A Book Review.... SUPERLIFE by Darin Olien

I am a voracious reader of anything and everything nutrition or fitness related. When I was given the opportunity to receive a free copy of Darin Olien's book, Superlife, I eagerly accepted.   It has been a most interesting read, I can assure you.

Darin Olien holds a BA in exercise physiology and nutrition, and an MA in psychology.  One of his more notable accomplishments was partnering with Beachbody to formulate the popular whole-food supplement called Shakeology, and the comprehensive plant-based Ultimate Reset 21-day detox program.  Just to make it clear, that I have no Beachbody affiliation and did not know this when I opted to read and review the book.

So... what does Darin have to say about a Superlife?

He puts forth the theory that we can maximize our body's natural potential by focusing on five simple forces... Quality Nutrition, Hydration, Detoxification, Oxygenation, and Alkalization... that determine whether we will be fit, healthy, and free of illness.

Having travelled the world, doing research and exploring the health properties of various foods that have sustained indigenous cultures for centuries, he explains in an easy-to-read manner how to use these foods and practices to maintain healthy weight, prevent serious illnesses, and feel great.

The book is full of simple ideas and easy-to-follow to-do lists and guides to putting his ideas into everyday practice.  He explains each of the five forces... what it is and why it is important, and then tells us how to go about applying it to our own lives on a daily basis.

And, finally, he gives advice about how to purge and re-stock our pantries and kitchens, and offers a simple eating plan with some recipes, and finally, daily tips to help along the way.

It is a terrific read for anyone interested in nutrition and healthy living. It is packed with useful information and tips that are practical and easy to apply.  I have already put some new ideas into place in my own household.

You can purchase a copy for yourself at Harper Collins online.  And you can learn more about the author, Darin Olien on his website.

Although I was given a copy of this book for review purposed, all opinons are my own.

What about you?  Do you like to read about nutrition and healthy living?

Patience... Yeah I am Finally Claiming That Virtue!

I did not make any New Year's resolutions for 2017.  I am always open to new challenges as they present themselves and like to follow up on new ideas and fitness/food trends to see how they fit me so I don't like to lock myself into long-term resolutions.

I was planning to start the 12-week Metabolic Prime workouts again on January 9th along with The Captain. We have been through the program once, and really liked it so thought we would start again, with a large group in a challenge organized by founder Jade Teta... but it was not to be.

A couple of days before the end of the year, I was hit hard by a nasty virus that seems to be going around my city right now.  It has been mostly a head cold, with a non-stop runny nose and a bit of coughing... but more than that, for about 8 or 9 days it left me as weak as a kitten and I could barely sit up for more than a few minutes at a time.  Of course The Captain caught it from me and has been a couple of days behind me in getting over it... some symptoms linger even now.

So, the theme for the month of January has been PATIENCE... never my strong suit. Nope, not me. I have never been one to call this one of my virtues. As a matter of fact, I always like to say that my older sister got it all and there was none left for me.  She has it in abundance... to the point of being annoying at times.

But I am quite pleased to report that it is something that I have learned... through no choice of my own... these past few weeks.

In the past, on the very rare occasions when I have been ill, I have always just chomped at the bit to get back to my normal activities and pushed myself to my physical limits at times, to get back to running, to working out, to get on with my daily activities.  But not this time.  I allowed myself to rest, to sleep, to watch endless hours of Downton Abbey on the television... and to sleep some more.

And I think it has been really good for me to take the time I needed both physically and mentally to get over the illness.

I have been paying attention to the signals my body is sending and being really mindful of how I am feeling and reacting.

When I started to feel better, I began reading some nutrition books by a Canadian trainer named Harley Pasternak, and found that his food and exercise philosophy suits me quite well.  It is mostly common sense I think.   I have been making sure to give my body the proper nutrition and fuel it requires.

And I began very slowly with my exercise again... from having no stamina to doing some short outdoor walks when it has been warm enough.... some more vigorous indoor walking and stretching and lower body work with just body weight so far on colder days.

And I am ready to begin the Metabolic Prime workouts again.. or will be by Monday... so only a week behind the group.  And I will approach it gently but with enthusiasm.

What kind of start has your new year had?

Any new lessons learned so far?