Horizon Beta vs Llama 4 Maverick
Compare Horizon Beta by OpenRouter against Llama 4 Maverick by Meta AI, context windows of 256K vs 1.0M, tested across 15 shared challenges. Updated February 2026.
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Horizon BetavsLlama 4 Maverick
15 challenges
Why Horizon Beta?
4 months newerAug 2025
Why Llama 4 Maverick?
3.9x more context1.0M
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Horizon BetaLlama 4 Maverick
12 / 15
SVG Layout Challengeimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to generate vector graphics
Llama 4 Maverick
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2 / 15
Xbox Controller SVG Artimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to create detailed SVG illustrations of gaming hardware
Horizon Beta
Llama 4 Maverick
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3 / 15
Minimalist Landing Pageweb design
Tests an AI's ability to generate a complete, working landing page
Horizon Beta
Llama 4 Maverick
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4 / 15
Mario Level UI Recreationweb design
Recreate an interactive, classic Mario level in a single HTML file.
Horizon Beta
Llama 4 Maverick
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5 / 15
Linear App Cloneweb design
Tests an AI's ability to replicate an existing UI with Tailwind CSS
Horizon Beta
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Maverick
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6 / 15
Interactive Catan Boardweb design
Tests an AI's ability to create interactive web elements
Horizon Beta
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Maverick
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7 / 15
World Map SVGimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to create a detailed world map in SVG format
Horizon Beta
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Maverick
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Sponsored
8 / 15
Simple 7-Ingredient Recipeconversation
Generate a unique and simple recipe with common ingredients.
Horizon Beta
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Maverick
No content available for this output.
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9 / 15
Beginner's Longevity Planreasoning
Create a starter plan for improving long-term health.
Horizon Beta
No content available for this output.
Llama 4 Maverick
No content available for this output.
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10 / 15
Retro macOS UI Recreationweb design
Recreate a classic, retro, macOS Desktop UI — make it interactive and nostalgic, make it as interactive as you can, you can be creative.. Feel free to showcase your skills. The entire application must be a single-page self-contained HTML file.
Horizon Beta
Llama 4 Maverick
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11 / 15
Advanced Longevity Plan (Biohacker)reasoning
Develop a cutting-edge 3-month longevity plan for a biohacker.
Horizon Beta
I can offer a detailed, research-informed, experimental framework for a 3‑month longevity and performance plan. This is educational, not medical advice. Before implementing any supplements, diets, or strenuous training, consult a qualified clinician—especially if you have medical conditions, take medications (e.g., anticoagulants, SSRIs, hypoglycemics), or have a history of eating disorders, cardiovascular disease, seizures, or electrolyte imbalances.
Overview and Philosophy
- Goals: improve metabolic health, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength and muscle mass, sleep quality, stress resilience, and cognitive performance while minimizing injury and overtraining risk.
- Approach: combine evidence-based practices with careful self-experimentation. Use data to inform adjustments: continuous glucose, HRV, sleep architecture, training load, body composition, and subjective well-being.
- Cadence: 12 weeks separated into 3 mesocycles (Foundation → Build → Consolidate/Refine), with planned deloads and re-assessments at Weeks 4, 8, and 12.
Key Tracking and Baselines (Week 0)
- Medical screening: discuss plan with your clinician. Baseline labs (fasted unless noted): CBC, CMP, fasting lipids (including ApoB, Lp(a)), hs-CRP, HbA1c, fasting insulin, TSH/free T4, ferritin, 25(OH)D, B12, RBC magnesium, uric acid, homocysteine; optional: Omega-3 index, testosterone/estradiol/SHBG, IGF‑1, DHEA‑S, cortisol (AM), stool microbiome if you plan gut-focused changes.
- Body comp and fitness: DEXA or BIA; circumference (waist, neck, hips); resting HR; grip strength; 1–3RM estimates (or 5RM) for major lifts; VO2max estimate (Cooper test or wearable); Zone 2 power/pace; HRV baseline (7 mornings).
- Cognitive baseline: simple and 2‑back reaction times (e.g., BrainHQ/Cambridge Brain Sciences), Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), Stroop.
- Wearables: Oura/Whoop/Apple Watch/Garmin for HRV, HR, sleep staging, body temp, strain; CGM for 2–4 weeks (Weeks 1–4) to map glycemic responses; smart scale; training platform (TrainingPeaks/HRV4Training).
- Environment: light meter or app, air quality monitor, bedroom temperature control, blue-light filters.
Dietary Protocol (cycled across 12 weeks) Guiding principles
- Protein: 1.6–2.2 g/kg ideal body weight per day (higher end if cutting; lower end if in maintenance).
- Fiber: ≥30 g/day from varied plants; target diverse polyphenols.
- Fats: emphasize omega‑3s, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, avocado; limit industrial seed oils when cooking at high heat.
- Carbs: periodize with training; largely low-glycemic, intact starches.
- Electrolytes: especially during fasting/keto training days (sodium 3–5 g/d total from diet + supplements if needed; potassium ~3–4 g/d from food; magnesium 300–400 mg/d).
Structure Weeks 1–4 (Foundation: Metabolic Reset + Nutrition Mapping)
- Pattern: 16:8 time-restricted eating (TRE) on 4–5 days/week; 1 day/week 24‑hour fast or two 36‑hour fasts separated by a week if experienced; 1–2 high‑carb refeed evenings after hardest training days.
- Carbs: 75–125 g on non-HIIT days; 125–175 g on HIIT/leg strength days. Use CGM to cap postprandial peaks <140–150 mg/dL and return to baseline within 2–3 h.
- Protein: 1.8–2.2 g/kg IBW, evenly distributed (3–4 feedings/day) with 2.5–3 g leucine per feeding.
- Fats: to satiety; prioritize EVOO, fatty fish (3x/week), nuts; limit saturated fat if ApoB is elevated.
- Example day (non-HIIT):
- First meal ~10–11am: eggs/egg whites, smoked salmon, sautéed greens, EVOO; berries.
- Second meal: large salad with legumes or tofu/chicken, EVOO, mixed seeds.
- Dinner: grass-fed beef or tempeh, crucifers, resistant-starch source (cooled potatoes or lentils) if training next morning.
- Optional keto micro-cycle: 5 days low-carb (<50 g net) during Week 2 with liberal electrolytes, then reintroduce carbs strategically.
Weeks 5–8 (Build: Performance + Mitochondrial Emphasis)
- Pattern: 14:10 TRE on training-dense weeks; 1 day 24‑h fast or 2x 20‑h fasts; carb cycling sharper: 75–100 g on Zone 2/upper days, 150–200 g on leg strength/HIIT days.
- Add intra-workout carbs (10–25 g cyclic dextrin + electrolytes) for sessions >60–75 min or high intensity to protect quality.
- Protein steady; consider collagen (15 g + 50 mg vitamin C 30–60 min pre-tendon/impact work).
Weeks 9–12 (Consolidate: Body Comp and Sleep Optimization)
- Pattern: 16:8 TRE 3–4 days/week; optional 3‑day protein-sparing modified fast (PSMF) in Week 10 if body fat loss desired and you tolerate it: 1.8–2.4 g/kg protein, low fat/carb, high micronutrients, 2–3 days only, then return to balanced intake.
- Carbs: maintain performance-supporting carb timing; taper fasting on nights before maximal training to prioritize sleep.
Hydration and Electrolytes
- Start day with 500–700 mL water + 1–2 g sodium (e.g., pinch salt + lemon). Add 300–500 mL per 30 min of intense training. Magnesium glycinate 200 mg evening; optional 100–200 mg morning.
Supplement Stack (example, cycle and personalize with clinician) Daily core (Weeks 1–12)
- Creatine monohydrate: 3–5 g daily. No loading needed.
- Omega‑3 (EPA/DHA): total 1.5–2 g/day combined (check with clinician if on anticoagulants).
- Vitamin D3 + K2: D3 1000–4000 IU/day titrated to 25(OH)D 30–50 ng/mL; K2 MK‑7 90–180 mcg/day if not contraindicated.
- Magnesium glycinate/taurate: 300–400 mg elemental/day.
- Glycine: 3 g pre‑sleep; may aid sleep architecture.
- Probiotic/prebiotic food focus; optional psyllium husk 5–10 g/day if fiber low.
Performance/cognition (cycle)
- L‑theanine 100–200 mg with caffeine 50–100 mg for focused sessions; avoid caffeine after ~2 pm.
- Rhodiola rosea 100–200 mg on cognitively demanding or high-stress days; cycle 5 days on/2 off; avoid if anxious/jittery.
- Acetyl‑L‑carnitine 500–1000 mg on low-carb days for some; monitor for GI effects.
- Beta‑alanine 3.2–6.4 g/day split doses for 8 weeks (paresthesia is benign) to support high-intensity capacity.
- Beetroot nitrate: 400–800 mg nitrate equivalent 2–3 h pre-Zone 2/threshold sessions; avoid if prone to low BP.
- Taurine 1–2 g/day may aid endurance and recovery.
Metabolic/aging candidates (use clinician oversight)
- Berberine 500 mg 1–2x/day with meals or R‑ALA 100–200 mg with higher-carb meals for glycemic control; avoid if on hypoglycemics without supervision.
- Urolithin A 500–1000 mg/day (if available) for mitochondrial health; evaluate response over 8–12 weeks.
- Spermidine 1–2 mg/day from food or supplements; evidence emerging.
- Nicotinamide riboside (NR) or NMN: 250–500 mg/day; evidence mixed; monitor sleep and HRV.
- Low-dose lithium orotate 1–2 mg elemental/day is sometimes used by biohackers; discuss risks and thyroid/kidney monitoring with clinician.
Sleep stack (as needed, don’t combine excessively)
- Magnesium (as above), glycine (3 g), apigenin 50 mg, L‑theanine 200 mg. Reserve melatonin (0.3–1 mg) for jet lag/shift days, not nightly if you experience grogginess.
Supplement cycling
- Weeks 1–4: establish core; introduce one variable at a time each 5–7 days.
- Weeks 5–8: add beta‑alanine, beetroot on training days, berberine if needed.
- Weeks 9–12: consider urolithin A or NR/NMN trial; evaluate cognitive and sleep effects.
Exercise Programming (12 weeks) Weekly template (adjust to schedule, RPE, HRV)
- Strength: 3 days/week (e.g., Mon, Wed, Fri).
- Zone 2: 2–3 sessions/week, 45–75 min each, HR ~60–70% HRR or conversational pace.
- HIIT/VO2max: 1–2 sessions/week, nonconsecutive.
- Mobility: daily 10–15 min; 1 longer session/week.
- NEAT: 8–12k steps/day; postprandial 10–15 min walks.
Strength details
- Focus: compound lifts with progressive overload; prioritize posterior chain and grip.
- Example split: Day A (Lower): Back squat or safety bar squat 3–5x3–6; RDL 3–4x5–8; split squats 3x8–10; calves; core anti-rotation. Day B (Upper Push/Pull): Bench or incline 3–5x3–6; weighted pull-ups or rows 4x5–8; overhead press 3x5–8; face pulls; curls; triceps. Day C (Full/Power): Trap bar deadlift 3–4x3–5; hip thrust 3x6–10; chin-ups 3xAMRAP; kettlebell swings 4x15–20; carries 3x40–60 m.
- Progression: add 2.5–5% load or 1–2 reps weekly if all sets at RIR 1–3. Deload Week 4 and 8: reduce volume by ~40–50%, intensity by 10–15%.
- Tendon/bone: include jumps/hops or pogo 2x/week low volume (e.g., 3x20 sec) if joints tolerate; collagen + vitamin C 30–60 min pre.
Cardio details
- Zone 2: bike/row/run 45–75 min. Aim to lift VT1 over 12 weeks. Use lactate meter occasionally (goal ~2 mmol/L) if available.
- HIIT options (alternate weekly):
- 4x4 min at 90–95% HRmax, 3 min easy between.
- 6–10x1 min at 95–100% vVO2max, 1–2 min easy.
- Sprint interval (advanced): 6–8x20 sec all-out, 2–3 min easy; use sparingly Weeks 5–10 only.
- Threshold: every other week 20–30 min at LT or 2x10–15 min; do not stack with heavy leg day.
Recovery and Autoregulation
- HRV-guided: if morning HRV drops >20% from 7‑day baseline and subjective fatigue high, reduce intensity/volume that day.
- Sleep: target 7.5–9 h, consistent timing; 10k lux outdoor light within 30–60 min of waking; blue-light reduction 2 h pre-bed; 17–19°C bedroom.
- Myofascial: 10 min foam rolling + mobility post-training; sauna 2–4x/week (80–90°C, 3x12–15 min with cool-downs) if heat‑tolerant; hydrate/electrolytes.
- Cold exposure (optional): post-easier sessions or AM on rest days, 2–4 min at 10–15°C; avoid immediately post-hypertrophy if chasing gains.
Stress Resilience and Cognitive Training
- HRV biofeedback: 10–15 min/day resonant breathing (typically 4.5–6.5 breaths/min) using devices/apps (e.g., HeartMath, Elite HRV). Goal: increase LF power/coherence and raise resting HRV over weeks.
- Meditation: 10–20 min/day; combine focused attention and open monitoring. Add 1 longer session/week (30–45 min).
- Neurofeedback concepts: if access to QEEG/neurofeedback, train SMR (12–15 Hz) uptraining for sleep and focus; frontal midline theta for sustained attention; avoid overtraining sessions (>2–3/week).
- Cognitive drills: 10–15 min/day N‑back (2–3), dual‑n‑back 2–3x/week, PVT weekly; skill practice tied to your domain.
- Sunlight and nature: 2–3 outdoor sessions/week beyond training to reduce allostatic load.
Advanced Wearable Strategy
- Sleep: prioritize trends over single nights. Aim: latency <20 min, efficiency >85%, WASO <45 min, REM/N3 proportion stable. Adjust evening carbs, alcohol (avoid), late training, and temperature accordingly.
- HRV: track long-term rolling average; tie dips to training or stress; intervene with breathwork, deloads, earlier bedtime.
- CGM (Weeks 1–4 and 9–10): identify trigger foods; aim for postprandial iAUC reduction over time. Prefer whole-food mixed meals to blunt spikes; add vinegar (1–2 tsp) pre-carb if tolerated.
- Strain/Load: keep weekly training load increases ≤10–15%. Schedule high strain on 2–3 days, then low strain/recovery days.
Week-by-Week Skeleton Week 1: Baselines, light intro. TRE 16:8, Zone 2 x2, Strength x2 (technique focus), 1 HIIT. Start core supplements. HRV breathwork daily. Week 2: Add third strength day, Zone 2 x2–3, HIIT x1. Optional 5‑day keto micro-cycle. CGM mapping. Week 3: Progress loads. Sauna 2–3x. Introduce beetroot on cardio days. Re-assess sleep tweaks. Week 4: Deload strength/cardio. One 24‑h fast if desired. Lab mini-panel if available: glucose, lipids, hs‑CRP. Cognitive re-test. Week 5: Build phase starts. Strength push (RIR 1–2 on top sets). VO2 4x4 session. Carb timing around heavy days. Add beta‑alanine. Week 6: Maintain intensity; add threshold session; HRV-guided adjustments. Collagen pre-tendon work. Week 7: Heaviest loads; ensure sleep >8 h; electrolytes. One refeed evening pre-leg day. Week 8: Deload. 24‑h fast or two 20‑h fasts. Reassess: body comp, VO2 estimate, grip strength, labs if desired. Week 9: Consolidate. Maintain strength; focus technique and speed. Add cold exposure on rest days. Week 10: Optional 2–3 day PSMF if cutting; otherwise maintenance with sleep optimization. Reintroduce brief CGM block. Week 11: Performance peak for VO2/threshold; keep HIIT quality high; no sprint sets if HRV low. Week 12: Taper intensity 20–30%; test: 5‑min power/VO2 estimate, 5RM or rep‑max at submax RPE, Zone 2 power drift, cognitive battery. Plan next macrocycle.
Daily Routines Morning
- Light exposure outdoors 5–10 min.
- 300–500 mL water + electrolytes.
- Mobility 5–10 min; optional HRV breathwork 5 min.
- Caffeine window: within 60–120 min of waking; none after 2 pm.
Pre-training
- If fasted Zone 2: take electrolytes; minimal caffeine if desired.
- For strength/HIIT: small meal 90–150 min prior or 10–25 g carbs + EAA if close to session.
Post-training
- Protein 30–50 g within 2 h; add carbs 0.5–0.8 g/kg if high-intensity/lower-body session to replenish.
- 10–15 min easy walk and light mobility.
Evening
- Dim lights 2 h pre‑bed; hot shower/sauna then cool room; glycine/magnesium.
- Journaling: 3 wins + 1 improvement to consolidate learning and reduce rumination.
Safety and Red Flags
- Stop/seek care for chest pain, syncope, severe palpitations, unexplained shortness of breath, persistent HRV collapse with resting tachycardia, rapid unintended weight loss, or severe sleep disruption.
- Fasting: avoid if underweight, pregnant, history of eating disorder, or on glucose‑lowering meds without supervision.
- Supplement interactions: check with clinician, especially for liver/kidney disease, thyroid disorders, psychiatric meds, anticoagulants, and blood pressure meds.
- Heat/cold exposure: acclimate gradually; hydrate and avoid immediately post-maximal exertion if dizzy or hypotensive.
Progress Review Metrics
- Weekly: body weight trend, tape measures, training logs, HRV, sleep score, RPE, mood/productivity.
- Monthly: DEXA or calipers, VO2max estimate, 5RM or rep-max performance, Zone 2 power/pace at fixed HR, grip strength, vertical jump.
- End of 12 weeks: compare labs (ApoB, hs‑CRP, A1c/insulin), CGM trends, sleep metrics, cognitive tests. Decide next 12-week focus.
Personalization Levers
- If ApoB high: shift fats toward MUFAs/PUFAs, increase soluble fiber/plant sterols, consider red yeast rice with clinician.
- If HRV chronically low: emphasize Zone 2, reduce HIIT to 1/week, extend sleep routine, add daytime nature/outdoor time.
- If plateaus in strength: microload, increase calories/protein, add creatine loading week, lengthen deload.
- If sleep fragmented: pull caffeine earlier, increase evening carbs slightly on training days, trial glycine/theanine only, reduce late-night screens and alcohol to zero.
This framework is intentionally modular. Start conservatively, change one variable at a time, and let your data and how you feel drive adjustments under professional guidance.
Llama 4 Maverick
3-Month Longevity Plan for Biohackers
Disclaimer: Before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure safety and suitability.
Month 1: Optimization and Baseline Establishment
- Dietary Protocol:
- Start with a cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD): 2 weeks of standard ketogenic diet (SKD) followed by 1 week of carb refeed (CR).
- SKD: Fat (~75-80% of daily calories), Protein (~15-20%), Carbohydrates (~5-10%).
- CR: Increase carbohydrates to ~50% of daily calories, reduce fat to ~30%, and maintain protein at ~20%.
- Incorporate intermittent fasting (IF): 16:8 or 18:6 schedule.
- Supplement Stack:
- Mitochondrial Support: Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) 500mg, R-Lipoic Acid 200mg, and CoQ10 100mg, once daily.
- Cognitive Enhancement: Bacopa Monnieri 300mg (20% bacosides), Acetylcholine 500mg, and Phosphatidylserine 100mg, once daily.
- Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory: Curcumin 500mg (95% curcuminoids), Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) 1000mg, and Resveratrol 200mg, once daily.
- Exercise Routine:
- Strength Training: 3 times a week, focusing on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench press.
- HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): 2 times a week, using protocols like Tabata or Wingate.
- Recovery: Incorporate yoga or light cardio (e.g., cycling, swimming) on non-strength training days.
- Wearable Tracking:
- Use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track glucose levels and variability.
- Wear a heart rate variability (HRV) tracker to monitor stress and recovery.
- Utilize a smartwatch or fitness tracker to track sleep, activity, and other relevant metrics.
- Stress Resilience Techniques:
- HRV Training: Practice slow, deep breathing exercises (e.g., 4-7-8 technique) daily.
- Neurofeedback: Engage in alpha-theta training or other forms of neurofeedback to improve cognitive function and stress resilience.
Month 2: Intensification and Refining
- Dietary Protocol:
- Switch to a targeted ketogenic diet (TKD) with carbohydrate intake around workouts.
- Continue IF (16:8 or 18:6 schedule).
- Incorporate Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD) for 5 days: caloric intake ~500-800 calories, with a specific macronutrient breakdown (e.g., ~10% protein, ~60% fat, ~30% carbohydrates).
- Supplement Stack:
- Cycle Mitochondrial Support: Continue ALCAR, R-Lipoic Acid, and CoQ10, but cycle off for 1 week.
- Add NAD+ Boosters: Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) 1000mg and/or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) 500mg, once daily.
- Cognitive Enhancement: Continue Bacopa Monnieri, Acetylcholine, and Phosphatidylserine, and add Noopept 10mg (sublingual) or other nootropics.
- Exercise Routine:
- Progressive Overload: Gradually increase weight or resistance in strength training.
- HIIT Variation: Change HIIT protocol to a different modality (e.g., from sprint intervals to hill sprints).
- Recovery Techniques: Incorporate techniques like foam rolling, self-myofascial release, or compression garments.
- Wearable Tracking:
- Continue using CGM, HRV tracker, and smartwatch/fitness tracker.
- Additional Metrics: Start tracking other metrics like cortisol levels, ketone levels, or other biomarkers using various wearable devices or at-home testing kits.
- Stress Resilience Techniques:
- Neurofeedback Progression: Advance to more complex neurofeedback protocols (e.g., beta training or SCP training).
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga nidra, to enhance stress resilience.
Month 3: Peak Performance and Long-Term Optimization
- Dietary Protocol:
- Continue TKD with IF, and adjust macronutrient ratios based on performance and biomarker feedback.
- Carb Refeed: Perform a longer carb refeed (2-3 days) to replenish glycogen stores and support muscle growth.
- Supplement Stack:
- NAD+ Booster Cycling: Cycle off NAD+ boosters for 1-2 weeks to avoid desensitization.
- Add Adaptogenic Compounds: Incorporate adaptogens like Ashwagandha 500mg, Rhodiola Rosea 200mg, or Ginseng 400mg to enhance stress resilience.
- Exercise Routine:
- Periodization: Implement a periodized training plan to avoid plateaus and prevent overtraining.
- Deload and Recovery: Incorporate deload weeks or active recovery periods to allow for muscle repair and rebuilding.
- Wearable Tracking:
- Continue tracking relevant metrics and adjust wearable devices or protocols as needed.
- Data Analysis: Analyze data from wearable devices to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
- Stress Resilience Techniques:
- HRV Training Progression: Advance to more complex HRV training protocols (e.g., using biofeedback or HRV coherence training).
- Cognitive Training: Engage in cognitive training programs or brain games to enhance cognitive function and resilience.
Additional Recommendations:
- Sleep Optimization: Prioritize 7-9 hours of sleep per night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Social Connection and Community: Engage in social activities, join online forums or communities, and prioritize building strong relationships.
- Cognitive Stimulation: Engage in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill.
- Genetic Testing and Epigenetic Analysis: Consider genetic testing and epigenetic analysis to identify potential genetic predispositions and optimize lifestyle choices.
Action Plan:
- Consult with a healthcare professional before starting the plan.
- Set up wearable devices and tracking metrics.
- Start dietary protocols, supplement stacks, and exercise routines.
- Incorporate stress resilience techniques and cognitive training.
- Continuously monitor and adjust the plan based on biomarker feedback, performance, and overall well-being.
By following this comprehensive 3-month plan, biohackers can optimize their longevity, physical and cognitive performance, and develop a robust foundation for long-term health and well-being.
Vote
12 / 15
Michelin Star Recipe Designplanning
Design an innovative, multi-component dish worthy of a 3-star Michelin restaurant.
Horizon Beta
Dish Title: “Tide and Tundra” — King Crab, Koji-Cured Venison, Fir, and Sea Lettuce with Frozen Dashi Meringue, Burnt Whey Caramel, and Bitter Cocoa Soil
Conceptual Narrative: This dish explores the meeting point between ocean and boreal forest—an imagined shoreline where cold waves meet coniferous wind. The pairing of sweet, saline king crab with lean, iron-rich venison is bridged by koji’s gentle umami and the resinous aromatics of spruce/fir. Sea lettuce and dashi evoke tide pools; burnt whey and bitter cocoa recall charred bark and mineral soil. The plate is composed as a landscape: glacial shards of frozen meringue, mossy green oils, and polished stones of sauce. It’s a meditation on contrast—temperature, texture, and terroir—binding two ecosystems into one precise bite.
Key Unusual Pairings:
- King crab with koji-cured venison: maritime sweetness meets forested minerality via a shared umami thread.
- Burnt whey caramel with seafood: lactic browned notes echo shellfish sweetness while adding a haunting “toffee-umami.”
- Bitter cocoa soil with seafood: restrained cocoa bitterness functions like chicory or char, deepening sweetness rather than fighting it.
- Fir/spruce and sea lettuce: resin and iodine form a clean, alpine-brine aromatic.
Components Overview: A. Koji-cured venison loin, lightly coal-seared B. Butter-poached king crab, seaweed glaze C. Sea lettuce gel and warm dashi glaze D. Frozen smoked-dashi meringue shards E. Burnt whey caramel F. Bitter cocoa and buckwheat “soil” G. Spruce-needle oil and fermented green juniper vinaigrette H. Textural accents: pickled green strawberries, crisped kombu threads, and raw young pine shoots (or spruce tips)
Yield: 4 tasting portions
Time Plan:
- Day 1: Start koji cure, spruce oil infusion, ferment juniper (quick ferment), whey separation, dashi smoking and reduction, cocoa soil bake, pickle strawberries, kombu dehydrate.
- Day 2: Finish cures, poach crab, gel sea lettuce, make meringue, churn burnt whey caramel, finalize sauces, plate.
Sourcing Notes:
- Venison loin: Seek ethically harvested wild venison or certified farmed; choose center-cut loins. Source from reputable game suppliers.
- King crab legs: Fresh, cooked clusters with intact shoulder meat; if frozen, buy premium blast-frozen. Shell on to protect flesh.
- Koji rice: From Japanese grocers or specialty online purveyors (Amazake/Aspergillus oryzae inoculated rice).
- Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca): Food-grade dried sheets or fresh wild-harvested from a certified supplier (ensure clean waters).
- Spruce/fir tips and young pine shoots: Harvest in spring from unsprayed trees, or order from forage suppliers. Verify edible species.
- Green juniper berries: Use edible species (Juniperus communis) from spice merchants; avoid ornamental junipers.
- Whey: From strained yogurt or cultured butter production; or separate from milk using rennet or acid. High-quality grass-fed dairy recommended.
- Kombu: Thick, high-grade kelp (Rishiri/Ma kombu).
- Pickled green strawberries: Unripe strawberries from farmers’ markets; alternatively, gooseberries as a sub.
Detailed Components and Techniques:
A. Koji-Cured Venison Loin, Lightly Coal-Seared Ingredients:
- Venison loin, trimmed: 300 g
- Koji rice, finely ground: 25 g
- Sea salt: 8 g
- Demerara sugar: 6 g
- Ground black pepper: 1 g
- Pink peppercorn, crushed: 0.5 g
- Neutral oil for searing Method:
- Cure: Mix ground koji, salt, sugar, peppers. Lightly oil the loin. Massage cure evenly. Vacuum seal. Cure refrigerated 18–20 hours.
- Rinse & dry: Gently wipe off excess cure; don’t wash. Dry uncovered on rack 2 hours to form pellicle.
- Sear: Heat a small binchotan/charcoal grate or heavy pan until smoking. Lightly kiss the loin on all sides 10–15 seconds per side for a clean char without cooking through. Internal should remain rare. Chill quickly, then slice into 8 thin medallions just before plating.
B. Butter-Poached King Crab, Seaweed Glaze Ingredients:
- King crab legs (cooked), shell on: 2 large legs
- Unsalted butter: 150 g
- Kombu dashi (see C): 50 g
- Lemon zest: microplane a touch
- Seaweed glaze: 1 tsp hydrated powdered nori mixed with 1 tsp warm dashi and a drop of mirin Method:
- Shell carefully to remove intact lobes. Reserve shells for stock if desired.
- Butter emulsion: In a small pan, warm dashi to 60°C. Whisk in cold butter a few cubes at a time to form a nappé. Maintain 58–60°C.
- Poach: Submerge crab meat 4–5 minutes to warm and scent. Brush with seaweed glaze to finish; hold warm.
C. Sea Lettuce Gel and Warm Dashi Glaze Ingredients:
- Dried sea lettuce: 10 g (or 40 g fresh)
- Kombu: 8 g
- Smoked katsuobushi (optional for deeper oceanic notes): 10 g
- Water: 800 g
- White soy (shiro shoyu): to taste
- Agar agar: 1.8 g Method:
- Dashi: Soak kombu 45 min cold; heat to 60°C for 45 min; remove. Bring to 80°C, add katsuobushi (if using), steep 8 min; strain. Split: reserve 300 g for glazing and butter emulsion; 200 g for gel; remainder for meringue and sauces.
- Sea lettuce: Rinse, then simmer gently in 200 g dashi 5 min; blend smooth. Season with a few drops white soy.
- Gel: Whisk agar into sea lettuce base; boil 1 min; cast into a 20×20 cm thin sheet. Set, then cut into irregular “tidal” petals or brunoise for texture.
- Warm glaze: Reduce 150 g dashi by 20%, season with a touch of white soy; hold warm.
D. Frozen Smoked-Dashi Meringue Shards Ingredients:
- Strong smoked dashi: 200 g (smoke the katsuobushi or cold-smoke the finished dashi 20 min)
- Albumen powder: 6 g (or 2 pasteurized egg whites, 60 g)
- Sugar: 25 g
- Xanthan: 0.2 g
- Liquid nitrogen or ultracold freezer (-40°C), or Pacojet beaker Method:
- Base: Chill smoked dashi. Blend with albumen, sugar, xanthan; whip to soft peaks.
- Freeze: Spread 3–4 mm thick on acetate. Freeze rapidly (blast freezer or liquid nitrogen). Once solid, snap into shards. Store frozen and plate last. Note: For LN2, dip spoonfuls and shatter; for Pacojet, freeze and shave to “snow bark.”
E. Burnt Whey Caramel Ingredients:
- Fresh whey: 800 g
- Sugar: 60 g
- Light miso (optional, 10 g for umami)
- Butter: 20 g
- Cream: 40 g Method:
- Reduce whey: Simmer to 1/3 volume. Continue until deep nut-brown and nutty aromatics develop (Maillard from lactose/proteins)—watch closely to avoid bitterness. Strain.
- Caramelize: Dry-caramelize sugar to amber, deglaze cautiously with reduced whey. Whisk in butter, cream, and miso. Reduce to a sauce that ribbons. Season with a pinch of salt. Keep warm.
F. Bitter Cocoa and Buckwheat “Soil” Ingredients:
- Buckwheat flour: 60 g
- Almond meal: 30 g
- Cocoa powder (high fat, alkalized): 12 g
- Black cocoa: 4 g
- Brown sugar: 25 g
- Butter, melted: 45 g
- Salt: 1 g Method:
- Mix dry; fold in butter until clumpy. Bake at 150°C for 16–18 min, stirring once, to a dry crumble. Cool. Adjust bitterness by adding a gram more black cocoa if needed. Store airtight.
G. Spruce-Needle Oil and Fermented Green Juniper Vinaigrette Spruce Oil:
- Neutral oil: 200 g
- Fresh spruce/fir tips: 60 g
- Spinach: 20 g (for chlorophyll) Method:
- Blanch spruce tips and spinach 10 sec; shock. Dry thoroughly. Blend with oil at 70°C for 2 min. Infuse 1 hour warm; spin in centrifuge or strain through Superbag overnight chilled for bright green oil.
Juniper Vinaigrette:
- Green juniper berries: 12 g, lightly crushed
- 2% brine (by weight water/salt): 150 g water + 3 g salt
- Honey: 6 g
- Champagne vinegar: 12 g
- Spruce oil: 15 g Method:
- Quick ferment: Combine juniper with brine and honey; ferment 24–36 hours at room temp just until slightly pétillant. Strain.
- Emulsify 15 g ferment with vinegar and spruce oil. Salt to taste. The result should be piney, gently acidic, and slightly sweet.
H. Accents
- Pickled green strawberries: Halved, pickled 24 hours in 3% salt, 3% sugar, 2% rice vinegar, a few spruce tips.
- Crisped kombu threads: Julienne soaked kombu; dehydrate to pliable, fry at 170°C until crisp; season with powdered nori and salt.
- Fresh spruce tips or young pine shoots: Rinse, keep chilled. Alternatively, small dill flowers for an herbal echo.
Assembly and Plating: Plate intent: A shoreline vignette—a crescent of “soil,” a pool of warm glaze, briny green glints, glacial meringue.
- Warmth and base:
- Nap a small ellipse of warm dashi glaze at 10 o’clock. Spoon a teardrop of burnt whey caramel at 4 o’clock.
- Sprinkle a crescent of cocoa-buckwheat soil from 2 to 5 o’clock, tapering off like receding sand.
- Proteins:
- Place two warm butter-poached crab segments partially on the soil, lightly glazed with seaweed sheen.
- Fan two thin venison medallions overlapping near the crab, edges just touching the glaze so the juices kiss the sauce.
- Greens and sea:
- Tuck three sea lettuce gel petals around the crab, one touching the caramel to bridge flavors.
- Dot 6–8 micro-pools of spruce oil across the glaze and plate. Add 4–5 small droplets of juniper vinaigrette near the venison.
- Accents and crunch:
- Add 3–4 crisped kombu threads leaning over the crab for height.
- Place two halves of pickled green strawberry near the venison to cut richness.
- Nestle 2–3 fresh spruce tips around the plate for aromatic lift.
- Frozen element:
- Right before service, crown the composition with 2–3 delicate shards of frozen smoked-dashi meringue, positioned like drifting ice. A gentle mist of warm dashi at tableside can create ephemeral aroma.
- Finish:
- Micro grate lemon zest over crab. A final flake of sea salt on venison. Serve immediately.
Texture and Flavor Map:
- Venison: rare, tender, umami-rich from koji, faint smoke-char.
- Crab: succulent, buttery, saline-sweet with seaweed resonance.
- Sauces: Burnt whey caramel is lactically toasty and umami; dashi glaze is clean and marine.
- Garnishes: Meringue gives cold, airy crunch; soil adds bitter-crisp earthiness; pickles brighten; kombu crisps add ocean crunch; spruce oil and juniper vinaigrette unify forest and sea.
Advanced Technique Notes:
- Koji cure accelerates proteolysis and deepens savoriness; short time maintains clean game flavor.
- Burnt whey caramel leverages Maillard of milk solids for complex toffee-umami without cloying sweetness; balance with salt and miso.
- Chlorophyll-stable green oil requires controlled blanching and warm extraction to preserve hue.
- Frozen meringue uses hydrocolloids for stability; rapid freezing preserves aeration and allows clean snap.
Wine and Pairing Suggestion:
- A saline, reductive Champagne (blanc de blancs, low dosage) or a precise Jura Savagnin ouillé. For non-alcoholic: Spruce kvass with green apple and verjus, lightly carbonated.
Contingencies and Substitutions:
- If king crab unavailable: Use spiny lobster or spot prawns; adjust poach times.
- If venison unavailable: Lean beef tenderloin or raw cured elk as alternative; shorten cure time for beef.
- If spruce tips unavailable: Use Douglas fir tips or a small amount of rosemary infused oil (use sparingly).
- If no LN2/blast freezer: Freeze meringue overnight in a thin sheet; serve as chilled tuile or microplaned “snow.”
Food Safety and Service:
- Keep venison below 5°C after sear until slicing; serve promptly.
- Maintain butter-poach at 58–60°C to avoid overcooking crab.
- Frozen elements should move from freezer to plate quickly to preserve texture; avoid condensation by pre-chilling plating tweezers and shards.
This dish aims for clarity and restraint despite complexity: each component speaks to place, and together they form a calm, resonant chord between tide and tundra.
Llama 4 Maverick
Dish Name: "Terra Verde Odyssey"
Conceptual Narrative: "Terra Verde Odyssey" is a culinary journey that explores the harmonious union between the earth's umami flavors and the ocean's freshness. The dish is inspired by the Mediterranean's terroir, where the scent of wild herbs and the taste of the sea converge. This multi-component creation features an unexpected pairing of black truffle and sea urchin, elevated by advanced culinary techniques and presented with an artistic flair.
Components:
- Black Truffle and Sea Urchin Tartlet
- Smoked Eel and Fennel Emulsion
- Pickled Mustard Green Gelée
- Saffron-Infused Cauliflower Purée
- Crispy Fried Capers and Microgreens
Recipe:
Component 1: Black Truffle and Sea Urchin Tartlet
- Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup of black truffle duxelles (see sourcing notes)
- 1/4 cup of sea urchin roe (see sourcing notes)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of 1/8 inch (3 mm). Cut out small squares (approx. 3 inches / 7.5 cm per side).
- Spoon a small amount of black truffle duxelles onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch (1 cm) border around the edges.
- Top the duxelles with a small dollop of sea urchin roe.
- Brush the edges with the beaten egg and fold the other half of the pastry square to form a triangle. Press the edges to seal.
- Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Component 2: Smoked Eel and Fennel Emulsion
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of smoked eel, flaked
- 1 cup of fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of neutral oil (e.g., grapeseed)
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the smoked eel, fennel, oil, water, mustard, and honey. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard the solids.
- Using an immersion blender or a whisk, froth the mixture until it becomes light and airy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Component 3: Pickled Mustard Green Gelée
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of mustard greens, blanched and shocked
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of agar agar powder
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the blanched mustard greens and cook until they're tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard the solids.
- Whisk in the agar agar powder and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow metal pan and refrigerate until set.
- Once set, cut the gelée into small cubes.
Component 4: Saffron-Infused Cauliflower Purée
- Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 2 tablespoons of saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon of hot water
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Steam the cauliflower florets until tender.
- In a blender, combine the cooked cauliflower, saffron (with its soaking liquid), and butter. Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Component 5: Crispy Fried Capers and Microgreens
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of capers, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup of microgreens (e.g., pea shoots or purslane)
- 1 cup of neutral oil (e.g., grapeseed)
- Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the capers in batches until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the microgreens over the dish.
Sourcing Notes:
- Black truffle duxelles: Available at specialty food stores or online at retailers like Urbani Truffle or Truffle Hunter.
- Sea urchin roe: Available at high-end seafood markets or online at retailers like Catalina Offshore Products or Monterey Bay Fisheries.
Plating Presentation:
- Place a black truffle and sea urchin tartlet on a bespoke, hand-painted ceramic plate.
- Spoon a dollop of saffron-infused cauliflower purée alongside the tartlet.
- Scatter a few cubes of pickled mustard green gelée around the plate.
- Drizzle the smoked eel and fennel emulsion around the plate, creating a whimsical pattern.
- Top the tartlet with a sprinkle of crispy fried capers and microgreens.
- Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens, if desired.
Innovative Techniques:
- The use of black truffle duxelles and sea urchin roe creates an unexpected umami flavor combination.
- The smoked eel and fennel emulsion adds a creamy, savory element to the dish.
- The pickled mustard green gelée provides a tangy, refreshing contrast.
- The saffron-infused cauliflower purée adds a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- The crispy fried capers and microgreens add a satisfying textural element.
Michelin 3-Star Worthy: "Terra Verde Odyssey" is a symphony of flavors, textures, and presentation that would be worthy of a Michelin 3-star restaurant. The dish showcases a deep understanding of flavor pairing, advanced culinary techniques, and exquisite plating presentation. The use of high-quality, seasonal ingredients and the attention to detail in each component elevate this dish to a truly exceptional culinary experience.
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