So I recently tried adding more carbs to my diet.
The biggest diet in the hardcore strength world today is the "vertical diet" it's basically meat, eggs, broth, rice and a little fruit, vegetables and dairy.
Many extrapolated it to the "steak and rice" diet. Pretty much what I'd been doing, except the rice.
I was doing well on the Carnivore Diet with great gut function and consistent training for months, building consistently on the previous weeks and months.
It had been a while since I'd been in a hole mentally and physically. Personal bests, businesses on the build. Some of my best lifts and physique shots ever! When this is my reality, life is good.
So I tried the rice.
More work capacity.
More size.
But with it came more caffeine, more chocolate, more paleo treats.
What was going to be "rice on leg days only, post session" became rice with breakfast most days, sometimes with lunch, and of course for dinner.
At the end of about 3 weeks of hardcore CAFFEINE and CARBS....
I'd hit personal best on my bench press (131kg), dips (70kg) and 155kg on squats which is 5kg off my best ever. I almost hit my first ever elusive deficit free standing handstand push-up and life was.... ok.
Truth be told. I knew I was on the edge.
I was caffeinating a little more, and more.
The shackles were off and I was in carb monster invincible mode.
I did feel something close to possessed.
Then it hit.
My guts weren't good.
My body was inflamed as anything.
The balloon was popped.
Post Bubble
I've been listening to Ray Dalio again lately.
More on the economic side this time.
He's talking about a recession and explains what "deleveraging" looks like. (Australia seems likely to see some of this in the near future.)
Well that's how I feel.
I was spending big and it burst.
1. Fast -
When the gut isn't great, I fast.
2. Accept the consequence of the fast -
When I fast I have less energy (this is more pronounced if you're around the 10% or under bodyfat).
3. Decrease training -
When energy isn't great I focus on isolation movements. Lower total volume and intensity and focus on mobility.
4. Accept the drop -
Even skill work is badly effected coming off the carb and caffeine bender.
5. Meditate -
Regulate brain waves and heart energy. Go back to purpose and lock in more positive emotions more often. The science on this impacting gene expression - protein quality - is clear and getting clearer.
6. Chill out -
I have a tendency to blame myself and think it'll be forever when things aren't great. This time I've been more confident that the other side is close if I just stay focussed and get better!
7. Eat better -
What's the best food I can eat if serving the world as best I can is my highest priority? Organ meats (including brain, liver, heart, marrow etc.), fat (which could also be called an organ), muscle meats (also an organ technically).
8. Sun -
Nothing grows without the right light. Humans are meant to get full body light exposure to calibrate light dark cycles and energise the DNA. Don't get burnt but get sun exposure.
9. Cleaners and strippers -
Clay and charcoal absorb junk and help to get it out of the body.
10. Patience - A man doesn't get to have a new baby today no matter how many women he impregnates. You choose the outcome but not the time frame. Accept the gestation period of the new you without losing track of where you're headed. Focus on signs of light, not the darkness.
I've been able to "tick the boxes" for fibromyalgia, IBS and chronic fatigue many times in my life.
There isn't much value in ticking those boxes.
It's good to acknowledge a gap exists between where I am, and where I want to be. However the real value is in the decision to close that gap. To do what it takes to step into my best self and the greatest vision I can see for myself and the world.
I've trained ok the last 2 days. My farts still stink real bad but I can feel the guy settling. I have a light fever. Energy is better today than yesterday. Food is tasting good. I'm excited to be giving myself the best. I have massive motivation to be at my best for my family, RealMVMT Pegasus starting on Thursday and my upcoming training camp which could change it all.
Don't settle.
Keep looking for solutions.
Apply the best.
Acknowledge gestation.
