Gluten-free for performance

In recent months I've experienced some parts of the gluten-free diet, mainly by eating brown rice pasta. Those who suffer from stomach problems often turn to such a diet. I've recently read it can help athletes as documented in this recent Men's Journal article. One top pro cyclist had this to say:

“I was pleasantly surprised,” says Christian Vande Velde, Garmin-Transitions’s team leader, who was the first member of the team to experiment with going wheat-free during the racing season. “I just had all-around better digestion, and digestion is the biggest thing in utilizing the energy I consume.”

Eat your veggies

One of the tastiest ways to eat vegetables is to roast them in oven.

Preheat to 425 degrees. Get a nice assortment of your favorites. We did asparagus, red pepper and zucchini. Coat with olive oil, add salt and let it go for ten minutes. Check them and turn them. Cook until nicely browned and carmelized.

Enjoy the flavors.

Find some sort of spirituality

While I'm never going to tell you how to pray, I've found that having some sort of ritual where you devote yourself to focusing your mind on reflecting on why we are here on earth is a very healthy practice. Going to church on Sunday morning has really made me feel better mentally. Afterwards I feel more focused on what is really important in life.

State of mind matters

I've noticed there's been too much focus on physical health here. But how we live and how we interact with the rest of society, our loved ones is just as important to our overall well-being. Here are some articles that help illustrate this:

CNN's report.

Nicolas Kristoff's column.

I hope this provides you with a positive outlook.

Fountain of temporary youth?

Interesting article in the Sunday New York Times Magazine. It's a bit scary.

Supplements to get bigger, ha ha ha

Today's NY Times contained an article on men who love their whey protein and other jarred products you'll probably find at a GNC. Even around my office I heard stories of guys who might drink a protein shake after working out.

Sorry to say this, guys, but Wiserhealth thinks you are wasting your money. Most of what we need we can get from regular food. Most dudes eat a lot of protein everyday. Celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson is quoted in the article as officially on our side of this issue.

Gym rats, go the grocery store and buy nutritious foods. If you want to get big, lift heavy and get lots of sleep. The principles behind lifting weights is simple: Force your muscles to adapt to heavier loads and they will break down and come back ready to take on its new challenge.

2010 is here!

Finally, the worst decade in my lifetime is over. It's a perfect time to refocus and challenge ourselves to achieve our best physical state. That way we can have the energy to accomplish what we need to do in other areas of our lives.

Personally, I'm overcoming a knee injury, a torn meniscus suffered from a basketball injury from the end of summer. I've been feeling better with a steady dose of glucosamine supplements, which help rebuild cartilage health. The knees have been holding up even with exercises like squats and dead-lifts, a great sign. The injury taught me caution and the value of warming up and I vow to return stronger and quicker, even as I get older.

My friend Jason has found salvation studying Brazilian jiujitsu with the renowned Gracie family here in New York. He's stoked on his training, which involves just a gym and mats and, of course, training from the best experts.

It's an oft repeated theme at Wiserhealth, but it cannot be stressed enough: Find a physical activity you love and embrace it. I've been digging the stronglifts.com program.

My single New Year's resolution is to eat more vegetables and so far it's been easy by adding frozen vegetables to the mix and embracing salads. Shore up your weak points this year.

Let's charge into this new decade with fire.