acids can be easily obtained through your diet – Fish, dairy, and Omega-3 enhanced foods are easily accessible and can be worked into any meal plan. The body cannot process Omega-3 acids in a raw form, but rather it is able to synthesize and process Omega-3 acids that are obtained indirectly through food consumption.

Connections have been made between Omega-3 fatty acids and cholesterol levels – A test done of 60 men (30 test and 30 control) have shown significant reductions in arterial blockage in men with unhealthy blood sugar levels. The difference was quite significant between the test group (who received the Omega-3 fatty acid supplements), and the control which did not. The test groups overall arterial blockage and cholesterol were much lower than the control group.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids boost the immune system – Tests done on Danish infants show that infants who were given milk with an Omega-3 acid supplement had a higher overall immune system maturity rate with no decrease in immune system response.

What does that mean? Their immune systems were better than the babies who were not given Omega-3 supplements.

These acids are still relatively new and unexplored within the medical community, though it can be said with a fair degree of certainty that they offer tremendous health benefits. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are part of your natural diet, meaning that you don’t have to worry about introducing some kind of third-party hormone/chemical/component into your diet. Like creatine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids occur in considerable quantities within fish, which may explain many of the health benefits associated with coastal and Mediterranean diets that are rich in seafood.

As the North American population continues to successfully expand its waistline, it is refreshing to see that there are ways to enjoy a healthy, varied diet without having to dramatically change your current intake. Supplementation of your diet with Omega-3 Fatty Acids can do wonders for your health.

If you’re familiar with the various varieties of steak, you know that there’s nothing quite like a prime cut of Angus Beef- the deep, succulent flavor and unmistakable aroma make Angus beef highly sought after by aficionado’s. When it comes to seafood, good varieties of Salmon are highly sought after, and nothing quite tops a rich fillet that’s been done right.

There are many different varieties of Salmon, and it can get quite confusing to stay aware of where your fish came from. Along with the species, there is also the location that the Salmon came from. Fresh Alaskan Salmon, for example, is recognized as some of the best Salmon in the world. If you have ever tried Alaskan Salmon, you probably agree.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the major Salmon varieties:

Sockeye Salmon – Found all over the world, Sockeye Salmon are unlike most types of Salmon as they do not feed on small fish. Instead, Sockeye salmon feed on plankton that they filter through their gills. Sockeye Salmon is widely distributed and easy to find. It has a deep, full flavor and is suitable for all forms of preparation.

Chinook Salmon – Frequently weighing in at more than 30 pounds, Chinook Salmon is quite popular due to its size and availability. Chinook Salmon can be found across the globe, and it carries a trademark musty flavor that makes it especially succulent when simmering in a wine sauce.

Coho Salmon – Also known as Silver Salmon, it is found along the British Columbian and Alaskan coastlines. It has a rich flavor that is quite distinctive and highly sought after.

Atlantic Salmon – Known for its flavorful features, Atlantic Salmon is recognized as some of the best tasting salmon in the world.

Like a good steak, a good cut of Salmon is rare and highly regarding thing. The next time that you are at the grocery store, stop and think about the type of Salmon that you are buying and the particular cut that you are about to enjoy. Are you purchasing Chinook Salmon, or do you have your hands on a robus Sockeye fillet?

The subtle differences between the varieties are what makes quality Salmon, be it freshwater or farmed, as desired and valuable as it is.

Quick Tip

Want a unique and exciting way to enjoy your Salmon fillet? Try poaching it in a Sake/Brown sugar combination. It’s quick, simple, and customizable to your taste: pour some Sake into a pan slightly larger than the fillet until it is about a quarter of an inch past the skin line. Turn the heat to medium, and dissolve brown sugar into the mixture until it is medium-sweet (or until it suits your taste). Cook until the Salmon is about medium rare… thank us later.

Fish has undergone a sort of renaissance during the last ten years or so, where the trend has shifted from traditional, somewhat overplayed recipes, to exciting and innovative new methods of preparation and presentation. Halibut is a flat bodied fish with little overpowering flavors, allowing it to take on new and interesting combinations easily. Because of this, experts and novices alike can enjoy the succulence of a well-prepared Halibut dish without having to spend a few terms as a sous chef.

Presentation is, of course, just as important as the taste of the meal itself. Fortunately, Halibut is easy to display in a way that will accent its intricate flavors.

Cooking Methods

Halibut can be prepared in a variety of different ways. You can fry, sear, grill, stew, boil, and even steam Halibut, though the flavor of the fish will vary based on the method that you use to prepare it. Frying the fish will yield a crisper flavor, and the fish will take on a strong amount of the flavor of whatever sauce you fried it in. Searing Halibut will yield similar results.

Grilling/broiling Halibut results in a consistent flavor throughout, and if done right, you will be able to flake the fish with a fork. This is probably the most common method of preparation as it also takes the least amount of time (around 10 minutes or so). Stewing/boiling/steaming Halibut can be done with mixed results. This type of preparation almost always drowns out the flavor, though it throughly cooks the fish. As previously mentioned, the flavor becomes weaker, though that can be counteracted with a rich stew or flavorful sauce.

Halibut Presentation and Meal Arrangements

Because of the open ended nature of Halibut, meal creation and design is quite literally whatever comes to your mind. Depending on the sauce that you choose to accompany the fish, you can compliment it with just about any vegetable or starch you’d like. Whole grain rice, broccoli, green beans, and cooked asparagus accompany Halibut quite well – add a little lemon butter and it quickly becomes a gourmet side dish.

Halibut comes in two forms: as a steak or as a fillet. Both cuts of Halibut can be quite lean and easy to present: placing the Halibut cleanly on top of some rice, or by itself, offers a wealth of opportunity- try playing around with various glazes, garnishes, and decorative vegetable placements. A bit of mint or thyme adds a touch of green to the dish while offering a subtle flavor that may leave your guests guessing.

Like most seafood, Halibut responds well to citrus flavors. Try squirting some lemon juice on your Halibut, or searing it in a lemon and garlic butter sauce. Or, mix it up a bit and try a lime wedge instead.

Either way, Halibut is an excellent base for a myriad of flavor combinations to come out and tantalize your taste buds. Like a blank canvas, Halibut can be transformed into a sensational work of art that will surprise even the most experienced of chefs.

It is simple, because the company has a responsibility. I will be blatantly honest, I started this business as a means to do better for myself… it is a lifelong dream of mine. In the short time I have been running this business I have learned a lot, that includes staying committed to my word, customer satisfaction and so much more. In turn I’m not only doing better for myself but I am giving back to the online community any way I can.

There is no possible way I will run a profitable business with unhappy customers or employees, the products we sell at Alaska’s Finest Seafoods are amazing and the service has to match that. With the internet there are more scams than ever, so many people out there are ready to steal your money from you and run.

So why should aksfinest care? We cannot afford not to, your trust in us puts food on the table. We inform you the consumer on real issues and even if you leave the website without an order of Jumbo King Crab legs you still go away with a greater knowledge about what may be going on with the Environment, your Health or just how it is to become an Entrepreneur.

As the business grows our responsibility will increase but I am perfectly fine with that, I actually cannot wait. This journey is not about Net profits, it is about redefining the standard for which this business serves you.

Interesting and Funny Facts About Alaska

Many people forget that Alaska is part of the United States. Alaska, though separated from the rest of the country by a rather large Canadian divide (eh?), is America’s largest single state.

Did you know that Alaska has over three thousand rivers and over three million lakes. If it was a little warmer it would be the perfect cottage destination! Alaska also has over fourteen thousand miles of coastline and it shares a border with Canada’s Yukon Territory. In fact, Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined.

Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, covers nearly two thousand square miles. The state of Rhode Island covers just over one thousand square miles, and Deleware covers just under two thousand square miles. That’s a big city!

If Alaska were to separate from the United States, it would become a sovereign nation that is as large as England, France, Italy, and Spain combined. It’s vast oilfields and fisheries would give it a strong sustainable economy, and its departure from the United States would reduce the size of America by nearly thirty percent!

Did you know that there is only once city in Alaska with a population larger than seventy thousand people? If the rest of the United States had the same population density as Alaska, Manhattan would only have sixteen people living in it (where’d everyone go?). Alaskans also love to fly, as Alaska has the highest pilot per capita ratio than any other state. This makes complete sense as the Alaskan capitol, Juneau, has no road access to the rest of the state.

What’s even more interesting is that Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 for less than seven and a half million dollars (it brings a tear to any real estate agents eye), and it was originally settled due to the high quality furs which could be found there. In the 1890’s gold was discovered, bringing a rush of people to the state in an attempt to capitalize on it.

Though Alaska was purchased for around 5.9 cents per acre, the economic value of Alaska has been immense. In fact, Alaska is one of the richest states in America, pumping out over thirty-nine billion dollars per year into the economy. This is due to the oil and gas industry, as well as the emerging and extremely lucrative fisheries. Alaska accounts for over twenty-five percent of the United States’ total oil production.

Alaskan Wild Salmon is one of the most sought after sources of Salmon on the planet, and the largest Alaskan King Salmon every caught by a rod and wheel was over 100 pounds!

Lastly, Alaska is a mere three miles away from Russia (though they are separated by water). How’s that for a “great divide”?

Conserving the Environment – How the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is Preserving Our Future

All over the world various species of animals, insects, and plants are being slowly wiped out. Some may argue that it is the natural order of things, but human involvement has certainly exasperated the issue, causing untold amounts of damage to the worlds ecosystems. All of the world, that is, except for the Arctic Circle and Alaska.

The Arctic is home to many different species of birds, bears, fish, and other animals. Much of the Arctic is still unspoiled, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) intends to keep it that way. This organization and reserve sees the value in unspoiled landscapes and thriving wildlife.

The ANWR reserve spans over nineteen million acres, and within its boundaries there are over 500 different species of recognizable wildlife, and many more that have yet to be discovered. Some of the world’s most succulent fish find their way in and out of this reserve, and many native tribes continue to live here.

Life, Untainted

Life continues to exist and thrive without human intervention. In fact, it could be said that the biggest attraction of the ANWR is the continuation of life cycles before the recent intervention of man. The wildlife continues to raise their young, hunt and forage, and evolve in peace.

This situation is particularly unique due to the climate of northern Alaska and the Arctic Circle- the extreme temperatures and high amounts of snow have kept humans and animals alike from setting up camp. However, with recent oil projects starting up in Alaska, the ANWR’s role will become more important than ever as it strives to maintain the unspoiled solitude that the wildlife has enjoyed for thousands of years.

The results of this untainted lifestyle are easy to see: the fish are healthier and larger, the land animals graze in packs, and the hunters stalk without fear of reprisal. There is no pollution, no noise, and no intervention. Just nature doing what it was always intended to do.

See the Refuge

Close your eyes for a moment and picture the sun setting over the hills. A stream runs through the valley that you are standing in, and the few remaining rays of sunlight reflect off of the water, giving it a golden edge. A flock of Geese fly overhead, their call echoing unchallenged throughout the landscape. A few Moose stand at the base of the stream, drinking the golden water. You sense peace, and feel as if the world has all but disappeared, if only for a few fleeting moments.

You can open your eyes. Nowhere else in the world will you be able to see or experience something as tranquil and serene. Tourists are able to see certain areas of the ANWR and experience some of the magic themselves. But remember, life here is how it was meant to be- you may find that you won’t want to leave.

Should I be concerned that I have made more mistakes in eCommerce? It has certainly been a long journey with ups and downs, there are a lot of things I would do differently but had I done that I would not have the knowledge I have now.

Learning from my Mistakes

I could not have said it better (actually I could have) but in a nutshell if you do not learn from the consequences they will be repeated. I have made tons of mistakes with ‘Alaska’s Finest Seafoods’ but that is perfectly fine with me, as long as I take the experience as a lesson and not make the same mistakes I believe I’ll be okay in the long run.

Perseverence

This is something I have learned from my sisters and its a quality that admire almost as much as ambition. I believe a lot of businesses fall off of the map because they are not willing to stick it through the hard times, if the eventual payoff is huge then due diligence is iminent.

Ambition without Fear

Actually that is a lie, I do get a little scared but I believe that is what we’re supposed to do as humans, I would be concerned if I didnt have any fear at all. I am not afraid of failure, because in the grand scheme of things if this business never takes off I still succeeded in taking a step toward my dream and that is what its all about. I do not think there is a successful entrepreneur around that does not have a story of failure and if anything it made them a better person.

Thinking outside of the Box

Alaska’s Finest Seafoods in Douglasville, GA, that right there sums it up. I live in an area flooded with Salons, Barbershops, Wing Restaurants and wannabe real estate investment companies. People see one idea work and flock to it, and for some it works but the real reward is in blazing your own path. If you’re going to start a business hit a niche that is untapped.

Embrace Technology

My service never faulters, when an order is placed it is shipped the next day at the latest. I give complimentary customer service and have not had one complain, and technology enables me to do that at a relatively cheap rate. I get notifications via my cell phone of orders, I process the orders on my laptop, my 800 number rings wherever I need it to. Its a beautiful thing and it opens up so many opportunities for small businesses.

No idea is safe! Thats right, lock your ideas tight because if it is making money then you are sure to become a victim. In all seriousness I’m sure copycats are common in business and date back to ancient times, at the same time I understand selling Alaskan Salmon or Cheesecakes is not ground breaking.. but then again selling Alaskan Seafood and Desserts in Georgia may be.

But that is not what I’m addressing, what I’m talking about may not be classified as eCommerce, what I am talking about is someone who copies an idea that is groundbreaking and makes a LOT of money then the market becomes flooded and the idea is worthless. For example, The Million Dollar Homepage, the guy made over a million dollars in months by selling 1 million pixels on his home page.  An AMAZING feat and I commend him for it but suddenly I’m seeing identical pages being advertised, I mean carbon copies.

I guess this is a gripe because I feel these copycats are setting theirselves up for failure, when someone creates a template for success that means the great reward is gone! Is it that hard to come up with something new?

If suppliers are determined to decrease their dependency on the United States then it is critical for the U.S to return the sentiment.

Ethanol

It is a beautiful thing, it really is. A few facts about E85 ethanol:

30% of competitors in the Swedish Touring Car Championships use ethanol

Ethanol can reduce toxic emissions as much as 30%

One Bushel of corn can produce 2.8 gallons of Ethanol

Energy output for Ethanol is 34% more than the energy it takes to produce it

Coors Brewing Company produces 1.5 million gallons of Ethanol from beer waste

And the major benefit of ethanol? It decreases our dependency on foreign oil, especially those countries who harbor terrorists. Imagine the boost the U.S economy would get from producing its own energy source within the country. Typically a 40 million gallon Ethanol plant produces 32 jobs on the local level, furthermore the money spent on ethanol would stay here in the United States since that is where it is produced, reducing the trade deficit.

Now is the time to make a change, not only for our government but us as United States citizens as well. Here are some tips that you can do to reduce fuel consumption and costs.

Carpool/Public Transit: Not only does Public Transit or Carpooling help ease fuel consumption it will reduce that stress of driving behind idiots going 15mph in a 45mph zone while talking on the cell phone and eating their breakfast.

Maintain your vehicle as directed: Replacing the air filter, o2 sensor on an older vehicle, and keeping your tires properly inflated can increase fuel efficiency 13%

Purchase a fuel Efficient vehicle: I know I know, the big SUV is a necessity but wouldn’t it be nice to give that big ole truck a rest? Park the tank because a reliable fuel efficient vehicle can be bought for less than a couple of thousand dollars. Instead of paying $70-$120 weekly you can drop that amount in half saving enough to pay for the second vehicle in a year.

It can be done and making small changes in our everyday lifestyle makes a huge difference, are you ready to contribute?

The issue of gasoline in the United States and alternative fuels have become quite an interesting topic. United States citizens have seen a steady increase in gas prices over the last 3 years. A long drawn out explanation is not needed to explain why, it is simply supply and demand, as demand rises so will prices.

Some people tend to think the solution is to increase supply, that we should open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to help control the price of gas but that is simply a band aid fix for what is becoming a terminal illness. Furthermore opening ANWR would have no effect on current economy for years and possibly decades.

So what is a declining superpower of the modern world to do? Again its simple economics, lower demand and prices will drop. The major problem is that government officials are easily swayed by the deep pockets of the oil industry, which leaves very little room for change in this country. The oil companies have a money tree in the United States and will do anything to preserve that.

The fourth largest supplier of oil for the United States is Venezuela, who has had tense relations with the Bush administration over the past few years. The problem with this scenario is that we depend on Venezuela for oil and because of the tension between the two leaders Venezuela is looking to decrease their dependency on the U.S as a major client.

Venezuela has increased their oil exports to China from 12,300 barrels per day to 150,000 barrels per day, with a predicted increase to 500,000 barrels per day over the next 5 years. Venezuela also began exporting 65,000 barrels a day to India and have come to agreements with Iran to build joint oil refineries. This information is troubling, if Venezuela drops their exports to the United States prices will rise drastically and economic growth in the U.S will suffer.

I began to do research into weight loss and pinpointed the things I was doing wrong, there were certain things I had to learn in order to effectively lose weight and keep it off, here is the list:

Healthy is a Lifestyle, not a Goal

This includes your diet and staying active, one of the first mistakes I made was to set a goal of losing a certain amount of weight then once I reach that goal to go back to my normal habits. I reached my targeted weight then stopped running 3 miles every other day and watching my diet, as soon as I went back to my bad habits I gained all of the weight back.

If you’re not drinking enough water, you’re wasting your time

I cannot emphasize this enough, I have tried this weight loss thing 3 times over the past two years and the only time I noticed a difference was when I began consuming a lot of water. I have gone as far as to run 3-4 miles a day and eat cabbage for lunch and had limited results, but now I maintain a balanced diet and have lost more weight than ever because I drink at least a gallon of water every day.

The general idea is to drink an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, at first it will seem like a lot at first and you will be running to the bathroom every 15 minutes but you’re giving your body what it needs. When your body feels as if it is not getting enough water it will store the little bit it does get, that is where those love handles come from. Then the liver has to kick in and help the kidneys rather than its function of metabolizing the body and you’re not burning off the food you consume like you should. So do yourself a favor, drink more water!

Have Fun!

Working out is useless if you’re not enjoying yourself, there are a plethora of activities that you can do to keep yourself in shape. I personally cannot STAND running on treadmills so I only run outdoors. I enjoy lifting weights because of the feeling and the confidence I get from the results but lets take it a step further; If there is a sport you enjoy then there is no better workout, I am a football junkie and since I never played I figured hey.. why not join a flag football league and see what I can really do?

The result: I’ve lost 5lbs since I started the league, 5lbs that I have been struggling to get rid of and I feel like I’m in high school all over again.

It’s okay to use your Imagination

As pathetic as this may sound, when I work out in my mind I am training for the NFL, I even know what position I’m training for. (running back) It may sound dumb but it makes me train hard and keeps me motivated. Figure out what motivates you, is it that guy or girl at work that you’d like to notice you? Take it 88 yards to the end zone like Reggie Bush? Explode to the basket and finish like Lebron James? Forget reality, use your mind and let that motivate you and I guarantee you will be satisfied with the results.

You do not have to be a Nutrition Nazi

As I stated before I was eating cabbage for lunch, barely taking in 1200 calories a day and running miles.. I was hurting my weight loss goals more than I was achieving them. Not only does this work against you but its unhealthy and just plain stupid.

What do I do now that allowed me to lose 25lbs? I eat realistically, there is no way I could maintain a 1200 calorie diet over a long period of time. Now I eat lean meats high in protein such as grilled or baked chicken and periodically Salmon. (hey I am running a business here) Some days I eat more than others, I basically listen to what my body tells me and if I over eat then I know I need to work out that much harder. About every week or two I splurge and may eat an entire pizza or a big dinner and strangely my body responds positively.. it loves it and in a day or so I burn it off plus some. A couple of other tips on nutrition:

Don’t eat after 7pm - your metabolism slows down significantly later in the evening

High Protein Diet - It works, I don’t know why but it just does so take my word for it.

Breakfast, Never Skip it - Never EVER EVER skip breakfast! I just said your metabolism slows down significantly later in the day, well if you skip breakfast it will be that slow from the beginning of the day.

Sugar, cut it out! - Replace soda and Fruit Juice with water, you will cut your caloric intake significantly, put the sweets down and if you must have it then snack on fruits like Strawberries, Grapes, Bananas, etc.

Fried Foods - I’ll keep it simple, don’t touch them. If you eat out a lot avoid the french fries.

The Results

A New Old Super Food?

The modern North American diet is one rich in saturated fates, deep fried foods, and high sugar drinks. Cola, alcohol, and fast food have all taken their toll on the overall health and fitness of the North American population, and now a full two thirds of the population is considered overweight or obese, with nearly ten percent of the population being morbidly obese.

The mere mention of a change in diet immediately instills fears of ultra-strict calorie pinching and meal planning, yet it doesn’t have to be so. The right combination of foods, combined with moderate physical activity, is all that one needs to get back into shape and back on track with their health.

It Hails From the Sea

Salmon is one food that carries the weight of the world on its shoulders, or should I say, off of yours. High in lean protein, amino acids, creatine, and essential fatty acids, Salmon is the perfect food for someone looking to gain lean muscle mass and ditch some stored fat.

A four ounce fillet of Salmon contains almost half your daily supply of most essential nutrients, such as vitamins B12 and B3, and over eighty percent of your daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains a full days supply of vitamin D and trytophan.

What’s best is that it does all of this while only packing 261 lean, worry free calories.

How Does Salmon Help You?

The sheer number of advantages and good benefits which come from a steady intake of Salmon is quite remarkable, and experiencing them only involves a few minor changes to your diet. There is no calorie counting, food blocking, or madness-inducing starvation sessions involved with this diet modification, only the subtraction of three high-fat meals a week and the addition of three high-value meals which feature Salmon as the entree.

The consumption of Salmon supplies your body with a steady and easily digested serving of lean protein, allowing your muscles the opportunity and resources to develop without adding the layers of fat to go with it. The eventual result, over a decent period of time, is the creation of lean muscle mass and a reduction in fat stores across the body. Though the consumption of Salmon alone won’t decrease your body fat index, if it replaces other, high-calorie and high-fat meals, the consumption of Salmon will certainly get you off to a great start.

The omega-3 acids and high vitamin content of Salmon also gives your body an edge cardiovascularly. Your heart will pump healthier and more efficiently, and your risk for various heart diseases will be significantly reduced. Again, this is the result of all of the good things that Salmon gives you and the removal of some of the bad meals that Salmon is replacing. Keep in mind that if you are consuming nothing but fast food and fried snacks there is nothing that anyone or anything can do to help.

Incorporating Salmon Into Your Diet

There are many sources of Salmon, such as fresh Salmon fillets or canned Salmon (similar to canned Tuna). As a general rule, you want to focus on fresh wild Salmon as opposed to farmed Salmon. There are many varieties of wild Salmon, though we have become particularly fond of the deep, rich taste from Alaskan Wild Salmon. See here for more information.

Replacing two or three high-fat meals with a Salmon based one every week is all it takes to enjoy the numerous benefits associated with Salmon. Like most things, there are thousands of different and creative ways to prepare Salmon, so search around for a recipe that tickles your taste buds.

Our particular favorite method of preparation is either grilling or poaching a six ounce fillet- try a few different methods and see which ones you love. If you are unsure of how to prepare Salmon, make an evening of it and go out to dinner to a restaurant which features it. Be sure to call ahead to confirm that the restaurant you have in mind has a Salmon based entree.

When everything is said and done, Salmon is a versatile, hard-working part of a healthy lifestyle. It can be prepared a million and one different ways, and it always tastes great. The best part, however, is knowing that you can enjoy Salmon without having to feel guilty.

Bon appetit!

Up until the age of 25 I was a relatively average guy as far as weight goes, I was about 5′8 and 175lbs. That may sound a little on the big side and I am not sure if it is my bone structure but at 175lbs I look 20lbs lighter. So it happened, I found a soul food restaurant here in Georgia and blew up to 225lbs. My daily diet consisted of a Chick Fil A sandwich and burrito in the morning, Salisbury Steak with Macaroni and Cheese then Lemon Pound Cake for dessert.. and that was only lunch! For dinner I loved Lasagna or Spaghetti but I did not eat that until 8pm.

I managed to work my way up to 230lbs and at 5′8 I looked like I was bursting at the seams. People did compliment me on my weight gain, they said it made me look more mature and that I carried the weight well.

But I did not feel right, I could barely walk 100 feet without feeling out of breath so I joined in a potluck at work to lose weight. We all put in $50 and whoever lost the most weight after jumping on the scale got the entire pot. I went from 230lbs to 211lbs and split the pot with a coworker. I did this by drinking nothing but water instead of juice or soda, eating barely anything, and running 2-3 miles a day.

I did pretty well until I won the money, I slowly went back to my old habits of overeating and as soon as that happened I went right back to 225lbs. I began hitting the weight room and that made it even worse, I looked like the incredible hulk but had the athletic ability of a sloth.

continued in Part 2

Farmed Salmon vs. Wild Salmon – What are the Differences?

For as long as I can remember, Farmed Salmon has always been under the microscope. Many organizations, health groups, and medical communities have ruthlessly attacked Farm Salmon, claiming that it contains a much higher level of PCB’s (Polychlorinated biphenyls) than any other seafood on the market. These PCB’s can increase your risk of various forms of cancer.

From a consumer’s point of view, the exact cause of the controversy can be confusing. After all, Farmed Salmon looks like Wild Salmon, smells like Wild Salmon, and even tastes like Wild Salmon (though some may argue that the flavor is not as rich or rewarding). With two products that are nearly identical to the consumer, what are the differences which separate the two?

Nutritional Quality

Both Farmed and Wild Salmon contain all of the same amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. If one were to examine only that aspect of nutrition, it would almost appear that the two were identical. Many experts recommend that you consume seafood, with Salmon being the main variety identified, between six and eight times a week- this is almost certainly a product of the high nutritional value of seafood.

That figure changes, however, as soon as the topic shifts from Wild to Farmed Salmon. The new figure is dramatically lower: it is recommended that you consume an eight ounce portion of farmed Salmon once a month. Once a month, versus six to eight times per week- quite a change.

This is due to the PCB content of Farmed Salmon, which is 16 times than Wild Salmon. Farmed Salmon is also considerably fatter, meaning that you are consuming fewer proteins and more fats. Ironically, PCB’s are stored in fat cells.

Choosing Correctly

The benefits of Wild Salmon are quite apparent: Wild Salmon has less PCB’s, less fat, and more proteins and amino acids. Though Wild Salmon carries a small premium over Farmed Salmon, it is a small percentage when compared the premiums between regular and Angus Beef. In many cases, the premium in price is less than 15%.

The David Suzuki Foundation released a report in 2001 which identified the major source of the PCB’s within Farmed Salmon came from the feed used by the fish farms. Unfortunately, no replacement feed has surfaced as of yet. The Environmental Working Group released a report in 2003 which contained similar information, as well as disturbing figures and warnings of increase cancer risks as a result the consumption of PCB’s

Though it is highly recommended that you choose Wild Salmon over Farmed Salmon, there are ways to reduce the amount of PCB’s that you consume when eating Fresh Salmon.

· Trim the fat and skin from the Salmon, as PCB’s are stored in fat cells.

· Grill or broil the Salmon. This type of preparation reduces the amount of fat present within the fish.

Looking for a great tasting alternative to Farmed Salmon? Try Alaskan Sockeye or Chinook Salmon, both are excellent varieties of Wild Salmon.

I got a call from my Dad last night, I don’t know if I could put a label on the type of relationship we have. He still lives in Alaska and I stay here in Atlanta, GA. We talk maybe twice a month and probably have a heart to heart once or twice a year, last night was one of those conversations.

He gives me his assessment of my situation, I’m 27 and still not married with a business that uses up 80% of my resources. My dad is a military man, hard working.. the epitome of the blue collar worker who is dedicated. I am a hybrid of the blue collar worker but with the entrepreneurial spirit and I believe this is where the problem lies between him and I.

He asks me whether or not I will get anything out of this business, he explains that out of all businesses that are started 90% fail and that while he may not be rich, he is comfortable. I can’t argue with that, the military has been good to my father and he wishes I would have followed in his footsteps. As a young boy I had every intent to, I wanted to be a fighter pilot but I allowed someone else’s opinion kill my spirit. It was explained that I needed to be a mathematical genius to become a pilot and with that I defeated myself before I even tried.

Now I have the opportunity to make the right decision in my heart without letting anyone stop me. I have given up a certain lifestyle and almost every resource I own to get my business going, at this point there is no turning back. Furthermore the feeling I get when a customer replies back that they really enjoyed the product and my service is just an amazing feeling, its like I’m gaining a new friend with each one and I cannot give that up.

The frustrating part is that, I know my dad means well but he doesn’t understand. With great risk comes great reward, and my intent is not to be wealthy but happy.. I’m not happy with where I’m at, I’m excited about where I’m going.. just wish he understood that.

Last year I became a fan of “Flip this House on A&E, I’m not one to sit in front of the television and I could probably count the number of shows I watch on one hand but this particular one caught my interest because it was local.  The show featured an investor by the name of Sam Leccima, a successful Atlanta real estate investor.

The show intrigued me for a few reasons, first being that I lost a great amount of money on a bad real estate investment, so I am always interested to see how others make a living in that industry and possibly see where I went wrong.  Second the investor is African American and it is a relief to see an African American family shown in such a respected position.  Not to say blacks are depicted a certain way on television but I do feel it has become common to see blacks being associated with violence in the media.

The show followed Sam as he rehabbed and sold houses here in the Atlanta area,  he seemed to be doing amazingly well..  7  series BMW, Condo in a high rise building downtown, him and his wife were living the American dream.

 Well it has come to light that Sam may be a fraud, which is highly dissapointing.  MSN.com reports that Sam may have been faking the home renovations his company did on the show and that he claimed to sell houses that he did not own.  Not only that but people are coming forward that have invested in Sam but have not seen the money ever since.  In 2005 the Georgia Real Estate Commission revoked his license stating Sam “does not bear a good reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, and competence.”

Dissapointing, so dissapointing.  And people like this are the reason why the real estate market is in the toilet right now.  You have so called investors cutting corners to turn a measily profit, some do it in the name of god.  College educated business people who do not have an understanding of “social responsibility,” its amazing.

Yes I can admit when I am wrong and make boneheaded mistakes, and I made plenty of them. I am writing this as a reference for anyone else that is considering diving into the wonderful world of eCommerce, feel free to learn from my mistakes.

Not Testing the REAL Market

Well I did, but how I went about it was all wrong. I simply took surveys on price and interest in each product. I received nothing but excellent feedback only to sell two products in the first 4 months. Alaskan Salmon sounds good in theory but gaining the consumers trust is a completely different step. If I were to start all over I would put my products on EBay just to gauge the response to the product, this would allow me to plan for any unforeseen issues and adjust my service accordingly.

Extremely High Overhead

And the sad thing is I started this business with low overhead in mind. There are CMS (Content Management Systems) out there that will do all of the dirty work for you. For some bonehead reason I felt my site needed a custom system from scratch which ended up costing me around $12,000. Now I am implementing a more functional and user friendly system that is FREE! Yes FREE! My cost has only been $800 to implement and the addition of this blog on my site is a part of that. Needless to say I feel like a big, BIG dummy.

Check References!

Another mistake I overlooked, I found my first two web designers on car forums that I frequent. That would be the equivalent of looking for a home builder at a car dealership. Between these two alone I lost $5,750 and ended up with nothing. A portfolio does not tell the full story, talk to the people that have hired the company you are considering, and ask tons of questions. Use an intermediary like eLance (www.elance.com) and it doesn’t hurt to use your credit card, if you get messed over by a vendor and dispute with the credit card company they will investigate and most likely get your money back.

Offline Marketing for an Online Business

There is a local publication here in Douglas County Georgia that caters to the community. I read that offline marketing generally does not convert to online sales but I’m the type that has to touch the iron to know its really hot. (I actually did that as a youngster) The publication hits 30,000 homes in the area and I just knew at least 10% of those would visit my site. I ended up with 10 visitors and no sales, just another one of those hard lessons.

Discounting the Importance of Search Engine Optimization

Search engines hate ugly Url’s, for example:

http://www.aksfinest.com/category_product.php?CatID=10

Is ugly

http://aksfinest.com/blog

Is simple and beautiful! And that is what search engines like, but SEO (Search Engine Optimization) goes so much further than just URL’s. Build links, minimize flash, there are a ton of tips but that is a totally different blog.

Content is King!

For an eCommerce site content is tough, other than product descriptions and store policies there is not a great deal to say. This is why a business blog is so valueable, search engines love content and what better way to present it? It also allows better communication between the business and customer. I finally understand this and that is why I have added this blog.

Patience

I still struggle with this one but I have learned that while we would like to have an overnight success it does not always happen that way. Some eCommerce sites take off immediately, others it may take years but I have learned that you work just as hard today as you did yesterday.

1 Extra Tip

Be flexible, and I’m sure this holds true with any business out there. You can plan every aspect of the business but over time things will change and you have to embrace that. I had no intentions on carrying Cheesecakes or Gift Baskets but saw an opportunity to give my customers options have not regretted that decision since then.

Want Seafood? Go Alaskan!

A few miles north of mainland America is Alaska, the lone state, and the proud producer of some of the world’s finest seafood. The pristine waters of Alaska are home to five different varieties of Salmon, four different varieties of Whitefish, and a myriad of jumbo-sized shellfish.

Alaska offers clean, untainted waters where its seafood can grow and develop in the wild. There is no fish farming here, only the generous bounty of the ocean. Alaska is the only state which prides itself on its fishing industry, and you can feel a bit better knowing that Alaskan fisheries only produce what is sustainable by the ecosystem- the state works hard to ensure that no over fishing takes place and that the fish populations remain at healthy and sustainable levels.

There are few regions in the world which offer a comparable variety to Alaska. This is hardly surprising, as Alaska is home to over three million lakes, three thousand rivers, and over thirty-four thousand miles of coastline. Along with being a popular tourist destination, Alaskan habitat is largely unspoiled, ensuring that the stock of fish is constantly healthy and mature.

Taste, Texture, and Health

Alaskan Salmon is of the same significance as Alberta Beef- seafood lovers everywhere know the difference between farmed Salmon and a fresh, Alaskan Salmon. The difference comes as more than just taste (though the difference is quite significant), but also in color and texture. Alaskan Salmon has a much deeper color, and is quite tender. Just as a steak lover will notice the difference between AAA, prime-cut beef and poor quality beef, a Salmon lover will immediately see, feel, and taste the difference.

But Alaskan seafood is about much more than simply tasking great. Your body needs certain essential acids, proteins, and fats in order to stay healthy- all of these are joyously provided by Alaskan seafood, which is low in saturated and trans fats, high in lean proteins and amino acids, and full of vitamins and nutrients.

In fact, many experts cite seafood as one of the most important sources of protein and amino acids, and recommend between six and ten servings of seafood per week.

Variety

Having trouble thinking of ways to incorporate seafood into your diet? Try some extra-large Alaskan Scallops, or perhaps some Alaskan Spot Prawns. Both are delicious, easy to prepare, and are high in iron and lean protein. Reducing the amount of red meat that you eat and replacing it with fresh Alaskan Seafood is a great way to increase your consumption of amino acids and essential fatty acids while reducing your cholesterol at the same time.

Alaskan Seafood – Good for the body, Great for the soul.