Podcast Episode #74: How to Figure Out Your Perfect Body Weight

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This December 23, 2009 free audio episode features the following topics: more talk about good fats, all about gluten, ideal body weight for triathlon, corn syrup vs. high fructose corn syrup, brain-boosting supplements and how to use quinoa. But before you go any further in the shownotes...check this out...

For the next 4 weeks, the podcasts from Ben Greenfield Fitness will primarily focus on "Listener Q&A's", due to Ben's undertaking of a huge triathlon-focused side project that is going to bring you over 12 free live teleconferences with triathlon pros and coaches over the next 6 weeks! For more information on that project, and to stay in the loop on what's going on with that project (called the Rock Star Triathlete Academy) simply go to http://www.rockstartriathlete.com.

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Listener Q&A:

Do you have a question for Ben? Just call 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail, leave a Skype voicemail to username "pacificfit", or e-mail [email protected].

Listener John asks: "Ben, A friend of mine recommended that I email you with a problem I have. My wife has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 39 years of age. She has a real problem with working out and exercising, if she could work out 10 days a week... she would. The arthritis is in her right hand index finger and beginning to spread to her wrist. She is very upset because working out with weights is painful, riding a trainer or spinning is painful and many pilates moves and yoga moves can't be performed due to her range of motion. The only thing she has left is running.

There is a secondary underlying issue... We are trying to conceive as well and most of the drugs the doctor will prescribe cause birth defects. Can you supply and help at all with supplying some homeopathic remedies and other exercises that will circumvent the pain generated by other exercises in her hands and wrist. I feel awful for her because exercise is such a huge part of her life. She is an incredible athlete and loves a healthy lifestyle."

Listener Todd asks: "My prime focus right now has been to work on enhancing recovery, staying healthy and reducing injury. I’m doing several things differently this season, and I’d love to hear any other suggestions from the triathlon community. After hard workouts, I immediate fuel with whole food carbs and protein (something I’ve never done before, as I’m usually not hungry after a hard effort). I use a topical Magnesium spray (5 sprays per appendage) that I leave on for 15 mins, and then shower. Once per week I also have an Epsom salts bath to increase Magnesium absorption. I usually take a Recovery day on Fridays, but I move it up in the week if I’m tired or sore. During this day, I do a stretching session with a roller, focusing on my IT band, piriformis and SI joint which can tighten up. I also pay close attention to nutrition, choosing as many anti-inflammatory foods as possible. I think in the past, inflammation has been my prime source of injury and lack of recovery. Finally, a number of supplements have significantly impacted my ability to recovery and stay healthy. I use a salt solution from Himalayan Crystal Salt first thing in the morning, and 5 drops of Oil of Oregano under my tongue before bed. Lastly, I am taking Flax Seed oil (in capsules), a Green Food supplement and 5000 U.I. of Vitamin D every day with my breakfast. Since using this protocol, I have not been sick once and am sleeping very soundly. Currently, my training hours equal about 6-8 hours per week. I complete 2 High Intensity training sessions per week and am able to recover. I am wondering if I will still be able to recover well once I ramp up to 12-14 hours per week. Is there something more I can do? My only fear at this point is burn-out or injury due to the increased intensity so early in the season. Right now I am simply paying attention to what my body is telling me, and mixing in a recovery day when I feel a bit sore or tired. Do have any other recommendations to ensure I don’t become