Gravity Fx Fitness

I learned of chia seeds and the many health benefits of consuming them, such as the very high anti-oxidant content, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein, a little more than a year ago.

I have taken them off and on during that time, either in a protein drink or in my oatmeal (steel cut oats).  They were regarded as a super food among the ancient Aztecs.  They are reported to give you increased energy and endurance.

Recently, I have been reading the book Born to Run by Chris McDougall about the endurance feats of the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s Copper Canyons.  Its a fascinating and well written book that looks at endurance running from an interesting perspective.

One particular drink that they consume is Iskiate (chia fresca).  It is made from a brew of chia seeds, lime, and some honey, though there might be other variations, as well.  In the book this concoction was given to the author and also was reported to aid another explorer as he made the climb out of the deep valleys in the region.

This “new” energy drink might be something to consider as a healthier alternative to sodas and some of the commercial energy drinks available.  To see one recipe for this drink go to Runner’s World.

This may be something to help with weight loss as it helps you feel full and may keep your insulin levels from spiking.  You might also be interested in my previous article on chia seeds.

Get moving!

Brian Morgan

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Can eating a diet high in fiber increase your fat loss?  Let’s take a look.

Not long ago I wrote that I was trying to take in more fiber as part of my New Year’s resolutions to lose some bodyfat and eat healthier.  So I have been eating more fruits and vegetables, especially raw spinach, oranges, peaches, with some apples and pears thrown in.

A few years back I bought a book by Scott Connelly MD, the creator of the popular bodybuilding supplement Met-rx.  In this book Dr. Connelly promoted the typical bodybuilding diet of higher protein and small, frequent meals.

What caught my attention however, was his assertion of the fat burning effect of a diet high in fiber – something that I hadn’t remembered seeing before.

I’ve never been one for eating broccolli, cauliflower, green beans, etc., but at 6′4″ and 240+ it didn’t seem to stunt my growth.  Potatoes and salads with carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers has always been my best attempt at eating my veggies.

I recently added chia to my daily “diet” and have also started consuming ground flaxseed meal and raw almonds.  Besides containing plenty of fiber they also have other positive substances that are reported to enhance your overall health and immune system, such as Omega-3 fatty acids.

I definitely feel fuller with this new eating plan, but seem to be a little leaner even though I am eating plenty of food.  Maybe that’s the key to losing weight – eating plenty of the right kinds of foods and not so much processed garbage!

Just a thought.

I’ll admit that I enjoy my “comfort foods” just like the rest of you, I’m just eating a lot less of them recently and notice a difference in my physique and how I feel.

For what its worth, eating a diet high in fiber, Omega-3 fats, antioxidants, and lignans may reduce your risks of certain health issues like type II diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancers – something you might wish to talk to your doctor about.

Just make sure you increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid any upset to your digestion system……and don’t forget to include plenty of movement into your week for optimal health and fitness.

Get moving!

Brian

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Never heard of chia seeds before? They are high in antioxidants, fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids, making them a great supplement to your diet. In fact, they are the highest plant source of Omega-3 fats, which are important for your brain and heart health.

Essential fatty acids are also beneficial to your immune system and overall health. This plant was cultivated by the ancient Aztecs and considered a “power food.”

For those trying to lose weight in the New Year, their high fiber content can help by adding a feeling of fullness, possibly keeping you from overeating.

It slows down the digestion of carbohydrates which can help you avoid sugar spikes and the “roller coaster” energy levels that occur when you eat too many carbs.

I’d heard of them before and someone recently mentioned them to me, so I decided to give them a try. I mix them in with my protein drink and let them sit for a few minutes before drinking this mixture.

They have kind of a soft, gelatinous feel and don’t really taste like much of anything when consumed in this manner. They make you feel full and within a few hours you might be heading to the restroom, if you know what I mean.

If nothing else, this high fiber addition should add some healthy benefits, but you can’t overlook the high antioxidant content, either. One label I read stated that they contain more antioxidants than blueberries.

As I mentioned before, my New Year’s resolution is to eat better. I’ve got a pretty good handle on the exercise part, but this has always been a weakness of mine.

As I’ve added more fruits and vegetables into my diet, I’ve also added more fiber and healthy fat sources. Don’t be scared of consuming fat from a good source like chia seeds, fish, flaxseeds, olive oil, coconut oil, or avocadoes.

We need to take in fats, just try and concentrate on making them healthy choices, like those high in Omega-3’s.

Oh yeah, since I’ve cut out most of the processed sugar (high-fructose corn syrup) from my “diet” and made better choices, I’ve noticed I feel better and have better energy levels. Now if I can just get a little more sleep, everything will be great.

Get moving!

Brian

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