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Will Beetroot Supplementation
make me faster?
To make the AIS registered A-type supplements list, reputable organisations must test products for over three years and report reliable evidence of athletic improvement. Beetroot shots have made this list. I’m in.
Concentrated beetroot shots have shown to increase nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is involved in blood vessel dilation, stimulation of hormone release, and signalling and regulation of neurotransmission. Basically, it significantly helps the intake, transport, and utilisation of oxygen. The more usable oxygen at a cellular level, typically, the greater potential for increased work – and less fatigue. This means you can go faster, harder, and longer. I’m in.
Beetroot shots at 400mg per shot are taken once per day six days out from your key event (or lift). More is not better and will typically cause loose bowels. I’m in.
Power sports, or intermittent power sports, benefit most. Most cycling events involve power spikes. I’m in.
Expect urine and stools to turn purple. I'm......
My experience.
"Of course, I’ll never really know if this product improved my performance. For six days, I was conscious of producing my best training and recovery – which will typically boost my fitness and performance. However, I felt I could buffer lactic spikes faster, allowing me to return to a quality rhythm (riding) earlier. I would use this product again in the right situation. For now though, I'll rely on real food."
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My Top 8 Reasons to Exercise!
Sanity beats Vanity
Again, I acknowledge Mental Health Week.
Exercise: Scheduled activity 5/7, if not 7/7 @ 30-60 minutes per session,
with some controlled heart pump and also prioritising some postural muscle pump.
Why bother?
#1 Mindset – balance mental & emotional stress.
#2 Mindset – boost self-confidence.
#3 Mindset – satisfy the feel-good dopamine hit – and not require it elsewhere (e.g. screens).
#4 Appetite regulation – naturally drives the right nutrients and volume.
#5 Sleep optimisation – tired body = tired mind = optimum brain recovery.
#6 Slow the "natural' aging process – an anti-inflammatory value.
#7 Athletic performance – reach your athletic goals, e.g 5km fun run, 50km bike race, learn to swim, win the Hawaii Ironman.
#8 Abs – and last but not least, yep, you’ll likely be happier with your appearance, which will positively influence your 'mindset'.
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GET CAULIFLOWERED!
Cauliflower is a member of the fab-four supergroup, offering the most bang for buck health return. A bassist if you like. It is not front and centre, but it is undeniably necessary to keep it all together.
Why?
High in fibre – dietary fibre is central to most healthy diets. High in choline – essential for brain health (yes, please). High in Sulforaphane – an antioxidant said to take down cancer cells. Low in carbs, making it an excellent sub for grains.“But Pampy, it’s boring”
Slice up the cauliflower. Mix eggs, natural yoghurt and oregano; dipping your cauli bread. Pan fry in a little coconut oil, flipping when brown. Dress with tomato, salt, oregano and mozzarella and bake for 10 minutes @ 180’
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These Mushroom Gummies
Promise to Give Me my Best Night's Sleep 'Ever'
Let's Test!
It's common to face occasional sleeping challenges, even with a healthy lifestyle.
I sometimes struggle to fall asleep, wake up around 1-2am, and then again around 3am feeling fully awake. If this happens for three nights in a row, I refer back to my sleep checklist – CLICK HERE.
Recently, I saw a pop-up ad claiming that gummy bears could help me sleep better. While most of these claims seem like nonsense, this one offered a full refund if I didn't get my best night's sleep. I decided to give it a try and ordered the gummies.
What’s in them!
Wild Reishi Mushroom, L-Theanine & Ashwagandha, Sugar, Water, Sodium, Citric acid, Food Colouring.
My result
They taste like typical jelly baby-like sweets.
Did I sleep better? Hmmmm, I think so! Would I buy another packet? Nuh.
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Strong Muscles = Strong Mind
I believe engaging in suitable "resistance activity" is most beneficial for a healthy mind. Everything from a few body squats and push-ups to Yoga and Pilates, dumbbell movements, and gym programs! They all do the job.
If you've been considering getting back into exercise and would like to include resistance training, you can alternate between the two dumbbell routines daily until Christmas day. Choose 'your' appropriate weight, press play and follow along.