My Attempts to Make Nutrition Simpler

 

View this post on Instagram

Nutrition should be Simple. Of course, this is seldom the case. Not knowing what to eat or worse, being scared to eat food, can be a serious problem. Nutrition is about balance NOT imbalance. When someone asks me about anything nutrition related I do everything I can to give very simple advice. Everyone’s in a different place. It’s important to start where you’re at. You may have a health, fitness or cosmetic goal. It may be all three. It’s very important to identify what it is you want and need. Personally, learning to understand the difference between Whole Food and Processed Food is a great place to start. Remember that “Food” is not only limited to what we eat but also anything we drink. We all know what Junk Food is but it doesn’t hurt to refresh. Learn to read Food Labels, not just count calories. Have a working knowledge of all 3 major Macro-Nutrients: Protein, Fat and Carbs. Understand that certain food is more like Medicine and some food is more like Poison. All Diets work because they require paying closer attention to what we consume. Any Diet will fail if we stop doing it. There is no perfect Diet for everyone. We each must find our own way live. Sleep, Stress Reduction and Exercise are important concepts that help with everything when applied appropriately. Don’t be scared to take a small step in a healthier direction. Work on educating yourself. Work to improve one main area at a time. In fact, with regards to Diet, try improving only one meal at a time (ex: breakfast, lunch or dinner). It’s ok if it’s not always perfect. No one is ever perfect all the time. Here’s a short list of my preferred references. 1) Dr Greger’s Daily Dozen list-and phone app 2) Dr Greger’s book, How Not to Die-and NutritionFacts website 3) Michael Pollan’s book, Food Rules 4) Netflix Explained series entitled, “Why Diet’s Fail” 5) Precision Nutrition website. I would highly suggest watching the 14 minute Netflix episode first. It’s a great summary of important information that is often misinterpreted in the media and pop-culture. #bssbbooks #austinpersonaltrainer #austinpersonaltraining #drgregor #drgregordailydozen #michaelpollanfoodrules #whydietsfail #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Nov 14, 2019 at 10:15am PST

Books on Injuries, Prevention of Injuries

 

View this post on Instagram

The body has an amazing ability to heal…if/when we let it. Ultimately, the responsibility rests in our own hands. There is an abundance of information out there dedicated to improving health. Much of it is free. I like books. I own many. These are a few that I own that have helped my own movement and body work. Knowledge is key. I was told a long time ago: ask better questions and you’ll find better answers. When it comes to health and quality of life, being lazy should never be an option. Seek help when needed. #bssbbooks #austinpersonaltrainer #austinpersonaltraining #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Sep 5, 2019 at 7:30am PDT

Books that help with Posture

View this post on Instagram

I own a lot books. I find value in each of them. With Posture being this week’s theme, I thought I’d share a few of my favorites books on the subject. Any one of these would be a great read. Each book has ample stretches and exercises to improve posture and flexibility for beginners and beyond. Two of the four books above were written by Katy Bowman. I love her writing. She has a number of books in print, as well as two other eBooks about foot health. If you sit most of the day every day, you do NEED to do some things to help counteract all the inactivity. It doesn’t take too much time or effort. But it does need to happen and happen consistently… Why not do something now instead of waiting till things get really bad? #bssbbooks #posture #posturecorrector #posturecorrection #heathandwellbeing #healthandwellness #healthandfitness #austinpersonaltrainer #austinpersonaltraining #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on May 16, 2019 at 6:59am PDT

Book/Author recommendation: Katy Bowman. Plus Pee & Poop info-graphic reference charts.

View this post on Instagram

Today’s post is a mixed bag. The top two photos are of this week’s pick for my favorite Health & Fitness Author/Book recommendations: KATY BOWMAN. A career as Biomechanicist but now an author, blogger and podcaster. These last few years have seen Katy publish a slew of great books. My personal favorites are…all of them. ALIGNMENT MATTERS might be a great place to start. She has a great understanding of the body and many useful strategies to get rid of various pains while improving health with a careful eye on longevity. The health & fitness industry desperately needs more people like Katy. Her work is incredible. FAVORITE QUOTES/IDEAS: “Consider HOW you are moving and not just HOW MUCH.” The bottom two photos are from Precision Nutrition, my favorite and recommended Nutrition resource. Poop & Urine. Yep, they both have a lot to say about our health. Zoom in to better read any of the four photo squares above. #bssbbooks #blueskystrongbox #health #fitness #healthylifestyle #longevity

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Jan 24, 2019 at 3:04pm PST

Mike Boyle book(s) recommendation…

View this post on Instagram

This week’s book recommendation(s) is Mike Boyle’s NEW FUNCTIONAL TRAINING FOR SPORT. This is a must have for any trainer or coach that works with an athletic population. Mike has been a huge influence for me and I’m lucky enough to call him a friend. He has worked in the realm of Strength & Conditioning for almost 40 years and was in fact one of the first official Strength & Conditioning coaches (which was an unpaid position when he first started). His experience and insight is next to none. He has learned from some of the very best. A big reason I respect and value Mike’s positions on various subjects is because he never stops asking why, thrives to acquire the best knowledge and is never afraid to change his mind. He reads, watches and listens to everything. He’s worked with countless athletes of all ages, including Championship Seasons with both the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins as well as countless other Professional and Olympic athletes. I own most of his vast collection of work but I must say that NEW FUNCTIONAL TRAINING FOR SPORTS is my personal favorite. Although I don’t train many athletes, the knowledge can easily be translated across all populations in the hands of a competent, caring health & fitness professional. The “big rocks” as Mike says do not change. Thanks Mike for your contribution. FAVORITE QUOTES/IDEAS: “No one cares how much you know till they know how much you care”. “When in doubt, think Strength & Conditioning”. “Keep it simple stupid (KISS Rule)”. “Remember the big stones”. #bssbbooks #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Jan 9, 2019 at 6:20am PST

The best book for BACK PAIN

 

View this post on Instagram

If you have any serious issues with your neck, back or spine, I recommend that you get this book. It’s written by Dr Stuart McGill, Canadian back doctor for over 30 years and considered one of the world’s leading experts on all things spine related. He knows his stuff. The book is very easy to read and answers many common questions and concerns. It also outlines the do’s and dont’s for the long term health (and short term) of your spine. At least once a year, I typically manage to strain my back. This book has helped a lot in recent years. To put it mildly, back issues can be debilitating and scary. Knowing how to take better care of it is worth its weight in gold. #bssbbooks #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Dec 19, 2018 at 3:10pm PST