Recovery

Learn how to recover from workouts and how to recover from injuries with recovery strategies, gear, food and supplements.

5 Warning Signs of Inadequate Recovery

Posted on by Kyle Kinley

How do we know if we are fully recovered and ready for our next workout? Are we recovered when our muscles are no longer sore? Are we recovered when we feel we are mentally ready for our next workout? Many athletes are asking these questions, and finding no adequate answers. Finding answers to these recovery questions is important. More importantly – are we asking the right questions about recovery?

We don’t know if we’re fully recovered, if we don’t know what needs to be recovered! The body has two main systems that need to recover for optimal recovery: the Musculoskeletal system and the Autonomic Nervous system.

The Musculoskeletal system, your muscles, is what almost everyone thinks about when determining adequate recovery. The common thinking is, “If my muscles aren’t sore anymore then I am adequately recovered, right?” Although musculoskeletal recovery is an important part of optimal recovery, it is not the most important indicator of optimal or even adequate recovery.

The Nervous System is the other main body system that needs to adequately recover from training. Your nervous system fatigues quicker and takes more time to adequately recover than your musculoskeletal system. Determining nervous system recovery is more complex than determining musculoskeletal recovery. Keep reading for more information on recovery and 5 indicators of adequate musculoskeletal recovery. Continue reading →

Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of Hard Alcohol

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Hard alcohol, oftentimes called hard liquor, is a type of beverage that has a high alcoholic content – typically 30% by volume or higher. Though it is made from alcoholic fermentation, it is quite distinct from other fermented alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer as hard alcohol goes through distillation. This finishing process takes out the diluting elements like water, consequently increasing the quantify per volume of alcohol. The resultant product is considered “harder” due to its substantial alcohol content, hence the name. One of the most highly consumed beverages around the world, hard alcohol must be avoided at all times as intake can result in a host of debilitating health conditions.

Read further and discover more about the negative effects of hard alcohol and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

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Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of Mixed Drinks

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Mixed drinks are alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages that consist of two or more ingredients. Mixed drinks are oftentimes served during parties because they are versatile and sometimes even an economical choice for large gatherings. These beverages, particularly the ones concocted with alcohol, are popular among individuals who dislike the bitter taste of beer or plain hard alcohol as well. While no doubt some of the tastiest beverages available, mixed drinks may not be a suitable hydration choice especially if you are trying to achieve overall health and wellness.

Read further and discover more about the negative effects of mixed drinks and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

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Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of Beer

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Beer is an alcoholic beverage believed by many to be the oldest fermented drink. It is made by blending cereal grains like barley or other starchy sources like millet or corn with water and then fermenting the mixture with the use of brewer’s yeast. The fluid is also infused with hops to give it its characteristic bitter taste. Modern brewing methods typically clarify the fluid with a variety of clarifying agents so as to produce a distinctly clean and bright color. Currently the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage around the world, beer has its ill effects on health and so avoidance of the drink may be prudent.

Read further and discover more about the negative effects of beer and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

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Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of Mochas

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Mochas are coffee-based drinks that consist of three basic ingredients namely espresso, milk, and chocolate. Traditionally, mochas are flavored with sweetened cocoa powder but commercial versions are now often added with chocolate syrups for quicker preparation. Garnishing such as whipped cream, marshmallows or chocolate chips are common add-ons as well. Mochas are no doubt delectable and can give a quick energy boost, but its mixture of ingredients makes for a rather unhealthy drink.

Read further and discover more about the negative effects of mochas and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

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Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of Lattes

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Lattes are coffee-based beverages consisting of espresso and steamed milk, with variations including milk foam as an added ingredient. In the United States, there are three basic types of lattes namely caffè latte, latte macchiato, and iced caffè latte. Caffè latte is a hot beverage where steamed milk is added to espresso and then topped with milk foam. Latte macchiato, on the other hand, is made by pouring hot espresso into foamed steamed milk. Iced caffè latte, meanwhile, is mixed espresso and milk that are typically chilled beforehand and then poured over some ice and served as is without milk foam.

Over the years, demand for non-coffee based energy-boosting drinks has increased. It is for this reason most coffee chains now serve lattes made with caffeinated teas such as the Indian masala chai and the Japanese matcha or powdered green tea. Lattes are no doubt a tasty treat. However, ready-made versions of this classic drink contain unwholesome ingredients that may pose ill effects to one’s health.

Read further and discover more about the negative effects of lattes and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

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Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of Blended Coffee

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Blended coffee is just as its name implies, a coffee-based beverage mixed with a variety of ingredients such as whipped cream, milk, and chocolate. This is done not only to enhance the flavor but the texture and appearance of the drink as well. Consumption of this beverage has increased in the past years especially since chains specializing in blended coffee recipes have become ubiquitous in the United States. While no doubt a tasty treat, it may be wise to steer clear of blended coffee due to a variety of reasons.

Read further and discover more about the negative effects of blended coffee and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

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Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of Instant Coffee

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Instant coffee is a product made by brewing roasted and ground coffee beans, after which the resultant liquid is spray-dried or freeze-dried. This is done to remove the moisture and yield coffee granules that are easily soluble in hot water. While undoubtedly cheaper than other caffeinated beverages like Arabica coffee, it may be best to avoid instant coffee due to health considerations.

Read further and discover more about the negative effects of instant coffee and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

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Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of Regular Cow’s Milk

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Various cultures around the world have been drinking regular cow’s milk for centuries. Touted for its significant calcium and protein content, it has even become a widely accepted substitute for breast milk. Regular cow’s milk consumption has been linked to a host of ill health effects and so avoidance of this beverage may be prudent.

Read further and discover more about the negative effects of regular cow’s milk and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

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Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Negative Effects of Soy Milk

Posted on by Ben Greenfield

Soy milk is a type of plant milk made from soy beans that have been thoroughly ground with water. Soy milk’s origin can be traced back to China, where legend says the drink was concocted for medicinal purposes. Traditionally served hot, the early Chinese used to take soy milk as a morning drink. Now popular worldwide, consumption of this beverage continues to grow. While marketed as a health drink, soy milk may be best avoided, especially by individuals with certain health conditions.

Read further and discover more about the negative effects of soy milk and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends you avoid this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

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