Every morning I start my day with what I call my "big-ass smoothie". In a moment, you're going to find out what this has to do with my guest in today's podcast, Richard Aiken, who is pictured above on his horse Teeko, which he used to race in Western "Ride & Tie" races, an endurance race up and down mountains for two people and a horse. Anyways, back to my smoothie. The smoothie begins with a huge bunch of greens. I prefer kale, but spinach, bok choy, mustard greens, etc. also do the trick, and lately I've been making a concerted effort to go out into the forest near my house and pick at least one or two "wild" plants to throw in too (such as plantain, nettle, wild mint, etc.) Next, I add some kind of herb. Cleansing herbs like parsley, cilantro or thyme are nice. Rather than opting for the old, dried, powdered versions you buy from the grocery store, I buy them fresh or pick them fresh from my garden. Next is half an avocado (or occasionally a whole avocado if it’s a high calorie day) along 2 teaspoons organic cacao powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, a teaspoon of sea salt (I use this fancy Aztecan stuff), and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Then, before blending, I add just enough full fat coconut milk to make all my plants blend. I prefer an extremely thick smoothie that I have to eat with a spoon (so that the digestive enzymes in my mouth can work on pre-digesting before the food even makes it to my gut). Like my mom always said, “Chew your liquids and drink your solids.” Then, I blend everything above for about 60 seconds-ish. I've always had a hunch that it may not be that great to pulverize things like protein powder, collagen, etc., and I also don’t want to pulverize the chunky chunks of goodness I'm about to toss in. So after blending, to my green goodness, I add 20-30g of a “clean” protein powder, 1 large handful of unroasted, non-vegetable-oil coated walnuts or almonds, 1 small handful organic dark cacao nibs and 1 large handful organic unsweetened coconut flakes. I then use a spatula to ensure the entire contents of this relatively expensive smoothie make it into my giant morning breakfast mug, although I have been known to simply eat it straight out of the blender container when in a hurry. Depending on how exact my measurements are, my big-ass smoothie weighs in in at anywhere from 700-1000 calories. Throughout the remainder of the day after the smoothie, I consume a giant salad at lunch, and heaps of vegetables for dinner. So I'd estimate that I probably consume 20-25 "servings" of vegetables each day, typically accompanied by boatloads of oils and fats such as olives, olive oil, coconut milk, coconut oil, avocados, fatty fish, bone broth, and organ meats. OK, so why am I telling you all this? Here's why: I just read a book called The New Ancestral Diet, and it's reinvented the way I think about all these plants I've been eating. The New Ancestral Diet  is described like this: "We as primates have struggled mightily during the past 85 million years to find and eat enough food for survival. Fortunately, every one of your ancestors was successful so that you might succeed in that same endeavor. However, today that survival is in jeopardy. Recently and suddenly, from an evolutionary standpoint, the problem of subsistence in “civilized” countries has inverted: we have plenty of food but are not making selections that lead to long-term survival. Our plant-based ancestral diets for which we have become genetically adapted have become animal-based. For thousands of millennia, primate nutrition happened while seeking a wide variety fruits and vegetables sufficiently energy-dense to supply our needed daily calories. Today we still seek energy-dense foods, but in the form of high fat animal products or sweet processed foods. Nutrient-dense foods, formerly our staples, are tolerated as side-dishes. Taste, the most primitive of our senses, over the eons existed for our survival (as all the other senses), that is, to deselect plants sufficiently bitter as likely toxic or non-digestible. With the expansion of our brain capacity, taste was joined by higher brain regions’ appreciation of flavor. The result is a demand for flavorful energy-dense foods. Every meal experience must “taste good”. Dietary patterns based on such flavorful energy-dense foods has lead to chronic inflammatory states with high morbidly and mortality in the Western world. This book suggests a return to our true ancestral dietary patterns, supplemented by what is known from the latest scientific research concerning nutritional health. It is clear that we have evolved to be quite versatile eaters and while we can eat a variety of foods, a whole-food varied plant-based diet is best for our long-term health and happiness." In the book, author Richard Aiken, a medical doctor and PhD in chemical engineering, describes how plants wage a chemical warfare against our body, why we should be careful with pulverizing and blending the hell out of our vegetables, why epidemiological data is very strong for a whole-food, primarily plant-based diet, and much more. He holds a PhD in chemical engineering from Princeton University and an MD from the University of Utah. He has lectured throughout the United States and Europe, is the author of numerous peer reviewed scientific articles on nutrition and chemistry, and is a board certified psychiatrist with a clinical practice in Springfield, Missouri. During today's podcast interview with Richard, you'll discover: -How endurance runners can keep up with horses during races in the mountains... -Richard's journey from getting a PhD in chemical engineering from Princeton, to starting a space exploration company to singing opera to attending medical school... -How human beings progressed from insectivore to fruitarian to herbivore... -Why the advent of cooking tubers may have been more important than the advent of cooking meat... -The amazing recent research on chlorophyll, sunlight and the potential ability for humans to photosynthesize... -Why you should go out of your way to eat things that don't taste good... -Whether blenders can damage plant matter and if so, what the alternatives are... -And much more! Resources from this episode: -Denise Minger's refutation of The China Study -The Hillbilly Vegan Facebook page -Richard's website MoodForLife -The New Ancestral Diet book -The recent research on chlorophyll, sunlight and the potential ability for humans to photosynthesize Do you have questions, comments or feedback for Dr. Aiken or me about this episode? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/325 July 22, 2015 Podcast: Can Marijuana Damage Your Brain and Liver, The Best Way To Train For MMA Fitness, Should You Avoid Iodine, and Benefits Of Fasted Workouts. Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. I totally disagree with the results of this “ice baths don’t work” study. Very interesting take on whether antioxidants really “blunt the training response”. Well…no surprise after I predicted this in my last article on CBD. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: This podcast is also brought to you by Harry's. Get an incredibly luxurious shaving kit at drugstore prices now when you use the code BEN at Harrys.com. Sep 23-24, 2015. Ben is speaking at the Biohackers Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now. New Greenfield Longevity Panels. Working closely with WellnessFX, America's top laboratory for concierge blood testing and online access to all your blood testing results, Ben has developed the "Greenfield Longevity Blood Testing Package", which is the most complete blood testing package that money can buy. There is one package specifically designed for men, and one for women. This is by far the most comprehensive blood testing package that exists, and Ben created it for the health enthusiast, biohacker and anti-aging individual who wants access to the same type of executive health panel and screening that would normally cost tens of thousands of dollars at a longevity institute. Virtually all hormones and all biomarkers are covered in this panel. Ben Greenfield has officially launched his first work of fiction: “The Forest”. Twin brothers River and Terran discover a portal to a hidden forested world attacked by parasitic fungi, dark shamans, and serpents. Along with an assembled band of unlikely misfits that includes coyotes, whitetail deer, wood thrushes, and fox squirrels, they must unlock their unique powers to control the elements of earth, air, fire and water, and save the forest before the evil they've uncovered can spill back into their own world. Click here to read it now! (or click here to listen to audiobook version inside our Premium channel). New chapters released every 7-14 days. The BenGreenfieldFitness Quarterly box has officially launched! When you sign-up, you'll get a Quarterly handpicked box jam-packed with Ben's favorite fitness gear, supplements, nutrients and research-proven biohacks. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some!  ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick and Audio Ninja. Can Marijuana Damage Your Brain and Liver? Mr. Mary Jane says: Ben, you've been talking about marijuana a lot lately and he was reading a book on ayurvedic medicine which mentioned how marijuana "is toxic to the liver and brain cells, however if one smokes a pinch of calamus root powder with marijuana this herb with neutralize the toxic effects of the drug". What do you think? Does this have any merit? In my response, I recommend: -NatureCBD -Article: The Effects of Weed On Exercise The Best Way To Train For MMA Fitness Richard says: He is a boxing and MMA coach, and is wondering if you consider fight sports to be endurance events. Both only go for a few minutes (no where near an Ironman) but training can be long grinding days, plus you also have to take punches and control your emotions. What do you think is the best way to train fighters? The same way you would train for triathlon? They need long grinding workouts with repetition but they also need the explosive power. In my response, I recommend: -Martin Rooney's Workout Books Should You Avoid Iodine? Rob says: He's just sitting down to eat some post workout corn-on-the-cob and noticed that his sea salt does not contain iodine. This made him wonder how much iodine a person actually needs on a daily basis, why, and where are the best places to get iodine... since it's not in his sea salt. In my response, I recommend: -Aztec Sea Salt -EXOS Multivitamin Benefits Of Fasted Workouts Erica says: In the morning she usually wake at 7:00, has a green smoothie at 9:00 and works out at 10:30. Do you think it would benefit her to switch the order of the workout and the smoothie so she is working out fasted and fueling afterwards? What would be the benefit or drawback?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Wesley Chapman. He was abandoned at 1 by his father, then at 6 1/2 by his mother.  He tried to commit suicide 12 times before his 16th birthday. Wesley was on 25 meds a day for 10 years. His liver failed at age 16 and he was given a 20% chance to live. But for the past 19 years, Wesley has been studying health, the brain and alternative methods to failed treatments for depression, and today, we specifically discuss the shocking link between exercise and depression. -How Wesley detoxed off 25 different medications and healed his liver... -The little-known link between your colon and your brain... -How exercise can make you depressed, even if you're not "overtrained"... -Why pharmaceutical companies have been writing Wesley angry letters... -What types of physical activity and exercise can actually make you depressed... Resources from this episode: -"The Human Project" -Coffee enemas -Body Dysmorphic Disorder Do you have questions, comments or feedback about whether exercise causes depression? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/324 July 15, 2015 Podcast: American Ninja Warrior Training Tips, Biohacking Mental Focus, 10K Training And Nutrition Tips, and Does Algae Work For Fat Loss? Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Here’s a cool little (free) sleep hack. And a hamstring injury hack too. And a swim hack? Who out there has experimented with the “fish kick” to see if it’s really the fastest swim stroke? ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: This podcast is also brought to you by Onnit. I just ordered a crapload of sandbags (they call them sandbells) from Onnit. I pile them at the bottom of my driveway and carry them up. You save 5% on all fitness gear and 10% on all supplements at http://www.onnit.com/bengreenfield. Sep 23-24, 2015. Ben is speaking at the Biohackers Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now. New Greenfield Longevity Panels. Working closely with WellnessFX, America's top laboratory for concierge blood testing and online access to all your blood testing results, Ben has developed the "Greenfield Longevity Blood Testing Package", which is the most complete blood testing package that money can buy. There is one package specifically designed for men, and one for women. This is by far the most comprehensive blood testing package that exists, and Ben created it for the health enthusiast, biohacker and anti-aging individual who wants access to the same type of executive health panel and screening that would normally cost tens of thousands of dollars at a longevity institute. Virtually all hormones and all biomarkers are covered in this panel. Ben Greenfield has officially launched his first work of fiction: “The Forest”. Twin brothers River and Terran discover a portal to a hidden forested world attacked by parasitic fungi, dark shamans, and serpents. Along with an assembled band of unlikely misfits that includes coyotes, whitetail deer, wood thrushes, and fox squirrels, they must unlock their unique powers to control the elements of earth, air, fire and water, and save the forest before the evil they've uncovered can spill back into their own world. Click here to read it now! (or click here to listen to audiobook version inside our Premium channel). New chapters released every 7-14 days. The BenGreenfieldFitness Quarterly box has officially launched! When you sign-up, you'll get a Quarterly handpicked box jam-packed with Ben's favorite fitness gear, supplements, nutrients and research-proven biohacks. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some!  ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick and Audio Ninja. American Ninja Warrior Training Tips Trevor says: He has been using your biohacking tips and tricks in his Ninja Warrior training. On of his biggest challenges is to increase his muscle endurance and reduce arm pump during upper body obstacles like the peg board (especially after a bunch of obstacles back to back to back). Do you think the baking soda hack would work to increase his muscle endurance? Do you have any other biohacks he could use? In my response, I recommend: -My article on American Ninja Warrior training -ArmAid -How to use a soup can for forearm massage -Any of these smart drug hacks -Beta-alanine + creatine (+baking soda?) stack Biohacking Mental Focus Craig says: He was a competitive cyclist in college (he is 42 now) and knows how to push himself in physical tasks but he has trouble staying focused and giving himself that same mental push during mental tasks. He follows the "Bulletproof Diet" and uses some supplements that you recommend and also takes adderall (which helps a little but he still has issues). What else can he try? In my response, I recommend: -Dual n-Back training -Creatine (I mention this NaturalStacks stuff) -L-Carnitine -Krill Oil (I mention this NaturalStacks stuff) -Any of these smart drug hacks 10K Training And Nutrition Tips Edward says: He is preparing for a 10k (and taking some NatureCBD to deal with some inflammation and aches and pains). He is wondering if there is any reason to run 35-47 miles in a week in preparation for the 10k? Also it is a hilly 10k and is wondering if you would suggest and specific hill sprints to prepare? And finally - how would you, Ben, fuel if you were running a 10k (he is very low carb)?   Does Algae Work For Fat Loss? Sue says: She is trying out some spirulina, chlorella, algae supplements because she heard they were good for weight loss. Do they actually help you lose weight or is it just that they are so high in protein that it cuts down your appetite? She knows it is good for her and very healthy but she is taking 15 pills at a time. Is this right for her? In my response, I recommend: -EnergyBits.com (use 10% discount code GREENFIELD)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest in today's podcast, Shawn Wells, MPH, RD, CISSN, has probably forgotten more about supplements than most people will ever know. His brain contains an extremely unique blend of time spent in the science trenches and a formal education in the fields of performance nutrition and supplementation. Shawn attended UNC-Chapel Hill, earning a Master’s degree in Nutrition and minor in Exercise Science. His education also includes credentials of Registered Dietitian, Certified Sport Nutritionist (CISSN), and board member of the ISSN. His role as CEO of Zone Halo Research, a consulting group for supplement formulations, and CSO of Biotrust, along with extensive experience in formulating supplements for big companies (likely some of the ones you’ve tried in the past few years) distinguish him as an expert in sports nutrition and supplementation. If you’re into supplements, you will love this interview with Shawn Wells. We discuss: -How Shawn went from being a practicing Chief Clinical Dietitian to being in the thick of the supplement industry, and some of the most helpful books he read along the way... -The most important factors that differentiate a high-quality supplement manufacturer from a low-quality one... -The deceptive practice of "fairy-dusting" and why many, many supplement manufacturers do it... -How to know if taking different supplements together (e.g. stacking) can be dangerous, or on the flipside, more efficacious than taking one at a time... -Why a supplement can rapidly degrade as soon as you put it into your refrigerator or pantry... -Why everything from solubility to flavor additives can make or break the absorption and efficacy of supplements like whey protein... -Why you could be getting 600mg of caffeine (6 cups of coffee!) in an average "energy" supplement that says it only has 100mg... -The surprising development that Shawn things is the next big thing in the world of supplements and nutrition... -And much more! Resources we discuss during this episode: -Book "Optimum Sports Nutrition by Dr. Michael Colgan" -Book "The Four Agreements" -The Examine Research Digest -Behind The Scenes Of How A Supplement Is Made -My podcast interview with the folks at LabDoor "The Crazy, True & Scary Facts About The Supplements Industry" -BioTrust Do you have questions, comments or feedback about how to know supplement ingredients or anything else Shawn and I discuss? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/323 July 8, 2015 Podcast: Cross Country Running Tips, Should You Use Wraps, Sleeves And Belts For Weighttraining, Home Remedies For Hernias, and How Protein Spikes Insulin. Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Science has spoken. That cold beer after a hot summer workout doesn’t do you any damage at all from a hydration standpoint. Think your whey protein offers any muscle building benefits over essential amino acids? Here’s a clue that it doesn’t. If you are  tempted to finish up a workout with an “extra” set of single joint bicep curls, leg extensions, etc….no need. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Sep 23-24, 2015. Ben is speaking at the Biohackers Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now. New Greenfield Longevity Panels. Working closely with WellnessFX, America's top laboratory for concierge blood testing and online access to all your blood testing results, Ben has developed the "Greenfield Longevity Blood Testing Package", which is the most complete blood testing package that money can buy. There is one package specifically designed for men, and one for women. This is by far the most comprehensive blood testing package that exists, and Ben created it for the health enthusiast, biohacker and anti-aging individual who wants access to the same type of executive health panel and screening that would normally cost tens of thousands of dollars at a longevity institute. Virtually all hormones and all biomarkers are covered in this panel. Ben Greenfield has officially launched his first work of fiction: “The Forest”. Twin brothers River and Terran discover a portal to a hidden forested world attacked by parasitic fungi, dark shamans, and serpents. Along with an assembled band of unlikely misfits that includes coyotes, whitetail deer, wood thrushes, and fox squirrels, they must unlock their unique powers to control the elements of earth, air, fire and water, and save the forest before the evil they've uncovered can spill back into their own world. Click here to read it now! (or click here to listen to audiobook version inside our Premium channel). New chapters released every 7-14 days. The BenGreenfieldFitness Quarterly box has officially launched! When you sign-up, you'll get a Quarterly handpicked box jam-packed with Ben's favorite fitness gear, supplements, nutrients and research-proven biohacks. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some!  http://www.Shape21.com ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick and Audio Ninja. Cross Country Running Tips Stacy says: She is calling for her son. He is a Junior in High School and a Cross Country runner who is moving up the ranks. What should he concentrate on, as a cross country runner, to make him faster? What can he add to his training and is there anything special he should do with his diet at his age to increase his performance and keep him healthy. In my response, I recommend: -Beyond Training book (especially the chapters on 40 Easy Meals, How Much Carb/Protein/Fat, and the strength/mobility/power/speed/balance sections). Should You Use Wraps, Sleeves And Belts For Weighttraining? Hammer-Slammer says: She competes in Roller Derbies and as her cross training she does a lot of strength training. She would like to know what you think of using wraps and sleeves and belts while lifting. She tends to do this later in her sets when it gets heavier. Is that a bad habit or should she continue to do it? In my response, I recommend: -Rogue Fitness Home Remedies For Hernias Will says: He believes he is dealing with a hiatal hernia. Which he got from heavy lifting and copious amounts of lemon juice which shoved his stomach above his diaphragm. He is getting symptoms of GERD and he can't take a deep breath or each much food. What is your take on this? Do you know any nature remedies for this - to get his stomach back in the right place? He would love to get back to doing normal things like breathing deeply and eating.   How Protein Spikes Insulin Stephen says: He wants to know more about protein intake and insulin response. He eats low carb and mostly carb backloads. He is concerned about eating too much protein because he has heard that it can spike insulin even more than carbs. What is the balance here? Is it more about timing the protein (after or before a workout)? In my response, I recommend: -This EndurancePlanet episode on insulin -This Active.com article on proteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I recently read an article on Gakwer called The "Food Babe" Blogger Is Full of Shit. It was written by today's podcast guest: Yvette d'Entremont. Yvette, AKA "The Science Babe", has bachelor's degrees in theatre and chemistry along with a master's degree in forensic science. With a background working as an analytical chemist, she currently runs the Science Babe website full time. Her site is an interesting mix of debunking pseudoscience with humor and science. She lives in southern California with her stinky dog, Buddy (who makes a fun cameo in today's podcast).  During our controversial discussion, you'll discover: -Why Yvette thinks that chiropractic treatment is total BS... -Why Yvette, in her post on the "Bullshitproof Diet", calls Dave Asprey a Douchebag... -How Yvette thinks that the Food Babe's Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte was blown way out of proportion... -What Yvette thinks is the next most unproven, hyped up, dangerous or scientifically inaccurate trend or fad currently making it's way down the health pipeline... -Why living by the rule "If a third grader can't pronounce it, don't eat it" is a dangerous rule to follow... -The details behind the group on Facebook called "Banned By Food Babe" that boasts nearly 6,000 members... -And much more... Resources we discuss during this episode: -The Gawker article The "Food Babe" Blogger Is Full of Shit -Public Library of Science (PLOS) -Science Based Medicine -TheNess Neurological Blog -The "Natural Ingredients" In A Blueberry -My article on Bulletproof Coffee Enemas I imagine that you probably have some thoughts about this podcast. Perhaps some strong thoughts. Leave your comments, questions and feedback at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and I promise to reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/322 July 1, 2015 Podcast: Does Ketosis Work For Crossfit, Raw Milk vs. Whey Protein, Measuring HRV During Exercise, and Should You Eat Before Bed? Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. You should read this if you want to really wrap your head around the concept of “starvation mode” with weight loss. Interesting analysis of which teas do best at certain temperatures. After a night of drinking, take some melatonin. It can protect the gut against alcohol’s damaging effects on the gut lining. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: This podcast is brought to you by Harry’s Shaving. Harry’s high-quality German-engineered blades are crafted for sharpness and precision, at half the price of big name drugstore brands, with free shipping straight to your door. Just go to Harrys.com and get $5 off when you use discount code “ben”. Sep 23-24, 2015. Ben is speaking at the Biohackers Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now. New Greenfield Longevity Panels. Working closely with WellnessFX, America's top laboratory for concierge blood testing and online access to all your blood testing results, Ben has developed the "Greenfield Longevity Blood Testing Package", which is the most complete blood testing package that money can buy. There is one package specifically designed for men, and one for women. This is by far the most comprehensive blood testing package that exists, and Ben created it for the health enthusiast, biohacker and anti-aging individual who wants access to the same type of executive health panel and screening that would normally cost tens of thousands of dollars at a longevity institute. Virtually all hormones and all biomarkers are covered in this panel. Ben Greenfield has officially launched his first work of fiction: “The Forest”. Twin brothers River and Terran discover a portal to a hidden forested world attacked by parasitic fungi, dark shamans, and serpents. Along with an assembled band of unlikely misfits that includes coyotes, whitetail deer, wood thrushes, and fox squirrels, they must unlock their unique powers to control the elements of earth, air, fire and water, and save the forest before the evil they've uncovered can spill back into their own world. Click here to read it now! (or click here to listen to audiobook version inside our Premium channel). New chapters released every 7-14 days. The BenGreenfieldFitness Quarterly box has officially launched! When you sign-up, you'll get a Quarterly handpicked box jam-packed with Ben's favorite fitness gear, supplements, nutrients and research-proven biohacks. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some!  ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick and Audio Ninja. Does Ketosis Work For Crossfit? Anthony says: He knows you have talked a ton about Ketosis for endurance events but now that you are skewing more towards the shorter high intensity type of training for OCR would you still recommend it (he does Crossfit). He understands how ketosis is advantageous for the 60-70% intensity range but with higher intensity and explosive workouts, don't you need more carbs. He has been trying to use ketosis for his Crossfit lifestyle but finds it to be hard and there seems to be a lot of controversy around that type of diet. In my response, I recommend: -My podcast with Jimmy Moore about "Keto Clarity" book -The guest podcast Brock and I hosted on Jimmy's "Livin' La Vida Low Carb Show" -How To Become A Fat Burning Machine Part 1 -How To Become A Fat Burning Machine Part 2 -Keto Meal Plans For Endurance Athletes book Raw Milk vs. Whey Protein Allie says: She is wondering what you think of using raw milk in a morning smoothie/shake rather than whey protein. She knows that you use whey but she would like her morning smoothie to be more "au natural". She gets raw milk from some local cows and is wondering if there are any negative effects of raw milk instead of whey protein to go along with her  avocados, kale, ginger and all that other good stuff. -- ALSO -- Mark says: He is wondering what you think of drinking raw goat's milk. It seems all over the board from the die hard "you should do it" to "you're a lunatic and you're going to die in 5 minutes". Do the benefits outweigh the negatives? Is getting the good bacteria vs the bad bacteria for gut health worth it? Would you recommend this? Do you do it? Is it good for weight gain or loss or better performance? In my response, I recommend: -Chris Kresser's Raw Milk Reality Article -Goat's Milk vs. Cow's Milk podcast -RealMilk.com Measuring HRV During Exercise Chris says: He would like to know more about measuring HRV during exercise - what type of values should someone be looking for during steady state, aerobic, low intensity cardio? His is hanging like a flat line. What could this indicate? In my response, I recommend: -NatureBeat Should You Eat Before Bed? Vladimir says: He works all day and sometimes when he gets home he just wants to go to bed. Is it a bad thing to skip dinner or is it worse to eat right before going to bed? Basically: never eat before bed or never go to bed hungry? He also wants to know what is wrong with being called Vladimir? (we made a joke about that name in last weeks's show) In my response, I recommend: -The Health Impact of Nighttime Eating: Old and New PerspectivesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twin brothers River and Terran discover a portal to a hidden forested world attacked by parasitic fungi, dark shamans, and serpents. Along with an assembled band of unlikely misfits that includes coyotes, whitetail deer, wood thrushes, and fox squirrels, they must unlock their unique powers to control the elements of earth, air, fire and water, and save the forest before the evil they've uncovered can spill back into their own world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend, I competed at the TrainToHunt event in Northern Idaho.   And on the day this podcast is released, I'm competing at a second TrainToHunt event in Southern Idaho.   If you have absolutely no idea what a TrainToHunt event is, then I'd highly recommend you listen in to my previous TrainToHunt podcast with Kenton Clairmont. In it, Kenton and I discuss why bowhunting is probably the most appropriate example of ancestral athleticism and functional fitness that exists, and why I'm personally getting more and more into the bowhunting scene.   I also talk quite a bit about hunting fitness in the episode "How To Build Primal Fitness And Endurance By Hunting: An Interview With A Bowhunting Triathlete."   Today, I interview Will Bradley, fellow podcaster, TrainToHunt director and host of the Natural Born Hunter podcast.   In this episode, you'll discover:   -How a construction worker from upstate New York got into bowhunting...   -Why Will thinks sitting in a tree stand for your hunting still requires a fit body...   -Whether this whole TrainToHunt and hunting fitness thing is a passing fad...   -What Will's workouts look like, and what he eats...   -The biggest mistakes people make when getting ready for something like TrainToHunt...   -The best way to estimate your yardage when shooting...   -How to fill a pack  the right way...    -And much more!   Resources we discuss during this episode:   -NaturalBornHunter.com -TrainToHunt.com -Kifaru.net -Previous TrainToHunt podcast with Kenton Clairmont   This podcast was brought to you by Onnit, where you can save boatloads of money on things like sandbags, kettlebebells and walnut butter. Do you have questions, comments or feedback about Train To Hunt, hunting fitness, shooting, packing, or any other topic Will and I discuss? If so, leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.