About three years ago, I wrote a series of articles called Sleep Better Now that described how to get the best night's sleep possible. I just re-read these articles and almost every detail and habit I've explained is still being practiced by me to this day. Over three years, I have made some minor tweaks and improvements from trying new recommendations and based on what I've learned from my data. Those upgrades (new tools, tactics, and habits) are divulged here...
Read more23andMe: A Look Into My Past and Our Future
23andMe is a glimpse into the future - the future of our society and each of us as individuals. We are nearing a time where everyone will have a comprehensive understanding of their DNA and be able to influence genetic expression (epigenetics) by using this knowledge to make certain lifestyle choices. This will lead to people living longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives. The time is not far off where we will be able to screen and prevent babies from being born with certain genetic variants that lead to disabilities, chronic diseases, and death, all before they're even conceived. Not long after, parents will be able to select particular traits they want their "designer" baby to be born with. If you think that sounds like science-fiction, try to imagine a world where we are altering our own DNA to extend our lives to hundreds of years and beyond, essentially taking evolution into our own hands and accelerating its progress exponentially - a world that many experts at the cutting-edge of this research believe is just a few decades away...
Read moreThe Winter Reboot: Deload, Detox, and Indulge
It’s again that time of year where the days are overcast and short while the nights are frigid and seem to begin even earlier than years past. Many people look forward to the winters for the “cuddle weather” (Netflix and chill weather?), while others increase their calorie intake with reckless abandon in the name of “bulking season”. The holidays bring more gatherings of family and friends, which in turn bring plenty of opportunities to binge eat (and drink), and it’s generally not on the healthiest of foods. This could result in feelings of guilt, shame, and certainly bloatedness. Long-term, it could also lead to breaking many good habits you formed over the year, sabotaging your nutrition, and derailing your path to any fitness goals previously set. However, I use this time of year to allow my body to rest and recover while giving my mind a chance to relax and reset all the while enjoying the indulgences of the holidays (without feeling guilty about it), and being more ready than before to take my fitness to the next level come the new year.
Read moreLife Upgrade: Shopping at the Farmers Market
If you're regularly buying groceries and preparing your own meals already, congratulations. You're already well ahead of the curve and most likely a lot healthier than the fast-food eating, microwavable meal munching majority. Most shoppers prefer to purchase their groceries from the nearby supermarket because it is more accessible and convenient. If this is your preferred method, then I would like to issue a challenge to you, because you have no idea just how much you are missing by skipping your local farmer’s market. Find out when and where your nearest farmer's market is taking place (here's a good place to start) and mark it on your calendar. This is a weekly habit that will benefit you and your community. Offering a healthy, fun social experience and unique benefits, shopping in the farmer's market is more than just buying what you need for the week.
Read moreWhat's In Your Fridge?
Great habits are formed more easily by building an environment that is conducive to them. When it comes to optimizing overall health, performance, appearance, and longevity, there's no question that having healthy eating habits is critical. Make the habit of eating healthy close to fail-proof by stocking your fridge and shelves with high-quality foods and eliminating any sort of temptations that will interfere with your goals. You will avoid decision fatigue, save time, and even avoid stress by stocking up on the same nutritious (and delicious) foods every time you visit the grocery store, or better yet, farmers market.
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