new years – finding your new viscious cycle

New Years is about resolutions, and everyone is talking about how fit they’re going to be in the new year.  I’m all for it.  Here’s some more food for thought.

In this Scientific American piece – Eat Exercise & Be Merry keeping a weekly journal of what you have to be grateful for, seemed to help folks in the study exercise more and keep a positive attitude.  I would agree that thinking positively leads you to be more optimistic, and try a little harder, and that leads you to push a little more in your workouts, which in turn will give you better results.

So putting yourself into a little positive feedback loop, a viscious cycle turned on end if you will, doesn’t sound like such a bad idea for the new year!

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December 28, 2009|Nutrition + Diet, fitness, health, life balance, motivation|Post Comment »

Fat and Fitness – either or?

An interesting article at Scientific American asks the question Can Fat Be Fit? Indeed fitness actively improves body composition, increasing muscle mass, while also increasing bone mass.  This increase in body density, if coupled with cardiovascular exercise compounds the improvements to increase overall metabolism.  All of this snowballs to cause weightloss.  Of course your weight is still day-to-day a factor of calories in versus calories out (burned).

I think this is an interesting discussion overall, and definitely worth a read.  Looking at different sports, you see a different pattern of fat distribution, some extremely skinny and wirey, while others are softer.  Sumo wrestlers might be an extreme example, as they are quite fit, yet continue to maintain significant bulk.

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December 14, 2009|About, Nutrition + Diet, fitness|Post Comment »

fitness apps

Don’t confuse apps and gadgets for the real workout, but hey if it gets you motivated and helps you with the details, go for it.

Here’s a great NY Times article with over 10 new apps which can help you keep track of all your data. But remember it’s more about the workout and the intensity that will get you in shape, so when in doubt, pencil and paper works as well!

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November 2, 2009|Nutrition + Diet, Tools, fitness|Post Comment »

painkillers and training

The New York Times has a really interesting article on the usage and affects of ibuprofen on ultramarathoners.  It turns out that 60-85% of marathoners in the noted studies were using painkillers, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).  It turns out they showed more inflammation and mild kidney impairment.Doesn’t sound particularly encouraging.  As always buyer beware when it comes to supplements, and best to stick to food and diet based methods to affect the body…

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October 19, 2009|Nutrition + Diet, Running, medicine, supplements|Post Comment »

calorie restriction – the fountain of youth?

A lot of studies have been coming out on calorie restriction.  My personal theory is all this nonsense about how people from certain countries have better genes…  it all boils down to better diet.  It seems a lower calorie diet makes you younger, age better and live longer!NY Times – The Calorie Restriction Experiment 

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October 5, 2009|Nutrition + Diet, health|Post Comment »

what kinds of proteins?

On and on the debate goes over proteins, although nutritionists have figured it out already.Yes proteins are key to a balanced diet, but in particular the right kinds.  Which ones?  Legumes, Fish, egg whites, and lean poultry.  There are also quite a few food combinations for which the body can combine for complete proteins as well.Read more at CNN - Are You Getting Enough Protein 

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September 28, 2009|Nutrition + Diet|Post Comment »

obesity as phenomenon of social norms

A fascinating article at Wired discusses the changes in a social group in Framingham MA, and how obesity spread through the population.

 The Buddy System:  How Medical Data Revealed Secret to Health and Happiness

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September 7, 2009|Nutrition + Diet, health|Post Comment »

exercise alone not always enough for weightloss

Perhaps this article would be better titled referring to “exercise alone” rather than just exercise, but the point is well made.  They point at that “Whether because exercise makes us hungry or because we want to reward ourselves, many people eat more — and eat more junk food, like doughnuts — after going to the gym.”

That’s why most fitness regimens recommend increasing cardiovascular training on the one hand, muscle training on the other to increase body density, bone density, and muscle density, *and* calorie monitoring and restriction in certain cases on the other hand.

Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin

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August 31, 2009|Nutrition + Diet, weightloss|Post Comment »

diet + exercise stave off mental decline

We talked about John Ratey and his book Spark, so we’ve hit on this topic before.  BUt I just saw this article recently and thought it was worth posting.

The emphasis on the diet side of the equation is of a mediterranean diet full of fruits and veggies.  Check!  And secondly engaging in a regular exercise program.  Check!
Health Buzz: Diet and Exercise Protect Brain and Other Health News

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August 17, 2009|Nutrition + Diet, longevity|Post Comment »

new superfood found

Just read this article about a new study on Beetroot juice, and the dramatic increase seen in endurance athletes who drink the juice, of 16%!!  The thought is that it may be the nitrates in the Beetroot, but scientists are still not sure.  Nevertheless 16% is a big difference, as anyone training at their own edge for a long time knows, improvements seem to come slowly, and with much effort.   I think I’m going to go and buy some beets for the grocery store today, dig out my juicemaker machine, and try this!!

 Beetroot juice “boosts stamina”

Thx Su for the Link!

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August 10, 2009|Nutrition + Diet|Post Comment »
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