Boundless Life

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 December 15, 2010 free audio episode: what would happen if you quit eating carbs, how to get rid of that last bit of body fat, hyaluronic acid injections, putting aero bars on a road bike, TFL pain, irritable bowel syndrome in athletes, good sources of research for fitness and nutrition, alpha lipoid acid supplementation, what to do about dry skin from cold weather. 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. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Featured Topic: What Would Happen If You Didn't Eat Any Carbohydrates? In this featured topic, I interview Jimmy Moore (pictured right) from the Livin La Vida Low Carb Show! During the interview, Jimmy and I have a very frank discussion about eating a very low carbohydrate diet, and Jimmy answers these questions: -How did you come to adopt a "low carb" lifestyle, and how do you define that lifestyle? -How do you eat on a typical day? -On your show, you have interviewed many well known folks in the health, fitness and nutrition field. Who have been your top 3 most interesting guests, and why? -For weight loss or health, is there anything wrong with a non low-carb lifestyle such as veganism or vegetarianism, if somebody is still eating protein? -How big of a problem is heart disease risk among low-carbers? -Aside from listening to your show, what are the best resources, books or videos you'd recommend to people who want to go low carb? During the interview, Jimmy mentions the book "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements -The BenGreenfieldFitness Inner Circle secret section of the website is now open! Click here to get access to the first 4 free videos. -For the next 15 days (December 15-January 1), the Rock Star Triathlete Academy is letting new members for just one dollar, and  including some big bonuses. Click here to check it out. -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -Ben Greenfield's Austin Triathlon Training Camp: January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas! Click here for more details or to register now.                                                                                                      - 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)   --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Now offering free 1 month membership to Ben's Body Transformation Club to the best questions! Justin asks: My question is about losing body fat. I carry my excess in my thighs and in my low abdomen, I'm about 12% body fat and it's all in those areas. How can I get rid of the last bit? I'm a triathlete who finished my first half ironman this past summer, and now in the off season I'm focusing on weights, would starved cardio work every morning if it was say 30 minutes at moderate intensity? I'm not looking to gain cycling fitness doing this. bigpaully1 asks via Twitter: @bengreenfield how do you feel about hyaluronic acid being injected into a knee to reduce pain in that joint. Jake asks: does it make sense to add clip on aero bars to a standard road bike? It seems to me that the geometry of the road bike does not lend itself well to being in the aero position, and that riding in the regular drop bars is more efficient. Would love to hear your thoughts. Mike asks: In your experience with your athletes, has anyone ever complained of TFL pain/syndrome? I've had a few massages, ice, NSAIDSs, A.R.T., Graston, stretching, strengthening, refrained from all running, dry needling, hydrotherapy jets, and witchcraft. And after 7-8 weeks, the pain is no better, just disappeared a few times only to return the next day. No pattern of when it feels better, but it doesn't hurt during any activity except running or 1-leg squats (2-leg squats are 100% pain-free). I'm not a crazy runner, I'm like one of your athletes, just 10-15 hours/week max, and I rarely run more than 30 miles/week. It only bothers me during running (walking sometimes), though it feels worse the next day, and I've only run 2x in the past 3 weeks. Glutes, hammys, and quads are good to go (strong, flexible, rested). Psoas/obliques are a little tight on the injured side. In my response to Mike, I recommend he try my "Bulletproof Knee" program. Billy asks: I think I recently developed IBS and I was wondering if you can talk about IBS in athletes. My doctor took blood tests and stool samples (all negative) , and a xray of my abdominal area and the results says I have a large amount of stool present at the time of the xray. I like to note that I do go 1-3 times a day, but most times a don’t feel fully relieved. I’m currently playing around with my diet and hoping that this will help. The doctor thinks I may eat too well and that its causing me to be constipated. I drink lots of water 3 litres a day. I’m adjusting my serving sizes and time between I eat because I tend to eat too much. From all my training, I tend to feel I need to eat a lot in one sitting ( avoiding this now). Do you have any advice? Here is the link to the parasitic testing from Unikey Health Systems that I recommended for Billy. Blaine asks:I know that you do a ton of research of various journals and publications in putting together your website and podcasts. I would really like to learn more about exercise science and nutrition and I was wondering if you could give me some suggestions of some good journals or websites to follow or ones that you get the most information from. Also sometimes you mention some of the research studies when answering questions on the podcast. I was wondering if it would be possible for you to site those research studies in the show notes. If it is something that is not that easy to do don’t worry about it, as I know that you already put a lot of work in. In my response to Billy, I mention Alan Aragon's Research Review, the National Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, PubMed, and the Stone Hearth Newsletters. Patrick has a call-in question about cold weather, dry skin and lotion. Pete asks: I have a question regarding the R isomer of Alpha-Lipoic Acid.  I have heard that R-ALA can be used to improve blood glucose levels and possibly prevent some fat gain by increasing insulin sensitivity.  Also, I have heard that the generic Alpha-Lipoic acid is a 50/50 blend of R & S ALA, where the S isomer has no use and can even be harmful. What is your opinion on supplementing with R-ALA to improve insulin sensitivity? Do you think there is any benefit of taking say 150mg of R-ALA vs. 300mg of a standard ALA supplement? Congratulations to Pete, who wins a free month of Ben's Body Transformation Club for asking the best question! Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. -------------------------------------------- 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. 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): Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ------------------------------------------------------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 episode Vote in the Podcast Awards for this podcast! In this December 9, 2010 free audio episode: what others won't tell you about metabolic typing, using sodastream to make your own carbonated water, best way to gain muscle weight fast, how long can you eat whatever you want after exercise, gluten free bread, do nutrition supplements expire, a supplement called Serrapeptase, how much carbs, protein and fat should you eat, shin splints, alternatives to dairy and soy milk, body fat measurement accuracy, interpreting hormone test results and nutritional response testing. 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. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Featured Topic: What Others Won't Tell You About Metabolic Typing In this featured topic, I interview Tim Monaco from Bioletics about some hidden secrets and common questions about Metabolic Typing. During the interview, Tim discusses everything from why some people shouldn't drink soda water to why certain types of meat don't work for well for specific metabolic types. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements -Next week will be the big announcement about the Inner Circle podcast. -There is still time to get in with the early bird discount for Ben's triathlon training camp in Austin Texas from Jan 31-Feb 7, 2011. Click here to get in now! -Ben makes several cameo appearances in this highly inspiration new move called "17 Hours". Check it out now for $1.99! -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -Ben Greenfield's Austin Triathlon Training Camp: January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas! Click here for more details or to register now.                                                       - 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)   --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Now offering free 1 month membership to Ben's Body Transformation Club to the best questions! Jess asks: I would never (ever!) use the Sodastream to make – well, soda – but I keep seeing it in stores and wonder if it might be a more economical option to quench my carbonated water thirst, as opposed to purchasing bottles of Pellegrino.  Can you think of any ways in which this device may be less optimal for one’s health than bottled sparkling water?  Or is it pretty much par for the course? Billy asks: I am a hard gainer currently @ 168 and would like to get up to 185lbs.  My resting metabolic rate is 2700 calories.  What is the best approach and what are the best foods to eat to gain weight in a timely fashion. baldzach asks via Twitter: @bengreenfield After exrciz you can eat what you want, sort of. How long does this effect last, what is the curve of its efficacy? Graeme asks: I've been looking at gluten free bread options and was wondering what your opinion was on these breads and whether any if them had other issues other than gluten. I'm aware that toasting linseed bread has potential issues but no other view on others. Also, what is your opinion on Chyawanprash, how should I use it and is it good for a fast oxidizer? Justin asks: My question is about expired supplements. Do powdered supplements such as whey protein or glutamine actually expire or is there a date on them because of food regulations? What about capsule supplements such as beta alanine or kre-alkaline? Wenzel asks: What advantages/ disadvantages to have a daily intake of "Serrapeptase" in recovery, athletic performance, protein absorption, etc?  I'm hearing an increase of people at the gym talking about it and how they are able to recover quicker to have another hard workout the following day. Daniel asks: What is the macronutrient composition set in grams per kg body weight for an average person (not a for sport maniac) trying to shed a few pounds (at moderate pace like max 0.5kg/week)? Is there any scientifically validated rule out there telling us how much % of kcal intake we should allocate per meal (breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, diner). The same question goes for the corresponding macronutrient composition breakdown per meal. Michael asks: I think I have posterior shin splints that were caused by a long run that I did that I wasn't ready for. What is weird to me is that no matter if I run or not they still hurt the same. I have done a half-marathon and 5k since I have gotten injured and they didn't give me any trouble. I can do training runs, but the pain can be a little uncomfortable. I have heard you recommend topical magnesium on your podcast before as a natural anti-inflammatory and was wondering if that might be helpful in my case. Also, if you have any other recovery advise please let me know. Thanks Tony asks: I'm struggling to find an easily bought dairy free/ soy free milk alternative in the UK. You really are spoilt in the US for choice. Rice milk I find high in sugar in the UK. Could you check the ingredient list on Kara dairy free coconut based milk replacement and see if you think it's a healthy option. Here is the website: www.karadairyfree.com/ Glen asks: My passion is bodybuilding, the natural way. Saw on your pacific fit site that you have competed in bodybuilding and want your recommendations for my 1st competition in the buckeye natural contest in april 2011. What is your opinion, thoughts, comments on the bod pod accuracies and how it relates to calipers? Anonymous asks: I have had low testosterone for a number of year now stemming from my eating disorder.  I recently had my levels tested and here were my results: Testosterone: 95 FSH: 5.2 UH: 1.8 My doctor just sent me this print out, however, and didn't discuss what these numbers mean.  Could you help me understand what they mean and how low they are?  I know I've asked before, but do you think these results stem from having too low a body fat, too low a body weight, over-training, or something else entirely?  I have definitely noticed higher levels when body weight was higher and I had more muscle on me. Any tips for increasing my overall levels? Mike asks: Are you familiar with Nutritional Response Testing, and if so what are your thoughts on it? Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. -------------------------------------------- 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. 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): Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ------------------------------------------------------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 December 1, 2010 free audio episode: Is too much Vitamin D toxic, why running is harder than biking, are apple seeds toxic, how can sugar cause accelerated aging, how do foods cause inflammation, how can inflammation be tested, why does the skin itch from pool workouts, good nutrition resources for kids, and Gymstick vs. TRX 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. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Featured Topic: The Top 11 Most Important Factors For Recovery From Workouts In this featured topic, I interview the team from Restwise about how to know if you are truly recovering from your workouts, and what you can do about it. You may have read a previous article here about Restwise, and this audio interview goes into greater detail. One of the key individuals I interview in this free audio is Dr. Vern Neville, who provided the primary scientific expertise on which the Restwise algorithm was based. Vern has spent several years studying the science of recovery and advising elite professional teams on how to incorporate optimal recovery protocols into their training plans, and has been involved in elite sport for over 15 years. He holds a Ph.D in Sports Science from Loughborough University and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength & Conditioning Association and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Video #1: Restwise Recovery Software Demonstration & Overview httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFPyAiLue9o Video #2: Restwise Coach's Platform httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ7iS8CyYz4 Video #3: Coaching With Restwise httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW6lz_hhrZA Click here to try Restwise now or to learn more. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: -Stay tuned for some very cool updates about the Inner Circle podcast. -Did you know that in IRS Publication 502 for Health Savings Accounts, you can include in medical expenses amounts you pay to lose weight if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (such as obesity, hypertension, or heart disease). This means that any of the programs offered by Ben Greenfield can be 100% tax deductible from your Health Savings Account! -Unlimited E-mail Access to Ben: if you simply want unlimited, private training and nutrition Q&A e-mail access to Ben Greenfield, it is $175/month. Click here to sign-up. -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -Ben Greenfield's Austin Triathlon Training Camp: January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas! Click here for more details or to register now.                                              - 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)   --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Now offering free 1 month membership to Ben's Body Transformation Club to the best questions! Lee (and others) ask: I know you are a big proponent of Vitamin D and its ability to boost the immune system. What do you make of the new report by the Institute of Medicine? Cynthia asks: I am training with a heart rate monitor, and when my heart rate is 135 bpm while running on flat terrain, it feels so much easier than when my heart rate is 135 bpm while biking on flat terrain. Am I actually exerting more effort to get my heart rate to 135 bpm while biking versus running, or is it just perceived effort? Is there any difference from the point of view of my cardiovascular system between a heart rate of 135 bpm while running versus biking? David asks: I saw Jessa put an entire apple in her green smoothie. This website says the apple seeds are mildly poisonous, containing a small amount of amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside: Could you explain this to me? Mike asks: Ben, really enjoyed the interview with Robb Wolf. Here's a couple of questions. What did Robb mean when he talked about "glucose sticking to proteins causing accelerated aging"? Also, regarding inflammation; we're all familiar with the pain of inflammation from acute injuries or irritated joints from overuse, but how is inflammation caused by dietary factors manifested? It sounds as though one may not even be aware of it's presence. Lastly, Robb mentioned "inflammatory markers". Are these a quantifiable entity detectable and identifiable in a blood test? PapaLouie asks via twitter: @bengreenfield Hi Ben, Can you tell me why I get an itching feeling after my indoor pool workouts during the winter months and how to avoid? In my response to PapaLouie, I mention lotion from http://www.tri-swim.com/ Stuart asks: I'm a science teacher in the UK and although I have a chemistry degree and no formal nutritional training, I have to teach 12-13 year olds about food types and how digestion works.  However, the curriculum does not go into much detail - just that starch is made up of sugar, proteins are made up of amino acids and fats are made up of fatty acids and glycerol.  we then go into the existence of deficiency diseases and that people need carbs, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, water and fibre to be healthy. We do not mention the different vitamins and what we need them for or the correct proportions of the 7 food types that we need. Do you know of any good lessons about healthy eating and exercise that actually give my students some useful information that they can work with rather than the miniscule amount my government considers adequate? In my response, I mention http://www.whfoods.com eliteon3 asks via Twitter @bengreenfield: How do you compare Gymstick to TRX? Which is best for buck? Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. -------------------------------------------- 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. 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): Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ------------------------------------------------------ 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 episode -If you want to keep the Inner Circle Podcast going, please click here to sign up for $10 donations. In this November 25, 2010 free audio episode: TRX training, getting moody after workouts, weight loss plateaus, a drug called feraheme, whether women should use protein or L-carnitine, recovering faster from injuries, using balance balls for chairs, when to take multi-vitamins, lifting heavy weights before a race, metallic tasting nuts, blood in urine after exercise, aspartate in supplements, organizing vitamin intake, and swimming faster. 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. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: -Chef Todd has a huge Cyber-Monday special approaching! Click here to get in on the action. -Ben Greenfield is racing a triathlon in Thailand to raise money to build a school for Thai children. Click here to donate to the cause! -If you want to keep the Inner Circle Podcast going, please click here or click the button on the left to sign up for $10 donations. -Unlimited E-mail Access to Ben: if you simply want unlimited, private training and nutrition Q&A e-mail access to Ben Greenfield, it is $175/month. Click here to sign-up. -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -Ben Greenfield's Austin Triathlon Training Camp: January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas! Click here for more details or to register now.                                               - 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)           --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A:   Now offering free 1 month membership to Ben's Body Transformation Club to the best questions! aneonekread23 asks via Twitter: @bengreenfield any thoughts on TRX? Darrell asks: I am 45 and exercise to keep fit. I do a powerlifting workout 1 or 2 times a week. All of my workouts are early in the morning. By late afternoon on those power workout days, I have a significant mood change. I become short tempered and prone to overreact. Is there something metabolic that can cause this type of reaction? Are there any general recommendations for tuning my diet to avoid these mood swings? Erik asks: "I recently suffered muscle strains to what I believe is the upper hamstring or where it attaches near the gluteus. What is the best way to recover without losing fitness and minimizing recovery time?" In my response to Erik, I outlined my Wolverine recovery manual, and mention my USAT Injury Recovery webinar (you can scroll through the .PDF file below)   Gabriela asks: I would like to know your opinion regarding the intake of Whey Protein and L-Carnitine for women? Richard asks: My wife was doing a cleanse through bioletics. She lost 25 lbs over 2 months but has hit a plateau. Her calorie intake is about 1000 per day. She also just started exercising. This coincides with her plateau. She also feels her time of the month impacts her loss. I am interested in your thoughts. chunkybearcub asks via Twitter: @bengreenfield what do you think about feraheme injections for exercise induced anemia? Justin calls in and asks:  1.  What do you think about balance ball chairs for work? 2.  Is there an optimal time to take vitamins?  I take Peter Gillham's Organic Life vitamins after dinner with fish oil and my stomach is always growling at me at when I am in bed.  I take them at night because they have to stay in the fridge, which I don't have access to at work. Christian asks: I noticed that I race significantly faster at long distances if I lift heavy weights during my taper weeks. Why? Aaron asks: My best friend and I just experienced what is known as "pine mouth". We purchased a bag of pine nuts to throw on our salads. A few days after consumption we were experiencing a hard to describe taste in our mouths. The metallic, alkaline, bitter taste hit us both at the back of the mouth at the back of our tongues. The taste came on strongest just seconds after chewing and swallowing. The taste lasted one week after only eating the nuts at one meal. Can you help explain what is going on here? Jen asks: I have been using your Shape21 program. I have lost 10 lbs in three weeks and run 1min/mile faster. The only problem I'm having is blood in my urine. My urologist cannot see anything wrong. I guess this happens with running. I have had this problem before with marathon training. However it seems to be more frequent and I am running much lower mileage. Can the supplements make me more susceptible to this? Anyone else mention this to you? Perhaps it the weight training. I'm not too worried just curious. Rob asks: In an earlier podcast, you addressed aspartic acid/aspartate and included some general caution about aspartate. I would appreciate it if you would please explain more about its function, effect and dosage in supplements, specifically in Lean Factor. Jessi asks: Have you ever discussed the best way to streamline the way in which you take them? I know you're not a "supplement whore" as I think you've dubbed it, and I'm no "slut for supplements," but I still find it difficult to organize the few that I do take into daily/twice daily doses. Should I line everything up for a week's worth of doses? If so, do you put the supplements in baggies? pill containers? your pockets?! You get the idea. Or do you just dip into the bottles from where the supplements originally came? Nicki asks: Can't seem to get any faster swimming.  I did my first IM swim…did it in 1:07…and typically average about 1:35-1:40/100 m….is there a point where you can only be so fast swimming?  Had stroke analyzed, got some personal coaching, but just can't seem to swim faster. Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. -------------------------------------------- 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. 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.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this episode -If you want to keep the Inner Circle Podcast going, please click here to sign up for $10 donations. In this November 17, 2010 free audio episode: Robb Wolf and the Paleo Solution, glucosamine chondroitin vs. MSM, is it a myth that electrolytes prevent cramping, how to stay fit when you can't run, and whether converting slow twitch to fast twitch muscle is a good idea. 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Featured Topic: Robb Wolf & Everything You Need To Know About The Paleo Diet In this podcast, Ben Greenfield interviews Robb Wolf about the Paleo diet, and Robb's new book "The Paleo Solution". Robb discusses why he wrote the book, what's different about the book, and then: -Walks us through a typical day of eating a Paleo diet... -Discusses evidence that that Paleolithic man ate grains or bread... -Answers questions about milk and dairy.... -Talks about the argument that today, our average lifespan is over double of that of Paleolithic man.... -Addresses how to incorporate or remove the following from a Paleo diet: bananas, rice, coffee, quinoa, whey protein powder, creatine, regular potatoes, sweet potatoes, stevia, booze... -And much more! Click here now to get Robb's new book, "The Paleo Solution". ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: -Ben Greenfield is racing a triathlon in Thailand to raise money to build a school for Thai children. Click here to donate to the cause! -If you want to keep the Inner Circle Podcast going, please click here or click the button on the left to sign up for $10 donations. - Click here to nominate BenGreenfieldFitness in the Health/Fitness category for the Podcast Awards. -Contact Ben Greenfield via e-mail by clicking here if you want the brand new, 2011 two piece BenGreenfieldFitness racing uniform ($99+S&H). Important: you must e-mail Ben by this Friday if you want to get in on the order. Sizing chart available here. To see a picture of Ben wearing a triathlon racing uniform made by this same company, visit http://bengreenfieldtri.blogspot.com. -Unlimited E-mail Access to Ben: if you simply want unlimited, private training and nutrition Q&A e-mail access to Ben Greenfield, it is $175/month. Click here to sign-up. -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -Ben Greenfield's Austin Triathlon Training Camp: January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas!Click here for more details or to register now. - 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)           --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: gmurran asks via twitter: @bengreenfield: Which is better Glucosamine Hydrochloride vs. Sulfate for athletes? Patrick asks: Just how important is it to supplement electrolytes during exercise? The most recent Tri-Talk podcast made some pretty bold claims about the need to take in salts during exercise; more appropriately the lack of need in most situations. He went on to say that the only reason one would put such a premium on taking in salts while exercising is if he or she knows from personal experience that salt either helps or doesn't hurt. What is your take on the issue? Here's a link to the podcast that Patrick refers to. Chuck calls in and asks a question about converting slow twitch muscle into fast twitch muscle in the off-season, and whether it will help him with triathlons. Jeff asks: I've thought that I've been suffering with plantar faciitis, but have actually been diagnosed now by my podiatrist with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. I'm a runner and looks like running is out during rehab and recovery. What types of fitness activities would you recommend? Laura asks: I had two arthroscope surgery on the same knee in the past two years. The first was a torn meniscus due to jumping on a trampoline, and the second was cartilage damage clean up. It's been 10 weeks since the second surgery, and my knee is still very painfully sore and full of edema. The doc says I need time for the lubricant to build back up, but I am almost to the end of that time frame. This injury has compromised my lifestyle tremendously and shudder to think I may kneed(ha) more surgery. Do you have any suggestions for my knee, particularly any kind of supplement you might recommend? Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. -------------------------------------------- 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. 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.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this episode -If you want to keep the Inner Circle Podcast going, please click here to sign up for $10 donations. In this November 10, 2010 free audio episode: Bionx Supermodel Interview Part II, the ketogenic cycle diet, smartphone apps for calorie counting, barefoot cross training, is distilled water healthy, commuting to work on a bike, taking fat loss supplements before a run, doing a half ironman after a marathon, pain on the inside of the knee, and cramping from tea and coffee. 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Featured Topic: Bionx Supermodel You can access Part I of this interview by clicking here. James Autio is considered to have one of the most brilliant micro-nutritional minds in the world. James has been providing a top-secret "legal" performance enhancement aid to world class athletes, soldiers, and high-level CEO's for years. In this audio interview, James is introducing the theories and practice behind his greatest creation ever, entitled "Bionx Supermodel". Click here to learn more about Bionx Supermodel, and to get access to the .pdf's and information that James discusses in our interview. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: -If you want to keep the Inner Circle Podcast going, please click here or click the button on the right to sign up for $10 donations. -Click here to nominate BenGreenfieldFitness in the Health/Fitness category for the Podcast Awards. -Contact Ben Greenfield via e-mail by clicking here if you want the brand new, 2011 two piece BenGreenfieldFitness racing uniform ($99+S&H). Important: you must e-mail Ben by this Friday if you want to get in on the order. Sizing chart available here. To see a picture of Ben wearing a triathlon racing uniform made by this same company, visit http://bengreenfieldtri.blogspot.com. -Unlimited E-mail Access to Ben: if you simply want unlimited, private training and nutrition Q&A e-mail access to Ben Greenfield, it is $175/month. Click here to sign-up. -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -Ben Greenfield's Austin Triathlon Training Camp: January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas!Click here for more details or to register now. - 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)         --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Dan asks: I have read about the ketogenic cycle diet and wonder if you could provide a brief review of it. Alan asks: Is it possible that drinking caffeine - tea or coffee - before working out can cause cramps? I ask because I have repeatedly been getting cramps in both the right side of my neck and my chest. Mike asks: I cook a lot, mostly with "real" food, and generally it's pretty complex. Do you know of any smartphone apps that you can plug either a recipe into and then it will tell you what the nutrient/calorie content of a set amount would be? Paul asks: Just wondering, with so much focus on the benefits of barefoot running, wouldn't it make sense to do cross training barefoot. I usually do yoga and core workouts barefoot as I feel it gives me a little more of an unbalanced feeling. Other than considerations of things like weights falling on your feet, and athletes foot in a gym, couldn't all cross training benefit from going barefoot? Les asks: I was wondering what your opinion on drinking distilled water on a regular basis was. sensei_k asks via Twitter @bengreenfield: Any adjustments needed to periodized tri training to accommodate aerobic 10 mile rides to & from work (5 days)? John asks: Next year my current race schedule has me running a marathon with my son one weekend and competing in a 1/2 ironman the following weekend. Is one week enough time to recover from an "easy" marathon effort in order to truly compete in a 1/2 ironman the following weekend? Jeffrey asks: I am currently training for a Marathon and because of my schedule I do all my runs in the early morning. Typically I will run before I eat and then within 45 minutes of my workout. For my long runs I need to fuel up so I eat first thing. I am overweight (5'10" / 210 lb.), so I am using the LeanFactor and ThermoFactor supplements. My question is this, should I take the supplements before I workout (1 hour before Meals) or should I wait until my second meal of the day before starting the daily regimen? Chris asks: I have some moderate inflammation on the inside side of my left knee. Do you have any advice on how to relieve this pain and/or stretch this area of the body and how to strengthen my body laterally w/o a recurrence of this pain? Graeme asks: Just wanted to get your advice on some exercise that will help to prevent Runners Knee. Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. -------------------------------------------- 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. 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.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this episode -If you want to keep the Inner Circle Podcast going, please click here to sign up for $10 donations.   In this November 3, 2010 free audio episode: How Do Navy Seals, Jet Fighter Pilots & Ironman Triathletes Get That Extra Edge, sitting vs. standing at your job, is grazing unhealthy, a recovery supplement you put in your coffee, using amino acids during training, which days of the week should you workout, jogger's nipple, triathlon bikes vs. road bikes, eliminating sweat smell, natural alternatives to antidepressants, and what tests to ask for at your doctor. 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Featured Topic: James Autio James Autio is considered to have one of the most brilliant micro-nutritional minds in the world. James has been providing a top-secret "legal" performance enhancement aid to world class athletes, soldiers, and high-level CEO's for years. In this audio interview, James is introducing the theories and practice behind his greatest creation ever, entitled "Bionx Supermodel". Click here to learn more about Bionx Supermodel, and to get access to the .pdf's and information that James discusses in our interview. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: -If you want to keep the Inner Circle Podcast going, please click here or click the button on the right to sign up for $10 donations. -Thursday, November 4: Click here for more information on Ben Greenfield's upcoming USA Triathlon Webinar entitled "Advanced Techniques for Faster Injury Recovery", which will teach the injured triathlete or triathlon coach how to go beyond the simple "ice it" principle of injury recovery, and incorporate technologies such as automated compression, nutrition supplementation, meal modification, physical therapy modalities, cold laser and other tactics used by professional sports teams, but underutilized by the general coaching and triathlete population. The webinar is Thursday, November 4! -Sunday, November 7th: In this free webinar, Chef Todd will be revealing his best chef secrets and methods for: -Planning a holiday menu for variety and budget -Precise grocery shopping to avoid wasted money -Chef secrets for the most moist bird you've ever been proud of -Stuffing and carving techniques for an attractive holiday serving platter -The best methods for using leftovers to extend the investment in your meal -Best Pot-Luck tips for wow-ing them at the neighborhood get-together -And more secrets and shortcuts for a stress-free holiday meal ...with a cooking class entitled "Holiday Cooking Success Class", and all you have to do is pre-register by clicking here to get access to the FREE class on this Sunday, November 7th. -Unlimited E-mail Access to Ben: if you simply want unlimited, private training and nutrition Q&A e-mail access to Ben Greenfield, it is $175/month. Click here to sign-up. -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -Ben Greenfield's Austin Triathlon Training Camp: January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas!Click here for more details or to register now. - 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) --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: David asks: Just read an interesting article on MSNBC's website that suggests that even if you exercise regularly, sitting at a desk for any significant length of time is killing you. I've heard you talk about standing during the day, but this can be awkward for many jobs. Any comments on the article? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39523298/ns/health-mens_health/ In my response to David, I mention the Trekdesk Treadmill Desk. James asks: When you graze, is there an increased risk in regards to consistently elevated blood sugars? I know it will make a difference if I'm grazing on candy and refined/processed food items, but what if I'm grazing on highly nutritious food items? BrockSky asks via Twitter: @bengreenfield What do you think of www.caffedicorsa.com? I use it after a long run, in a lattè, with a banana and a handful of almonds. Joel asks: I've been experimenting with using amino acids in capsules during long training runs and marathons. Long story short I seem to notice a positive effect; feeling better during my runs, less pain and faster recovery afterwards when I use them compared to when I don't. Do you know of any research that supports this apparent effect and do you have any experience with this yourself? Hunter asks: I'm completing my first year of participating in road races and triathlons. I work full time and, like most age group athletes, do my long run and bike workouts on Saturday and Sunday. My work schedule has changed to four 10 hour shifts a week and now have Thursdays off as well as the weekend. How could I make best use of the added oppurtunity to train on Thursdays? anksH asks via Twitter: @bengreenfield ..have u touched on joggers nipple and what can be done to heal or protect them?? Painful!! Andrew calls in with a question about road bikes vs. tri bikes. Christian asks: How do you get the sweat smell out of heart rate monitor strap or iPod arm holder? In my response to Christian, I mention ActionWipes Spray. Rodrigo asks: I suffer from anguish and anxiety and have been taking clonazepam (similar to Prozac). Is there any suggestion you could have on some other supplement which does not need of a medical prescription, which really is  a pain and makes it double as expensive? Prozac: Panacea or Pandora? the Rest of the Story on the New Class of Ssri Antidepressants Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lovan, Luvox & More. Peter asks: I have recently focused on healthy fat intake, vitamin d, and other supplement strategies. Bioletics testing is an option for me but I have good health insurance from work and plan to get bloodwork done soon. If you had to get a complete assessment of your health using standard blood tests available through a physician, what tests would you request? I plan to minimally have the following checked: TSH (I have mild hypothyroidism), testosterone, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. What else can I request to get these all done in one shot? Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. -------------------------------------------- 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. 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.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben.                         Ben Greenfield (pictured above) just returned from racing a triathlon in Jamaica to respond to this week's massive listener Q&A Click here for the full written transcript of this episode 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: -Flexible Option: if you simply want unlimited Q&A e-mail access to Ben Greenfield, it is $175/month. Click here to sign-up. In addition, if you're a TrainingPeaks user, you can get full access to Ben's training libraries and videos by following the instructions in the video below: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyXd_G0MijY -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -New Refund Policy for Austin Training Camp: you can sign up now by clicking here, still get the early bird discount, and Ben will honor refunds until December 1! Think forward to your training next January...Will you be tired of the indoor trainer and the treadmill and that black line on the bottom of the pool? Are you going to be struggling to stay motivated for those wet 5-hour slogs in this rainy/snowy winter climate? Are you planning on ANY 2011 triathlon event from Olympic distance up to Ironman? Then this event is going to be perfect for you. Pacific Elite Fitness is proud to announced an Official 2011 Triathlete Training Camp, January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas! Click here for more details or to register now. - 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)         --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Bethany asks: After my second baby I experienced a fairly significant diastasis recti and have been avoiding crunches, back-bends, and front planks upon advisement these may worsen the diastasis.  I have been trying to hold in my transverse abdominis muscle with all weightlifting and started performing the side-planks you recommended after your last podcast.  Are there any other exercises you think may be useful for helping the split close? Greg asks: I train with a triathlon team for Ironman and Half Iron distance races. The front runners tend to form a tight peleton during bike training, drafting heavily and taking turns with the lead. I've avoided this, not only because you can't draft during a triathlon, but because it seems like I would be cheating myself out of the complete workout. For example if we had a 100 mile ride, if I was in a peleton, would it turn out to be an effort of a 70 or 80 mile ride? Rick asks: I am sure you probably read the headlines about this swimmer's unfortunate death during a race -- I never thought about heat exhaustion during a swim. I was just wondering if you had any thoughts on this topic that you could share in your podcast. http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2010/10/24/swimmer-dies-overexertion-race-uae-officials-say/ Ron asks: You spoke about taking "fish oil" for joint improvement.- how often and in what form do you use it? Also, I curious about the Double Bonded Protein....taking it 6x a day seems like a lot.! Is this due to your body size and consumption of calories? Would you recommend this to someone who is 5'11" 175 or do you need to take a hard look at each indiviudals need for fueling and recovering to determine whats the right amoun for them to take? Nutrition cover at your triathlon training camp? In my response to Ron, I mention the Pharmax capsules and Udo's from Bioletics. Erin asks: I think you might be able to help me with a problem I have been having for quite some time (progressing over a year). I am experiencing quad fatigue and ache (right side only) while riding my bike. Sometimes the fatigue goes down into the outer calf. The symptoms come and go depending on resistance (hill/wind will aggravate thigh more). It happens on all bike rides, but it can be quite frustrating on longer bike rides. Yesterday I did a flat 90 miler with a lot of wind averaging 18mph. It was pretty tough. I took in 1700 calories (excessive I think), thinking that caloric intake might be the problem. No change. I have had numerous sport muscle massages, most recently every 2 weeks, and have noticed little change. My bike has been fitted and refitted by a respectable fitter 3 times in the past 5 months. No change in the hamstring fatigue. Been to chiropractors, and PT's that were no help. Kevin asks: I am a 61 yr old male, I exercise regularly and am very fit. I engage in hillwalking which can be quite strenuous at times. Recently I noticed that no matter how much water I am drinking during a normal working day my urine is quite dark. By chance I had a routine blood test that showed bilirubin at 23 (normSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben.                 Mike Before Click here for the full written transcript of this episode Mike, pictured above at over 400 pounds, is interviewed in this episode...scroll down to the bottom of this post to see what Mike looks like now! In this October 20, 2010 free audio episode: getting rid of a stubborn gut, combining strength with endurance training, and how to lose over 220 pounds. 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Featured Topic: How To Lose 220 Pounds In today's featured topic, I interview Mike, who originally asked a question in Podcast #108 (listen to that podcast by clicking here), and whose story is below (from Pantagraph.com). We talk in detail about how he lost the weight. Triathlete Mike Bernico isn't sure how much he weighed at his peak two years ago. His scale didn't go higher than 380, and the needle was pinned. "I was almost 400," guessed the technical analyst at State Farm Insurance Cos. He stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and his waist was 50 inches around. Today, Bernico, 32, weighs 178 pounds as he prepares for the upcoming Tri Sharks Classic Triathlon at Comlara Park near Hudson on June 5. His body fat measures just 8.1 percent. His waist is 32 inches. Bernico made small lifestyle changes at first. "Like not having an entire pizza for dinner," he said with a smile. Better menus and portion control came next. At 330 pounds, he started strength training. He bought a recumbent bicycle trainer and started to spin his legs. His knee withstood the challenge. After a time, he bought a road bike and rode outside. By the end of 2008, he could go up to 60 miles at a time. That's when someone urged him to complete a triathlon, where participants are timed as they swim, bike and run. One of the fastest growing sports in America, participation grew by nearly 70 percent to nearly 1.1 million from 2006-2008, according to the Outdoor Foundation. USA Triathlon, the sports governing organization, had 53,000 members in 2004. That number is more than twice that today. Approached with the idea of being a triathlete, Bernico's response was, "No way." But he found a couch-to-5K (3.1 mile) training course that gradually ramps up running time and distance. He practiced swimming. He did a short triathlon in Sullivan in April 2009. Last June, he found himself on the shore of Evergreen Lake at Comlara Park with other triathletes ready to hit the water at the start of the Tri-Sharks Classic Triathlon, a sprint-distance race named after Bloomington's triathlon club. Athletes swim 600 yards, bike 12.5 miles and run 3.1 miles. McLean County is becoming a hub of triathlon and endurance sports in Illinois and the Midwest. The field of 600 fills up in a matter of minutes when registration opens several months before the event, said race director Colleen Klein. Bernico will be joined by his fiancée, Lana Fryer, 27, a Bloomington pharmacist, who will compete in her first triathlon. Mike Mikel of Bloomington also will do his first sprint triathlon. Mikel started bike riding and later added swimming and running to get back in shape before he turned 40. He signed up for the triathlon when he realized he was doing all three sports during workouts. "This (competing in triathlons) gives me another goal," said Mikel, who also is using triathlons as a way to raise money for The Children's Foundation of Children's Home + Aid, where he is a board member. (See the outdoor column on F-1.) The Children's Foundation will be title charity sponsor for the Tri Sharks Classic in 2011. As for Bernico, he plans to do an Olympic-distance race at the Evergreen International Triathlon July 17 at Comlara Park, where he placed fifth in his age group last year. Distances are doubled to 1,200 yards in the water, 25 miles on a bike and a 6.2 mile run. He also will compete at Steelhead, a half Ironman in Bentown Harbor, Mich., at the end of July. In 2011, he plans to complete an Ironman triathlon, which many consider the most grueling athletic test of all. The race tests the limits of physical endurance with a swim of 2.4 miles, a bike competition of 112 miles and a marathon distance run of 26.2 miles. Competitors must complete the entire 140.6 miles in 17 hours. Bernico, who blogs at http://iron-path.blogspot.com, weighs and logs everything he eats now. Those small healthy changes have led to a diet without processed foods. "I'm very careful," he said. Still, he exercises so much now he still loses weight even though he's eating a normal 3,000 calories a day. The irony amuses him. "I'll just have to eat more," he said, with a laugh. Perhaps more important than the weight loss is the attitude change that has accompanied his transition, he said. He's gone through tough times with a more positive outlook. "It's changed everything in my life," Bernico said. "It's brought a different perspective into things. I've learned about nutrition, staying active and healthy, but I've learned no matter how bad things get, no matter what happens, I can suffer through it. After you do a triathlon, there is nothing you can't do. It's the triathlete mindset." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: -Flexible Option: if you simply want unlimited Q&A e-mail access to Ben Greenfield, it is $175/month. Click here to sign-up. In addition, if you're a TrainingPeaks user, you can get full access to Ben's training libraries and videos by following the instructions in the video below: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyXd_G0MijY -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -New Refund Policy for Austin Training Camp: you can sign up now by clicking here, still get the early bird discount, and Ben will honor refunds until December 1! Think forward to your training next January...Will you be tired of the indoor trainer and the treadmill and that black line on the bottom of the pool? Are you going to be struggling to stay motivated for those wet 5-hour slogs in this rainy/snowy winter climate? Are you planning on ANY 2011 triathlon event from Olympic distance up to Ironman? Then this event is going to be perfect for you. Pacific Elite Fitness is proud to announced an Official 2011 Triathlete Training Camp, January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas! Click here for more details or to register now. - 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)         --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Listener Mike asks:  My question concerns the timing of weight workouts relative to endurance workouts. What is the correct timing for hitting the weights if on the same day as a swim, bike or run workout? Should a strength session fall immediately after a ride or swim or with a few hours between? Should they be avoided on long days all together and fall on easy and rest days? It seems that introducing a couple of sessions a week on top of a full SBR schedule would put one in a constant state of tearing down muscle fibers with little time between to rebuild/recover. Listener Mike asks: I gave up smoking almost 17 months ago. Then within one month of stopping smoking ballooned out to 93kgs...Predominantly in my gut..  still skinny legs and arms..The whole time i had been going to the gym atleast 4/5 a times week.. doing a class (pump/step/spin/combat each visit)...The weight didn´t move.. neither did my 7 month pregnant gut (101cm). How do i get rid of this last 5kgs from my gut and will i have to keep doing gym for the rest of my life like crazy to be at my former weight and bodyshape when i was a smoker. Mike asks: I'm a triathlete in my second year of triathlon training.  I've just completed my first 70.3 and I'm hoping to do a full next year.  I'm 5'10 and currently weigh 178 pounds.  I've been measured by the local university Exercise Phys lab at 8.1% body fat.  I'm self coached.  Three years ago I weighed over 400 pounds, and I've lost over 220 pounds eating right and exercising. My leg strength seems to be a big limiter.  My legs always give out before my lungs do.  I have great cardio fitness, with a VO2max of around 66 and a resting HR of 35.  However, my bike FTP is only around 235, which gives me a power to weight ratio of 2.9 W/Kg. I've been trying to address this by doing intervals at 90-100% of FTP for 10 to 20 minutes 1 to 2 times a week.  It helps, but I'm wondering if there is more I could be doing as the improvement is very slow going.  I've only gained about 15W on my FTP since January. Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. -------------------------------------------- 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. 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):                                                       Mike After Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ------------------------------------------------------ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Screenshot of the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app!  Click here for the full written transcript of this episode Pictured above - a screenshot of the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here. [powerpress] In this October 13, 2010 free audio episode: does Ritalin inhibit weight loss, compulsive eating, calorie tracking systems, are ab benches a waste of time, elevation training, losing sleep after workouts, how to recover from a bike crash, indoor bike training, leg tightness after exercise, what is muscle memory, stretching before a bike ride, chocolate milk, beets, headaches during exercise, a supplement called elevator, and how to recover from an Ironman. 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: -Flexible Option: if you simply want unlimited Q&A e-mail access to Ben Greenfield, it is $175/month. Click here to sign-up. -Full transcripts of BenGreenfieldFitness podcast now available! Click here to check them out! -Here's what you get in the new BenGreenfieldFitness iPhone app, which you can get for free by clicking here: -Weekly audio podcast featuring exercise and nutrition Q&A with Ben and a featured interview with a health or fitness expert. -Articles unlike any you’ll read on other sites, featuring the real truth about your health, your body, diet, medicine and more. -Workout and recipe videos – designed for the complete beginner up to the advanced athlete. -Nutrition supplements, popular diets, workout programs, book and video reviews from Ben Greenfield. -24/7 access to ask your questions to Ben, suggest custom content for the articles and videos, or request guest experts. -New Refund Policy for Austin Training Camp: you can sign up now by clicking here, still get the early bird discount, and Ben will honor refunds until December 1! Think forward to your training next January...Will you be tired of the indoor trainer and the treadmill and that black line on the bottom of the pool? Are you going to be struggling to stay motivated for those wet 5-hour slogs in this rainy/snowy winter climate? Are you planning on ANY 2011 triathlon event from Olympic distance up to Ironman? Then this event is going to be perfect for you. Pacific Elite Fitness is proud to announced an Official 2011 Triathlete Training Camp, January 31-February 7, 2011 at the Endurance Ranch in Austin, Texas! Click here for more details or to register now. - 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)         --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Jessica asks: I know you've discussed the effects of caffeine and other stimulants with respect to one's adrenal system, but have you ever gone into detail about medications used to treat ADHD - such as Ritalin and Adderall? Obviously they can temporarily suppress one's appetite, but other than that, if someone uses them as prescribed for adult ADHD, are there any negatives that might hurt one's ability to lose weight? Kathleen asks: The major thing that is holding me back is nutrition- one day I am right on my calorie goals and eat what I had planned for the day, etc. (it's a little difficult here planning foods because our food is the product of whatever the Academy serves however I'm usually good at planning) and the next day I come back am for some reason lose control and consume more than my daily allotment of calories so by the end of the week I am usually break even. Right now I am trying to cut down but the progress is very slow because of this. I was wondering what advice you have? Michael asks: My mother and my brother are obese and both have an interest in losing weight by eating better and exercise. I was wondering which calorie tracking system should I get, if any. In my response to Michael, I mention my nutrition plans at http://tinyurl.com/tpplans. ryanqualle asks via twitter: @bengreenfield Do ab benches in the gym actually help or are they just a waste of time? Rebecca asks: 1) I live at 800 ft and want to do a marathon at 9000 ft next summer. I cannot train at elevation. I am not trying to PR, but would like to finish feeling as if I ran well given the circumstances. Given how elevation affects AT, would I best be served by focusing on raising my AT through hill work and speed sessions on the track or would I best be served by running a different race? 2) I have difficulty sleeping after a hard run - especially tempo and long - even though I am taking magnesium and a epsom salt bath. I tend toward being at the low end of normal for iron and B-12 and have had difficulty with electrolyte balance in the past. I do have a G2 after such a workout as well as ONE reward beer (along with normal eating). Suggestions as to why I cannot sleep on those nights? Chris asks: What considerations to nutrition and other methods(stretching/massage) are good to do when you hit the dirt? Hard. I recently crashed my mnt bike, but I don't have any broken bones or very much to speak of with abrasions. I do feel like I got hit by a bus, with only minor bruises to show. It pretty much hurts to do anything that requires me to move my body, especially moving my left arm in any direction and the entire left side of torso. Soreness is a little better day to day, but I think this could go on for a few weeks before I'm back with the program. Should this type of injury be treated any differently than a typical training injury? Jim asks: Could you recommend a good, reasonably priced, compact bike trainer that I can put in my closet when not using it and also discuss the differences in workouts between riding outside and riding on the trainer (some people have mentioned to me that I can actually get a better, quicker workout on the the trainer). In my response to Jim, I mention the Kurt Kinetic Trainer, which you can see by clicking here. Graeme asks: I just completed a half marathon after 3 weeks where I maintained intense cycle intervals and sessions but was unable to run due to a calf strain. It felt my CV was still at a good level but a felt quad tightness from only 4 miles into the race. I finished well exceeding my goal but I'm paying for it, I have chronic tightness in my legs. I completed a 70.3 and a few Oly Tris earlier in the year with none of these after effects. Can you explain for what happened physiologically? Were my legs deconditioned to running during this time, I would be very interested to hear the explanation. Graeme asks: When I used to weight train I believed in the theory of 'muscle memory' when trying to regain muscle force. I felt my strength came back quickly and I could get back to previous levels of muscle force reasonably quickly then I had a feeling of plateauing at the similar levels to my previous levels. Was this theory imaginary, does it exist and if so does it apply to regaining VO2/ threshold levels/ neuro muscular responses etc. Robin asks: I am studying to be a Massage Therapist, and, have an opportunity to be a Massage Therapist for bike touring group. I am looking for an exceptional book to guide me to the best stretching techniques for cyclist, so I can incorporate them into my massage sessions, and, prior to the days riding. In my response to Robin, I mention the DVD "Yoga For Endurance Athletes". Dan asks: Wondering if you have seen the stuff about chocolate milk after workouts and the potential for beets to improve endurance performance? Can you comment on these? Julian asks: Q1. My sport of choice is motocross. After riding I get headaches but not straight away. After an hour's rest I get these acute headaches that only last whilst my heart rate is elevated. This only happens after riding motocross and doesn't happen when I do other high intensity workouts. Q2. I just recently bought Musashi Elevator. The guy in the store said that the new research shows that the recovery starts during the workout and this was a good product to prevent soreness. In my response to Julian, I mention Recoverease (pictured left). Ioan asks: My question is, assuming you followed the nutrition plan in the IM Dominator program pre and during the event - what exactly is your nutrition plan from the second you cross the finish line for say the first 24-48 hours of recovery? I'd really like to hear this as I've experienced "near fainting" some 3-4 hours post the IMs I've done. Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. -------------------------------------------- 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! Justclick here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. 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):             Scroll down to donate anything over $15 to the show, and Ben will send you a BenGreenfieldFitness.com t-shirt...you can also conveniently donate any amount with your phone by simply clicking here. ------------------------------------------------------See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.