One of the benefits of dropping 40 pounds was that now I look younger. Instead of being embarrassed about sharing my Before Picture, I now have something that makes me proud. It’s almost surreal looking back at that before picture. I love it when people claim that my Before and After pictures are two totally different people. I almost agree with them. I don’t even feel like my former self.
I feel 10 years younger and think that I look 10 years younger. I’m sure that a big part of it is that I guess I must have had a lot of fat in my face, because it is a lot thinner. But when you live a healthy lifestyle it can make a huge difference with the aging process.
When Oxidation takes place in the body it creates Free Radicals (Damaged Cells). When metal Oxidizes it turns to rust. The human body has a similar effect. Oxidation is part of the aging process and can be sped up by having an unhealthy lifestyle. Smoking, Alcohol, Stress and other factors will speed Oxidation. Not only will the body age quicker, but a person can be at an increased risk of heart disease, cancer and other heath related problems.
I’m sure you’ve heard people say, “Eat blueberries they have Antioxidants in them.”
Ok so what do they do? Antioxidants prevent and reduce free radicals (damaged cells caused by oxidation). In comparison if the body were rusting like metal than the body would prevent the body from rusting. They are in a wide range of foods and each of them do different things. This is another reason why you want to eat a balanced diet. (Examples of some Antioxidants: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene and Selenium) One of the best sources of antioxidants comes from Blueberries, raspberries and other berries. They also show up in fruits, vegetables, nuts (almonds, walnuts), Spices (cloves, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, oregano).
I try to add certain things to my nutrition each day that provide antioxidants as well as other benefits. I probably add cinnamon to 3 or 4 of my meals a day. I add different types of fruit to my shakes. I use a lot of black pepper and garlic.
A healthy balanced diet will do a lot more for you than just help you drop weight.
Evolve My Life ™ 
I have frequent kidney stones, so how would I adjust my meal plan to avoid getting more? Also, is coffe ok in the morning if its black with a little honey as a sweetener?
Troy, the best way to do it is to eat 60% Alkaline. It can be pretty difficult to do. If you do an online search for Alkaline foods, you will be able to find a chart which shows whether a food is Alkaline or Acidic. When you have them, I would try 2 TBLS Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 TBLS Olive Oil, 2 TBLS Lemon Juice (water this down so that it does not erode your teeth), and a Banana. I would take them several times a day until symptoms subside. Dark green vegetables should be something you eat throughout the day. Stay away from sugar and processed foods.
As far as coffee goes, I would limit it to once a day. However if you have stones I would not drink it until after they are gone.
I actually have someone who makes a natural product for me that keeps me Alkaline all day long. If you are interested in finding more out about it and possibly getting some you can email me at eric@ironmountainsports.com . I actually test my own PH with PH strips that I get at Vitamin Shoppe.
I hope this helps.
First off I want to say terrific blog! I had a qquick question that I’d like to ask if you doo nott
mind. I wass interested tto know hoow you center yourself and clear your mind
before writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting
my ideas out there. I truly do take pleasure iin writing but it just
seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying too figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?
Kudos!
Thank you for the comment. Typically I come up with an outside or a theme while I’m running or working out. Not long after that I will sit down and hammer it out. If it has to do with your passion and you believe in it you will have a much easier time writing about it.