CONCEALED CARRY

 A couple of years ago when my daughter was 19 years old, she headed off to New York City to earn a degree in fashion design from a prestigious university.  She was excited.  I was terrified.  It was all my fault (OK include my wife in the blame as well).  We had taught our children to dream.  To seek their passion in life.  To work and study hard and to save money.  That there were no limits on what they could do or where they could go.  Crap, she had bought into it.  All of it.

This is one of the most difficult and competitive university courses of study in the entire USA to get accepted to, so after the wave of fatherly pride, euphoria and shock had worn off, I got down to work.  How was I going to protect my little girl when she was time zones and thousands of miles away?  I won't go into all of what we did, but I will detail in this post the one thing that gave me the most comfort.  We purchased her a handbag from www.designerconcealedcarry.com 

No, no, no, my little girl doesn't carry a pistol, but she used the lockable compartment to secure the following items:  Pepper Spray, Keys, Identification, Cell Phone, Credit Card, Subway Pass and a little Cash.  It is a proven fact that women are most vulnerable to attack when they lower their head (like when they are trying to find something in a disorganized purse) and take their eyes off of their surroundings.  My daughter kept her head up and was always alert.  Everything that she ever needed was at the ready.  This handbag gave her such a feeling of confidence and of being in control.  I bought one for my wife as well.

This company has found that many of their customers use their handbags in this way.  Too bad for the guys thinking about stealing your cash or identity.  Locked and secure.  What a great place to store prescription medication.  No children or thieves can get to the meds in there.  They also have designed handbags that can secure a full sized Ipad.  The uses are endless and of course let's not forget, if you have a pistol, the holster and lock provide a secure location for that as well.

Kate, the owner of this business is educated and trained in the fine arts and design.  She has found a huge market niche in providing handbags where you can secure valuables and pistols without sacrificing style, fashion, or quality.  The bags are made from the finest leathers and linings available.

Actual Daughter with Actual Handbag

So here is a TIP FROM A MAN... get on this web site and buy one of these bags for every woman that you love.  It will be one of the greatest gifts you will ever give.  You will have peace of mind and you will be a hero... I know from experience.  By the way, she graduated with honors and lived in NYC for two years without incident.  Whew!

Enjoy life!

  

TANDEM

Teamwork is amazing.  It is fulfilling to coordinate efforts to achieve a goal.  I'm sure you can think of dozens of examples of this.  Pictured above is a married couple on their Tandem who are friends of mine.  I so admire them because they have chosen healthy activities that they can do together (they also hike, snowshoe and golf together).  Spending time recreating like this has strengthened their relationship and has brought them much happiness.  It is tempting to always go off with friends when it is time for fun.  I know, I love to be with friends.  But, consider what it might do for your most important relationship if you seek out regular activities that you enjoy doing together.  Discuss this topic with each other.  Willingly make some compromises or be brave and try something new.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... head out the door for adventure with your significant other (if you have one).  Become a great team at something fun, (dinner and a movie is a nice date and you should do that too, but it doesn't count for this) something that isn't just a one time event, but something that can become a regular part of who you are and what you do.  I think it a safe bet that your health and relationship will both improve!

Enjoy life!

EMAIL FROM TIM

Over the past few months I have provided periodic updates about one of our blog followers and his experience with following the TIPS FROM A MAN guidelines.  Tim asked that I share the following:

Roger,

I want to offer unto you my sincere appreciation for the beneficial contents of your blog "Tips From A Man."  It has made a drastic difference in my life.  As you know, I started following your "helpful hints" in the middle of January, 2012.  It was not difficult to make your recommended changes in what I ate for the food was desirable and I was able to season it to my taste.  I especially enjoy the Vietnamese Chili Sauce that you recommended for my eggs.  Without any exercise whatever, after one month I lost 13.5 pounds!  Wow!  I was astonished that I did not have to put forth more effort or alter my diet supplementing it with some exotic blend of potions or tonics.  The first month's results motivated me to continue.  After the second month and the loss of an additional 6.5 pounds, I was a believer!  It was at this time that I decided to implement some daily low impact exercise - walking.   That activity combined with the food that I chose to eat resulted in an additional weight loss my third month.  I just finished my fifth month following your tips, I have lost a total of 37.5 pounds and I have chosen to continue exercising.  I now run 3 miles every other day combined with other strengthening activities which has made a profound difference in my appearance and energy levels.  My friends and business associates all inquire as to what I am doing and rather than go into detail I simply refer them to your blog.  The motivation for me has been in the rapid results.  What I have found is that this is easy to do but what is easy to do can also be easy not to do.  My success has come from making small, simple choices consistently followed over time leading to astonishing results.  Thank you for changing my life!

Tim

Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... if you can go through life and help just one person, then it was probably a good life.  Thanks Tim.  Glad this is working for you.

Enjoy life!

CHERRY TREE

Here at TIPS FROM A MAN, we always emphasize eating fresh natural foods.  Fresh fruits are always at the top of the list.  The only thing better than fresh fruit, is fresh fruit grown on your own tree!  Check out these cherries.  They are amazing.  We anticipate eating these cherries all year.  We are fortunate to live where we can grow fruit.  We also grow peaches, and are trying to start apples, plums and pears.  We have had success with raspberries as well.

Depending on your individual living situation and climate you may not be able to grow your own fruit.  But if you can, please, make the effort.  It is worth it.  Home grown fruit is so tasty and there is just an amazing feeling you get from growing your own food.

We are getting the hang of watering, fertilizing and pruning.  We haven't had to spray the trees.  Our biggest challenge is being able to pick the fruit before the birds figure out that the cherries are  ripe.  Apparently birds like fruit too.

So here is a TIP FROM A MAN... grow all the fruit and vegetables that you can.  The work is therapeutic the taste is great and quality is without compare.

Enjoy life! 

THE CHINA STUDY

Every single person who has cancer has a pH that is too acidic.  Cancer can't survive in an Alkaline, oxygen rich environment.  This book is a bit of a tough read because of all of the technical stuff, but it is a real eye opener and well worth your time.  Fits well with the concepts discussed in TIPS FROM A MAN...  Please read the following...

Referred to as the "Grand Prix of epidemiology" by The New York Times, this study examines more than 350 variables of health and nutrition with surveys from 6,500 adults in more than 2,500 counties across China and Taiwan, and conclusively demonstrates the link between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. While revealing that proper nutrition can have a dramatic effect on reducing and reversing these ailments as well as curbing obesity, this text calls into question the practices of many of the current dietary programs, such as the Atkins diet, that are widely popular in the West. The politics of nutrition and the impact of special interest groups in the creation and dissemination of public information are also discussed.

Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... if you choose to follow a strict vegeterian diet that's great.  I am not a doctor, however, I personally feel comfortable with the guideline of eating meat sparingly.  A 6 ounce serving of lean, high protein meat with some meals seems to me to be a fine addition to a balanced healthy diet.  However, our diets should be heavily weighted toward vegetables, fruits and complex carbohydrates.  Learn to be Alkaline and not acidic.  Without our health it is difficult to...

enjoy life!

TEMPTATION

You are starting to know me by now.  You know that I am going to do everything I can to coax you off of that couch and get you out of the city to experience this amazing planet.  So here is another temptation!  At first you might look at this photo and say, "hey, enough already with the slot canyon photos."  But upon closer inspection, you will notice that my friend Dale is smack dab in the middle of expertly rappelling to the bottom of this canyon (an approximately 100' rappel).  Wow!  What a rush this must be.  How I hope to join him someday on one of these excursions and be that guy in the photo.  I'm trying real hard to be clever here, but nothing is coming, so for this TIP FROM A MAN... please, just get out there and do it.  And when you do, send a photo of your next adventure to share.

Dale is also an accomplished photographer.  Thought you would enjoy these additional scenery shots as much as I did.  Unbelievably Spectacular!

Enjoy life!

EAT LIKE A KING

This dinner was so good!  I know you are asking yourself... how can I lose weight while eating like a king?  Good question, but you can.  This amazing dinner included a 6 oz serving of slow roasted pork, quinoa, green beans and fresh cut fruit (orange, strawberry, blue berry and kiwi).  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... keep reminding yourself that you are making a lifestyle choice.  You are choosing to eat fresh, healthy foods in mostly their natural state.  You are not blindly consuming huge quantities of whatever the big food companies and fast food chains put out there.  They are in business to make a profit.  Your objective is to fuel your body with nutritious foods that taste amazing and help you meet your weight and fitness goals.  Another factor in this meal is the presentation.  The colors of the foods are very pleasing to the eye and the aroma was mouth-watering.  Reward yourself with meals like this and you will start to believe that you are the king... the king of health and fitness.

Enjoy life!

MORE SLOT CANYON PHOTOS

Many have asked for more photos of the slot canyon adventure.  I am going to let the pictures speak for themselves.  The scenery, ancient Indian artwork, wild burros, it was simply spectacular.

Enjoy life!

PROTEIN DRINK

A protein drink sounds boring.  And it is if you just mix water in with some vanilla powder.  Everything about TIPS FROM A MAN suggests that you strive to make the things you do fun and interesting.  So take that boring protein drink and let's get our creative on.

This morning I opened the fridge and here is what I came up with:

- Ice Cubes

- Blue Berries

- Raspberries

- Walnuts

- Baby Leafy Spinach

- Frozen fruit chunks (mango, pineapple and strawberry)

- Protein Powder

- 3/4 Cup Water

Throwing caution to the wind, I tossed these ingredients in the Magic Bullet blender and after about 30 seconds I had this cold refreshing satisfying drink in my hand.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... do not accept boring.  If you do it is your fault.  You have a lot of personality in there.  Put it to good use.  Make it fun.  Get creative.  Look, if you can make a protein drink interesting, the sky is the limit!

Enjoy life!

multipliers

There are countless books out there.  Some are very good.  This is one of the good ones.  I had the opportunity to meet Liz Wiseman a few weeks ago.  She is extremely sharp.  This book discusses how the best leaders make everyone smarter.  How to extract people's full capability.  How to get twice the performance from your team.  Please read the following recap: 

Are you a genius or a genius maker? We've all had experience with two dramatically different types of leaders. The first type drain intelligence, energy, and capability from the ones around them and always need to be the smartest ones in the room. These are the idea killers, the energy sappers, the diminishers of talent and commitment. On the other side of the spectrum are leaders who use their intelligence to amplify the smarts and capabilities of the people around them. When these leaders walk into a room, lightbulbs go off over people's heads, ideas flow, and problems get solved. These are the leaders who inspire employees to stretch themselves to deliver results that surpass expectations. These are the Multipliers. And the world needs more of them, especially now, when leaders are expected to do more with less. In this engaging and highly practical book, leadership expert Liz Wiseman and management consultant Greg McKeown explore these two leadership styles, persuasively showing how Multipliers can have a resoundingly positive and profitable effect on organizations—getting more done with fewer resources, developing and attracting talent, and cultivating new ideas and energy to drive organizational change and innovation. In analyzing data from more than 150 leaders, Wiseman and McKeown have identified five disciplines that distinguish Multipliers from Diminishers. These five disciplines are not based on innate talent; indeed, they are skills and practices that everyone can learn to use—even lifelong and recalcitrant Diminishers. Lively, real-world case studies and practical tips and techniques bring to life each of these principles, showing you how to become a Multiplier too, whether you are a new or an experienced manager. Just imagine what you could accomplish if you could harness all the energy and intelligence around you. Multipliers will show you how. 

Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... learn to become a Multiplier rather than a Diminisher.  It doesn't matter if you are a Fortune 500 CEO, middle manager, small business owner, youth sports coach or a parent, you need to learn how to bring out the intelligence in others.  Invest in this book and implement what you learn.  If you would like more information go to www.thewisemangroup.com 

Enjoy life!

I'LL BE HAPPY WHEN...

We always have to be on the look out for traps.  They are everywhere.  Some are quite obvious, others more subtle.  Everyday is a gift and an opportunity for greatness.  But we need to condition ourselves to see it this way.

Throughout my life I encounter people who seemingly fall into the trap of putting their lives on hold until some future event occurs.  Have you ever heard this (or said this or something like this)... I will be happy after the semester is over... I will be happy when I get married...  I will be happy when I get that promotion...  I will be happy when  I move...  or even when happiness is tied to a material object... I will be happy when I get a new Ipod... I will be happy when I get a new flat screen TV... I will be happy when I get a new laptop... I will be happy when I get a new car, etc.

Well here is a news flash.  Happiness is a choice.  If you are counting on an event, an object or another person to make you happy, you are probably going to be disappointed.  Happiness is up to each of us.  So how do I make myself happy you ask?  Obviously this is personal to each of us, but a few guidelines I've tried to implement and have observed in happy people are:

1) Serve Others.  When we are obsessed with ourselves we seem to not progress.  When we serve others something magical happens. 

2) Take Control.  Many seem to be waiting for someone else to tell them what to do.  We have been given freedom, so let's use it. 

3) No Self Defeating Behavior.  Surround yourself with people and things that inspire you, that make you want to be better.  Have the courage to change the scenery. 

4) Live Within Your Means.  Going without a few trinkets is fine.  Really.  You don't need the newest "everything."

5) Exercise and Eat Well.  If you feel good you will have an improved outlook and will make better decisions.

So here is a TIP FROM A MAN... Live your life today, then live tomorrow and then the next day.  It is awesome to be pumped about some future event.  It is healthy and necessary to set goals.  But just don't wait to be happy until... (fill in the blank).  Be happy today!

Enjoy life!

 

ACQUAINTANCES

Everyone needs friends.  Friends and family are what it is all about, right?  Well, let's look at this from a purely business perspective for a minute.  If you have a need, who might actually be in a position to be most helpful, a friend or an acquaintance?  If you stop and really think about it, you will come to realize that you and your friends probably know many of the same people.  You and those people you only know as an acquaintance likely have very few people in common.  Say you are looking for a new job, or a new supplier, contact an acquaintance about this need and there is a good chance that person can put you in touch with someone who can help you who you don't know and probably would not ever meet had it not been through this acquaintance.

So how do you make new acquaintances?  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... branch out from your  traditional circle and thoughtfully place yourself in situations where you only know a few of those in attendance.  The photo above is of a group of men who recently went on a golf retreat.  Most in attendance only knew a few of the attendees before hand.  After the retreat, contact information had been shared and everyone now knew one another on a fairly personal level.  I think it is safe to say that over the next weeks, months and years that as a result of this event many leads will be traded and problems solved through the new acquaintances made.  It is true that many people find it challenging to step out of their usual comfort zone - but regularly doing so could really expand your business opportunities and yes, acquaintances do become friendships.

Here is a bonus TIP FROM A MAN... when taking down contact information, obtain a personal email address as well as the person's company email.  In the event that person changes jobs and the business email is deactivated, you will now not lose track of this person.  So get their Gmail, Yahoo, or other address.  Now get out there!

Enjoy life!

TASTY DINNER

What can I eat?  That is what people always ask me.  Really, it is pretty easy once you get your mind around what you are trying to accomplish.  Here is a photo of a typical dinner at our house.  The rules are: 1) The food must be very tasty; 2) The food must be pleasing to look at; 3) The food must be healthy and help me accomplish my goals; 4) The food must be easy to prepare and 5) The food is to be savored and enjoyed not "wolfed"  down.

What you see here are two chicken breasts marinated in Roasted Pineapple and Habanero sauce (buy a bottle at Costco).  The vegetables are French cut Green Beans.  The salad is a combination of sliced Oranges, Mangoes and Avocado.  Of course, you must not forget the 16 oz. glass of ice water - usually with a slice of lime and or lemon.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... eat, and eat well.  Balance your meals like you see here.  Keep the preparation simple.  Keep the clean up simple.  You've got more to do than toil away in the kitchen, but make the time spent in the kitchen count! 

Enjoy life!

RE-READ THE POST: EAT WELL - LIVE WELL

If you are a recent follower or viewer of this blog or just may benefit from a refresher, please be sure to read the post at the very bottom of the blog titled Eat Well - Live Well.  This is where the TIPS FROM A MAN eating and lifestyle choices are discussed in detail.  These guidelines are amazingly easy to follow.  I just  received a message from a new follower of the blog who just recently made the decision to make better eating choices.  He is pleased to report that he has lost 4 pounds in the first two weeks.  He is well on his way!

This is a great time of year to give your health and body a bit more attention.  With the weather being mild there are endless ways to improve your fitness and overall well-being.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... still hit the gym for core lifting, but get outside as often as possible for your cardio and cross-training.  Break it up.  Don't walk, run or bike the same course every day.  Unless you are in the city with lots of car noise, try a workout without music in your ears and instead see if you can hear the birds and other sounds of nature.  It is good for the soul.

Enjoy life!

QUINOA (keen' wah)

Constantly on the look out for foods that meet the TIPS FROM A MAN criteria.  Such foods must taste good, be healthy and help you meet your personal body weight objectives.  Let me introduce you to such a food.  Quinoa is an ancient American staple grain.  Try this to replace rice, potatoes, or pasta.  It has the best amino acid profile of all grain.  It is versatile, heart healthy and gluten free.  For centuries this whole grain has preserved native cultures at high Andes elevations.  It is primarily grown in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.

Quinoa can be eaten at breakfast or for any other meal.  It has a high protein content and is a good source of dietary fiber as well as phosphorus, magnesium and iron.  If you Google "Quinoa Recipes" you will find numerous recipes to try.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... try Quinoa.  Make it a staple of your diet.  If you know of anyone struggling to find good gluten free foods, tell them about Quinoa.  And, best of all... it is easy to prepare!

Enjoy life!

GONE FISHING

Wow!

Some of the happiest people I know are those that regularly get out and experience nature.  There is something humbling and awe-inspiring about being out in the solitude and beauty of what God created.  I can't really describe in words appropriately what I am trying to say.  I trust that if you get out in nature to hike, snowshoe, fish, ride horses, whatever, you know what I mean.

This photo is of a friend who loves to fish and over the years has become very good at it.  Here he is holding his latest catch landed at a secret fishing spot in remote Idaho (that's is one of the cool things about fishing... the mystery of it all).  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... go fishing or whatever it takes to get you close to nature.  Go with a friend or family member.  Try not to rush it if you can.  Let the experience absorb you.  Remember the old adage, no one on their death bed ever looks back wishing that they would have spent more time at the office.

Enjoy life!

HOBBIES

Set of custom fitted golf clubs

Hobbies are great.  We all need worthwhile diversions.  The question is, do we choose our hobbies or do we just kinda fall into them by accident?  How do we figure out what we might be good at and might enjoy doing?  My definition of a hobby is something that might require significant time and dedication to be good at.  For example, I have a friend whose wife is an expert at making quilts.  She has devoted the time required to master the techniques that set her quilts apart.  Her quilts are award winning masterpieces.  Quilting gives her tremendous satisfaction.

Let me tell you about my hobby which is making custom fit golf clubs.  I got into this several years ago when my oldest son was 8 years old and first indicated an interest in learning to play golf.  Naturally I headed to the store to buy some equipment, but found little to choose from and what was there was way expensive.  I know that it was important to have equipment that was correctly sized so I checked into making clubs myself.  I ordered a couple of books, researched out manufacturers and suppliers and since I like to work with my hands, decided to order so components and see what I could do.  My son loved his clubs so I decided to make a set of irons for myself.  When I took them out to play a friend asked me where I got them.  When I told him I made them myself, he asked me if I would make him a set.  The rest is history.  I make a lot of clubs for women, children and for golfers who need extra length, or weight, or whatever.  I have made clubs for everyone of my children and my wife.  Often I will be on the tee box and notice that I made every driver in the foursome.  It is fun to help people have better equipment at a price that is affordable.  I don't make clubs to make money, I do it for the satisfaction.

So, here is a TIP FROM A MAN... involve yourself with a hobby that brings you satisfaction and also helps others.  Be sure that your hobby isn't a distraction that keeps you from your important responsibilities with your family or work.  Remember to maintain harmony and balance in you life.  My children have spent many hours helping me make clubs.  We have used this time to have excellent father/son father/daughter chats.  I  remember a time I made a set of irons for a guy and a few days later he called me on the phone all stoked because he won the first tournament he played using them.  How cool is that.  I felt like my work helped him a little bit.  Enjoy your hobby and...

Enjoy life! 

SLOT CANYON ADVENTURE

 Doc in a tight spot

 Champ demonstrating why he is the champ

 Slot opening 60 feet up the face

 Looking toward the end

Don't get me wrong, I do like to be a spectator.  I like high school and college sports and like the pros when they are in the playoffs.  I love attending my daughter's dance performances.   I do like a good movie.  But, I do prefer to be doing it, rather than watching others do it.  Take this past weekend as an example, I went riding our Arabian horses with the Rufriders.  But this time, to add to the experience of riding in the southern Utah desert, we added the thrill and adventure of climbing through a very challenging slot canyon.  This wasn't any ordinary slot canyon.  It was the Blue John slot where a few years ago Aron Ralston had a huge rock trap his arm and after an agonizing five days of being trapped in what was an amazing test of courage in this life or death situation, chose to amputate his own arm in order to escape.  You may have read the account or even seen the movie, but to experience this same slot was amazing.  The top photo shows Doc working his way through a very narrow gap.  The second photo shows Champ deciding to take the high route when the slot was narrow enough to straddle.  You don't want to know how high in the air he was.  The third photo requires a bit of examination.  Consider that the  top of the riders on the horses are about 8 feet tall.  If you work up the rock face to a level of 60 feet you will locate an opening where the slot ends.  Once Aron Ralston freed himself and made his way out of the slot, he  now had to rappel down this 60 foot face in order to  begin his hike to where he was rescued.  The last photo is from a rider looking up the canyon and as you can see it dead ends so there is only one way out.  The slot is located beyond the tree to the right.

I can't begin to tell you how challenging this was.  Some of our group (and these are hardened cowboys) used the word "can't" when they were struggling to get past an obstacle.  But you know what, with a bit of teamwork and effort, they did!  A great lesson here.  So here is a TIP FROM A MAN... get up off of the couch, set the DVR and go find an obstacle to climb over, through or around.  This is the type of stuff that reminds you that you are alive.  Get out of the city and get close to nature.  Make sure you are prepared as nature can be very unforgiving, but challenge yourself.  The possibilities are endless.

Enjoy life! 

THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE

When we decide to follow through with better eating and exercise choices, the most obvious change is on the outside.  We notice the pants becoming a bit loose.  We go down a notch on the belt.  We see the face becoming more lean.  Other people begin to notice and start to ask us what we are doing.  This positive feedback reinforces our behavior and helps us resolve to keep it up. 

But what about inside the body?  What's going on there?  My friend who has lost 25.5 pounds following TIPS FROM A MAN has provided the following information: For nine years he and his cardiologist have carefully monitored several critical numbers.  Here are the numbers before he started the program and then after 45 days:

Blood Pressure: Before Jan. 12, 2012... 130/88  On Feb. 27, 2012... 114/72.  As far as he has records his diastolic rate has never been in the seventies.

Total Cholesterol: Before Jan. 12, 2012... 133.  On Feb. 27, 2012... 108.  Ideal is below 200.

HDL: Before Jan. 12, 2012... 35.  On Feb. 27, 2012... 34.  Should be above 40.  Might be now that he has begun exercising regularly.

LDL: Before Jan 12, 2012... 63.  On Feb. 27, 2012... 52.  Ideal is between 50 and 70.

Triglycerides: Before Jan. 12, 2012... 170.  On Feb. 27, 2012... 114.  Ideal is below 150.

So as you can see, the greatest improvement was in blood pressure and Triglycerides.  The doctors are so impressed with the improvement that they are taking a hard look at the medication he has been taking and are considering reducing or eliminating it all together.

Hopefully a look at these actual numbers has been enlightening.  How wonderful for this man and his family.  How might these changes not only improve the quality of his life, but extend his life?  I wonder what they are now that another 45 days has passed?  How exciting. 

In summary, responsible eating choices combined with reasonable exercise can change you inside and out.  Do it for yourself and for those you love.

Enjoy life! 

UPDATE

Exciting news... A friend just sent a text reporting that after following the TIPS FROM A MAN healthy living guidelines for three months that he has now lost a total of 25.5 pounds (13.5 pounds in the first month, 6.5 pounds in the second month and another 5.5 pounds in the past 30 days)!  He also reported that he saw the Magic Bullet Deluxe on sale at Costco for $30 so he bought one.  Man, this is fun!

Enjoy life!

NEW PERSONAL BEST

I recently played golf with a retired doctor whose all time best score was a 79.  We played in conditions that were cold and windy and eventually rainy - all in all not that pleasant or conducive to scoring.  When the scorecards were tabulated, he had recorded a new personal best round of 78!  Congratulations!  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... you are never too old to do something better than you have ever done it before.  Believe in yourself!

Enjoy life! 

FAMOUS GREEN DRINK

I'm sure you are saying, how can I ever drink something neon green?  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... "try it you'll like it" (you have to be old to get that one)  : )

A few weeks ago I wrote about the whys and hows of the Green Drink and that write up is contained in the bottom post of this blog.  Just for fun, I thought I'd now share the write up that my daughter did about this drink and her secret recipe:

I have PERFECTED the perfect smoothie. Seriously though, I LOVE it, it is my favorite thing. I have it EVERY day.
-half green apple
-2-3 inch piece of cucumber
-frozen peaches (I used to use berries which probably have more nutrients and all that but I also bought frozen peaches and  pineapple (which by the way, it is good to have pineapple everyday, it is good for your digestive system and therefore good for your waist line... I haven't tried the pineapple yet but the peaches are AMAZING in this smoothie)
-a couple handfuls of spinach
-a 1/2 cup-ish of Orange Juice (I don't measure) - I use Simply Orange with High Pulp
-a 1/4 cup-ish of plain non-fat yogurt
-1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
-a handful of walnuts

Thanks sweetie!  So be brave and try it.  It will energize you for the whole morning.  But, good luck in getting yours to be more neon green than mine!

Enjoy life!

SWIMMING WEBSITE

A blog follower put me on to this website and thought I might want to share it.  He was right!

www.swimsmooth.com

Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... whatever you do, do well.  Take swimming for example.  This site gives pointers on how to swim most efficiently among other interesting things.  Whatever we do we want to get the most out of it be it cardio improvement, or speed, or muscle gain, or well-being, or whatever.  See if this website proves to be helpful to you.  We are all in this together, so lets get the most out of life!

Enjoy life!

FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS

Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... consider adding Fish Oil to your daily intake of vitamin and supplements.  Over the past several weeks I've been doing some research on Fish Oil and it appears that the pros far outweigh the cons.  Although this is never my sole source for information, Wikipedia has a pretty thorough overview of the benefits and of course the risks of  taking Fish Oil supplements.  Since adding Fish Oil to my daily intake I haven't noticed any change, but the good may be happening on the inside... more along what might not happen... prevention.   Decide for yourself if this is a supplement that you should be taking.  I've talked to people who swear by it.

Enjoy life!

CHILI GARLIC SAUCE

This may not be the most exciting post ever, but many people have inquired as to what hot sauce I put on the eggs detailed in the post below.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... try the Chili Garlic Sauce you see in the photo.  Just be a bit careful as to how much you use because it is a bit toasty.  I enjoy the flavor very much.  One of the things I stress is that the food we eat must be flavorful.  Having great tasting food helps me with portion control.  My stomach is now right sized and I find that it is difficult for me to over eat.  I didn't think I would ever be able to say that but it is the truth.  There are probably many good products like this one on the market that you may already be using, so just use whatever spices up your life!

Enjoy life!

EGG & FRUIT BREAKFAST

One of the main reasons I hear from people who have reservations about starting to make better eating choices is that they think it will be too hard to find or make food that fits the guidelines.  This is a valid concern.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... keep meals simple but full of flavor.  Here is another example of a very easy to make breakfast.  Take two eggs and begin to fry them in a pan.  Break the egg yokes.  After the bottom is cooked, flip the eggs over to cook the top.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  When the eggs are cooked to your satisfaction, sprinkle just a bit of cheese on top and slide onto a plate folding the eggs over like an omelet to melt the cheese.  Top with a bit of hot sauce if you would like and also some fresh avocado.  For sides, cut up some fresh strawberries and peel an orange or clementine.  Be sure to drink a tall glass of water with this and every meal.  This is a very satisfying meal that is fresh and natural.  With this foundation, you will feel prepared to take on the challenges of the day and make a real contribution to society.  Eat well!

Enjoy life!

THANK YOU NOTE

Ah, the handwritten Thank You note.  Hasn't this practice gone the way of the eight track tape?  It's been replaced with emails and texts right?  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... if you don't already do so, consider regularly sending handwritten notes to friends, loved ones, clients, or maybe even absolute strangers.  People love to receive hand written notes.  It is a great way to personalize and solidify a relationship.  It is a fact that in the business world people prefer to do business with those who they know and trust.  You build trust by building relationships.  The handwritten note demonstrates that you took time and effort and that you thought about the person.  Over the years my family and I have received many handwritten notes from a woman in our neighborhood.  In fact, many people we know have received notes from her as well.  This woman takes the time to note an accomplishment or an act of kindness.  We absolutely love her because she takes the time to think about us and demonstrates this thought through the written word.  This is an easy habit to form and it is quite possible that the notes you write will be kept, re-read and treasured.  Make someone smile today, write them a note.

Enjoy life!

OATMEAL BREAKFAST

Look we all like to eat and eat well.  That is the beauty of making good choices.  We can eat satisfying meals while losing weight or maintaining a proper weight.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... eat an excellent breakfast.  In fact, to lose weight in a healthy way you need to eat regularly or your body thinks it is starving and begins to slow down the calorie burn which is just what you are trying to speed up.  Pictured is a bowl of oatmeal and a protein shake.  However, this is no ordinary bowl of oatmeal.  It is supercharged!  It is topped with 1/2 fresh banana thinly sliced, a small handful of Costco's Wholesome Fruit & Nuts mix, sweetened with Agave Nectar and finally a small portion of Almond milk is added.  Almond milk has 50% more Calcium than regular milk.  It is really tasty and very filling.  The protein shake was made with crushed ice, one cup water, one scoop vanilla protein powder and the other half of the banana mixed in the Magic Bullet blender.  It is cold and refreshing.  The supplements are what I am taking at this time... a NuSkin LifePak, a 1000 mg Vitamin C, a Vitamin D3, and Glucosamine HCl for joint health and mobility.  The Glucosamine also claims to help build cartilage.  I've had a couple of knee surgeries so if this helps build cartilage I'm all for it.  I don't eat this everyday as variety is truly the spice of life.  Watch for future posts for more meal ideas.  Eat well... be happy.

Enjoy life!

TOOLS

Most of us enjoy doing projects if we have the right tools for the job.  If your project is to begin eating better, it is like fixing a faucet: if you have the right tools, you will start working on it now, if you don't, you will probably let it drip.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... the Magic Bullet blender.  If you don't own one, you should seriously consider it.  I use mine every day to make a protein shake.  Add ice, fresh or frozen fruit, protein powder, water and in a few seconds it is perfectly mixed.  Drink it right from the blender cup.  It is single serving size.  Use it to make the Green Drink.  Stuff in the spinach and other ingredients.  The clean up is a snap and it is compact and easy to store.  When my daughter was a student in New York City, this little unit probably saved her life.  With limited space and time she used it to make fast and easy meals that were affordable and healthy.  The web site has lots of ideas http://www.buythebullet.com/ and you can buy it on line or at retailers for about $50.

Enjoy life!