Energy

Health = Energy.  That’s my definition.   Vital energy for the body to defend itself against disease.  Vital energy to power a vibrant, active life…  including a vibrant, active mind.

I take a lot of potshots at “fat Americans”–  mainly because I understand just how devastating that fatness is.  Without the power of vibrant health and energy, life is a perpetual struggle and it becomes extremely difficult to achieve any kind of creative dream.

Most people, I believe, are simply too damn tired to pursue their dreams.   They are physically and emotionally drained and just don’t have the energy to do it.

I believe that the horrid state of health in the US is the root of many of our ills.   The body effects the mind.. and especially the emotions.. in extremely powerful ways.  Indeed, the body and brain are one.. the brain is a physical, biological organ.

One key to the success I’ve had pursuing my own dreams is the state of my health–  a state that has recently improved exponentially.   For the last 15 years or so, I have been a vegetarian and have been active.  That has given me a baseline energy far above my fellow Americans (a rather poor standard, I know).

But recently, my energy level has EXPLODED!  I’m healthier and more energetic than I was when I was 18 years old.   I’m getting up earlier, going to bed later, and feeling energized and focused all day long.   In the past, I always suffered from extreme mood & energy swings.  Now I have steady energy throughout the day and my moods are much more positive and much more stable.

In short, at 40 years old I feel absolutely fantastic!

What has caused this burst of energy and health?

Well, a few things…..

1.  Strict Green Vegan Diet

I have been a strict vegan for over a month now (and a cheating vegan for about 3 months).   That means I no longer eat cheese, milk, eggs, or any other kind of animal product.  Of course, I’m still not eating meat either.

But what do I mean by “green” vegan?   Well, I’m also following an alkalizing diet very heavy in green vegetables.  I’m now a freakin rabbit–  eating 2-4 salads a day.  I also drink 2-5 green drinks every day.  These drinks contain barely grass, wheatgrass, spinach, and various other dried & powdered green goodies.

Its been quite a journey from being a McDonalds-addicted, pizza loving, chocolate munching teenager… to a Green Vegan.

Some may think its a tough price to pay– to give up all animal products and eat green stuff all day.  But as I heard once, “You don’t pay the price for great health… you thoroughly enjoy the price of great health”.   When it comes to green vegan eating– I’m Lovin It!

2. No More Sugar

I was a sugar-fiend most of my life.. right up until a few months ago.   But sugar is POISON– plain and simple.  It creates a huge amount of acid in your body, destroys your emotional stability, and wrecks your metabolism.

I finally went cold-turkey.  No more sweets.  Drastically reduced rice and bread.

The result– A huge increase in energy that is sustained all day long.

3. Slow Burn Aerobic Activity

Read Stu Mittleman’s book “Slow Burn”.  Stu is an ultra-marathoner.  He runs 100 mile races for fun.  For his 50th birthday he ran from San Diego to New York… at a pace of 2 marathons a day.  He’s got serious energy.

Stu advocates “slow” aerobic exercise.  By slow, he means operating in your “fat burning zone”…  which for me means staying in a heart rate range between 110 – 130 beats per minute.

I started using a heart rate monitor while running to keep myself in that zone and have been surprised at how slow I must run to stay there.  Its a very slow jog for me.  And when I go uphill, I usually have to walk.

At first, this was a tough adjustment, as I’m used to running faster to “push myself”.

But now I’m really enjoying it.  Exercise is now pleasant, relaxing, and energizing… rather than a grueling ordeal.  And after exercise, the real benefits kick in.   My energy levels are high.

And I’m burning fat.  I’ve lost 17 pounds and am almost to my high school graduation weight.

4. Rebounding

Another exercise I’m doing is rebounding.  The rebounder (or “jumper”, as I like to call it) is a  mini-trampoline.  Its a great, easy exercise that has some nice benefits.

One benefit is that its damn fun.  I feel like a kid jumping on my bed!  Typically I put in some energetic music and jump for 5-25 minutes. I feel great while I’m doing it and I feel great afterwards.

Another great thing about the “jumper” is that its so compact.  I stash it in a corner of our tiny apartment when not using it,.. and roll it out whenever I need an energizing break from the computer.

Finally, the “jumper” has great health benefits.  Its a light and easy aerobic exercise.. perfect for the “slow burn” approach.  Also, the mild G-forces produced by bouncing help to stimulate the circulation of lymph and thus boost the immune system.

All in all, its a great little exercise.

5. No Stinkin Car

I haven’t had a car in 3 years.  I do have a motorcycle now, but use it sparingly.  Mostly, I walk.  I walk to the store.  I walk to restaurants.  I walk to movies.  I’m a walkin fool.

Walking is a great “slow burn” activity that energizes the entire body.  Do it as much as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have been sold a load of crap by the main stream media.  Accepted beliefs about aging and health are lies– pure and simple.

We do not have to lose energy as we get older.  We do not have to become fatter and more lethargic. We do not have to lose enthusiasm.  We do not have to reduce our activity level.

How many times have you heard someone say something like, “Well, I’m getting older.  I just can’t do everything I used to do”.   Everytime I hear something like that, I want to scream and throttle the person.

I want to yell, “It’s not because you’re getting older.  It’s because you have been eating shit and sitting on your ass for 20 years!”

And so, just to walk my talk… I’m dedicating myself to doing an ultra-marathon– a 50 miler.

My hope is to be a small example for people– to show that you don’t have to become a fat, tired, old-fart– whatever your age.

Rather, we can all age like Paul Bragg, Jack Lalanne, and Gary Null.  We can remain vibrant, energetic, and healthy to 100 and beyond.   All that is required is to break the cultural hypnosis- and Decide.

Decide to choose health over fitting in.  Decide that your life and your dreams are more important than being normal.

Decide and do it.