Amino acids are extremely important, not just to athletes and bodybuilders, but to every person because it is imperative to the synthesis of proteins and the overall functioning of the body. In a nutshell, there are 20 total amino acids and 10 of them are classified as “essential,” (not naturally made by the human body and must be obtained from foods eaten). When diets lack these essential amino acids, the body will begin to break down existing protein, (muscle tissue). Why must people get them through food? Unlike fat, amino acids cannot be stored in the body for later use. So you only use what you eat on a daily basis. Our tissues, cells, stomach enzymes and brain all get nourishment and protection from amino acids, so it is crucial we eat them everyday.

There are certain power foods in most of our reach that can help fight off the feelings of nervousness, anxiety, worry and stress. While there are no magic foods or pills out there, people should know that incorporating specific foods have been scientifically proven to calm nerves and lift mood. A general key when it comes to foods that reduce stress and anxiety is to find foods that are high in zinc, iron, B vitamins, vitamin C, iodine and magnesium (commonly lost from the body during the stress response). The following are my favorite picks for go-to-options when feeling worried, anxious or nervous and stressed. Also remember to de-stress with daily meditation practice and exercise.

Hitting the pavement running through streets, trails or treadmill sure is one of the best ways to tone and supercharge your body and muscles! Science shows that it is one of the best exercises people can do for a full body workout, but running can also be hard on the body, and too much of a good thing may end up leaving your joints a little tender. People who chose to run on asphalt can testify that the body needs a little tender loving care after a good jaunt.

“Muscle Confusion” seems to be a hot top fitness and fat burning trend in and out of the gym these days. This is why intense work out programs like Insanity, P90x, Beach Body’s Combat, and CrossFit is so popular. Especially when different cardiovascular and strength movements are mixed with plyometric, explosive and powerful movements. I always recommend to clients (regarding fat loss and lean muscle building) to change up the workout and type of body movement. Not only the specific workout, but even when the same types of activities are done, vary the speed, intensity, duration and or load. Our bodies are very intelligent and adapts quickly to new foods, new environments and movements, but the best way to achieve noticeable results in strength, power, flexibility, athletic performance and endurance is to explore new ways the body can handle different exercises or the same exercises, but just keep it guessing as to what the next challenge will be. Yogis can testify to this as well. You can perform adho mukha śvānāsana, (downward facing dog), for example, everyday, and it will feel different every time. How you approach the downward facing dog, your intentions and new approaches and transitions into this fundamental position can make a world of difference.

“Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last.”

~Hamilton Holt

We have all heard and probably repeated the middle of the road saying, “Moderation is key” to ourselves and others when it comes to eating bad, eating well, engaging in risky behavior or even using habits that seem healthy. But can diving into cyclical habits of the far extreme (or just too much for one’s body to handle) always yield a positive reaction, when what we are doing seems at first good for us and healthy?

Spring time is usually the most popular time for people to consider and make the decision to do a detox program. Most of these brave and committed soldiers are forced to choose between dozens of media popularized detoxes, most of which are expensive, abusive to the colon or too low in calories. Beneficial detoxes should help the body eliminate and neutralizing toxins from the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and skin, and also help to rebuild damaged tissues through the detoxification process (done only by replenishing the body of phytochemicals, macronutrients and the right amount of calories). Because there are so many programs out there, and picking the exact detox program right for your own body and life situation can be overwhelming, below is a list of top detoxing foods that will help in the day to day elimination of accumulated body toxins.

Not just on Earth day or Thanksgiving or Christmas, but everyday. We should practice being kind and selfless everyday. Most every person operates on a level where they are independent; looking out for their own survival needs and sub-consciously creates a micro-bubble awareness for themselves, and the close knit of family/friends in their immediate circle. It takes much more effort to act and give of ones’ time, energy, belongings and intention to others for compassionate, benevolent, and simply a selfless notion of being kind and altruistic. Maybe this settle gesture makes us feel better about ourselves, helps us to connect with others on a positive vibrating level and gives us an empathetic point of view? More than those positive feelings and “pats on the back,” however, science has proven that acts of kindness and selflessness toward others and the environment around us equate to being happier, living longer, and better mental and physical overall health.

Part of the human condition is to strive for greater and greater happiness, to attain a deeper and richer experience of life.  Whether we express it in that way or not, it is our actions that speak volumes on the topic.  The old paradigm is to seek escape or distraction – we externalize our condition and attempt to pacify it through some form of consumption.  The result brings only temporary relief, and once the novelty wanes we look to the next experience.  This is life as a “seeker.”

There has been a lot of media attention on a Brazilian fruit named Graviola, or Soursop, that has claim to treat and banish cancer, detox the liver, treat heart disease, and reduce inflammation in the body and in the joints. The reason for all this buzz, many alternative medicine and naturopathic practitioners say, is because there has been over 20 years of scientific studies that all point to graviola’s miracle ability to banish such chronic diseases. But depending on which educational site you visit and where the resource originates from (traditional western medical practice or alternative approach) the support and belief with or against graviola is spun.