ARRRGGHHH!!! Stress (Part 3)

There are a number of social substances that some people take for granted and consider harmless. When, in reality, they contribute to the overall effects of stress. 3 of these common/popular substances will be briefly discussed.

Caffeine stimulates the entire body. Its effects can last up to 24 hours. It has been found that with as little as 1 cup of coffee, the body goes into a stress response because excess stress hormones are released from the adrenal glands and the pancreas secretes more insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar further stressing the body by releasing more stress hormones to release stored energy. Excessive caffeine consumption can cause headaches, sleeplessness, and indigestion. Physical and psychological dependancy can be quite overwhelming. Some withdrawal symptoms include nervousness, irritability, tremors, sweats, and a rapid heart beat.

ARRRGGHHH!!! Stress (Part 2)

Now that we have a basic understanding on what stress is, time to see what it can do to the body. Stress can affect the body in 2 ways: mentally and physically.

Other than the psychological/psychosocial signs and symptoms indicated at the end of this article, finding a root cause or how stress hormones affect the brain is not well known. There are plenty of theories out there. But that's all that they are. Just theories.

When the body experiences any type of stress, a little endocrine gland (secretes hormones directly into the blood rather than through ducts) known as adrenal gland is stimulated. (For those interested, it is stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone which is secreted by the pituitary in the brain)

Fish Oil

I know a lot of people may have questions with regards to fish oil. Is it beneficial to take? How much should I take? Am I taking too much or too little? Well, the website which I frequent, Whole Nine, has developed a calculator long with Robb Wolf to determine how much fish oil you should be taking. Well worth checking out. According to the calculator, I haven't been taking enough. According to my naturopathic doctor, I am taking too much. Ohhhh the confusion!!!!! I guess I might just stay where I am then. Right in the middle. That way I can be wrong in both of their eyes.

Also check out the article on the fish oil calculator.

ARRRGGHHH!!! Stress (Part 1)

How many times have you felt like the guy in the picture above? I know I have been there. And, unfortunately, still am as I write this.

Every day, everyone experiences some type of stress. Whether it's the traffic jam going to work getting you hot-headed, deadlines, frustrations, exercising of some type (including sex), lack of confidence, even getting prepared for the CrossFit sectionals or games, etc. The list is endless. Stress is usually understood as being bad but that isn't always the case. The body does not differentiate between good or bad stress. To it, stress is stress. It can be such a debilitating "disease" that can go unnoticed for quite some time.

Mmmm... Water (Part 2)

Here is the continuation from Part 1.

So in Part 1 we discussed the body's composition with regards to water. Also, dehydration and how it can affect performance.

Many people detest the taste of water. Or even the lack of taste. A very easy solution to this problem... slice up some fruit and let it sit in the water container. Pour yourself a glass of water and enjoy! Another way is to enjoy a cup of tea. Some people are concerned with the caffeine content in some teas because caffeine has been found to exert diuretic effects. But it has been proven that the diuretic effect has little impact on the excretion of water.

Mmmm... Water (Part 1)

Water is an important substance that is required for pretty much everything done in the human body. It allows for chemical reactions to occur, lubrication, nutrient & vitamin delivery (in the form of digestion), waste disposal, heat dispersion, and temperature regulation.

The adult human body is composed of 45 - 60% water. The brain is made up of over 80% water. Muscle is composed of 80% water whereas fat is only 20%. As a result, the lower a person's body fat percentage, the higher the percentage of water.

Don't Quit

I don't know how many times I have watched people start to lift a heavy object, get it about 1-2 inches off the ground, then drop it. Or, they are doing a WOD and they break every 5 squats. Reasons... "That was heavy" or "My legs are starting to burn". No kidding!!! Of course the weight is going to be heavy! And yes, your legs, arms, abs, etc. are going to burn. It sucks. It sucks HUGE!!! But it's all a part of getting better, stronger, faster. The mind is a very powerful tool and it can take control of your workout not leading to any gains in strength or stamina. How many of you find yourself in either or both situation(s) mentioned above? My hand will be one of the first ones to go up with the second scenario. It has happened too many times. When this starts getting to be a repetitive thing, I go back to an article that Jon Gilson, of Again Faster, wrote back in January 2009. It inspires me to push the extra 2 or 3 reps when the muscles are on fire. It motivates me not to drop that weight just because it feels heavy. Next time you find yourself wanting to drop the weight or take a break. Don't. You will thank yourself for not quitting.

Congrats!!!

A big congratulations goes out to Alexandre Bilodeau from Montreal, Quebec. After more than 33-1/2 years, someone has finally won a gold medal on Canadian soil. Watching his performance was awe-inspiring. Then hearing the crowd's reaction when the final skier had his results posted was extremely heart warming. That, amongst other things, makes me proud to be Canadian.

Congrats Alexandre!!!

The Time Has Come

That's it!!! It's all over!!! I want to thank and congratulate everyone that took this challenge right to the end and those that dabbled in it for a bit. Even though I have seen most of you every day, I have noticed physical changes in you all. I can't wait to see how your performance is tomorrow. Great job!!!

I've heard positive things from everyone and how you feel so much better. In all honesty, I hope that each and everyone of you will continue this way of eating and not fall back into your old ways/habits. Remember it's OK to have a cheat once in a while to "enjoy" your favorites.

If you want to eat tons of chocolate today... go ahead! I've been forced to write this by a certain someone who shall remain nameless to protect her identity. Hahaha *and she doesn't even like chocolate*

Food List

If these professionals can't pronounce it, can it really be that good for you?