Free Choice

You look as good as you eat. Researchers at the University of Nottingham revealed in a recent study that eating vegetables makes you appear better looking to others. Despite the many advantages to eating fruits and vegetables, including living longer, being smarter, avoiding chemical exposure (with organic foods), and reducing the carbon footprint, vegetarianism is not a food plan for everyone. Now there may be another compelling reason to give up animal protein. Read entire article here.

Here is more from Vrg.org And since we're on the subject of protein, you know who started the rumor that vegetarian athletes don't get enough protein? USDA? The Cattleman's Association? The Beef Lobby? Ya think?

See, I am not making this up. With few exceptions, (I may be the best example of the concept not working), people, athletes included (!) appear to be healthier when fueling with a plant based diet. You know: The Glow. I have seen it on women on several occasions, but up to this point as a result of pregnancy, extended bouts of high intensity training, and youth. Now comes this fabulous news that further adds motivation to leave the animals in the wild and dig what's dug. Men are invited to this day-glow dance as well.

So add looking better to the list of benefits already established as beneficial with a no-meat diet:
Longevity, resistance to immune disorders, gastrointestinal efficiency, lower carbon footprint, increased brain activity, faster run splits….I could go on.

But you get the idea. It is but another way to stimulate positive change. Addition by subtraction. In our loyal test subject (RCVrhesusmonkey-man) we saw the results of 35 days without proceeded grains manifest in the loss of five pounds, which appears to be permanent after this mornings weigh in. Next up is the February no beer test. We'll see if the elimination of barley pop will have any effect on the organism being tested over the course of a weeny 28 days. (The reason I picked February for this test.) This with no other change to diet or training regimen. Maybe you should try some change in this area as well, think......

.... red meat, free range chicken, blue-fin tuna, spam, wings, livers, gizzards or brains. All the same. Animal parts.

Do some testing. See what happens. Might be the missing link.

After our monstrous 90 minute HIT session this morning, here is how I replenished the tank:

A delightful (and original) goulash of garbanzo beans, sweet peas, bok choy and tofu. One onion, three chipotle peppers. Saute the extra firm tofu with the onion in extra virgin olive oil while the beans, peas and bok choy are simmering in a soup pan. Combine with a dollop of red pepper hummus atop. Serve hot with a chilled glass of V8 garnished with celery.

Or, I guess you could have a Whopper with cheese. America is a lovely place, you are free to choose.