Why Ask Why

Have you ever set goals for yourself and wondered, "Why am I doing this?" Do you go through the motions, without any real sense of purpose or direction? If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle to find their "why", the underlying motivation that drives them to pursue their goals.

But why is finding your "why" so important? According to research, having a sense of purpose can have a powerful impact on your well-being and success. Here are just a few of the benefits:

1. Improved focus: When you know why you're working towards a particular goal, it's easier to stay focused and motivated. You're less likely to get distracted or discouraged by setbacks along the way.

2. Increased productivity: When you're clear on your "why," you're better able to prioritize your time and energy. You're more likely to be productive because you know what you're working towards.

3. Greater resilience: When you have a strong sense of purpose, you're better able to weather the ups and downs of life. Research has shown that people who have a sense of purpose are more resilient in the face of adversity.

4. Better health: Research has also linked having a sense of purpose to better physical and mental health. People with a strong sense of purpose tend to experience less stress and have better overall well-being.

So how can you find your "why"? Here are a few tips:

1. Reflect on your values: What's most important to you? What do you stand for? Reflecting on your values can help you identify what matters to you.

2. Consider your strengths: What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Thinking about your strengths can help you identify what you're most passionate about.

3. Think about your impact: How do you want to make a difference? Thinking about the legacy you want to leave behind can help you identify your purpose.

4. Set goals that align with your "why": Once you've identified your "why," set goals that are in alignment with it. This will help you stay motivated and focused on what's most important to you.

Finding your "why" is an ongoing process. It's something that may evolve as you grow and change. By taking the time to reflect on what matters to you, you can find a sense of purpose and direction that can help you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.

Go Fast

In recent years, intermittent fasting has gained popularity among people who want to improve their health and lose weight. This is in due part to the simplicity of its implementation, science-based health benefits, and the celebrity and social media influencers who endorse it as part of their lifestyle routine.

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that involves alternating periods of fasting and eating. It can have many benefits for your health, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and improved brain function. However, it's important to consider that there may be potential drawbacks.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting:

1. Weight Loss: Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight by reducing your calorie intake. According to a 2014 study published in the International Journal of Obesity, intermittent fasting can be an effective way to reduce body weight and improve metabolic health.

2. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, which can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine found that intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.

3. Reduced Inflammation: Intermittent fasting can also reduce inflammation in the body. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that intermittent fasting can decrease levels of inflammatory markers in the body.

4. Improved Brain Function: Intermittent fasting may also improve brain function. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that intermittent fasting can increase the production of new brain cells, which can improve cognitive function.

Drawbacks of Intermittent Fasting:

1. Hunger: Intermittent fasting can be challenging because it involves periods of hunger. Some people may find it difficult to stick to the fasting periods, which can lead to overeating during the eating periods.

2. Nutrient Deficiencies: Intermittent fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies if you don't consume enough nutrients during the eating periods. It's important to make sure you are getting enough vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients during your eating periods.

3. Disordered Eating: Intermittent fasting can also be a trigger for people with a history of disordered eating. It's important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting intermittent fasting if you have a history of disordered eating.

Different Strategies for Intermittent Fasting:

1. 16/8 Method: This involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window.

2. 5:2 Diet: This involves eating normally for five days and restricting calorie intake to 500-600 calories for two non-consecutive days.

3. Eat-Stop-Eat: This involves fasting for 24 hours once or twice a week.

4. Alternate-Day Fasting: This involves fasting every other day, with one day of regular eating followed by one day of fasting.

So If you do decide to intermittent fast, try the many different strategies mentioned above and see which one works best for you. But as always, consult with a healthcare professional before starting intermittent fasting or any diet programs.

Bon appetite!

Top 5 Sports With The Fittest Athletes

Which sport has the fittest athletes? I guess it depends on who you ask. Below are the top 5 sports with the fittest athletes compiled based on the fitness levels of athletes in their respective sports. So, without further ado, let's take a look at these sports and the athletes who dominate them.

1. CrossFit: CrossFit has become one of the most popular fitness programs in recent years and for good reason. It's an intense, high-intensity workout that combines elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardio. CrossFit athletes are some of the most well-rounded athletes in the world, and their training regimens reflect that. Athletes like Mat Fraser and Tia-Clair Toomey train for hours every day, focusing on strength training, endurance training, and gymnastics skills.

2. Boxing: Boxers are some of the most well-conditioned athletes in the world, with a focus on explosive power, speed, and endurance. Their training regimens often include intense cardio sessions, strength training, and sparring. Athletes like Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are renowned for their rigorous training schedules, which often included running several miles per day, lifting weights, and practicing the technique for hours on end.

3. Swimming: Swimming is one of the most demanding sports in terms of endurance and overall fitness. Swimmers have to maintain a high level of cardiovascular fitness, as well as strength and flexibility. Swimmers like Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky train for several hours each day, focusing on long-distance endurance, sprints, and technique work.

4. MMA: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) requires athletes to be well-rounded in all aspects of combat sports, including grappling, striking, and submissions. Training regimens for MMA athletes often include strength training, cardio sessions, and hours of sparring and technique work. Athletes like Conor McGregor and Georges St-Pierre are known for their intense training sessions, which often involve multiple training sessions per day.

5. Soccer: Soccer players are some of the fittest athletes in the world, with a focus on explosive speed, agility, and endurance. Training regimens for soccer players often include cardio sessions, strength training, and technical skill work. Athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are renowned for their rigorous training schedules, which often include hours of practice on the field and in the gym.

These sports are known for producing some of the most physically fit athletes in the world, who endure grueling training sessions to achieve their top-level fitness. These sports require athletes to possess a combination of strength, endurance, speed, agility, and technical skill.

What’s your top 5 list of sports with the fittest athletes?

Answer To Last Week’s Trivia

What is the term for the physiological response to stress that causes the body to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol? Fight-or-flight response.

The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs when the body is under stress or facing a potentially threatening situation. It is a survival mechanism that is hardwired into our bodies, and it prepares us to either fight or flee from danger.

Trivia Time

What is the term for the measure of how much weight a person is carrying compared to their height?

Stay tuned next week for the answer.