inspiringgrowth

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Banana Blueberry Protein Squares

Here's a pic of the protein squares I make every week and eat every day. They contain 30g of protein per square. The recipe is in this blog. Scroll down a bit to see it. Goes great with a cup of coffee , milk or even water.

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Isolated Whey Protein. . . Hmmm.

TheNOW Isolated whey protein I've been taking for 4 months now helped quite a bit with stamina when lifting. And so my strength increased along with the intense workouts I have doing. That's good.

Unfortunately, I think it or something that ended up in the product that is not on the label, is causing an itchy rash on my entire upper body. I went off the the NOW isolated whey for 8 days and I noticed the rash began to disappear. When I went back on it a couple of days ago, the rash started flaring up again.

I will stay off it for a while I look for a product that is purer to see if the rash was the result of the whey or some toxin that ended up in the product.

Bummer.

Hey, if you know of a isolated whey product that you are absolutely sure is pure, drop me a comment with the name of it. I'd appreciate your input.

Well, on the positive side, this gives me a chance to see how my progress can proceed without it.

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My Way - Helpful or Not?

As mentioned in previous blogs, a lot goes on at the start of our lives to set us on certain paths. If we get proper affirmation and guidance and stick to it we can become quite successful and strong. But what if we do not accept the affirmation and guidance? What if we say to ourselves, I'm going it alone and doing it only in the ways that I come up with? I don't trust anyone else. I want to create my own life without anyone's input. . .

Well . . . good luck with that!

Remember, we were born social beings. And, although there might be some uncaring, severe and even hateful people in our lives, there's probably an equal number of people who do care about us and that we can learn much from. To ignore them and set out on a solitary path can set you up for all sorts of challenges that could overwhelm your abilities to cope. Instead of becoming the strong man you were meant to be you could find yourself weakened and falling prey to addictions and abusive people.

Learn to recognize the good people in your life and choose to work with them to bring out the best in yours and their lives. You'll find yourself in a way of life that helps you to continuously get stronger.

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Reality vs Fantasy

Speaking of the things that can get complicated, even childhood can be this way even though it's meant to be more easy going as we get our bearings on life.

Boys are meant to get their orientation in life from the affirmations and corrections of the men around them. It's a need. Men and women are social beings and are meant to get our cues from others around them. As adult men follow through with their responsibility there is a bonding that gives both sides (the adult men and boys) the feeling of accomplishment and caring. This feeling lives in them and for some is enough to propel them into productive lives caring for themselves and others.

Many, however, find themselves surrounded by indifferent or overly self-focused men who have no idea of their immense responsibility for the young boy's guidance and the awesome places it could take the both of them. Because it's such an important thing, if boys don't get the affirmation and guidance, they might venture out seeking it and the feelings associated with it, from other sources.

Another thing that happens to day is kids stumbling upon porn on their cell phone. As you know it's everywhere now intruding on the innocent. They can become attracted to it if they haven't experienced affirmation and guidance and are not able to defend themselves.

In today's complicated world, they can end up in addiction where they engage in activities that trigger oxytocin and dopamine. Think porn, masturbation, prostitution, drugs, alcohol, marijuana etc. Look for one of my other blogs on dopamine and oxytocin.

So, this was me., to a certain extent. And, several months ago I decided to do something about the deficit it left me in life. To keep heading toward my goals of growth, I have backed away from the fantasies and addictions and am venturing out into better ways of approaching life. At the start it was very difficult and raised feelings of fear in me. Never-the-less, I've been reaffirming in myself that I am male and have the potential to live a courageous life. I have all of the tools necessary, and I would just have to keep my eyes on the goal while avoiding my addictions.

With that said, I have one other tool that many of you may not have found in your back packs yet. It's God. I have known God since I was 4 years old when I started to hear and listen to His voice when in church with my grandmother. Although He never stopped me from making not so good choices, he's been helping me to make this journey out of confusion and into becoming the strong man he meant me to be.

I also now live with the hope that my loving influence on my nieces and nephews will guide them to live satisfying lives as the men and women they are meant to be. You see life's not perfect; we just have to work with the tools God gives us day by day.

I encourage you to look for God. Not sure where to start? Well . . . I'm Catholic. You could start there. Or if you have family background in another religion, try that. At the very least, find a quiet room or church and try talking to Him. Ask for His help. One thing He always says to me is, "I'm here for you. Keep walking"

I'm praying for you every day.

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Sticking to Goals

So much happening as I strive toward my goals. Life is complicated. I have to remind myself of that. And, when I do things that move me away from my goals of improvement, I recognize it and see it as that; a movement away from my goals. Then I judge whether the actions are really worth it. Most of the time the answer is no. So I shed the guilt that stopped me and made me think and then move away from the useless actions and re-orient myself back toward my goals.

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Creatine and Teens Article

Should teens use creatine? - CHOC - Children's health hub

A blogger asked why I said 25 and older for creatine. I've read articles suggesting that teens should not take it. So, I suppose 20 and above is ok. Just stick to the 5 grams a day recommended by the medical community and manufacturers.

The link above is to one of the articles I came across.

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Mind and Heart Strong

Now that my body is on the right track toward getting stronger, the confidence I have been feeling as a result in part of success through consistent efforts has been leading me to ponder the strength I've been experiencing in my mind and heart. I'll be blogging about that for a while. . .

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What’s your opinion of being on marijuana/THC while working out?

I don't have much experience with marijuana. I guess I have more questions than thoughts about it. Are you thinking that it might benefit hypertrophy (muscle growth)? Or, are you in pain and looking for a way to relieve the pain to work out better? I've never really looked into THC's effects on muscle growth. But I do have experience with long term spinal pain and I know that the best approach is gradual and consistent therapeutic exercise along with sufficient amounts of protein. I would approach THC cautiously. It's a drug that has significant effects on the brain and I believe it should be consumed with the guidance of a doctor. I feel very healthy and clear thinking using the methods I've been writing about and really don't feel the need to go beyond that.

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BB Hacks

Consistent

Progressive Exercise

High Protein and fiber, moderate and healthy carbs and fats

7.5 to 8.5 hours sound sleep each night

Creatine if needed (over 20years old)

Healthy friendships (joyful, non-manipulating, caring, encouraging good ways of living)

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I personally am not involved with a group like this yet but it is something for me to strive for. A good goal to add to my list.

I feel awkward talking about working out and lifting weights with others. I always worry that people will think I’m trying to brag about myself. But I really just don’t think of it that way.

What really attracted me to weightlifting was the surprisingly welcome community you can find. A group of people who see everyone who walks into the gym as someone looking to better themselves. They respect them for it. No matter what you look like these people gratefully welcome everyone. I just think it’s so cool seeing people loving others grow. While also feeling good yourself from the benefits of consistent exercise.

And so when I see someone well muscled or athletic it looks like an indication of their effort. And that’s beautiful to me.

And I try to share this awesome group with others, but it’s hard to bring up because there is also a large number of the stereotypical mean gym people.

I end up worrying that the other person will think I’m vain and trying to show off.

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Back Pack Tools Part 2 - About Oxytocin

So the powerful testosterone focuses our attention, builds strength, makes us feel great about accomplishing things and enables us bring children in the world.  So how can we go wrong?   Well, because it’s tied into reproduction, it works in tandem with another hormone, oxytocin. 

Oxytocin is tricky.   It is a bonding hormone to make sure we bond with a mate permanently in order to make sure offspring are produced and cared for.    Therefore it is a powerful substance. It's not something you buy, it's in our bodies and is activated in the presence of another or an image of another we are attracted to.  .   Once activated we temporarily lose our ability to make sound judgements.  It makes us relaxed about what we are about to do. It becomes extremely difficult to stop the process that leads to the formation and ejaculation of our sperm.  Nature takes reproduction very seriously. 

This is a good thing when married.   But, it can get complicated when we are not in a committed relationship and especially when the other person who also influenced by the oxytocin may not have the best intentions for us.

The bonding thing that it creates is also important to understand.   Our brains work in tandem with oxytocin to set us up to be committed to one person.  When we activate the oxytocin as purely a pleasure tool and skip from partner to partner, it weakens the ability of oxytocin help us to bond to just one person. Look at the out of control divorce rate (over 90%).  It can also affect our abilities to commit to other important things in our lives.

Interestingly there’s another less intense side to oxytocin.  When not involved in the reproductive act, things like caring for others be they children or adults can trigger tiny amounts of oxytocin.   In tiny amounts it can create a healthy bond with others, God and even our pets.  It reduces stress and makes us feel happy and healthy.

Back to Testosterone.  Testosterone builds our strength when there is a lot of it in our systems and in steady amounts.  After we ejaculate, we experience a dramatic lowering of the testosterone.   If done frequently we may not experience the necessary amounts needed to build the strength we desire.  We can wear out the T production system.  Some will take substances to artificially charge it up, but you know where all that leads.  The body can only take abuse for so long before various parts of it start breaking down.

Bottom line?  Think before you commit to heading down that icy double diamond slope leading to ejaculation.

 I’m committing to doing things to build the testosterone but not to those things that trigger large amounts of my reproductive oxytocin.  I’ll let you know how it works out.

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Ryan Humiston's Awesome Lifting Techniques.

Check out his Back Video. Then look for his chest and legs videos. He's nailed the best ways to get at all muscle groups. Note: His humor is funny but can be at times a bit over the top. Focus on what's important and leave the rest.

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Tools in Our Back Packs -About Testosterone

Us men have a great ability and lots of tools in our back packs to set and hold the course for our lives.    In fact, those of us who choose to do so and stick with it become an awesome guiding force for others.

In another entry I mentioned our ability to get strong.  One major tool that influences this in our bodies is testosterone.     Testosterone is primarily a male hormone.  It’s effect is to mobilize other hormones and other controlling substances in our bodies to focus us, build strength and at the same time help us to feel great about accomplishing things.  It also helps to form the elements necessary for reproduction.   In the right amounts it can work wonders in our lives. 

We start off with a lot of it during our early (13-30) reproductive years and then it drops bit by bit over time from about our 30’s onward.  If we eat right, get enough rest and exercise, it’s levels can remain in very workable amounts for much of our lives. 

There are some factors that can knock testosterone levels down.  I know I mention this a lot but if you aren't smart about your diet, exercise and rest, your testosterone will get knocked down. Also, excessive stress, allergies, drugs, depression and environmental toxins can lower testosterone levels as well.

Staying healthy goes a long way to keep levels up. There’s also over the counter substances that can be taken to boost it. You've probably seen them in the drugstore or advertised online.

 Younger people (teens and twenties) who already have high amounts of testosterone should stay clear of them. You’ve got enough guys!   In fact, all men of any age should be very careful with these and the illegal ones (roids) as too much can ruin your abilities to fully be the strong men you want to be. If choosing the over-the-counter herbal supplements, start very slowly. Break open capsules and sprinkle tiny amounts into a shake to see how your body responds.

Think about what you striving to accomplish; getting stronger I assume. Getting stronger is a process that takes time and consistent effort.  Us men are built to do difficult things and get stronger from those accomplishments. 

 Insisting on the quick easy way with little effort eventually can weaken us. Put your focus on consistent exercise, diet and rest.

With that said, if you think your testosterone is much too low for your age and efforts, then see your doctor for advice.

How do you use your given tools to make yourself a stronger person? Are you being smart about your approach to getting stronger?  What positive effects has getting stronger brought to you and others in your life? 

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Know Your Limits

Over time after having injured myself a few times, I've come to know my limits. I now always carefully apply proper lifting techniques (form) and, at this stage of the game, push myself hard but never beyond my sense of what will cause me injury. Injury can and has set me back months and years. I know myself enough now and will always be careful to exercise the right way.

Do you know your limits?

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Setting BB Goals

OK, the guys' pics that I select to put up or reblog are in a way my goals. However, I am not living in a fantasy here. Some are my goals for several years down the road. Others I think I can grow to their size within this year.

I'm totally aware that building my body takes consistent and smart efforts of diet, exercise and rest. I'm just enjoying the ride every step of the way.

What are your BB goals? Are they realistic? How are you trying to meet these goals? Do you have other interesting goals in your life?

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