AUTOPHAGY

Did you know that you can actually clean out some bad cells in your body?! This process is called Autophagy. Definition of autophagy: “The word autophagy is derived from Greek words “auto” meaning self and “phagy” meaning eating. Autophagy is a normal physiological process in the body that deals with destruction of cells in the body.” (https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Autophagy.aspx)

Personally, I feel that I can induce this process through various means, which will then assist in one of my main goals of anti-aging enhancements. How is this possible? Through a consistent exercise program, intermittent fasting on some days, and leaning more towards a lower overall carbohydrate intake in my nutritional plan. There are many benefits to inducing autophagy, as illustrated in this article – https://draxe.com/benefits-of-autophagy/

This just sounds like a natural process that can occur in the body …. if we decide to let it happen!

“Take care of your body; it’s the only place you have to live in.”

GR​OK ON !

BRAIN FOODS

I am sure many of you have heard or seen the term “Superfoods” in various articles or on social media sources. Another term to consider are “Brain Foods.” What can we consume in order to keep our brains functioning properly, and even which foods have the potential to enhance our brain power? After all, our brain is quite vital to our daily existence and overall quality of life. The brain is basically our body’s control system, as it helps our heart and lungs work best, while also encouraging us to move, to feel, to just think. Therefore, it stands to reason that we should focus on keeping our brains in optimal condition. The various foods that each of us consumes will definitely be a factor in maintaining brain health, while also positively affecting our concentration and memory, both short-term and long-term. Additionally, the antioxidants included in some foods can increase our alertness and even positively enhance our mood.

In doing a little simple research (via Google), I compiled a fairly long list of so-called brain foods, which I also consider to be beneficial to our overall physical health.

Oily-Fatty Fish (wild salmon)
Nuts
Blueberries
Strawberries
Blackberries
Avocados
Red Grapes
Greek Yoghurt
Beans, Lentils
Flax Seeds
Tempeh
Smart Oils: Olive, Walnut, Avocado, Flax, Coconut
Eggs
Coffee
Turmeric
Broccoli
Pumpkin Seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Chia Seeds
Dark Chocolate
Oranges
Pomegranates
Green Tea
Tomatoes
Carrots
Sage & Rosemary
Beets
Bone Broth
Sweet Potatoes
Celery
Spinach
Asparagus
Brussel Sprouts
Peppers
Kimchi
Kale
Chard
Beef
Dried Fruits

This is obviously a very inclusive list, showing that many foods can help keep our brains healthy.
Looking at this list, I calculated that I consume about 25-30 of these on a daily or weekly basis. Take some time to review, and count how many you currently include in your nutritional intake. How often do you consume these “smart foods?”

“ One Life – One Brain – One Body …. ONE CHANCE! ”

GR​OK ON !

What’s Most Important for Weight Loss – Exercise or Food Intake ?!

As we get older, many of us experience an inevitable weight gain, as a few pounds or kilos seem to be added on to our bodies each year. Just think – you add on only two pounds or maybe even two kilos a year, and in 20 years you are 40 pounds or 20+ kilos heavier. Just looking at people in various public places, and you can easily see the increased number of heavy and even obese bodies. There are many reasons for this development, with two primary factors being lack of activity/exercise, and also improper nutrition habits.

In my own experience especially in my earlier years (from mid 20’s-early 50’s), I figured I could basically eat whatever I wanted, as my levels of daily exercise were quite high – I would just burn off the calories from any type of foods I was eating – including bagels, bread, pasta, pizza, ice cream, potato chips, pretzels, crackers, sodas, etc …. I believe that many people today still feel this way. Yet, you can easily surmise that the “quality” or nutrient density of these so-called foods mentioned is not ideal, for sure!

In recent years, as I have started to advise friends and colleagues who have asked about the best ways to lose any amount of weight, I have stressed nutrition as being the main factor, with exercise not being as important. I still believe one of the main concepts of my Primal lifestyle – “that 80% of your body composition is determined by your diet, not how you exercise” – but I also realize that exercise can also play a very important role in weight loss. My own health & fitness guru – Mark Sisson, explains this very well here – Why Exercise Does Actually Matter for Weight Loss.

As mentioned in the article, the focus should likely be “fat loss” and not just weight loss. I have heard received a number of requests/comments from friends-colleagues and current clients in recent years; regarding their desire to lose fat in various areas of their bodies – their midsection, backside, legs, arms, etc …. A common occurrence as people seeking to lose weight/fat increase their daily exercise level – their clothes start to fit better, even though they may not have seen the number on the scale go down. They are able to wear clothes that were previously tight and are now more comfortable – this is a great start in their quest to reduce weight and/or fat! Eventually, that number on the scale should also start moving down, especially when combined with a healthier diet of primal, real nutrient-dense foods and beverages.

Thanks for listening this week, and there will be more to come on this topic next week.

“Exercise because you love your body, not because you hate it.”

GR​OK ON !