Hey guys! I hope you haven’t been hit by this flu that’s around. A lot of people have, but as the seasons are changing it is likely to happen. Now before I get to the flu, I just wanna let you guys know about the biggest weight loss mistakes I hear all the time.
1. Eating too little. You eat too little and then pig out at night cos you are too hungry. If you are eating quality meat and vegetables its hard to eat too much of it. For main meals, eat a good serve of meat or other protein plus plenty of vegetables, then if you need more add some good fats or rice, potatoes, etc.
2. Not eating protein at breakfast. You have got to get into the habit of eating protein at breky to set you up for the day. Eggs are great but if you lack the time, eat leftovers, boil some eggs the night before, or make a protein shake.
3. No protein at lunch. ‘I’m being really good and just eating a salad for lunch, but I’m really hungry all afternoon.’ Great. Just add a good se4rve of meat and some nuts, avocado or olive oil to the salad and you have a great meal and won’t be so hungry.
4. You are super strict and have no cheat meals. Eating strict is great, but your body gets used to eating a little less than usual, thinks its starvation time and resets your metabolism, unless you cheat and feed it more. So once a week eat a cheat meal or just add some sprouted grain bread, rice, sweet or regular potato to your normal meals and your body will thank you for it, not think its starving and you should start dropping weight again.
5.’ I’m doing everything right but it’s still not working.’ You may be doing everything right but your body may have a food allergy and not be ready to drop that weight. Read more about that here: http://www.travissawyer.com/2010/10/14/weight-loss-by-metabolic-typing/
Or you may have self image issues to deal with. I’ve had the problem before after another trainer told me that I’d never be able to gain any weight. You can read more about that here: http://www.travissawyer.com/2011/05/04/think-yourself-thin-is-it-possible/
Back To Flu Season.
I’ve been knocked about from this flu lately. It’s pretty vicious and it seems like a lot of people are suffering. I usually only get it for a day and then it’s gone, but due to the chronic fatigue my immune system is low and more susceptible than usual.
So Here’s My 3 Top Tips To Avoid Or Survive The Flu.
1. Don’t do too much. We all tend to do too much all the time and in the warmer months we can get away with it. When it gets cold our immune system is weaker and we’re more likely to get sick. So you are allowed to sit on the couch a little more over the weekend if you are putting in some good training sessions during the week. The extra rest and sleep will do you good.
If I get sick, I’ll also make a big batch of soup to last me 3 or 4 days. Then you don’t have to cook or clean up so much and can focus on recovery.
2. Stay warm. If you are cold put a jumper on. If you think you might be cold soon take a jumper with you. If you feel like you’re getting sick wear a singlet under the rest of your clothes. Wear thick socks. Wear a hat or beanie or pull your hood over your head.
You lose heat through your extremities so keep em warm and you’ll stay warm. I got told to sleep with a scarf around my neck. Not sure if it’s too safe but I had a neck warmer with my snowboarding gear and used that.
3. Use Vicks Vapour-rub. I wouldn’t survive without this stuff. I’ll use it at night under my nose to clear sinuses, on my throat if it’s sore and that helps to keep it getting to my chest. If the cold gets into your chest rub it on your chest.
I was talking to a few people last night about using Vicks and the said about rubbing it into the soles of your feet. I don’t know about that but I’m willing to give it a go, maybe with a little more research though.
On to the Pea Soup!
I stole this recipe from my mum. Its one of her few gems. Here it is.
Get a pack of yellow or green split peas. The ones I usually find are McKenzie’s and 375 grams.
To make a bigger batch use 2 packs or add a pack of soup mix. McKenzie’s make one of those too.
Soak them overnight if you have time. If not rinse them and chuck em in a big pot and bring to the boil, or cheat like I do and pour boiling water on them.
Stir.
Chop up some carrots and celery, onion and whatever other vegetables you like and throw that in once its boiling.
If you want garlic in there, chop it up and throw it in there too. It can be good if you’re sick.
Stir.
Next you wanna throw some bacon bones in there. It doesnt matter how much meat is on there, its the bones that give off the flavour. 250g should be enough. If you cant find them, ask the butcher.
Again, stir.
I also like to throw some more meat in there to increase the protein content. The split peas have some protein but higher carbs so we want to even it out. Lately I’ve been getting some grass fed scotch fillet or porterhouse from my local Farmer Jacks at Woodlands who sell the cheapest meat around. Chop it up and throw it in too.
Keep stirring and reduce the heat to simmer once it starts boiling.
Cooking time will vary depending on how much time you have. I like it to boil for at least 3 hours as I always make a big batch and it allows the peas to go soft and dissolve.
You can add sea salt, pepper, or any other herbs and spices you like to suit your taste buds. I have done this with tons of chilli, cayenne pepper and paprika to try and burn the flu out before and no doubt I’ll try it again some time.
I was going to include photos but I’d eaten it all by the time I thought about it. Maybe next time.
