Pic of the Week

Ok, super nervous about posting these but I felt my embarrassment of the before (the one on the left) was less than the benefit of the message behind the images. Over the last 8 weeks, I’ve competed in an 8 week Body Challenge run by the guys at FBFM. This is one of the most amazing things I have seen in a long time. Whilst most of the world is getting fatter, slower, stiffer, and sluggish (in mind and body) the people that entered all decided to move in the other direction. Their transformations have blown me away.

It was interesting to look back at my pics from 8 weeks ago and see how I looked, but not from an outside perspective, an inside one. I had lost my passion for physical performance, was struggling with my old healthy routines, making excuses, and doing "tired" (and I hate that word). It all started after the Adventure race I competed in March this year when I returned with a knee that still has not got better. I remember chatting with a good mate about how I felt like I had got soft, disinterested with exercise, and could not get out of my funk. It is funny to look at the before pictures and see how much it reflected what was going on inside my head.

Then one Sunday 8 weeks ago I text Matty from FBFM and said "Matty, you free for a chat today. or quick catch up? I've got a challenge (ME) I need to get nailed ASAP". He said yes. We sat and mapped out a plan, I committed to it, asked for accountability and the rest is history.

I'm now super pumped about being on track again, excited to train, eating well, and immersing myself again in researching performance training. (you might have noticed that from my recent blogs.

As the great man, BJ Palmer said...

"We never know how far-reaching something we may think, say, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow."

Thanks, Matty and Sheridan for making a difference in people's lives, the lives of their families, clients, and communities.

It is great to be back.

Moral of the story... We all get off track at times. If you want to get back on track, take action, get help, create accountability, go deep, and create the change you want. You CAN do it; you just do not have to do it alone.

Here are the top three things that have made a difference in my week.
They might also be useful for you, or not.

1) A great supplement I have been on over the last month...

Amazonia RawFIT Pro Protein.After entering a Body Challenge competition 8 weeks ago I decided I would get super-sharp on my nutrition for muscle growth. This meant going deep into the research on how to best achieve this (see some of the research below). All of it called for an attention to all around protein intake levels. No, not the bodybuilding style, eat 5 chickens and 20 eggs style protein advice, but understand that as we age out protein requirements change. There is a science behind it (see Eat Like the Animals Book mentioned in a previous Blog), Anyway the results on protein were pretty cool. This one I use is Vegan friendly and has thermogenic properties to help with fat burning.

2) My top 4 YouTube Video’s around Protein...

High Protein Protein to Energy Ratio for Fat w/ Dr. Ted Naiman

Muscle Growth Science, mTOR & Leucine w/ Gabrielle Lyon, DO

Professor Don Layman: Protein Metabolism

Why The Keto Diet Will Change Your Life | Mark Sisson on Health Theory

Each of these videos helped me understand the importance of protein as a regulator of growth and satiety. When best to eat it, how much and what kind. If you are over 30 and are wanting to improve metabolism, strength, and longevity these are a great place to start.

3) Something I discovered…

Aldi High Protein Bread. Want to eat bread without the guilt? ALDI is selling a high-protein low-carb keto-friendly loaf, which dietitians are praising, and I am loving. 2 slices have 24g of protein. More than that it tastes amazing, lasts in the pantry, is filling and fits the Keto low carb lifestyle., Do yourself a favour get down to Aldi and try it.

P.s. Quote of the week is...

“The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. That is what most people lack, having the guts to go on and just say they'll go through the pain no matter what happens.” Arnold Schwarzenegger

I would love your feedback on what had an impact on you and the lesson in it, moral of the story, or learning you would share.

Have a ripper finish to your week.