Should I give protein shakes to my 8-year-old

After a longer workout (over one hour), a combination of carbohydrates and protein in a 4:1 ratio is recommended for recovery.

I have to admit I thought this was going to be a stupid article with worthless advice. But I have to admit that Dr. Melina Jampolis did a great job responding to this question.

Without knowing the details of the child, she listed some valid options of when to take a protein drink -vs- a recovery drink. Good advice for all of us.

But I was surprised that she didn’t dwell on the actual nutrition lifestyle. Maybe suggest that getting the protein from whole food sources verse the standard process foods would be a better start. But she is the one with the MD in her name. :)

My Recommended Reading on Nutrition

I’ve come across three books that I highly recommend. Each of these where fascinating for the amount of information we just don’t hear from the mainstream medical community. It really does require that we seek this information out.

I started with Twinkie, Deconstructed. A wonderful breakdown on each ingredient that goes into this enduring American treat. The Nutritional Fact label actually makes up the table of contents. And even though the focus is on Twinkies, I learned a lot about the processed food industry, supply chains, and mining (yes Mining) process that takes for all the foods we eat. This really is an eye opener that everyone should examine and understand what they are eating. I’ll be point blank and tell you that everything you know about processed foods has been sugar coated. Actually more like HFCS coated. It’s just amazing how genetically modified corn and soy are in everything. It is all so much more worse then you thought.

Dr. Patrick Baker then led me to the next two selections. I was complete engrossed in The One Hundred Year Lie. I think the following Amazon comment best sums up my views…

This is a hard book to read though as with each revelation you will get angrier and angrier at the corporate world. It will scare you into eating more healthy alternative foods.

But this book goes beyond the foods we eat. This looks at all the toxins that exist in our environment today and how they are causing so many of the problems that just didn’t register on the map a few simple years/decades ago. This isn’t all doom and gloom. There are some practical steps we can take to minimize our exposure. But it first has to start with understanding what we are up against.

The 3rd book I just completed is Raw Power – Building strength and Muscle Naturally by Stephen Arlin. While many don’t give the writing style high marks, it really is hard to argue with his main theme and points. The food we eat is dead and the results are poor nutrition. When has putting fire to anything ever made it better is the point that got to me.  He actually makes militant vegans look like panzies….which appeals to me. But seriously, I do like his direct to the point approach. And while I’m no where ready to go 100% raw, I will take many of his recommendations to heart.

Dr. Baker has also just come out with a new book title What did I just Eat?.  I’ve had the chance to learn a lot from Dr. Baker and I look forward to ordering this ASAP as I know it will be yet another learning experience. 

Free Word Press Blog

One of the things I offer to Beachbody Coaches on my team is a free Word Press blog.  I have now extended this really to all Beachbody coaches and friends for a limited time.

I think it’s also important to note the importance of the Word Press enviroment and training aids to help get ones site up and running. And for that, I recommend the following site Word Press Hero.

So you get Word Press hosting and lessons for free!

Shakeology 3 day Cleanse

Maybe, just maybe you have heard me talk about Shakeology but not interested in buying or committing to a bulk bag of this strange stuff. Well now you can try Shakeology, experience the benefit of this products without the commitment.

Lets simplify nutrition!

If you would like a 5 day supply or experience the 3 day cleanse, just contact me and we can work out the paypal arrangements.

Virtual Fit Club Starts on Feb 28th

What a cool time we had this past weekend at the Shaun T Workout that Beachbody put together for Ohio coaches.  Shaun T not only kicked our butts, but he also spent some time before hand going over his background and reasons for getting into fitness and helping folks do the same.

I can't believe my only photo with Shaun T is all fuzz...except for Shaun T's abs!

On the left of the picture is Brandon who won the most dedicated award for the virtual fit club I ran for the last 90 days. He hung in there recording all his workouts and nutrition information and had great results with Insanity. And it turned out to be great luck that he also lives in Columbus.  So I was able to reserve a slot for Brandon to this sold out event.  Congrats again Brandon!!

If you missed participating in the virtual fit club challenge, no worries as I will be starting another one on Feb 28th. Just be aware you need to sign up before the 28th. Once the Challenge starts, they close down registration. So head over to Fat Secrets web site today, create your free account and join my 30 day Challenge. I will be handing out Shakeology to the winners! You can get more information by clicking on the link provided.

Why some people evade colds and others don’t

As I learn more about health and nutrition, I’m wondering how in the world the professionals among us, like Dr. Patric Baker just don’t go nuts when they hear articles like this:
 
They skipped around the basic truth of why some folks get a cold and others don’t. They said in one sentence it was the genes that determine why one spouse gets the cold and the other doesn’t. And then they explained that Grandma sitting in the same airplane didn’t get it because she was exposed to the virus somewhere in the past..which I suppose both are true. But there are just so many variations and virus strains that there must be something else going.
 
I was reminded of this quote in the comment section of the article:

It is the strength or weakness of your own resistance and not the virulence of the organism which determines your level of health.
–Claude Bernard

Which means to this health noob that one needs not only good fitness and nutrition, but to also take care of their body’s immune system…which even among fitness experts goes un-mentioned…. the central nervous system. 
 
I have to admit I was skeptical if not abusive to the idea in the past. But I’ve had a chance to sit back and watch Dr. Baker in action. And lately I’ve had a chance to actually learn from Dr. Baker.
 
I recommend reviewing the following link and learn more about how to really help your immune system. The staff at Baker Family Chiropractic is on a mission to change as many lives as they can in the community by introducing them to optimal health. I highly recommend them if you are interested in continued health and fitness education.

Free Shakeology Samples out the door!

Just completed the second batch this afternoon. So hopefully that gets me all caught up. If you have asked for a sample and never received anything, please let me know. Things got crazy busy and I’m sure I let a few folks fall into the cracks. So sorry once again.

If you would like a free sample, I’ll glady send you one. I just ask two things.

  1. If you don’t already have your free Team Beachbody account, please sign up for one with the provided link making me your coach.
  2. After you receive the free sample, leave me some feedback on your thoughts about Shakeology. Good and bad.

Sound fair?

Shakeology Bars

I took my earlier Homemade Protein Bar recipe and modified it to use only Shakeology and dump protein powder with unknown ingredients. This Consumer report on the harmful heavy metals in common protein shakes was the final straw. With Beachbody and Shakeology, I can be confident and trust they honor the high quality ingredients used.

So my new recipe is as follows:

  • 2 cups oats (not instant)
  • 2 cups Coconut Milk (Just found the unsweetened version at Krogers)
  • 4 scoops Shakeology
  • 4 Tablespoons Almond Butter
  • 4 Tablespoons Honey
  • 2 Tablespoons Milled Flax Seed

Mix all together and spread on wax paper. Refrigerate for 4 hours. I don’t recommend to bake them, as it will denature the protein. But if it’s too gooey (I like Gooey for the record) then bake on low for 15 minutes is still better then the alternatives that you buy off the shelf. Enjoy!!

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

I got this recipe from reading a book titled Fit for Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond. It opened my eyes up to the many ways I could enjoy vegetables before the Raw Food trend was even a name. That was well over 20 years ago and we still make this wonderful soup every chance we get. So if you need something to help get you out of the winter funk, give this healthy and nutritious delight a try.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
6-8 scallions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 medium cauliflower, cored and coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon curry powder (optional – But I insist you use it!!!)
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried savory or marjoram
6 cups water
2 tablespoons white miso (preferable to vegetable bouillon because it will not turn the soup dark)
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg (optional)

In heavy soup kettle, melt butter. Add oil. Add onion, scallions, and garlic. Add celery and cauliflower. Add seasonings. Mix well and cook, uncovered, over medium heat for several minutes, stirring frequently. Add water and miso. Bring to a boil, simmer, covered, over medium heat for 15 minutes or until cauliflower is tender. Remove cover and cool slightly. Puree in small increments in blender (Or use a mix stick – but be careful) until smooth and creamy (I actually like mine a bit on the Chunky side). Reheat, adding fresh ground nutmeg, if desired. Serves 4.

Biggest Loser mystery trainer is Beachbody’s Bret Hoebel

If you didn’t know, the mystery trainer on Biggest Loser is Beachbody’s own Brett Hoebel. This is no surprise to the Beachbody community that has seen Brett’s approach with his program RevAbs.

RevAbs will be in my queue for sure, but I’m working on round two of Insanity. I just received the Insanity deluxe DVD kit which includes Upper Body Resistance, a sport cardio workout and Insane Abs. And let me tell you, Insane Abs lives up to its name.

But I also think Grover should be the next mystrey trainer on Biggest loser!