No Excuses: Better Health for Dads
As fathers, your time can be very hectic indeed and maybe you've let yourself go a bit since your glory days of high school sports. Here are some helpful tips to help you take back your life and get leaner and hotter than ever!
Are the kids taking all of your focus? Is your job getting in the way of a healthy lifestyle? Are there other stressors in your life inhibiting you? Regardless, if you find yourself out of shape and not quite feeling as good as you did in your 20s, then this article is for you.
If indeed this is you, you’ve found yourself a perfect candidate for a little saying we have here at Max Muscle Nutrition: “Life Happens.” I don’t have to explain a thing, yet you know exactly what I mean. One way or another, life has a way of putting obstacles in our paths that prevent us from doing the things that lead to better fitness, healthy living, aging gracefully, an overall better quality of life and thus, most importantly, a happier one.
Unfortunately, being out of shape at any degree or feeling a little worse can be symptoms of more serious situations at play, such as warning flares from your body pressing you to do what is best for yourself. After all, your body is your vessel; you get one in this life. There is no turning in your lease and signing a new one like you can for a car. In fact, if the proper steps are not taken, aging carelessly due to poor diet, health monitoring, and lack of exercise can lead to a host of issues. According to Paul Volstad, a men’s health specialist in Marin County, Calif. who is experienced in men’s endocrinology, biomechanics, and physical therapy, these include, but are not limited to the following:
- Lower energy
- Depleted testosterone levels
- Unfavorable ratio of testosterone to estrogen
- Excess body fat Decreased mobility
- Posture issues and joint pain
- Excess liver enzymes
- Elevated liver toxicity
- Heart disease
- Erectile dysfunction
- Poor immune system
- Lack of mental acuity
- Various types of cancer
- Prostate issues
- Unfavorable cholesterol ratio
- Arthritis
- An overabundance of inflammation
- Poor skin
- Unhealthy digestive tract
And this list doesn’t cover all issues. However, for brevity’s sake, we digress. If any of these lovely attributes sound like something you desire to add to your collection of ailments, read no further. For those whom have had their apathy awoken, this brings us to the next step.
Father Knows Best
As any father would know, there are few things, if any, in life more precious than a parent’s bond with their child. And though the relationship between a father and his son or daughter does not often get portrayed in this light, a child really is the life’s work of a parent. This project of sorts, unique to itself, plays a most pivotal role in determining the life success of the next generation; in this case, healthy living is no exception. As a father, it is time to accept your position as a role model for your children’s healthy habits. It is important to lead by example, and there is perhaps no better example than Max Muscle’s NorCal Franchisee and Regional Director, Mark Sarale.
In his youth, Mark elected to make an investment in himself. And down the line, as a single father running multiple businesses, Mark has never faltered in his commitment. Life happens and it certainly did in this case. With many an excuse to be had, Mark maintained his commitment to healthy living and thus not only enjoys a higher quality of life himself in all facets of it, but also has instilled proper values in the future Sarale generation. If you find yourself in the excuse category and don’t care to invest in yourself, don’t forget that you are not the only one impacted by your choices.
Game Planning
If you are feeling inadequate about yourself and/or your health at this point, the good news is there’s something you can do about it. Here are some tips.
• Nutrition: The first pillar of health for men ages 40 and up is your nutrition. It is important to limit refined sugars, excess simple carbohydrates, alcohol, processed food devoid of nutrients and other pro-inflammatory foods. When you’re at the grocery store, remember, the fresher, the better. Eating fresh, raw foods rich in their natural nutrients and digestive enzymes will help. The proper supplementation ties in here as well. Protein is a must for general health, boosted metabolism, increased lean body mass and a slimmer waistline. For more information on proper food groups and dialing them in to amounts relevant to you, consult your local Max Muscle Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach.
• Physical Activity: Another must in the pursuit of aging gracefully is the continuous physical activity. According to former basketball player and now Paleo chef Ryan Frisinger, “As I got into advanced academics and further pursuits in my career, I accidentally abandoned my regimented exercise with my athletic career…until I had an epiphany that I was at my happiest when I found myself involved in my career, of course, and also the inside of a gym.” Ryan’s more recent involvement in CrossFit, strength and conditioning and athletic training has reinvigorated his motivation, well-being, empowerment and improved biomechanics. For more information on the proper physical activity for you, consult your local Max Muscle for a recommendation on a trainer in your area to suit your needs.
• Rest: The ‘rest,’ is in your hands, as we say. In all seriousness, quality of sleep is a key integration for proper recovery, hormone balance, immune support and a multitude of other body functions and balances. If you are having trouble getting to sleep, sleeping in shifts rather than through the night or if your circadian rhythm is in any way thrown off, consult a sleep specialist and try Quadra Cuts Night-Time or Max Advanced Sleep Aid.
• Anti-Aging: As an aging male, it is important to maintain the health of your endocrine (hormone) system. According to Volstad, “At the age of 30, our levels of testosterone parallel our metabolism and begin to decline at a measurable rate.” Down the line, testosterone replacement therapy may provide solutions, and in the interim, supplementing with a natural testosterone supplement to optimize your own levels like 2TX or MTX can prove pivotal in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If low energy, decreased sex drive, poor immune system, depression, excess soreness from physical activity, or less pep in your step in general sound like familiar friends then it is time to start thinking anti-aging.
With this information as a starter kit, you are on the right track for success. You will now be the portrait for aging gracefully, like San Antonio Spurs’ star Tim Duncan. Don’t forget: you want to be the fine wine, not cheap whiskey. For further information on the intangibles, tying this information together and other aspects on getting on the right track for proper health and fitness as an aging male, consult your local Max Muscle Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach.
By Matt Cooper, CFNC
