Rice Burner or Diesel?

"Rice Burner or Diesel?" is the question Jeff Martone of The Tactical Athlete asked me during our recent PSD trip to South Africa. What he meant was to ask me if I was still eating a high carbs diet with sugar in it? I was. I was eating A LOT of salad, chicken, tuna, and moderating that with a good load of carbs to ensure I had plenty of energy for the gym. Having turned 50 years old, I am in great shape, as strong as I have ever been, but my body was wracked with pain, non-flexible, and I just didn't have the endurance I used to have.

While in South Africa, I was introduced to Dr. Tim Noakes, a leading scientist on health, food, and metabolic physiology. As I listened to his interview about the destructive effect of soft drinks, sugary drinks, and high fructose corn syrup, I was blown away by the fact that he described every single symptom I was experiencing. Furthermore, he explained the physiology behind it. Having been an 18D/Special Forces medic, I was able to intelligently stay with his discussion. Realizing that I was eating somewhat healthy, I couldn't understand, and I was unwilling to acknowledge, that I was "just getting old". Welcome to the high fat-low carb-no sugar diet!

Instantly, that day, I went cold turkey off of sugar. I also immediately began to eat high protein/high fat meals. On a couple of occasions, my old habits betrayed me as I ordered the wrong thing, and I definitely had to get over some of my old cravings. Well, here I am just one week later. I must say, I have a tremendous amount of energy and I am feeling great! The pain I had in my Achilles tendons for the last 4 years wasn't tendinitis at all, but uric acid build up due to me insufficiently metabolizing sugars. Uric acid is what causes gout and arthritis. Monday night at the gym, I was doing sprints, and for the first time in years, my heels and knees were not killing me! I sprinted and stayed up with everyone except my son, who beat me in the WOD by 5 seconds. Second place at 50 years old is what I call.....acceptable!

So, to answer Jeff Martone's question, "Rice burner or Diesel?" I was a Rice Burner, eating pastas, breads, casseroles, and rewarding myself with apple pie, ice cream, and M&M's. I ate until I was full, and I was still hungry - all of the time. So I was eating hollow food that was making me fat and sick.

I transitioned to the new diet last Tuesday while still in South Africa. I have had absolutely no refined sugar since then. I am feeling better, my feet do not hurt, my blood pressure is dropping, and I am hopeful to start competing in Crossfit competitions this spring.

I now ask you, Rice Burner or Diesel? Are you making your body work on cheap energy that doesn't last, plugs you up, hinders your metabolism, and makes you fat and sick? Or a

re you working on healthy oils, enjoying high energy levels, seeing your abs stick through like a 25 year old again, and feeling the chronic illnesses leave your body?

Here is a 90 minute video that...if you have the time, will help you understand why you feel badly, and what to do about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM