About this episode
(Breather) Cleaning up your act requires you identify and then eliminate the things that no longer serve you, and these things could be anything from toxic foods to toxic substances to toxic relationships. It makes sense from a practical standpoint to start with your diet. If the big three toxic modern foods (grains, sugars, and refined industrial seed oils) are foods you still consume in moderation, from time to time, or frequently, then this episode will make you never want to consume those foods again, once your eyes have been opened to the reality of how harmful and addictive they are. Cleaning up your act isn’t just about food though, it also means steering clear of highly negative people and situations that drain you emotionally and drag you down from a place of positivity and gratitude. It definitely takes a lot of discipline to commit to maintaining a “zero-tolerance” policy for all toxic things in your life, but it’s also worth it. Strive for a 3 week-long, total elimination experiment to get yourself off the carbohydrate dependency train. These foods are highly, highly addictive, stimulating the same opioid receptors in the brain that hard drugs do, so it won’t be easy, but you will feel so much better after. I went cold-turkey on the Primal scene 12 years ago and ditched grains immediately, and after a short adjustment period, I realized that the grains weren’t actually what I wanted - it was always the toppings/sauce/etc on top of, or accompanying the grains, that I enjoyed the taste of. Also, watch out for artificial sweeteners, as they trick the appetite center in your brain into thinking it’s getting something sweet, but since you’re not actually consuming anything sweet, your body will start to crave sugar until it gets that fix. Another thing to watch out for are mind altering substances. In the Hacking of the American Mind, Dr. Robert Lustig explains how when we flood the dopamine receptors in the brain, through whatever it is (sugar, grains, drugs, entertainment, pornography, etc) our body requires more and more of whatever it is that gave them that rush. Instead, look for happiness and content through other things: meditation, a comfortably paced aerobic workout, going in the sauna if you have one, cooking a nutrient dense meal and enjoying the process and being present for it - activities like this trigger serotonin pathways, leaving you feeling satisfied and calm. The next important step is working on your relationships. Listen to my shows with John Gray ( one , two and three ) which are all full of invaluable relationship advice from the expert himself, like, do not speak to your partner if you’re feeling a negative emotional charge. Also, don’t forget to examine what you’re bringing to your relationships - if some, or all of the negativity is actually coming from your side, acknowledge it and deal with it. Negativity only breeds more negativity, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to clean up your act! Look at your relationships and nurture the ones that put you in a positive, inspired frame of mind, and let go of the ones that don’t do this. It’s all about how you feel ultimately. If you feel drained/like crap after talking to someone, why would you want to keep them in your inner circle? Brene Brown gives great advice for this dilemma: “A few moments of pain from confrontation is better than a week of resentment.” Lastly, think about, and integrate, Deepak Chopra’s 4 Daily Intentions, into your life. I follow them daily, think about them all the time, and think they offer a beautiful framework to follow: 1) Joyful, Energetic Body. No toxic foods, people, jobs, substances, habits, etc. 2) Loving, Compassionate Heart. Everyone in the world wants the same thing - validation and attention for who they are. Be kind, supportive, and attentive. 3) Reflective Quiet, Alert Mind. This is not about maintaining eternal positivity, but rather, going with the flow and accepting things as they come. 4) Lightness of Being. Be present. Carrie Sisson wisely says: “Your thoughts are the source of all your pain.” Thanks for listening to assignment #2 of the MOFO Mission! TIMESTAMPS: Dr. Loren Cordain suggests that 71% of the calories in the modern Standard American Diet comes from nutrient deficient toxic foods. [02:29] The addictive properties of sugar stimulate the same opioid receptors in the brain as hard drugs. [04:11] Even in extreme exercise the endorphin rush over and over is addictive. [07:11] The basic drive for men is to solve problems, conquer the environment and be seen as a hero. And for the female it’s to nurture, love, support and connect. [09:32] Emotionally charged discussions kill your testosterone and leave you drained. [12:09] Females need to make an effort to come down off that masculine energy side that you acquired out in the work world. [13:34] When you walk into a room and there’s negative energy in that room, it is contagious. [14:18] Men need to learn to apologize, believe it or not! You need to build the strength of character. [18:16] Deepak Chopra’s four daily intentions are: joyful energetic body; loving compassionate heart; reflective quiet, alert mind; and lightness of being. [21:27] LINKS: The Paleo Diet Wheat Belly The Hacking of the American Mind The Case Against Sugar John Gray Podcast Biology of Belief Lipton summary podcast The Way of the Superior Man Berne´ Brown Deepak Chopra QUOTES: "A few moments of pain from confrontation is better than a week of resentment." (Brene´Brown) "It takes one person to create a shift in a relationship." 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