Who am I, and what do I need?

Laying in bed last night it struck me. A concept so simple I couldn't believe that it had taken me this long to stumble upon it. Yes it's a question, but more so it's a way of life. Too many times people lose there way by getting caught up in things and ideas that simply don't apply. Are you being defined by the material things you surround yourself with, or making a legacy based on personal and spiritual achievement? I realize I'm getting a bit philosophic, but these concepts ground themselves in everyday situations. What does this mean to you? Well it could be a turning point in your life, or simply a bunch of nonsense. Who am I, and what do I need?

The Devil's in the Details

I often hear people saying they want to get in shape or start a new diet, but can't figure out how to get started. Most often they end up not doing anything because they are overwhelmed by all the information and different programs available. With the internet it's amazing how much stuff is out there! A case of paralysis by analysis often takes place, and self loathing sets in. The idea that there is a perfect program or diet out there is a fallacy created by so called "gurus" who are merely looking to sell you on themselves, and usually take your money in doing so. I'm here to tell you it's all a bunch of bologna. 

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Living Outside The Box

I've got a problem. Well, more specifically, I've got a callous. It's on the ball of my foot and the skin is trying to grow back as best it can. This has caused me to walk quite gingerly for the past couple of days, and as one might imagine has garnered questions about my impingement. What happened to my foot? The simple answer is just a missing piece of skin on my foot. How? I ran a 5k. What kind of shoes was I wearing that would lead to such a terrible end result to my foot? None! Yes, I ran a 5k barefoot. Some on grassy ground, but a majority was on a concrete path. After this explanation some people are dumbfounded that I would do such a thing, others are intrigued, and others are downright appalled. What does any of this have to do with you? I'm so glad you asked.

Food vs. Nutrients

Do we need food, or just nutrients? According to some, my human nutrition professor included, we just need the nutrients. But where has this thinking really led us? We no longer consider what it is that we are putting in our bodies, just the chemical make up and daily values that will get us closer to our "perfect" diet. Where did we go so wrong? It has gotten to the point where people would actually consider eating balanced meals at McDonald's everyday would get them the nutrients necessary for life. Technically this food will give you certain amounts of nutrients, but at what cost? Protein, fat, and carbohydrates are all accounted for and packaged into a meal that would still look the same if left to sit out for two weeks! Shelf life is important here. Buying and consuming food that will spoil sooner than later and doesn't come in a box or some type of plastic packaging should be the name of the game, with an emphasis on should. Modern convenience and laziness has led to people making everything out of a box or microwavable bag of some type. Why shouldn't we focus on the actual food we eat? If you eat the proper foods, would it not follow that the nutrients will also be there?

A new Rx

It's been a while, but I'm back for a quick update. Class, studying, and training has kept me quite busy, but I wanted to get in a quick note while it was fresh in my mind. The idea today is pretty basic, but well outside of modern group think. What I'm proposing is the idea that less is more. No, that's not a misprint I said LESS is more. In today's modern society people look at more of everything as being better. More exercise is always better. Taking more vitamins must be better. More over the counter and prescription drugs to help lose weight or fight off sickness will get me back on track. All sounds familiar, right? What you may not realize is that all this extra crap is hampering your efforts. Exercise is important, but almost more important is rest. If you are breaking down that muscle during an intense workout, there has to be time for it to rebuild if you want to make gains. There's an old saying that rings true here. There's no such thing as over-training, just under-recovery. Take that to heart people. Yes vitamins are important in overall health, but why not get them from your food? Keep in mind that vitamins in a bottle are synthesized in a lab to try and imitate the ones you get from REAL food. Also realize that your body isn't really sure how to handle and process a lot of these vitamins which is putting even more stress on your system, and managing stress is the name of the game here folks. If prescriptions or over the counter meds are also in the mix, that stress level goes up exponentially. Once again, the body doesn't know how to deal with most of these laboratory inventions that are meant to help, but often hinder your health. If it can't be processed it merely gets stored away to wreak havoc gradually over time. Then you have those who are taking meds to combat side effects from their other prescriptions. Is that not just downright wacky? Here is the general concept I'm trying to put forth, if you are working 60 hours a week, then going to the gym and hammering yourself for another 2 hours, Sleep less than 7 hours a night, pop pills because you don't have time to eat real food or are fighting off sickness or pain, and can't understand why your life quality is not improving, then it's time for a change. Here is my prescription. Try to cut down on work hours by staying focused and being more efficient at your job. Don't overwork yourself in the gym. Shorter more intense workouts may be just the trick to get you in and out quickly, while still getting the exercise you desire. Stop taking vitamins and getting off any other meds. Instead, supplement yourself with real quality food that is local or organic to get the nutrients and vitamins you need. Get quality rest! Turn off the TV and computer and get in that bed. Try this for at least two weeks, and if you don't feel and improvement go back to your old ways. Although I have a feeling if you truly commit to these ideas you won't ever look back.

Take the Plunge!

That's right folks, it's time to get wet and wild. Well, not too wild, but definitely wet. I'm talking about swimming. Not just swimming in the recreational sense, but for your health. Going for a nice cold water plunge can be invigorating and refreshing, and for good reason. Most people don't realize that the lymphatic system, which helps move waste out of the body, needs our help to function properly. It doesn't have a nice pump like the heart to make it go, but uses gravity and movement to help it along the way. This is the reason why most people feel more energetic and refreshed after a good workout. What you may not know is that temperature changes in the body also are helpful in putting those lymph nodes into overdrive. This can be accomplished in a couple different ways. One being contrast showers or baths, and the other a nice cold plunge. The contrast shower is simply bathing in cold as you can stand water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, followed immediately by warm water for 1 to 2 minutes. This can be repeated a few times or simply once remembering to always end with cold water. Another option, my favorite, is the cold plunge, and it couldn't be easier. After finding a nice cold body of water, you simply dive in, get back out, and let your body warm itself. You can also repeat this one a few times if you like. Just this morning I went over to a nearby lake, and after doing some mobility work and sprints on the beach, took solace in the cool refreshing waters of lake Michigan. Not only did it feel amazing and help me cool down, but I felt extremely clean and fresh also. Besides giving a boost to your immune system it will help keep your skin taught, smooth, and radiant. There is something about the natural water and all the added minerals that help rejuvenate the body and skin in a way that showers and baths from a well just can't match. Plunges are a great way to help regeneration and recovery in between training, or just a great idea for overall health.