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 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas Edison said, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” In this free audio episode, released August 5, 2009, I interview today's "Doctor of the Future" and author of The Magnesium Miracle - Dr. Carolyn Dean (I also answer follow-up questions from Podcast Episode #53 about who to contact if you want to get tested for the six performance factors) Dr. Dean is not only a medical doctor, but also a naturopath, herbalist and acupuncturist. She’s authored 16 books including The Yeast Connection and Women’s Health, IBS for Dummies and The Magnesium Miracle. Radio, TV and magazines interview her regularly — including ABC, NBC and CBS. She's the Medical Director for the Nutritional Magnesium Association. During our interview, Dr. Dean and I discuss her book and touch on some very interesting topics, including: -Why people who eat healthy, exercise frequently, and take care of their bodies still need to worry about magnesium deficiency. -Why a magnesium deficiency could give an athlete a heart attack (go to http://www.nutritionalmagnesium.org to watch the 2 minute video that shows why the calcium/magnesium balance is so important) -Ben Greenfield and Carolyn Dean's thoughts on exactly what an athlete could do during competition to maintain magnesium levels. Dr. Dean mentions"H2O Minerals angstrom supplement"andNatural Calm's "magnesium citrate powder" and Ben mentions "Ancient Minerals topical magnesium oil". -Different methods of testing magnesium levels (Dr. Dean mentions "exatest.com"). Also listen in to Podcast Episode #53 with Dr. Richard Cohen for other tests that you should consider. -Exactly what needs to be on your grocery shopping list of foods that offer a high source of magnesium. -The 26 different health hazards you risk because of a magnesium deficiency. -And much, much more... -------------------------------------------------------- That’s all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback! Finally, remember all the time put into producing this podcast for you, and consider donating to our show (we’ll throw in a free T-shirt)!   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 July 23, 2009 free audio episode, I cover the following topics: an amazing expose on the dangers of genetically modified foods, double-bonded protein, running with low back pain, an update on the Shape21 Fat Loss Challenge and ProstElan for cyclists. -------------------------------------------------------- Featured Topic: Listen to this episode for an explosive exposé by Jeffrey M. Smith, who documents significant health dangers of genetically modified (GM) foods and the intense industry influence and political corruption that allow them on the market. His book, Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating has been hailed as the best book on the topic, and many believe that the revelations in this book can topple an industry. In the talk, he documents how the world’s most powerful Ag biotech companies bluff and mislead critics, and put the health of society at risk. Smith describes how biotech companies rigged research, hid health dangers and pressured government regulators to approve food that even FDA scientists said was unsafe! -------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Listener Paul asks: "I have a question about Mt. Capra's new double bonded  protein. I'm looking to lean up and put on some muscle. A lot of the other  protein powders I checked into use some kind of acid treatment and  higher heat which I've been told makes the protein dead. How is double  bonded protein processed and how much heat is used?" Listener Janet asks: "Is it ok to run with some lower back pain? What things should I be considering before going ahead?  Any help would be appreciated. I am very grateful for your help." In my response to Janet, I reference the website http://www.runwithnopain.com. Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply “Skyping” me at username “pacificfit“. You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. -------------------------------------------------------- "You're going to hear me mention this in my show for the next couple months: We're taking a survey of our listeners, and we'd like you to participate. It will help us learn more about you - no matter how long you've been a listener or how frequently you listen to this show. So please take a few minutes and click below. You can complete the survey anonymously. Thanks!" -------------------------------------------------------- Also mentioned in this podcast…Special Announcements: 1. Vote for Ben Greenfield as the best cycling tip on twitter! http://www.mindsettriathlon.com/mst_tweetcontest.php 2. The Shape21 Lean Body Challenge ended today, and the results are rolling in! Check out the photos below, then surf on over to http://www.shape21.com to get your brand new copy of Ben Greenfield's Shape21 Book/DVD package (the same book the woman below used to lose 25 pounds in 63 days and still feel fantastic) mailed to your front doorstep, along with the opportunity to win 1 full year of online personal training and nutrition guidance from Ben! 3. For those of you in the Spokane, WA area, on Thursday evening, July 30 from 6pm-8pm, Fresh Abundance is launching a Lecture series called "Take Charge of Your Health". The first lecture focuses on The Biology of Dairy, Soy Milk & Dairy Alternatives and will cover the following topics: - History of dairy - Pasteurized milk - Raw milk - Goat milk - Powdered milk - Pasteurization - Dairy cows - Hormones & antibiotics - Dairy feed then and now - Kefir Grains - Soy milk, rice milk, nut milk - Calcium - Vitamin D This lecture is about the facts. This is a non-judgmental lecture with the goal of giving you real answers so you can make real decisions about your health. This lecture is open to the public for $25 per person or at a reduced rate of $20 for current Fresh Abundance members who pre-register. Call Fresh Abundance at (509) 533-272 to register. 4. Gotten excited by the Tour De France and cycling season? If you are a male cyclist, you need to watch the video below about ProstElan. That’s all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback! Finally, remember all the time put into producing this podcast for you, and consider donating to our show (we’ll throw in a free T-shirt)! 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 The story behind the highly unconventional Podcast Episode #51 (NOT podcast episode #52 as I accidentally say in the introduction!): This week I made a big mistake. I accidentally erased the recorded audio interview on “natural topical anti-inflammatories”. So I put the future of Podcast Episode #51 into the hands of the Ben Greenfield Fitness newsletter subscribers. Here’s what I asked: write down the one burning question you have about fat loss, nutrition or human performance (try to make it relevant and unique). Then just e-mail it to ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. The FIRST question I received was promised a brand new midnight black and lime green BenGreenfieldFitness t-shirt. And here was the official FIRST question: ———————————————————————– “Hey Ben, I’ve been charting my meals online to monitor calorie intake now that I’m not training for long-distance events, and the most frustrating thing I find is estimating your base metabolism and how many calories you truly should be eating in a day. There is a HUGE amount of variance from site to site, depending on your normal daily activity level and amount of exercise. Is it worth being tested or consulting a “real” nutritionist/dietitian, or is there a reliable do it yourself source for this kind of information? And, relatedly, many of these sites also estimate amount of calories you burn in exercise, which also seems entirely arbitrary and potentially inaccurate, but I know my Polar is “off” too, so I only use it for estimating purposes. This gets frustrating when you’re trying to balance diet and exercise more closely. The bottom line: is good enough really “good enough” for using these systems for weight loss? I’m curious as to your opinion. Thanks for the podcasts and newsletters. They are always a good source of information.”   -Nicole ———————————————————————– Congratulations, Nicole! Your BenGreenfieldFitness t-shirt will go out just as soon as you e-mail in your mailing address (by the way, that picture above is a girl getting one of those resting metabolic tests I mention in the answer). But following Nicole’s question, I was then bombarded with a barrage of questions. So many questions, in fact, that I had to give an emergency call to my colleague  John Gilbert, the metabolism mastermind over at Human Wellness Solutions to help field these questions. John and I sat down in our Spokane metabolic laboratory to record this podcast and answer your questions, which were all fantastic! We decided to start by awarding the THREE top questions with a free exercise DVD from “100 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism”.We like this first question because it really strikes at the heart of what alot of people struggle with. Go ahead and send us your mailing address, Buddy! ———————————————————————– “How do you stay motivated when you know what to eat, how to lift and the amount of cardio that is necessary to lose weight but you can’t seem to “stick with it”. I have approximately 20 lbs to lose and when I lose 10 lbs I seem to notice that I feel better, my clothes fit better and I receive compliments from friends and family.  Then I fall off the dedication  wagon and quickly put the 10 lbs back on. A month or two of dedication lost in a matter of weeks. I’m trying to understand the psychology side to my self sabotage, any suggestions? I know you’re not a psychologist but any suggestions you have would be helpful.” Sincerely, Buddy – Going mental in Southern California! ———————————————————————– Believe it or not, many people, especially triathletes, really struggle with this next question, which also won a DVD. Mailing address please, Steve! “About 9 months ago when I got back into a training routine I was able to hit my max HR of ~170 with what seemed to be relatively low exertion. As my fitness improves I find it harder and harder to get my HR up. I used to do long runs @ 150 without a problem, now 143 – 145 is a huge effort. My endurance is greatly improved, and my pace is faster, but a max effort is now required just to reach LT. My LT tests yield lower numbers each time. Doing 100% effort 1 minute sprints or 4 min Tabata sessions won’t even allow me to reach max HR. I do not believe that I am over-trained and I don’t really feel terribly fatigued. What gives?! Is it just me or does this happen to anyone else?” Thanks – Steve ———————————————————————– OK, this next guy gets the last DVD just for going all out and asking a three part question. Now that’s dedication. Send us your mailing address, Thierry… “Q1:  what is your take on krill oil as a substitute for fish oil supplements? Read that it is more potent and does not give you the fishy burps or side effects. Q:2 there are a lot of claims being made regarding resveratol in wine and as a supplement. Is it something we should try to fit into my diet? Q:3. What do you think about taking the daily vitamin supplement 4-6 hrs apart. Currently I break my tablet in two and take one half with breakfast and the other with lunch or a snack.  I read somewhere that the body may not be able to absorb all the good stuff and that it may be excreted if not taken in smaller doses.” - Thierry ———————————————————————– Here are the rest of the questions that John and I address in the podcast… ———————————————————————– “How can I add more muscle to my neck?” David ———————————————————————– “A nutritionist told me that it is best to do your long ride or run (low intensity) on an empty stomach and not eat for at least the first hour as this improves the bodies ability to utilize fats when racing longer distances.  Is this correct and why?” Cheers – Graeme ———————————————————————– “Dear Ben, being a vegetarian can I still do the Shape21 plan?” Thank you – Heidi ———————————————————————– “I’ve always been into “fitness” even as a smoker.  I finally quit 18 months ago and feeling and looking ever so fabulous. Months after quitting, I continued to workout 5-6 days per week,  I didn’t change my diet by consuming more food, yet, the scale showed I was  “gaining weight”. i.e.  115pds before.  Was..137. I’ve only come down to 130 and yes,  I’m having a very difficult time getting back down.  I’m  ONLY 5″2″.    I’m very comfortable at 115 and I don’t want to take any type of drug to burn the fat.” HELP – anonymous ———————————————————————– “Hi Coach! If you had to name 5 supplements that no endurance athlete should do without, what would they be? ( Glutamine, creatine, resveratrol, fish oil, etc….) Thanks, Ben.” Sincerely, Joe ———————————————————————– “How should daily diets and caloric intake differ from 2/days to taper or recovery day with no exercise?” Thanks – Noah ———————————————————————– “I have 2 small kids who often don’t sleep through the night.  Some days I am just so tired.  Is it better to get a couple more hours of sleep or should I just get up and work out at 6 am anyway? I am really frustrated because I have lost 23 pounds so far but I still have a fat belly.  I have only lost 1 in around my waist.  What should I do?” Jennifer ———————————————————————– “Ben, As a person with occasional irritable bowel flair-ups (especially in stressful times like right before a triathlon), do you have any suggestions or nutritional thoughts on how to lessen or eliminate the flair-ups.” Julie ———————————————————————– “Can you recommend stretches or other solutions for extremely tight hips? I cannot bring my knees to my chest while holding them together and have very little internal rotation in my hips.” Kevin ———————————————————————– “Ben, I can’t figure out why I have this insatiable craving for fat at night, particularly for almond and sunflower butter. I know they are not bad fats to eat, however, I will get a bag of baby carrots and go through a whole jar in one setting. I do admit these cravings occur on big training days and know I’m not suppose to be refueling on fat. How do I stop these drug-like cravings for fat. Is it because my body prefers fat rather than carbohydrates for energy? Not sure if this would help, but I’m 6′0, 170, 3-hour marathoner who is currently training for Lake Stevens 70.3, what would you recommend I do? Love the podcast, I listen to them everyday on my way to work.” Thank you Ben - Tommy ———————————————————————– “Hey Ben, What are your thoughts on nightshades in relation to training/recovery/ anti-inflammatory properties…kind of gets u back on that track but let’s u expand on training intensity/volume n trying to manage it with supplements or food.” Peter ———————————————————————– “Does what you eat and when you eat really matter? E.g. If I have 3 slices of pizza will they give me belly fat and if I eat them 20 min before bed is the affect amplified?” Thanks – John ———————————————————————– “Ben, Are there certain foods that can aid in fat loss, or does fat loss depend on calories in versus calories out and musculature?” thanks, angel ———————————————————————– “Here is my question. How do you feel about the supplements like “fat burners”.  They are all over in terms of advertisements and promise to boost metabolism for everyone, regardless of activity level.” Thanks – Rich ———————————————————————– “What’s the best dinner and breakfast before race day, and also how long can you go without drinking water during a race, is it a bad thing to not drink anything during a race I usually don’t and my maximum distance is half marathon.” Thanks – Jesus ———————————————————————– “Hi Ben, I recently listened to one of your podcasts from May where an athlete mentioned gaining more weight during her IM training time than when she was a couch potato.  Your comment was that you heard that comment a lot. Well, I’m in the same boat.  I have been training for Ironman races since 2006 and every year since then have put on more weight and, in my opinion, gained more jiggly bits, then when I was just weight training and running for short distances.  I am not an elite triathlete or top age grouper.  Rather, I’m your average age grouper, or mere mortal.   I have been watching what I eat, and feel I eat a clean diet 95% of the time.  So why is it that I keep putting on the weight and gain body fat?  Is this just a normal thing as you age – I’m in my late 30s.  Or am I doing something wrong with my eating? I’m not sure if you can answer this question without knowing my training hours or looking at a food journal, but I’d greatly appreciate any advice you can give me, even if it is to do some research.” Susan ———————————————————————– “Hey, my burning question (having lost weight recently and being over 50) what can I do nutritionally, supplement / natural to handle the saggy baggy skin issue?” thank you- Joanne ———————————————————————– “I am in my mid-50’s and had used natural progesterone (derived from yam) for approximately 7 yrs. and, at first, was able to have some control over my weight and then, all of a sudden, it didn’t work anymore.  I then switched to natural bio-identical compounded estradial cream (myob/gyn said it  would help me in losing weight) and it didn’t do anything. I tried it (estradiol) for 6 months with no success and discontinued using it as I noticed no change.  I have continued my workouts - cardio and resistance – and am still stuck.  Do female hormones REALLY assist with fat loss?   I’ve not seen it in my experience, and I’ve tried both progesterone and estrogen (bio-identical) with no success when used singularly or in combination.  Thanks!” Jan ———————————————————————– "Hi Ben, What are your thoughts on Hammer Nutrition products in general and specifically Recoverite and Perpetuem?" Many Thanks, Joe ———————————————————————– "Hi Ben, hope things are great. I have one burning question: How do you lose weight without losing power on the bike/run. My situation is  183 cm tall and 80 kg weight (I am in Australia, don't know what that is in pounds)  am a 10.09, 5 x ironman and just ran a 3.00.12 marathon(with a 3 min toilet stop). I feel if I lost at least 4 - 5 kg it would get me that spot to Hawaii in the Australian Ironman. I need 9.40. Plus I look at the weight for height ratio's with the guys doing the tour de france at the moment and that is roughly what they are 183cm about 74 kg." Thanks, Nigel ———————————————————————– "I have a multi-part question about fuel for long training and racing:   How much, when and what is your "best practice" for fueling. I'm training for my 1st triathlon ... just a sprint distance, but am trying to determine what type of fuel and how much I need." Thank you, Ashley ———————————————————————– "Please explain the difference in sugars and also explain cortisol cycles as they pertain to circadian rhythm." Jim ———————————————————————– "What are the 3 (or more...pick any manageable number) most important initial steps for a beginner/novice to take when starting a fat loss program? What are the 3 (or more...pick any manageable number) most important initial steps to take in order to maintain/sustain progress after a fat loss program?" Jeff ———————————————————————– "Ben, Here's a question for the Q and A.  I recently found a calorie calculator online that is based on your gender, age, weight, average heart rate, and total time exercising.  In my opinion, this would be a more accurate way of determining calories burned during any activity: what was your average heart rate during the total time of activity.  Regardless of the activity, isn't the increase in heart rate most indicative of intensity and calories burned?  Thanks." Scott ———————————————————————– "If you only had one type of food to snack on during the day, what would it be and why?" Thanks, Joe ———————————————————————– "I recently reduced my stress level (I mean cut it by 75%!) and suddenly my  workouts were much more productive. I asked my trainer what we were doing  differently and he said nothing... it's your stress level.  So what exactly  is it that's going on there?  What is it about stress that was killing me and keeping me fat?" Thanks, Chip ———————————————————————– "Name one essential, must-have, won't-finish-unless-I-have-it thing (food, drink, goodie, supplement) that you take during your Iron distance races." Jon ———————————————————————– "I HAVE HEARD RECENTLY THAT CARBONATION SLOWS FAT METABOLISM 60%?  WHAT ARE THE CURRENT FACTS ABOUT DIET AND/OR REGULAR SODA? THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO." MARY ———————————————————————– "I'm allergic to all the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) that I've tried (aspirin, anaprox, meclomen, naprosyn, yada).  Do you have any ideas for some topical and for some ingestible natural anti-inflammatories that I might try?   The amount of NSAID has to significantly accumulate in my body before I get a rxn - so not to worry - I don't have an allergic reaction to the first few doses." Thanks in advance,  Jordeane ———————————————————————– Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply “Skyping” me at username “pacificfit“. You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. Also mentioned in this podcast… 1. You may remember that in 2009, I began training the girl who had tried everything for fat loss (32 year old stay-at-home mom who has already tried Slimfast, Atkins, Herbalife, Body for Life, interval training, personal training, detox, low-fat diet, horseback riding, Slim in 6, a home treadmill and elliptical, mini-trampoline, gym membership, cleanses, Weight Watchers, hoodia, green tea, calorie counting, walking, hiking, Tai-bo, Wii fit, Denise Austin, bands, exercise balls, yoga and Lean for Life). During this episode, I talk about our new strategy – the HCG diet for fat loss. She’s already lost 9lbs in just the first 6 days! Follow her story by clicking here. 2. At that same time in 2009, I began training a 55 year old man who wanted to become as lean and ripped as possible, while also wanting to gain optimum health and energy for his incredibly busy career as a public speaker and expert adviser. He is doing fantastic! Learn about how we shocked his body off a weight loss plateau by clicking here. After just 7 days of this protocol, David’s body was “shocked” for sure. He weighed in at 198 and 15% body fat on the day of our next visit! That is a drop of 21.5 pounds and 13% body fat, between January and July 2009! Weight: 198 (Starting Weight: 219.5); Body Fat: 15.39 (Starting Body Fat: 28.2%) 3. Only 7 days left in the 63 Day Fat Loss challenge using a copy of my book, “Shape21″. You’re not going to want to miss the action over at the Shape21 Lean Body Challenge website. There are photos, videos, and much, much more. How much fat can the human body lose in 63 days? Just click here to see photos and videos and read the latest testimonials from participants. 4. Check out the brand new http:/www.humanwellnesssolutions.com! That’s all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback! Finally, remember all the time put into producing this podcast for you, and consider donating to our show (we’ll throw in a free T-shirt)! 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 Can you believe that this is the fiftieth episode? And it's jam-packed with tips on how to get smarter! In this July 9 free audio episode,you'll learn... -How to trick your brain into instantly getting smarter... -The top 10 questions that I receive about fat loss, nutrition and human performance... -Information about something called "The HCG Diet" and how it pertains to fat loss... "-Shocking" the body off a weight loss plateau... -A magnesium deficiency and heart attacks update... -The answers to listener Q&A's on caffeine, ideal blood sugar levels before and during exercise, weightlifting for triathletes, liquid vegetables... -And much more! Featured Topic: The featured topic is an interview with Dr. Arlene Taylor, recognized as one of the world's leading "brain experts". During this interview, Dr. Taylor reveals the secrets of age-proofing your brain, organizing for your brain type, and actually making yourself smarter! You'll learn why not exercising by highways, choosing a different path to drive to work, and even hanging your home's pictures upside down can all make you smarter! During our interview, she includes intriguing information on: -The technique of "brain breathing"... -Specific exercises that will stretch  your brain... -Exactly what to avoid if you don't want to "damage" your mental capacities... -The unique relationship between something called "L-Theanine" and nerve growth factor... -Why a healthy brain is different than a healthy body... -How to keep your brain from degrading as you age... -Eating to support the brain... -And even the single secret "brain-boosting" supplement that the world's leading brain expert takes on a daily basis (click here to get your hands on some!) If you enjoy this interview with Dr. Taylor, you'll also want to check out her books, which are full of even more practical information. The one I mention during the interview is called "Brain Waves". You can click here for a list of all Arlene Taylor's books that are currently available on Amazon, including "Age-Proofing Your Brain" and "Organizing for Your Brain Type". Learn proven methods to keep your brain from aging and make you smarter! Research Review: The brand new Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research has hit the shelves, and in this podcast, Ben talks about the practical information gleaned from studies that investigate: -Breathing frequency and inspiratory muscle fatigue during freestyle swimming... -Plyometric exercise and muscle fatigue... -What happens to power:weight ratio when cyclists combine weight loss with hard training... -Effect of sugar-free Red Bull on run time to exhaustion... -The effect of carbohydrate ingestion during 60-90 minutes of exercise... Listener Q&A: -Listener Andrew asks: "I was hoping you could clear up some confusion I have about caffeine.  Currently, I avoid caffeine at all costs.  I consume no caffeine whatsoever. My question is if caffeine can be a part of a good nutrition plan.  Would it be okay (or perhaps even beneficial) to have a cup of coffee each day?  Or perhaps to begin drinking green tea?  What is your opinion on the FRS energy products and the caffeine they contain?  I've heard glowing reviews of that product line, even from Lance Armstrong himself." Click here to listen to the podcast where Ben Greenfield talks about Quercetin in FRS Energy Drinks OR... Click here for the podcast with Ben's general overview of FRS Energy Drinks. -Listener Amie asks: "I'd like to see if you could clarify some information I have been hearing.  Set me straight in other words.  So, I have heard that if your blood sugar level is between 70-90 before you exercise you will burn more fat.  That is apparently an optimal level for burning the most fat.  Can you confirm whether what I am hearing is true or false?  Also, I am told you are supposed to check your blood sugar level 20 minutes prior to exercise." -Listener Sue calls in with a question about being busy working 14 hour days, not having enough time to eat vegetables, and "putting her salads in the blender"! Click here for one of the liquid vegetable supplements "Enerprime" that I recommend to Sue. -Listener Wayne asks: "I am shooting to go 9:40 or lower at Arizona, and am going to do some intense training for it.  My question is should I hit the gym again during the summer for strength training, etc?  I tend the think the answer is "yes".  I am currently sitting right around race weight (176, down from 190 12 weeks ago, something i am going to try to do a better job of in the "offseason", but lifting weights tends to make me put the weight back on).  I have Lake Stevens and a couple sprints coming up, too." In my response to Wayne, I reference... “Ben Greenfield’s Top 12 Resistance Training Routines for Triathletes” - Easy to understand 20 page manual with complete instructions and guides to cutting-edge strength training programs for multi-sport athletes. The identical routines that Ben Greenfield uses in his triathlon training, adapted for all experiences and fitness levels, and packaged in an easy to use and instantly downloadable format. Includes detailed high-quality video instruction and workout demonstrations. Over 12 hours of personal training instruction from Ben Greenfield valued at over $1794.00, now retails for $19.95. Receive automatic $5 discount with coupon code “bengreenfieldfitness”. Click here to visit the book’s website & get your copy today! Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply “Skyping” me at username “pacificfit“. You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. New giveaway: Free copy of the "100 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism" Exercise DVD to the person who posts the best question for the next podcast OR leaves their question or comment to this blog post! Special Announcements: 1. Over at http://www.ironmantalk.com (a fantastic triathlon podcast), the hosts were discussing the rash of recent heart problems and cardiac related deaths among triathletes, most notably including Steve Larsen (died of heart attack while training) and Torborn Sindballe (ended career due to heart malfunction). It is still my strong belief that the recent interview with Dr. Mark Sircus, which you can find here, is a strong indicator that magnesium deficiencies are one of the leading causes of heart attacks and cardiac problems, especially in mineral-stripped endurance athletes. I highly recommend you listen to this eye-opening interview if you haven't yet, which will teach you exactly how you can avoid magnesium deficiency related heart issues during exercise. 2. Click here for the brand new video page where Ben Greenfield answers your top questions about fat loss, nutrition and human performance, including:                                                         1. Are calories ALL that count? 2. Why am I ALWAYS tired? 3. Does *running* or *walking* burn more calories? 4. What *gym machines* burn the most calories? 5. Can a high-fat diet ACTUALLY help you lose weight? 6. How do Nutrisystem, South Beach and Weight Watchers work? 7. What are the *top three* supplements for fat loss? 8. What body weight exercise burns the most calories? 9. What is the #1 way to motivate yourself to exercise? 10. Exactly how long does it take to lose 10 POUNDS? 3. You may remember that in 2009, I began training the girl who had tried everything for fat loss (32 year old stay-at-home mom who has already tried Slimfast, Atkins, Herbalife, Body for Life, interval training, personal training, detox, low-fat diet, horseback riding, Slim in 6, a home treadmill and elliptical, mini-trampoline, gym membership, cleanses, Weight Watchers, hoodia, green tea, calorie counting, walking, hiking, Tai-bo, Wii fit, Denise Austin, bands, exercise balls, yoga and Lean for Life). During this episode, I talk about our new strategy - the HCG diet for fat loss. Just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com, visit http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/hcgto learn more about this, or follow her story by clicking here. 4. At that same time in 2009, I began training a 55 year old man who wanted to become as lean and ripped as possible, while also wanting to gain optimum health and energy for his incredibly busy career as a public speaker and expert adviser. He is doing fantastic! Follow his story and see his incredible transformation by clicking here. 5. Only 13 days left in the 63 Day Fat Loss challenge using a copy of my book, "Shape21". You’re not going to want to miss the action over at the Shape21 Lean Body Challenge website. There are photos, videos, and much, much more. How much fat can the human body lose in 63 days?Justclick here to see photos and videosand read the latest testimonials from participants. That's all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback! Finally, remember all the time put into producing this podcast for you, and consider donating to our show (we'll throw in a free T-shirt)!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 This June 24, 2009 free audio episodeincludes an expert interview on low back pain and sacro-iliac joint issues, a bonus interview on  a breakthrough supplement for bone healing and stress fractures called "lactoferrin", as well as listener Q&A's on "Tapering for Triathlon" and "Crunchy Craving Snack Substitutes". This Week's Featured Topic: Dr. Brian Mather is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. He is the team chiropractor for the Spokane Chiefs Hockey Club and has over 10 years of clinical experience treating high-school, college and professional athletes. He served as chiropractor for the 2007 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and is now a contributing writer to Triathlete magazine and an emerging expert in low back pain, especially among the endurance athlete population. During our 15 minute interview, Dr. Mather and I discuss the latest findings on the #1 cause of low back pain among people who are physically active, and the exact steps that can be taken to eliminate the pain related to sacroiliac joint issues (SI joint syndrome). For more information on Dr. Mather, just visit Spokane Sports Chiropractic. In the second interview, I speak with a gentleman named Jim Dragon about a brand new nutritional supplement that is showing a great deal of promise for bone health and stress fractures. It is called "lactoferrin", and is found in an impressive dietary supplement called Osteodenx, which you can find by clicking here.The ingredients include a cocktail of many of the effective bone-building supplements we've discussed on this show, such as Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol), Folic acid, Zinc (from zinc oxide) , ELF (RNAse enriched-lactoferrin), hyaluronic acid, bromelain, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate 100 mg and Turmeric root extract. During the interview, you'll hear some impressive statistics and anecodotes about the efficacy of this interesting new capsule. Also, remember the interview on Ayurvedic Medicine? In this podcast, I also mention how I've been feeling since I started using the "Essence of Life" Fulvic and Humic acids from AmbayaGold.com. Also in this podcast: Listener Chuck asks: I had a couple questions I was hoping you could answer for me for my race next weekend.  On Sunday I will be racing Montclair Olympic triathlon in Virginia.  The race is on Sunday and I was curious about your recommendations for tapering the week before? Also, what is the best way to train the week after the race - take a day off, get right back into it? Listener Jane asks: Now that we're in the middle of the summer, I'm finding myself absolutely craving more calories in between meals, especially from "crunchy" foods, like cracker mixes and banana chips. Are these type of foods healthy for snacking? I have also received a couple questions about  online personal training. So I've answered them in a video. If you watch this video, and you want to find out how I can be your personal fitness or nutrition consultant, just go to http://www.pacificfit.net/bengreenfield.html Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply "Skyping" me at username "pacificfit". You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. Special Announcements in This Podcast Episode: -Just released: "Holistic Fueling For Ironman Triathletes" - the ultimate solution to fueling your body with the thousands of calories necessary for Ironman triathlon and ultra-endurance sports - without doing lasting damage to your vital organs, brain cells, skin and immune system! It's only available from "MindSet Triathlon", and for the next few days, they've featuring the new release with a huge $10 discount! To get the book now, just click here. -New giveaway: Free copy of the "100 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism" Exercise DVD to the person who posts the best comment on Leftover Lettuce post (click here to go to that post). Your comment must be about creative ways that you can use leftover lettuce. In this DVD,  you  have full access to the “Metabolism Booster” video workout series - five workouts designed to be quick and effective calorie-burners. These workouts include: Metabolism Booster 1: “Climb the Mountain” Metabolism Booster 2: “Twist & Tone” Metabolism Booster 3: “4 Minute Frenzy” Metabolism Booster 4: “Jump Into Action” Metabolism Booster 5: “No-Sweat” -You’re not going to want to miss the action over at the Shape21 Lean Body Challenge website. There are photos, videos, and much, much more. How much fat can the human body lose in 63 days?Justclick here to see photos and videosand read the latest testimonials from participants. -The ultimate audio collection: Ben Greenfield Fitness, Volumes 1 & 2 have been released as a 10 CD multi-disc set:Now you can listen to any of the health, fitness or nutrition audio episodes on the convenience of your home or car CD player. I've only ordered 100 of the sets, but you can get over 1500 minutes of cutting-edge audio today for the web-only special of $47 by clicking here. A $10 discount is given away in this week's podcast. Just listen in to get your $10 gift! That's all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback!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 This June 18, 2009 free audio episodeincludes a special swim interview for you triathletes, as well as listener Q&A's on "Chia Seeds" (are they actually superior to flax seed?), Peanut Butter (is it really as bad as some nutritionists say?), Insulin Spikes from post-workout nutrition, Fasting for Weight Loss, and one very interesting natural remedy to fix a knee injury... This Week's Featured Topic: By now, you have probably realized that there is a pretty stark contrast between swimming 25 yards, pushing off a wall, and swimming back...and fighting your way through 1.5K or more in choppy lake water. This is especially true if you like to follow the big black or blue line on the bottom of the pool. So who's to blame? You? Or your pool-side coach/master's swim instructor/triathlon mentor for not teaching you a stroke that actually works in the open water? Maybe a little bit of both. So today's podcast episode contains the answers to "17 Open-Water Swim Questions That You Should Probably Ask Your Swim Coach.", and it features John Kenny, a triathlon coach from Pacific Elite Fitness. John was a 5-time US National champion in open water swim distances ranging from 10K up to 25K.  He was a 7-time National team member and has competed at a wide variety of races including Nationals, Olympic trials, Pan Ams, Pan Pacs, World Cups, and World Championships. He has been competing at local open water races since 1990, attended his first Open Water Nationals in 1997, and most recently represented the USA in the 25K at World Championships in 2008. From short races to marathons, flat lake swims to rough ocean or turbulent river swims, John Kenny is the most experienced open water swimmer in the United States, if not the world.  Other coaches in the triathlon realm claiming to be "open water experts" do not come close. In addition to a host of immediately practical open water swim tips and tricks, my discussion with John includes: 1. Should my stroke count and arm turnover increase in the open water? 2. If so, by how many strokes per minute? 3. And if so, should I be using a swimming metronome?(click here for more information on the "swim metronome/pedometer" that John mentions) 4. Should my breathing mechanics be different in the open water? 5. Should I do the 2 Stroke R, Breathe, 1 Stroke R, Sight, Switch Sides pattern that I see almost all the pros doing in triathlon swim video footage? 6. If so, how do I do that? 7. Should I sight first, then breathe, or breathe first, then sight, and does it matter? 8. How often should I sight? 9. Should I change my swim mechanics if I'm swimming downriver? 10. What about in a choppy lake vs. a choppy ocean with breakers? 11. In an ocean start, at what point should I stop running and start swimming? 12. Can I learn how to "porpoise" or "dolphin dive", and will it make me faster? 13. How far away from the feet of the person in front of me can I be before I lose the draft? 14. How hard should I work in the first 200 meters to catch a draft? 15. What is the #1 Workout to get more comfortable with open water swimming? 16. What is the #1 Workout to get faster in the open water? 17. Is there a way to eat and drink while swimming in the open water? For more information on hiring open water swim expert and pro triathlete John Kenny as your coach (and I can personally testify that just a few of the tips in this interview brought me through one of my best open water swims at the recent Boise 70.3 Half Ironman Triathlon), just click here. Also in this podcast: Listener Scott asks: "Brad Pilon has a popular e-book out called Eat Stop Eat in which he presents several studies showing the benefits of short term intermittent fasting, especially for fat loss.  Have you read very much on this topic, and do you have any opinions about it? My second question involves post workout nutrition after strength training and fat loss.  I have read a few blogs from fitness/nutrition expert that discourage the use of it when attempting to lose fat due to the spike in insulin the meal causes.  They state this may lead to fat storage since any leftover calories not utilized to replenish muscle glycogen would be stored as fat. I know you are a fan of low to moderate GI foods.  I've been incorporating a whey supplement and piece of fruit after my strength training sessions, both of which are going to cause some form of insulin spike I'm sure, but are low GI foods.  I can't see how supplying my body with a serving of protein and carbohydrates after a lifting session, especially when they are low in calories, are going to be detrimental or encourage fat storage if my muscle glycogen levels are low or even depleted. I've also realize there are different approaches to strength training when trying to lose fat vs gaining lean mass.  I feel there is significant research to support the idea you can lose fat while building or maintaining lean muscle or lean body mass.  So, if you are lifting to encourage increases in muscle or lean mass, incorporating HIIT cardio for fat loss, and maintaining a diet with a caloric deficit to encourage fat loss while providing your body with the macronutrients it needs, shouldn't you be able to burn fat and gain/maintain muscle?" Listener Peter asks: "Everything you say is pretty much on the money, however everyone else on the net seems to rave about peanut butter. Possibly, can you write a little more on the topic and possibly uncover why everyone is on the PB band wagon. I have a scraping of it with blueberry jam and a banana on toast on big training mornings. Another wonder food which I thought you might want to look into is Chia seed. It's touted as having the highest level of Omega 3 compared to any other grain out there. I use this in my sports drink, salads, with cereal and/or yogurt." Listener Gary also writes in with a very interesting home rededy he used for knee pain. Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply "Skyping" me at username "pacificfit". You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. Special Announcements: -Just released: "Holistic Fueling For Ironman Triathletes" - the ultimate solution to fueling your body with the thousands of calories necessary for Ironman triathlon and ultra-endurance sports - without doing lasting damage to your vital organs, brain cells, skin and immune system! It's only available from "MindSet Triathlon", and for the next few days, they've featuring the new release with a huge $10 discount! To get the book now, just click here. -Ironman Coeur D' Alene Triathlon is this weekend, June 21st! Contact Ben atben@bengreenfieldfitness.com if you have last minute questions about pacing, nutrition, hydration or race day logistics. -Brand new "Unparalleled Secrets of Fat Loss" clinic in Spokane, WA and Coeur D' Alene, ID. WARNING: this is not a run-of-the mill program or standardized "weight loss clinic". You will be exposed to cutting-edge tactics  like toxin-free food planning, hyper-metabolic response exercise circuits, dietary thermogenic supplementation, food allergy elimination, hormonal response meal timing, grocery shopping mind-trick strategies and metabolic testing secrets. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot (only 12 people allowed in the class). This class is postponed until full - contact ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com for more information! -The ultimate audio collection: Ben Greenfield Fitness, Volumes 1 & 2 have been released as a 10 CD multi-disc set:Now you can listen to any of the health, fitness or nutrition audio episodes on the convenience of your home or car CD player. I've only ordered 100 of the sets, but you can get over 1500 minutes of cutting-edge audio today for the web-only special of $47 by clicking here. A $10 discount is given away in this week's podcast. Just listen in to get your $10 gift! That's all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback!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 June 11, 2009 free audio episode: -The past several weeks, you've heard me talk quite a bit about the fact that minerals are needed for almost every bodily function (click here for a related interview on Transdermal Magnesium Therapy with Dr. Mark Sircus). Minerals are essential to enzymes, hormones, skeletal bones, teeth, fluids, proteins, DNA, and are critical for the utilization of vitamins. And they're highly deficient in most Americans, because our soils are stripped of what they actually need. As a result, our food does not contain adequate minerals. -What does this have to do with Ayurvedic Medicine? In this podcast, I interview Ayurvedic Medicinist "Ambaya" from AmbayaGold.com. During out talk, Ambaya explains: -The core concepts behind Ayurvedic Medicine, including the identity of two crucial compounds "Fulvic Acid" and "Humic Acid" that can be harvested from rich soil deep within the earth, and utilized for mineral replacement... -The identity of a special volcanic ore that, when isolated and consumed, may carry heavy metals, chemicals and pathogenic bacteria safely out of the cells and harmlessly out of the body... -An introduction to "monatomic elements", and why these small, rarely discussed minerals are crucial to human health, immune system and performance... -The exact identity of the most common ionic minerals that you probably aren't getting, and how to actually ensure that you are optimizing your health through their consumption... -Ambaya's exact 5 steps to completely optimizing your health, detoxifying your body, achieving a state of super hydration and maintaining this type of "super-human" emotional, mental and physical status for the rest of your life... -And much, much more! During the interview, there are methods revealed for restoring hydration, removing obstacles that impede our health such as toxins and heavy metals, and restoring the life giving minerals, elements, vitamins and amino acids that are seriously lacking in all our diets – even when we’re eating the best of foods. For more information on Ambaya, just click here to visit her website and read her stories and recommendations. Also in this podcast: -Listener Q&A: Listener Sherry asks: "I've heard that something called "Electromagnetic Fields" (EMF) can be damaging to your health. Is that true, and if so, how can I avoid them?" Click here to learn more about the Gunnar Optik glare-shielding glasses that I mention in my response, which you can wear to protect your eyes if you are working on a computer for long periods of time. Listener Buddy asks: "I’ve noticed that there’s been some really great info. specifically about prostate and prostate health for men and I love to share this with my husband as well as my father.  However, I would love to hear additional info. that is women specific.  You mentioned that your wife introduced you to the sport of triathlon so I’d love to hear from her or maybe you could use your female clients for some research.  A couple of requested items that would be helpful to have an expert like you chime in on, training during our menstrual cycle, peri-menopause and menopause, exercise during pregnancy, women specific supplements etc." Click here for the pre-menopausal women's specific multi-vitamin EnerEssence I which I mention in my response. Click here for the post-menopausal female hormonal support product EnerEssence II which I also mention. Also featured in the listener Q&A: metabolic efficiency of speed-walking vs. jogging, and swimming the breaststroke rather than the freestyle in triathlon! Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply "Skyping" me at username "pacificfit". You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. -Also in this podcast: -You're not going to want to miss the action over at the Shape21 Lean Body Challenge website. There are photos, videos, and much, much more. How much fat can the human body lose in 63 days? Here's a story from one participant (click here to see photos and videos): ""Hi, I am a 56 year old male who is overweight by about 35 pounds. I have been reasonably active in the past but not so much in the past 8 months. I was a vegatarian until about a month ago, but had a craving for meat. I don't take medication and would probably look good in a before and after photo comparison. And I want to lose this weight!" 10 days in... "First week, lost 9 pounds. I weigh in every Friday so I don’t know how I've done this week. I'm totally wasted, but feeling good. I think the "favorite exercise" for me is reverse squats, which are the hardest for me to do and seem to really burn, so I know they're working. I like the recovery shake, with kefir and protein powder. I'm feeling good that I am dedicating this time for myself and my health!" 20 days in... "Hi Ben! Lost as of this morning 13.7 lbs. I can feel the strength increasing over my entire body. I would say my favorite workout of the week was the one where I do 5 sets of mostly upper body stuff, overheads, rows, curls, etc.  By the end of that I could hardly raise my arms! I like the after workout drinks a lot.  It feels satisfying to replenish myself with those. I feel proud that I have dedicated the time to do this, and this week for the first time I did both the cardio and workout together." Special Announcements: -Brand new "Unparalleled Secrets of Fat Loss" clinic in Spokane, WA and Coeur D' Alene, ID. WARNING: this is not a run-of-the mill program or standardized "weight loss clinic". You will be exposed to cutting-edge tactics  like toxin-free food planning, hyper-metabolic response exercise circuits, dietary thermogenic supplementation, food allergy elimination, hormonal response meal timing, grocery shopping mind-trick strategies and metabolic testing secrets. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot (only 12 people allowed in the class). -The ultimate audio collection: Ben Greenfield Fitness, Volumes 1 & 2 have been released as a 10 CD multi-disc set:Now you can listen to any of the health, fitness or nutrition audio episodes on the convenience of your home or car CD player. I've only ordered 100 of the sets, but you can get over 1500 minutes of cutting-edge audio today for the web-only special of $47 by clicking here. Only 20 CD sets remaining as of this post (May 28), and a $10 discount is given away in this week's podcast. Just listen in to get your $10 gift! That's all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave  feedback!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 In this June 2, 2009 free audio episode: -Large athletic events often do not consider sustainability or resource depletion when creating or producing the event. Cost is normally a primary objective, with convenience and ease of implementation a close second. In this interview with Portland Triathlon race director Jeff Henderson, you'll be introduced to the concept of "Green" events, and how to actually have a triathlon, marathon or athletic event without destroying the planet. Click here to visit the Portland Triathlon website. Here are some snippets: ...In all cases local providers are given preference over regional or national sources. The necessary triathlon infrastructure (swim buoys, bike racks, etc) has been created from recycled or used materials whenever possible. Participants are asked to carpool, take public transportation, or ride their bikes to the race, with incentives provided for doing so... ...The Freshwater Trust Portland Triathlon was the first triathlon in the country to staff its medical tent with naturopathic doctors. The National College of Naturopathic Medicine provided care while highlighting this city's unique educational institution... ...Local and sustainable extend to food, as well. Organic produce is used for aid stations and pre-race, and locally sourced food is served at the post-race meal. Recycling and composting are integral.... Also in this podcast: -Magnesium Oil update: I just started my weekly soak in a 1:1 mixture of aluminum free baking soda from the grocery store and the 100% absorbable magnesium flakes from Ancient Minerals. My body feels amazing, and my joint soreness and "stale" legs have almost completely disappeared. I am augmenting this with a spray of magnesium oil on both arms prior to my workout, which I can immediately feel surging through my body. Click here to visit the website where I got this stuff, and also listen into Podcast #45 for the interview with Dr. Mark Sircus, which talks about how magnesium works and why magnesium works. I guarantee you'll become an instant expert on magnesium. If you find this information intriguing, and you as a coach, athlete or weekend warrior want to learn even more about the topic, Dr. Mark Sircus's impressive book  "Transdermal Magnesium Therapy"is available by clicking here. -Listener Q&A: Listener Nick calls in with a question on fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fiber conversion. Listener Chris asks: "With as much as Dr. Sircus talked about magnesium and magnesium deficiencies, I was surprised he didn't mention Vitamin D. Are you familiar with any of the recent research on Vitamin D and sports performance?" Click here for a link to the study mentioned in my response to Chris. Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply "Skyping" me at username "pacificfit". You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. -18 Ways to Help Your Body Bounce Back From An Injury Like Wolverine From X-Men: For about 4 or 5 bucks a day, you can actually vastly decrease the time that it takes for your body to heal. In this post, I tell you exactly which nutritional supplements and foods that you need to take if you are injured or experiencing inflammation. Click here to go there now - the post will take you 5 minutes to review and could add YEARS to your athletic longetivity. -You're not going to want to miss the action over at the Shape21 Lean Body Challenge website. Here is what some of the participants have to say, just 10 days into the 63 Day Fat Loss Contest using my nutrition/training manual (officially will be released on July 23, 2009): "Ben...I will not bother you much by email but I thought I would let you know that I am following the plan almost to the letter (except lunges...my knees can't take it) and getting LOTS of attention from the people around me.  I jumped the gun and started on the Monday BEFORE we were supposed to start (I swear I just missed the start date).  I walk an hour and a half per day because I am preparing for a 5K run.  The people around me are AMAZED at the changes.  It is the topic of conversation everywhere I go. I am not in this to win...I am doing it to change my life.  So far we are doing just that..." Maleah "Hey Ben! So far so good on shape21 lean body challenge....and 'frankly, im shocked! I loveeeeee it thus far and im suprised at just how much its kickin my butt, In a good way of course!  I'M loving the nutrition, its gotten me to eat more adventurously. The foam roller has become my best friend; those sprint intervals are killer...thanks!" Em "I bought all the food, started working out a week ago (Tuesday) , a little hard to fit in schedule but trying and just love the menu! I have lost 8 lbs in 7 days and getting used to the workout.(had Jabba The Hut as role model before) and not getting in as much circuits per day as desired but working my  4 Am to 7 Pm schedule is sorta tough.( about half the circuits or rather, workouts when get home). I started at 243 and now at 235. I am 51 years old, 5'10" and not really fat but BP was 150/92 and now 136/91 so progress happening. Goal is  190 . The food is really great and my girlfriend will graduate Az School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Tucson August so she knows all that herbal stuff and Tai Chi, Chi Gong, etc. She likes the menu when I cooked for her last weekend so I think  I am ALL in for the 63 days." Jay "I love all the strength training!  I love how it's short, tough, and always something new.  The book really explains each exercise well and the pictures make it easy to follow. I heart the Cinnamon-Banana shake... it's so delicious, especially on these hot days we've been having!  I also really enjoyed the homemade dressing for the strawberry spinach salad.  Yummy hummus recipe too...I'm proud of myself for taking my supplements regularly, I haven't always been consistent with that in the past.  Also, from a fitness standpoint, I've PR'd both races I've done since starting the challenge.  I feel like I'm healthier, stronger, and lighter." Jessi "My favorite exercise was the lunges and the overall routine workouts.  The workouts seemed to go fast and I was still very tired/sore at the end of them. My favorite food was the lettuce wraps but also want to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the menu.  Everything was good and relatively easy to prepare.  From my past eating habits I would not have guessed that I would have liked any of it...I was very happy with each meal.  I was most surprised that I stuck to it for a week.  I started the week at 203.4 and ended the week at 196.8 for a total loss of 6.6 pounds.  I have never lost that much in a week before.  I was most surprised by the fact that I was not starving and by about day 4 I did not have the huge ups and downs in blood sugar.  Even when I missed a meal for a while I did not feel like I was going to pass out and felt a lot more even throughout the day." Bob -Brand new "Unparalleled Secrets of Fat Loss" clinic in Spokane, WA and Coeur D' Alene, ID. WARNING: this is not a run-of-the mill program or standardized "weight loss clinic". You will be exposed to cutting-edge tactics  like toxin-free food planning, hyper-metabolic response exercise circuits, dietary thermogenic supplementation, food allergy elimination, hormonal response meal timing, grocery shopping mind-trick strategies and metabolic testing secrets. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot (only 12 people allowed in the class). -The ultimate audio collection: Ben Greenfield Fitness, Volumes 1 & 2 have been released as a 10 CD multi-disc set:Now you can listen to any of the health, fitness or nutrition audio episodes on the convenience of your home or car CD player. I've only ordered 100 of the sets, but you can get over 1500 minutes of cutting-edge audio today for the web-only special of $47 by clicking here. Only 20 CD sets remaining as of this post (May 28), and a $10 discount is given away in this week's podcast. Just listen in to get your $10 gift! That's all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes pageand leave feedback! 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 Every once in awhile, I discover shocking information that pharmaceutical companies really don't want you to know. This is information about therapies so simple, so elegant and so natural that they just can't be patented and sold for millions of dollars. For example, Podcast Episode #31 revealed Oil of Oregano to be one of the most potent and healthy anti-viral and anti-septic agents you could add to your kitchen cupboard, for under thirty bucks. In this free May 27 audio episode,I introduce another entirely natural and inexpensive compound that literally lies directly beneath your feet, in the soil. I've had my eye on this particular compound for several months, because it packs a powerful punch for human physical performance, testosterone release, muscle and strength gains, elimination of fatigue, cardiovascular health and reduction of heart attack risk, bone density, and a solution for muscular cramps and spasms. I truly believe that a whole new world of sports medicine is going to explode onto the scene when athletes and coaches find out that this 100% natural and legal performance aid is available for simple and convenient topical use. The compound is Magnesium Chloride, and I was able to hunt down one of the world's experts on the therapeutic use and application of the various forms of magnesium. Dr. Mark Sircus holds the honorary title of doctor of Oriental medicine and was one of the first nationally certified acupuncturists in the United States. For many years he has been researching into the human condition and into the causes of disease. His primary focus in recent years has been the study of environmental toxicity and diseases and he has written many books on the poisons in our environment, our foods, medicines and dental practices. Dr. Sircus is the director of the International Medical Veritas Association (IMVA), which is currently advocating radical changes in orthodox medicine. Before you read about the completely untapped resource that Dr. Sircus and I discuss in this week's audio podcast, I would highly recommend that you quickly reviewthis article on magnesium and sports performance, this article on magnesium and musculoskeletal integrity, and this article on transdermal magnesium therapy. During our discussion, Dr. Sircus reveals... -The identity of three compounds that he considers to be the "Holy Trinity of Medicine", which most Western doctors rarely consider in therapy... -A raging epidemic of magnesium deficiency, and why you cannot store enough magnesium in your own body... -The shocking complete underutilization of magnesium, especially by sports teams, coaches, and athletes... -Why magnesium is one of the leading causes of heart attacks in young, healthy people who die during exercise... -How much magnesium really ends up getting transferred (or not transferred) from the soil into your fruits and vegetables... -What the general population will discover about chronic fatigue and fat loss when they begin using topical magnesium... -The best source to find topical magnesium oil (click here for an actual link to Dr. Sircus's #1 Recommended Source for Topical Magnesium Oil) If you find this information intriguing, and you as a coach, athlete or weekend warrior want to learn even more about the topic, Dr. Sircus's impressive book  "Transdermal Magnesium Therapy"is available by clicking here.In the meantime, I am personally introducing this unbelievable sports performance compound to the training and racing protocols of myself and the athletes that I coach, as well as the individuals who I consult for fat loss and energy. We are using a simple spray-on application for the fore-arms, prior to exercise. I have found a reliable source to be Magnetic Clay Ancient Minerals Ultra Pure Magnesium Oil. Also in this podcast episode: -You're not going to want to miss the action over at the Shape21 Lean Body Challenge website, where all pictures and videos are now posted for Ben Greenfield's 63 Day Fat Loss Challenge, including the entertaining video of the girl who wants to lose her butt and the girl who is 100% convinced that she will be taking home over $400 of prizes...click here to go there now... -Brand new "Unparalleled Secrets of Fat Loss" clinic in Spokane, WA and Coeur D' Alene, ID. WARNING: this is not a run-of-the mill program or standardized "weight loss clinic". You will be exposed to cutting-edge tactics  like toxin-free food planning, hyper-metabolic response exercise circuits, dietary thermogenic supplementation, food allergy elimination, hormonal response meal timing, grocery shopping mind-trick strategies and metabolic testing secrets. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot (only 12 people allowed in the class). -"The Skinny Guy Who Needs Muscle" - just released on May 19: Remember that last week I mentioned my friend Jeff Andersen, and his special program for "skinny guys" who want to put on muscle as quickly and safely as possible? The entire package was just released on May 19. I've seen it, and it's pretty incredible. The author, Jeff Andersen, is giving away some unique free tips on the program's website, including a review of the body's 2 most anabolic hormones,  a workout training technique that targets over 300% new muscle tissue, and a  $.08 "Miracle Supplement" that significantly increases muscle-protein uptake. The program is called "Hardgainer X" and you can click here to get it, or just to read his free and unique tips for building muscle quickly. -The brand-new ultimate audio collection: Ben Greenfield Fitness, Volumes 1 & 2 have been released as a 10 CD multi-disc set:Now you can listen to any of the health, fitness or nutrition audio episodes on the convenience of your home or car CD player. I've only ordered 100 of the sets, but you can get over 1500 minutes of cutting-edge audio today for the web-only special of $47 by clicking here. Only 20 CD sets remaining as of this post (May 28), and a $10 discount is given away in this week's podcast. Just listen in to get your $10 gift! Listener Q&A: I answer the following question  in the May 28, 2009 free audio episode: From Listener Al: "1. Is there value in training hard after depleting a third or more of your glycogen stores to improve mitochondrial density? 2. Can one train his/her body to preferentially utilize fats at race pace?" Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply "Skyping" me at username "pacificfit". You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. That's all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes pageand leave feedback! 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 week's May 21, 2009 free audio episode: -A shocking review of an article based on the the book "Bottomfeeder", written by a gentleman named Taras Grescoe. You will not believe the mind-blowing travesties that occur on a fish farm, exactly before that "fresh salmon" ends up on your plate. I'm in contact with Mr. Grescoe's publicity office to try to get him on our show, but listen in to this week's podcast for a sneak peek (the photo above is a tasty salmon covered in sea lice. A single lice can kill a salmon, so the feed is spiked with pesticides to kill off the lice). -A review of research article: "Acute Effects of a Thermogenic Nutritional Supplement on Energy Expenditure and Cardiovascular Function at Rest, During Low-Intensity Exercise, and Recovery from Exercise". This article looks into whether "metabolism-boosting" supplements, fat loss pills, weight loss capsules and calorie-burning dietary aids are actually effective, and studied blood pressure, oxygen consumption, heart rate, and metabolic response to popular nutritional supplement ingredients. Mentioned in this review was the fat loss nutritional supplement "ThermoFactor". -Suddenly there's a bunch of research on L-Theanine, and forward-thinking companies are adding it to their energy drinks as a way to stave off depression, produce "happy hormones" in the brain, and develop laser focused energy.  Click here to read the recent story in the LA times. One company was way ahead of the game, and I've been taking their stuff for years, with none of the artificial sweeteners, sugar, or preservatives found in commercial energy drinks. It is called Delta-E, and is a pink-colored, pomegranate flavored powder that dissolves into water, or can just be applied sub-lingually. Highly recommended. -You still have complete access to the training and nutrition "diaries" and special tactics that I am incorporating with several people who are pursuing healthy and lasting fat loss in 2009. Click here to take a look at one girl from California, a 32 year old stay-at-home mom who has already tried Slimfast, Atkins, Herbalife, Body for Life, interval training, personal training, detox, low-fat diet, horseback riding, Slim in 6, a home treadmill and elliptical, mini-trampoline, gym membership, cleanses, Weight Watchers, hoodia, green tea, calorie counting, walking, hiking, Tai-bo, Wii fit, Denise Austin, bands, exercise balls, yoga and Lean for Life. Also in this podcast episode: -"The Skinny Guy Who Needs Muscle" - just released on May 19: Remember that last week I mentioned my friend Jeff Andersen, and his special program for "skinny guys" who want to put on muscle as quickly and safely as possible? The entire package was just released on May 19. I've seen it, and it's pretty incredible. The author, Jeff Andersen, is giving away some unique free tips on the program's website, including a review of the body's 2 most anabolic hormones,  a workout training technique that targets over 300% new muscle tissue, and a  $.08 "Miracle Supplement" that significantly increases muscle-protein uptake. The program is called "Hardgainer X" and you can click here to get it, or just to read his free and unique tips for building muscle quickly. -Is There Really Any Good Reason to Eat Fat? - You tell us! Give your best healthy reason or answer for consuming fat and win one of the brand new BenGreenfieldFitness "My Personal Trainer Told Me To Eat More Fat" t-shirts! Click here to give us your best healthy reason to eat more fat. Listener Q&A: I answer the following questions  in the May 21, 2009 free audio episode: From Listener Chris: "I recently was diagnosed with a stress reaction (essentially mild stress fracture) in the lateral knee.  I was told that I can still swim, but that I should stop biking by my doctor and give it 8 weeks to heal.  8 weeks to me feels like a lifetime.  I tried aqua jogging today as I have had several friends do that as their legs have healed from injury.  I found it to be mildly painful on my knee as I pulled my leg forward. When I am running in the water...as my left leg pushes down and back and my right leg pulls up and forward, I found that I had pain in the outside of my right knee.  Specifically, when my quads are tight, pulling my shin and foot forward in the water.  I wonder whether I should be strengthening my quads and my hip flexors. Similar to the pain I feel when biking and pulling up on the crank with my right leg.  This could be due to poor form in the pool, but I thought you might have some advice regarding how I can reduce this pain.  My doctor has said to avoid activities that cause my knee pain (i.e. biking and running) and, therefore, I had thought that aqua jogging would be perfect, but was disappointed to feel the pain in the knee." From Listener Scott: "I read in a fitness blog that it is difficult for men to maintain less than 9% body fat if they are eating at their maintenance caloric level.  I'm wondering what you have discovered while working with various people tying to get into shape or maintaining the shape they are in. The blog also stated men need to weigh a certain amount prior to starting a fat loss regime.  For example, a 5' 8" male needs to weigh 160lbs, 5' 9: 165lbs, 5' 10" 170lbs.  What is your opinion of this?" Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply "Skyping" me at username "pacificfit". You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. The first audioquestion I receive this week (meaning you actually have to call in via Skype or the toll-free number), will receive a FREE 3-Month Premium Subscription to TrainingPeaks, the world's top online fitness software. That's a $49 value! -The brand-new ultimate audio collection: Ben Greenfield Fitness, Volumes 1 & 2 have been released as a 10 CD multi-disc set:Now you can listen to any of the health, fitness or nutrition audio episodes on the convenience of your home or car CD player. I've only ordered 100 of the sets, but you can get over 1500 minutes of cutting-edge audio today for the web-only special of $47 by clicking here. Only 37 CD sets remaining as of this post (May 21), and a $10 discount is given away in this week's podcast. Just listen in to get your $10 gift! That's all for this week. Be sure to leave our podcast a rating in iTunes! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.