Greetings to all 31 of you! If you’re reading this (THANK YOU!) and aren’t subscribed, press the beautiful button below to secure my presence in your inbox each week.
HOUSEKEEPING 👋🏽
SO, you made it. 1st week. And if you’re not my mom or girlfriend, you’re probably wondering, “What is this?” Well, not probably. Definitely. Here’s a small amalgamation of my favorite responses from friends:
“Excuse me? What the f*ck is this?”
“I subscribed to your workout thing. I don’t know what it is!”
“Don’t let your subscribers down.”
“Aw. Your email thing.”
Eloquent, no?
THE MISSION 🚀
I want every reader to know I write this with the individual in mind. I imagine sitting across from you, sharing coffee, looking longingly into each other’s eyes (or at the table, if eye contact isn’t your thing) with the mutual goal to provide value & spark discourse with a close friend.
“What is obvious to you, is insight for another. Start sharing.”
If I can provide value for just one person, my mission will be accomplished. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity.
NOT A HAT 🧢
Nutrition isn’t a hat. There is no trusty one-size-fits-all product you can pull out of the back of your closet when you’re feeling extra greasy. You’re going to have to wash your hair eventually. Tis’ life.
Run away from anyone proclaiming a magic pill solution to nutrition. Actually, don’t run. Fight them (with your awesome nutrition knowledge, not your hands).
But if you don’t want to fight, learn to avoid the bullsh*t.
The usual suspects will be easy to spot: instagram influencers, your grandma (sorry, Anne), your college bodybuilding friend. But what about the one’s disguised as experts? The personal trainer you respect, the government, a nutrition service with a 7-figure follower count. A little harder to discern, right?
Just Remember:
Your nutritional wellbeing isn’t a product, it’s a process.
Let The Process ™️ be your guide.
Each of you require different combinations and styles of nourishment.
What to Avoid
Eating templates
Detox teas
Juice cleanses
“Group Coaching” (i.e. template based weight loss challenges)
Programs that make you sad (in any form)
the best nutrition advice makes you happy and empowers you to take control
If you’re going to spend your hard earned money: go the 1-on-1 route. A good coach will change your life. Anything else is a waste.
A template won’t help you when you’re having a stress induced panic attack, can’t get off the toilet because of Chili’s Fajitas, or are so nervous about competing you forgot to eat (yes, I have problems).
And I know you do too!
You are beautiful, delicate (but strong) creature. Be nice to yourself. It starts with food.
Still don’t buy it?
There is quite literally a 2nd brain living inside our stomachs. The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) is two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining our stomach.
“Researchers are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes.
‘These new findings may explain why a higher-than-normal percentage of people with IBS and functional bowel problems develop depression and anxiety, that’s important, because up to 30 to 40 percent of the population has functional bowel problems at some point.’” (Link)
Your gut is alive just as much as your brain is. Crazy, right?
Harvard Medical Researchers were actually able to capture video of a patient’s brain after significant diet changes to counteract Irritable Bowel Syndrome (see below).
Look how happy this lil guy is! This is your brain with a healthy gut!
MENTAL FITNESS 🧠
“When we choose who we follow, we are choosing our future thoughts.”
If you’re like me, this quote hit you hard. Why do you follow who you follow?
🧾 Audit your information intake.
Who do you follow?
Do they provide value? (friendship, happiness, knowledge, motivation, etc.)
Do you feel gross after scrolling through your socials?
Change it. Follow better people. Take control.
Don’t be afraid to unfollow
Curate your experience to propel you to who and where you want to be
I audit my Twitter & Instagram following every 4 weeks to reflect my goals. You have to militant with what you allow into your mind.
FINANCIAL FITNESS 🤑
Firmly believe @jackbutcher & @visualizevalue will provide a 1000x ROI in your lifetime. Highly recommend a follow.
Your weekly reminder to watch less Netflix & start that project you’ve been thinking about.
TASTEBUD FITNESS 👅
“One of the best things I’ve put in my mouth hole.” - ME, 2020
Seriously, you have to try these if you’re an oatmeal fan. It’s like eating candy for breakfast. But, like, it’s not candy.
This isn’t sponsored (yet). Everything is 20% off until Sunday. Let me know if you try!
FIN.
That’s it!
Reply directly to this email to chat or follow me on Twitter. I respond to every single one of you.
If you’re ever in the Gainesville area, reach out! I’ll buy you coffee and we can take this newsletter to the real world!
If you enjoyed my words please share with a friend!
Until next week.
Godspeed.
-tommy
Great job tommy!