“From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health

Rant and Tip for October 3, 2012

Quote: “From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.”  ~Catalan Proverb

I have to say I think this is where I have gotten my motivation to write this blog and turn over a healthy leaf. You see, at the age of 46 I was starting to have a few health issues. My sugar was border-line in my blood work, blood pressure was high and my triglycerides were through the roof. Unfortunately that is too often the case. We take our bodies and health for granted and it is not until we are faced with a disease that we start to do something about it. On the bright side it is never too late to do something about it. More and more research has concluded that refined carbohydrates are a source to many of the health issues faced today. Doctors and some Primary care physicians are finally on board with this as well. One of the gentlemen I lift with was telling me just last night that his doctor was saying within the next few years we are going to see a big shift in how doctors treat disease like the ones mentioned above and that it is all link to refined carbohydrates. He also read something about waiting to eat until an hour has passed since you wake up, something to do with cortisol levels. I will have to do a little research on this. Like anything we are taught many things in life and sometimes later we find out we were misinformed. Nick may be right on this one. I just have not heard that. Just because you have not heard something before does not make it false. Many times it is right on.

If you are on a low- carbohydrate diet you already know and are probably feeling the benefits already. If you are eating a low fat diet, try cutting your refined carbohydrates and stick with the healthy unrefined carbs. With the amount of intense exercise I do, I will allow myself a cup of oatmeal in the morning. I use steel cut oats, my feeling is I cannot get any less refined than that. I have had many conversations with people about this issue and basically if it is white, (this includes most breads), I do not eat it. Yes I will eat cauliflower, which is the exception that makes the rule.

For my exercise today, box squats are the call. I am hoping to refine my form in the squat by doing so. Last week I squatted at Albany Strength gym and had a couple of guys watch my form. They saw some things that can be fixed and I have 3 weeks to get that done. Once the form is perfect I will be on track for a 1200 hundred triple for next year.

Have a great workout!

Tip: Consider whether you're really hungry. Many times you are not really hungry when you feel like eating. One thing that I have noticed is that sometimes it is not hunger but thirst to a smaller degree. When you first start feeling hungry have a glass of water. You may find that it was just dehydration calling.