Do you work at or own a corporation? Do they have a corporate wellness program? If so, do you have any clue if it's run the correct way, or if it's just making you sick and fat? In truth, there are few investments you can make that provide you with a higher return than a [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. In this Feb 1, 2012 free audio podcast: Why Your Back Hurts. Also: a functional obstacle course, is hot yoga good, fuelling for a mid-day race, drinking only when thirsty, how to know when to end a work out, help for nerve damage, lifting with scoliosis, and training for wilderness first aid. Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form... Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Check out this funny endurance video - in which Dave Erickson and I put a Timex Run Trainer through a torture test in a re-enactment of the John Cameron Swayze Timex commercial - "Takes A Lickin and Keeps On Tickin". The Ben Greenfield Superhuman Food Pyramid - now available for download! Follow Ben on Google+ - and get different info than you get from Facebook and/or Twitter. Ben is now logging his daily diet & exercise sessions at - The Inner Circle <-- get in now for a buck! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: Here's a great image, if you've ever wondered how many carbs you need to eat to do really well at an endurance event. Starvation can cure type II diabetes. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Audio Question from Kumar: Wants to know how to solve his lower back pain. ~ In my response to Kumar, I mention www.runwithnopain.com Audio Question from Kent: Looking for ideas for an obstacle course based on real fitness principals. Audio Question from Megan: Wants an opinion on Bikram Yoga. ~ In my response, I link to this Huffington Post article on Yoga and Weight Loss. Audio Question from "Nooner": Looking for fueling advice for a 70.3 that starts at noon. Dan wrote: dr. noakes says to drink when you're thirsty. makes sense. no reason to drink more than your body needs from a hydration standpoint. but what about reducing the risk of rhabdo and acute renal failure in endurance events? i'm an ultrarunner training for the leadville 100 this summer and i'd hate to wind up in the hospital because i didn't drink enough during my race. i can see a benefit in this situation to drink beyond my basic hydration needs. ~ In my response I mention the article "Athletes: Obey Your Thirst". Angel says: How do I know If I am working out enough or to much? Most times, when the workout video ends (The Daily Burn - where I found Ben) or I finish what I am doing, even though I am trembling, I want to do more. Is the trembling saying that's enough? Aren't I suppose to go till failure? Often if I work out that a.m. I want to work out again p.m. But I hear things about over training etc. I don't know where the line is. Should I go till I am a puddle in the floor or stop when the video stops or the written sets are done? How do other people judge? ~ In my response to Angel, I talk about Rest Wise. Robert asks: 20 years ago, as a weightlifter, I herniated a disc and a pinched sciatic nerve resulted in severe leg nerve pain and foot drop. Surgery and PT got rid of the pain and most of the foot drop to the point where I can walk and run but not do too well moving my toes or lifting my foot against weights. Now as a triathlete, this limits me in two ways -- 1) in the affected leg my leg strength, particularly in the calf, ankle and foot, is weak. This affects balance and eg cycling power. 2) at higher speeds of running, my foot can’t keep up with my cadence and tires quickly. Beyond the normal strength training and PT exercises, do you think there is any way of stimulating nerve regeneration, which is the source of the problem. I realize this is the holy grail of addressing paralysis, and I am 20 years into this injury, but I was thinking that with all your research perhaps you have come across supplements or other promising techniques that help with nerve damage resulting in muscle weakness. ~ In my response to Robert, I recommend www.shopcompex.com and also my recent article about psychostimulants. Colin asks: When I was in my teens, I was diagnosed with moderate scoliosis in my lower back and had to wear a brace for a couple years. I'm now 31, and I haven't had any real issues since then despite keeping an active lifestyle that includes running, swimming, weightlifting, skiing, and tennis. The only time I feel discomfort is when I try to perform traditional "main lifts" that place stress on my lower back, like deadlifts and any weight-bearing squats. I don't want to hurt my back, but I also don't want to miss out on the benefits of these kinds of full-body movements. Do you have any suggestions for alternatives? Any help would be much appreciated! Tommy wrote: Does your weight affect your power output on a stationary bike? I know it affects your power output climbing hills, but how so on a stationary bike? For example if I'm setting up my weight on a cycle-ops is it only for calorie expenditure? Also, what's with the deal with professional cyclist freezing their bodies before races? Is this an anomaly, or is this a new pre-race "warm-up?" ~ The article at Outside Online. Ed wrote: I am working on becoming a trainer for wilderness first aid. It will include search and rescue and getting the injured person to an extraction point. Occasionally Very Physical. My question is, in an effort to be in better shape than the students, how should I train and what should I be doing in terms of nutrition? I was hiking 3 miles every other day in the hills in our area with a 40 lbs pack. This training helped out a lot with a two week course I went to. I'm 49 and in pretty good shape but want to know more about dietary needs for strenuous hiking. My knees don't do well with running but the hiking works out OK. Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian running drills expert and triathlon coach Graeme Turner was told by doctors that he should never run again because he had destroyed his knees playing sports. But he refused to listen, and instead used his knowledge of physics to train his body to run in a way that did not stress his joints. He [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.  In this Jan 25, 2012 free audio podcast: Does Fiber Help You Lose Fat? Also: is gum good for you, gluten free products and insulin spikes, glycemic index vs. glycemic load, dairy free probiotics, how much salt is enough, treating bone bruises, is donating blood actually beneficial for men, nipple fat, and is the African Mango really that great? Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form... Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: The Ben Greenfield Superhuman Food Pyramid - now available for download! Follow Ben on Google+ - and get different info than you get from Facebook and/or Twitter. The GI stool test that Ben mentioned taking - from the comfort of his own home. Ben is now logging his daily diet & exercise sessions at - The Inner Circle <-- get in now for a buck! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: Any pill that has same effect of exercise has to raise your eyebrow...shortcuts often dangerous. Reason not to worry if you're doing a triathlon and need to just "jump in the water and go" with no warmup. Running or bicycling just doesn't cut it when you get older ­ you need to work any muscles you plan on keeping. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Audio Question from Fibre1Girl: What do you think about Fibre One Cereal and/or other high sources of fibre. Audio Question from Ron: Does gum help with memory and muscle reactions. ~ In my response to Ron, I mention the Spry gum I chew every day. Andres asks: Your podcast about wheat was pretty amazing. I was shocked to hear about the ability of gluten free products to raise blood sugar the way they do. My question is when Dr William Davis spoke of wheat he mentioned that all forms of grain are inflammatory. Does this include those types of grains thought to be "healthier" like quinoa, millet, amaranth, etc... And, if so, what are healthier options to substitute with? Does coconut flour also cause the same physiological effect on the body as well? Steph wrote: I have a question about high glycemic index foods, are they the main cause of the obesity epidemic and all the disease around and should people be watching that more closely almost rather than their calories? Also if I were to limit my carbs how many grams would you say I need per day I am 22 years old 5"4 and 122 pounds and I am quite active! Kim asks: What amount of pro-biotics is optimal? I have a 'green food' mix that contains 200 mg of dairy free l.acidophilus, B.longum, L.Casei, Rhamnosus. My reason for asking is that I'm considering cutting dairy out of my diet (due to possible allergy) and want to make sure I don't miss out on these healthy pro-biotics! Scott writes: I'm in my 50's and tend to sweat an extreme amount and wonder if you recommend a salt supplement to add to my electrolytes. I generally use Heed but the sodium amount is minimal. I've heard unbleached or black salt mixed into a glass of water before a workout or event could help. How many mg's of salt per day is advisable. ~ In my response to Scott, I mention my podcast interview with Dr. Tim Noakes - and also talk about www.therightstuff-usa.com and Millennium Sport's "Athlytes" from www.millenniumsport.net. Jason says: After completing my first marathon, I noticed pain in top of my left foot. Upon review with a podiatrist, I was told I have a bone bruise in my Second Cuboid. I was given some cream to reduce swelling and was told not to run for 6 weeks. I was given the OK to ride a bike, use an elliptical and lift weights. 6 weeks have gone by and I still have a bump on the top of my foot but I have no pain in my foot. Any ideas on how to reduce or eliminate this bump? Any supplements that can aid in the healing of a bone bruise? ~ In my response, I mention episode #133 about pain on the top of the foot and I also discuss Capraflex and lactoferrin. Avi wrote: I had a question regarding men donating blood. Other than being a gracious thing to do for those in need, I've heard it's a good thing for men to donate blood every once in a while because of the build up of Iron in our blood. Is there any truth to this and would you recommend this from an overall blood and heart health. Johny wrote: I do not have man boobs. I have a proper chest shape and I'm working out heavily at the gym. I'm 21 and am slowly gaining muscle mass. My problem is that I have fat around my nipples. It does not show anywhere else on my chest, only around and on my nipples. One is quite a bit bigger than the other. It happened like this: when I was very young, I hurt my nipple by touching it too hard and then I tried it on the other one also... I don't know what I was thinking! It has been very embarrassing for me now and it has been more than ten years. I have a good chest and body tone but am now not able to even wear a tight t-shirt. Please help me. Should I go for liposuction only or is there any other way. Will it go naturally? When I was not working out it seemed pretty invisible (to some extent) but now that I have muscles in my chest, the fat in the nipples shows and is a little awkward and I wear vests to hide it. I wanna get rid of this nipple fat, Ben. What do I do ? p@ul asks: Any truth to the benefits of African Mango Irvingia Gabonensis? Any caveats to its use? The first person I thought to recommend it has adult onset diabetes. I was thinking of myself, too: I have a family history of diabetes but I have not been diagnosed with it. I don't need to lose weight. I'd consider it if increased HDL. Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're wondering how to choose protein powder, this article will help you, because I'm going to teach you about 4 protein powder mistakes you probably don't know you're making. Be sure to download and listen to this protein audio interview  too. Let's start with a quick exercise: Take a look at the ingredients of the [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. In this January 18, 2012 free audio episode: What Pharmaceutical Companies Don't Want You To Know About Statins. Plus: light therapy, what are super-carbs, how to cycle calories, milk for lactose intolerance, clear fluids before colonscopy, o-lifting, P90X and running, staying warm during a swim, and the effects of too much calcium. Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form... Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Saturday, January 21 - 9am to 4pm - "Ben is speaking at the Total Transformation Health Expo" in Rose Creek, California! Go to http://tthealthexpo-eorg.eventbrite.com/ for more details. Tune is this Friday - Ben will be talking to the folks at Mt. Capra about their product DEEP2 30™. Ben is now logging his daily diet & exercise sessions at: www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/innercircle <--get in now for a buck! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: Follow Ben on Twitter to get all the news flashes this week and every week! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Audio Question from Craig: Asks about light therapy for more than just treatment of depression. ~ In my response to Craig, I mention these Gunnar glasses. Audio Question from Keith: Wants to know about "Super" Carbs (from an article in UltraRunning by Sunny Blende). ~ In my response, I mention this podcast episode on forefoot running with Danny Abshire. Matt asks: I run anywhere from 50 to 75 miles a week and weigh around 200lbs I would like to lose about 25lbs. what is the best way to do that while continuing my current training schedule? Is there a calorie deficit I should try to hit daily that will allow me to lose weight without sacrificing a lot of performance? Todd asks: I have been lactose intolerant all my life. I started triathlon recently and thought taking after-workout protein shakes would be a good idea. One problem, most seem to be dairy based. I get a massive headache and GI issues after drinking them. Same issues with fruit juice and now soy milk. Any ideas or suggestions for managing this and incorporating post recovery drinks into my routine? ~ In my response to Todd, I reference this podcast and also recommend probiotics, digestive enzymes, and the new DEEP30 protein or LivingProtein. Jeff asks: I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy and in part of preparation the colon must be cleared. So... the day before and the day of the procedure, I am allowed nothing but clear fluids. From a nutritional standpoint, are there specific fluids that would be of greater benefit to me? I am a hard training triathlete and nutritional effects on training are a concern to me. The procedure is on a Wed. I plan Monday to get a solid brick and moderate swim in and then do nothing Tuesday (start clear fluid diet), Wednesday (procedure) and Thursday. Any thoughts on type of fluid intake or preparation prior to and post procedure from a nutritional and exercise perspective. Bob asks: My question is on taking up O-lifting at the tender age of 45. Background: have a pretty demanding day job, so will be able to devote 2-3 sessions a week max to it. Am 6'4" tall & flexibility is a challenge. Am reasonably well versed in 3 of the 4 classic power lifts (Bench of 275 lbs. & good form; Standing Press of 140 lbs. & won't kill myself form; Deadlift of 370 & fair form; squat of only 235 lbs. with very shakey form when going to full depth). I would be very interested in both your general recommendations for making progress on both the snatch and clean & jerk, as well as your specific recommendations on the mobility work for O-lifting I should focus on for the necessary flexibility. ~ In my response to Bob, I recommend this video with Dan John. Al asks: I am a marathon runner and I am looking forward to trying your marathon dominator program in 2012. I am currently in my off season and I have been doing a combination of strength training using your 12 strength training routines for triathletes guide and doing cardio with mixing swimming, elipitical and bike interval routines. I just started P90X and I wanted to get your thoughts on the program and how it relates to my off-season running training. It does have a lot of volume with about 1 hour per day spent on focused training. ~ In my response to Al I mention www.marathondominator.com PowerFr0g asks: I've been swimming a lot in open water lately in preparation for a few Olympic Distance triathlons. After about 30-40 min spent in the water, my fingers and feet get numb and it takes about 30 minutes for the blood to go back into my limbs after I get out of the water and even when going straight on a bike ride or a run. I live in Australia, where it's currently summer. The water is about 18C /64F degrees, which is cool but not freezing cold. I haven't swam in my Tri suit yet but I want to get used to swimming without much buoyancy and want to train in open water as opposed to a pool (by the way, I haven't got this problem when swimming in the pool). I searched your site on how to improve blood circulation. In Episode #103, you mention the greyhound juice website. It seems the site no longer exists. Any other tips to stay warm after a swim or some tricks on how to get the blood rushing back into fingers/feet straight after a swim? ~ In my response, I mention this Ozone muscle-warming cream. Gordon asks: Under what circumstances would you recommend coming off doctor-prescribed statins? I have been taking statins for most of the last ten years and have come to believe that it is affecting my athletic performance, perhaps progressively. My high cholesterol appears to be hereditary - at least, higher levels persist even though I have an excellent diet and exercise regimen. Recently, I have begun to notice increased aching and loss of power during longer cycle rides (over 25 miles or so), longer delays in recovery, and a general stagnation in performance. I have noticed that during 2009, when I took a break from statins for about a year, my performance was higher/faster that year (by about 8%). Since going back on statins in 2010, I have not been able to ride as fast, and overall feel under-powered, especially during longer rides, with aching primarily in the larger upper leg and thigh muscles. When not taking statins, my overall cholesterol shoots quickly up in to the high 200s and my doctor has insisted that I stay on them (even though I have no other risk factors and am otherwise in great shape for 46). Based on my own experience, documented performance records, and some research into how statins affect athletes, I am considering coming off statins against my doctor's wishes. Do you have any thoughts or recommendations that might help me make this decision? ~ In my response, I recommend the website www.trackyourplaque.com. Kem asks: Calcium scores got me thinking. Could a healthy (as in lots and good) dairy consumption lead to artery in-elasticity and cause one's blood pressure to rise? Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are cell phones healthy? In this interview about how cell phone companies gamble with your brain, I interview Dr. Devra Davis, author of the book "Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry Has Done to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family". What you'll hear may upset you, and if you [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to "pacificfit" or scroll down on this post to access the free "Ask Ben" form... In this January 11, 2012 free audio episode: Why Sweet Potatoes Are Better Than Regular Potatoes. Also: personal trainer credentials, setting race goals, bike to run equivalencies, tennis as triathlon training, can muscle fibers change type, ketoacidosis, and adrenal fatigue. Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Wednesday, January 11 - 6pm PST - Official, FREE Tri-Ripped Workshop with Ben Greenfield - sign up at ustream to attend. Thursday, January 11 - 11:59pm PST - The Tri-Ripped.com launch. Get it at www.tri-ripped.com Thursday, January 12th - 6-7pm Pacific: "Eating For Endurance": In this USAT webinar, sports nutritionist Ben Greenfield will speak about proper endurance nutrition for anyone preparing for a long distance event; trail runners, triathletes, adventure racers, cyclists, paddlers, and epic hikers. You’ll learn how to fuel before, during and after your event, and set yourself up for success by eating smart. Sign up to attend. Saturday, January 14 - 11am to noon - "Fat Loss & Fitness Open Forum" at Pilgrim's Wellness Institute in Coeur D' Alene, ID. Get more details at: www.pilgrimsmarket.com Saturday, January 21 - 9am to 4pm - "Total Transformation Health Expo" in Rose Creek, California! Ben is now logging his daily diet & exercise sessions at: www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/innercircle <--get in now for a buck! Coming this Friday - "How Cell Phones Gamble With Your Brain: 7 Ways To Protect Yourself" - an interview with Devra Davis, author of Disconnect. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: This is why I worked my left leg a ton when my right knee was injured last month. Here’s a good reason to work on your running form. Why VO2 max & lactate testing shouldn’t be used a sole means of testing or tracking performance. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Audio Question from Keith: How do yams stack up against regular potatoes as a fuel during a long run. Audio Question from Clienda: What credentials should she look for in a senior personal trainer. Audio Question from Shawn: Advice on setting race goals for the coming year. Audio Question from Matt: Is interested in how to swap a bike session for a running session (and vice versa). ~ Conversion factors for different cycling speeds: 10MPH=4.2, 15MPH=3.5, 20MPH=2.9, 25MPH=2.3, and 30MPH=1.9. Divide number of miles ridden by the conversion factor for your riding speed to tell you the equivalent miles of running at any speed. So for 20 miles on the bike at 10MPH, divide 20 miles by 4.2 and that results in the equivalent of 4.8 miles of running. This formula is for approximately 155 pounds. A larger cyclist would divide by a slightly higher number and a smaller cyclist, by a slightly lower number. Question from Jan: I heard you also play some mean tennis. I used to play competitive juniors and collegiate tennis before I injured my knee. That's when I discovered running (which was my favourite cross training activity back then) and then I eventually moved on to triathlons. I've been getting the itch to pick up my racket again and play a tournament that the company I work for is organizing. I'm a little hesitant to do that since I have already started training for the 2012 tri season. Although my first "A race" is in May (standard distance) and the tennis tournament is in March. What do you think? Are there any benefits that I will gain from playing tennis? Or maybe I'm risking my tri season too much? Carlos asks: Can you clarify something for me? When it comes to the muscle fibers we contain, can they actually change from one type to another OR do we just recruit one type more than the other based on the type of load? Peter asks: While home for the holidays both my Mom and Dad commented that my breath smelled like alcohol. However, I had not had anything to drink that day or several days prior. As part of our investigation I tested my blood sugar with my Grandpa’s machine and the results were normal. My Mom concluded that my body was producing keytones because I am not consuming enough carbohydrates. Having researched keytones online I realize this can be a serious issue. I work out frequently, 5-6 days per week. Recently I have been lifting and will be starting to train for a full triathlon taking place in April. Can you help me understand more about keytones, how they’re caused, and how I can avoid this training/fueling error going forward in my active life. Chris asks:My question is 2-fold, my dad has been struggling with what we believe to be adrenal fatigue. He has a whole host of symptoms and has been to all kinds of doctors over the past year and has had just about everything else ruled out. He has really worked on reducing stress and this has helped to some degree. Currently his diet is excessively high in carbs especially refined simple carbs. So, my first question is - do you have any specific diet recommendations for people with adrenal fatigue (supplements etc.), and secondly I am curious if you have written a book or have a good recommendation of a low-carb / whole-foods based diet for the general population. I am aware of your fuelling books for athletes but not sure if you have one for a non-athlete who really isn't concerned with fueling etc. One of the major issues with whole foods diet books that really bothers me is they seem to give fat a bad name. Closing music from "Her Toothbrush" by Brock Skywalker. Available on iTunes or at CD Baby. Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever find your workouts to be stale, non-rewarding, boring, ho-hum, or anything else that is less than exciting? I may have a solution for you... ...ever hear of "gamification"? Basically, gamification involves giving game-like incentives to yourself (or someone else) to accomplish something – like using your phone to “check-in” to locations and [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to "pacificfit" or scroll down on this post to access the free "Ask Ben" form In this January 4, 2012 free audio episode: "How To Eat Fruit Without Getting Fat". Also: returning to running, the "thrifty" gene, short quads from cycling, healthy beans, phytoestrogen, crank lengths, is periodization dead, recovering from a 2 day relay, ancient wheats & grains, and advice for a beginner triathlete. Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: New in 2012 - We've split up the podcast episodes into two separate sections: the Listener Q&A with Ben Greenfield and the Featured Topic with special guests! Ben's been using the Sufferfest cycling - pick up a copy by clicking here for the Sufferfest video downloads. Ben is now logging his daily diet & exercise sessions at: www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/innercircle <--get in now for a buck! Coming Saturday - "How Cell Phones Gamble With Your Brain: 7 Ways To Protect Yourself" - an interview with Devra Davis, author of Disconnect. "Eating For Endurance" - Thursday, January 12th, 6-7pm Pacific: In this USAT webinar, sports nutritionist Ben Greenfield will speak about proper endurance nutrition for anyone preparing for a long distance event; trail runners, triathletes, adventure racers, cyclists, paddlers, and epic hikers. You’ll learn how to fuel before, during and after your event, and set yourself up for success by eating smart. Sign up to attend. Tri-Ripped triathlon training program - Wednesday, January 11, at 6pm PST: Join Ben Greenfield to ask your questions about the program. Learn how to swim, bike and run lightning fast, and have the ultimate triathlon body! Mark your calendar and attend for free at www.ustream.tv/channel/ben-greenfield-fitness.   Weight Training For Triathlon - a cutting-edge, step-by-step gym workout guide to developing swim, bike and run power and is now available on: Barnes & Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle and iTunes. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: Today's news flashes are a bunch of fun workout challenges Ben put together for New Year's... but you can do them anytime! #1: On December 31st: 100 Pushups or 100 Squats per hour from 8am to midnight #2: Celebrate 01/01/2012 by swimming 1 mile, running 1 mile and biking 20.12 miles. #3: Do this workout before you head out to your New Year's Party (allow 2 hours). #4: Cycle through each of these 10 minute workouts every hour or every two hours. #5: At 8am, do 8 burpees, 9am do 9 burpees, at 10am…you get the idea…and oh yeah, use military timing. What's a burpee? #6: Do 6 rounds of my "Body Weight Workout For Triathletes". #7: If #3 wasn't good enough, do this workout before you head out to your New Year's Party (allow 2 hours). #8: Swim 2012 meters as fast as you can. For added difficulty, do it with a bike tube around your ankles. #9: Take a cold shower on New Year's morning, then do this "Metabolic Body Weight Workout". #10: Do 2012 medicine ball slams by doing about 200 an hour on December 31. ALSO: Ben talked about some fancy toothpaste (powder actually) that he has been using. You can find it here: www.inneryu.com ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Katie says: I recently found your blog because I was researching information on Tim Ferris diet "4 Hour Body". My main interest is in his opinion on eating fruit. I saw that you mentioned it a few times in different articles (you said not to eat fruit in the mornings if you are trying to lose fat). I'm wondering what your entire take on fruit is? I feel like fruit could really be a food for me that's a tipping factor - meaning I eat it, eat too much of it, and it completely destroys my fat loss attempts. I would hate to completely cut it out, if that leads to a lack of nutrients that are impossible to gain from other foods. Tina Says: A year ago I joined a "learn to run clinic" and achieved the "10 minutes run with a 1 minute walk" but as the distance progressed I found my self getting injured om my foot and hip. I took time to rest and strengthen my IT band (as you had suggested in my previous question "Clicking in my hip"). So, I stopped running, and just did some cycling and strength training. Then, when I felt I was ready to run again (after about a month off running), I started from the beginning, 2s and 1s, and progressed to 7s and 1s, I did a 5k and that went well, but I hurt my foot hurt again. The day after the run there was a burning sensation under my foot. So, I took more time off, took an adult learn to swim class, continued with cycling, strength training, and elliptical. Now, it's been three weeks, the burning sensation isn't in my foot anymore and I would like to start running again, my question is... do I start right back at the beginning i.e.: 2 minutes running, 1 minute walk or can I start at a 5 minutes run,1 minutes walk, or can I continue on from the 7s and 1s where I left off at? ~ Tina's original question about hip clicking was responded to in Episode #164. Livingstone says: I have been cycling for approximately 2 years and have made some significant gains using a structured periodization based plan. I train a lot on the road for Cross Country MTB. I have recently taken up the challenge of jogging for a bit of cross training as well as a quick morning session to trim my body fat down a bit. The problem I have is that my quads keep cramping. Not like an explosive, violent calf cramp but more of a consistent tightening of the muscles which make up my upper front leg muscles. It get so sore that I actually have to stop jogging and then it actually gets even tighter. Aerobically I feel great and just want to break out into a fast jog but my legs say NO! Can the quads muscles on cyclists get short from cycling? What could be the cause of my problem and can you suggest a plan to fix it? Dylan wrote: Is the so-called "starvation" gene, or "thrifty" gene, a myth? I'd like to start this year getting into competitive bodybuilding, but since no matter what I try I seem to be stuck at around 15% body fat, I was thinking of going on a very low-calorie diet. But you sometimes hear about the "thrifty" gene kicking in on starvation diets, making fat loss even more difficult. Is there really such a thing? What is the fastest way to go from 15% body fat to 5%? Bill says: My sister-in-law is taking Cross Fit classes and doing their diet. They tell her not to eat beans because it irritates the digestive track. Do you have any thoughts on this? I have always thought that beans are very healthy. Deborah says: I'm confused about phytoestrogens. Should I be avoiding them, or seeking them out? I am a 44 year old woman with a history of fibroids and atypical ductal hyperplasia in both breasts, so I'm quite concerned about managing estrogen. I would appreciate your views. Jeffrey asks: I just want to know your thoughts on crank lengths for triathlon. Currently I ride 175mm and I'm considering dropping down to 172.5mm. What are the benefits of doing this? Should I do this? I think I'm overcooking my quads with the 175mm cranks. ~ In my response to Jeffrey, I reference this crank length calculator. Graeme says: Is periodization dead? With the traditional view being: - build a base, focussing on aerobic, long, slow, fat burning, - then focus on more interval, muscular endurance, - then a short pre race peak phase. With the evidence pointing to HIIT being applicable for building aerobic base and also building VO2 and raising LT, can you just train with variations to interval training all year? Would that work? Are hard anaerobic or LT intervals as good to build a base aerobic foundation? Susan says: Couple questions. I am a triathlete currently training for my second Half IM race in April. I got talked into doing the RAGNAR Relay (in Arizona) at the end of February with my husband's team. This will include running 3x over the course of 48 hours, anywhere from 4-8 miles each time. How do I work this into my training plan and how do I fuel so that I have enough energy for each of the runs. I try to follow a Paleo(ish) diet due to stomach issues with gluten, so the all you can eat bagels and Gatorade would be a recipe for disaster. Sleeping will be an issue, as some of the runs are in the middle of the night and we only stop to sleep (either in the van or at a hotel) for 3-4 hours. Any advise as how to maximize my recovery so I am not trashed for my following week of triathlon training, and able to put forth a good effort for the team? ~ In my response I mention the supplements: MAP 30 minutes before, gel with amino acids during, proteolytic enzymes like Recoverease after. Sam asks: What is your take on wheat grass and the other grasses plus other sprouted grains? It seemed Dr Davis was tearing it all down so I am curious on your take and if you talked with him more and know more on his take. ~ In my response to Sam, I mention these studies: Toxicity of Einkorn Gluten and Alternative Wheat Cereals as Food Grains: Einkorn, Emmer, Spelt, Kamut, and Triticale CHEEK asks: I AM 48, FEMALE AND TRYING TO TRAIN FOR A SPRINT TRIATHLON. I CANNOT FIND ANY BOOKS OR INFORMATION ON HOW TO START FROM SCRATCH. I CAN RUN 5K. I HAVE TRAINED IN THE PAST AND RAN 10K BUT I HAVE NO BIKING KNOWLEDGE AND I AM JUST NOW TAKING SWIMMING LESSONS BUT AM A LONG WAY FROM 750 M. DO YOU HAVE ANY BOOKS OR CAN YOU RECOMMEND ONE THAT COULD PUT ME ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITHOUT WASTING TIME DOING THINGS THE WRONG WAY. ~ In my response to Cheek, I direct her to www.rockstartriathlete.com Closing music from "Prime Candidate" by Brock Skywalker. Available on iTunes or at CD Baby. Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.