Fit & Fab: Unleash your Inner Warrior
If you take a look back into history, the most athletic, focused, driven, clear minded, forward thinking, long living people were the ancient Aztec and Incan warriors, the Shaolin Monks and the Japanese Samurais. The reason this is so interesting is because despite the fact that they were all from different parts of the earth, they shared some very interesting basic principles.
In my opinion, if we too can get back to these common basic principles, we can also delight in great health, longevity, clear thinking and fit physiques. Here are the top five principles to start to implement right away:
1. Eating chia seeds before battle. OK, in this day and age, we average people are probably not marching into full on battle, but some of you will agree with me when I say that there are day to day occurrences that would at least classify as intense conflict. Their main use for chia was to bring about vigor, strength and endurance. This superfood can grow up to two inches per day, and is packed full of EVERYTHING. I consider it the multivitamin of the food world. Try for 1 Tbs. per day (I personally take 2 Tbs. or more). You can throw it in a smoothie, on salads, use it as your cereal in the morning, or as a part of a trail mix.
2. Quinoa was used the night before battle or heavy work. Because of the perfect ratio of protein to carbohydrate and good fat, this food was considered a sacred staple believed to give them “special” power to overcome opponents.
Soak these seeds overnight until they grow little tails (a sure sign that it is full of life), then eat it just like breakfast oatmeal (heated or not), or add it to some chopped onion, garlic and any other veggie plus great spices such as turmeric or curry for added benefit.
3. Reishi Mushroom was used religiously in tea or extract form. The Shaolin Monks attribute the fact that they never lost a battle to their “Mushroom of Immortality”. Reishi is said to give the body “CHI”, which is the inner life force energy from where power is drawn. It was used to enhance focus, speed and strength.
I prefer the Reishi extract, and will put some in my morning super shake or just take it plain from the dropper. You can also make a tea from dehydrated and sliced Reishi.
I recently found out how to hunt this amazing mushroom. You will find it in old and/or dead hardwoods such as Hemlock or Maple. It is certainly elusive, but once you spot it, it becomes easier to find each time.
4. Seaweed such as kelp, kombu and nori were consumed regularly by those close to the sea. High in available mineral content, the ancient warriors also claimed that these sea vegetables gave them “levity” (the opposite of gravity). This levity kept their joints open with full range of motion, gave them supple skin, plumped up their muscles, provided long lasting energy and kept the reproductive department in full force…if you know what I mean.
5. Fermented foods were probably the largest part of all of their diet, with Kombucha topping the chart. We see Kombucha being used as far back as the Shin Dynasty at 2018 BC.
Kombucha is fermented tea. This superfood tea could be taken wherever they went, and would not go bad. It was used to help balance digestion and pull good nutrients into the cells.
Because the abdomen area was revered as the area of their body vitality, they worked at making sure they maintained the proper bacteria, acidity level and enzymes by consuming Kombucha and other fermented foods.
We make our own Kombucha and drink it daily. You can also purchase it at your local health food store, but look for low sugar content.
If you’re interested in unleashing your inner warrior, it can be as easy as starting with one of these five superfoods. We are here to answer your questions as well.
The information provided by Dr. Bergman in this column, or by any businesses, agents or employees, is for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as recommendations for a specific treatment plan, product, course of action or medical treatment/advice. If you would like further information on this or any other articles, visit EducatingWellness.com. Send questions to [email protected], or mail to Fit & Fab, Star Journal, 24 W. Rives St., Rhinelander, WI 54501. All submissions will be treated in a confidential manner.
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