High Fructose Corn Syrup - Avoid it like the Black Plague

Here's a video to start your research about "high fructose corn syrup". Its critically important to not consume this substance or even let it touch your lips. Take a look at the ingredients next time you're at the grocery store. Reading food labels is something that needs to be done every time we make a purchase. We have to be aware of what goes into our bodies if we want to be healthy and stay healthy. Avoiding high fructose corn syrup will get you well on your way to a much healthier diet. 

No Attachment to Dust

Here is a koan to read and soak in. Simple yet profound.

No Attachment to Dust

Zengetsu, a Chinese master of the T'ang dynasty, wrote the following advice for his pupils:
Living in the world yet not forming attachments to the dust of the world is the way of a true Zen student.
When witnessing the good action of another encourage yourself to follow his example. Hearing of the mistaken action of another, advise yourself not to emulate it.
Even though alone in a dark room, be as if you were facing a noble guest. Express your feelings, but become no more expressive than your true nature.
Poverty is your teasure. Never exchange it for an easy life.
A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may only be guarding his wisdom carefully.
Virtues are the fruit of self-discipline and do not drop from heaven of themselves as does rain or snow.
Modesty is the foundation of all virtues. Let your neighbors discover you before you make yourself known to them.
A noble heart never forces itself forward. Its words are as rare gems, seldom displayed and of great value.
To a sincere student, every day is a fortunate day. Time passes but he never lags behind. Neither glory nor shame can move him.
Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right and wrong.
Some things, though right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may be recognized after centuries, there is no need to crave an immediate appreciation.
Live with cause and leave results to the great law of the universe. Pass each day in peaceful contemplation.

Efficient Running Machine

Here are 6 keys to improve running efficiency thanks to the Men's Health website...
Smarter Cardio:
Run tall 
Gravity and weak core muscles cause many runners to "fold" in the middle when their feet land. This sitting-down movement wastes energy. Imagine that wires are attached to your shoulders, pulling you up slightly. Thrust your hips forward a bit and think "stability" when your foot hits. Running tip: It's easier to run tall if you've worked your core properly; find core exercises here. 

Relax 
Tension in your arms, shoulders, neck, and face reduces efficiency. Arms and fingers should be loose. Unclench your hands and let your jaw jiggle. 

Breathe right 
Your breathing should be rhythmic and deep, and you should feel your diaphragm, not your chest, doing the work. Exhale with controlled force. When you pick up the pace, don't let your breathing get shallow. 


Land on the midfoot 
A heel-first landing is a brake. It means you're extending your leg out too far in front of your center of gravity, so it takes more energy to move forward. And it's shaky, so your muscles are working on stabilization instead of forward motion. Running tip: Shorten your stride. It'll feel odd at first, like shuffling, but once you get used to it, focus on thrusting backward with force. 


Run softly 
The louder your footfalls, the less efficiently you're running. Try running more quietly; you'll be unconsciously switching to a midfoot strike and a shorter, quicker stride.


Swing symmetrically 
Check your form on a treadmill in front of a mirror. If one arm is bent more than the other or swings more, you have a musculoskeletal imbalance that can slow you down. Target the weaker side with strength and flexibility exercises.


This article reminded me a lot of what Garrett wrote about in his post about "Born to Run". Look forward to some science behind the "runner's high" coming in the next few weeks. Until then, hit the tracks, trails, or open roads and try out your smarter, more efficient cardio. Enjoy!

You are Important! Invest in Your Health

Here is an old school video of a man who helped spark the natural health movement in America. He is very conscious of what goes into his body. The old quote "we are what we eat" comes into play here. We need live, organic, and whole foods to eat because we are living and organic in the same respect. To eat the processed, chemical filled foods that the big food companies would have us eat so their pockets get fat (while our bellies do)  is to deny ourselves the optimal health encoded in our genes. We were born to run, to move! We can climb, jump, swim, throw, catch, dip, duck, dive, and doge!

Paul C. Bragg - Natural Health Movement

For me, whole foods eating has become a matter of integrity. More than 90% of the time I'd say I'm eating well. It's those exceptions I make that may be holding me back. Yesterday I had a few cookies. Overall a not so bad thing I thought. However, when I saw the ingredients list I realized I just consumed much of what I had been avoiding - monosodium glutamate, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, refined sugar and white flour, and about a paragraph more of ingredients I had trouble saying let alone understanding what they are and why I'd want them in my body. The integrity of choosing not to eat the cookies, perhaps having a piece of fruit for dessert instead, is about setting examples. I need to live the healthy lifestyle I would have others live. I need to set the example and be the change. From now on, I will do just that.


Remember: Smiles are contagious!