From Smashing Heads on TV to Oprah.com

Posted in Fitness Tips on December 4th by Dan.

From Smashing Heads on TV to Oprah.com.  We all go through some kind of transformational journey in life to figure out what our gift is — to figure out what our expertise to share with the world is.

Take me for example.  I went from the blustery world of Red, White and Blue spandex starring as “Nitro” on the American Gladiators for 7 years to reading Oprah.com.

And yep, I take a lot of flak for it from my buddies. It usually sounds something like: "What happened to you?  You used to be a man."

The truth is, I’m still a man. Just a better man.

Once I let go of the old ideology of what it meant to be a man – the transformation began. When I was young I believed a man was the toughest guy in the room with the icy stare who was impervious to feeling anything.

In the past, I often led with my ego and my fists, because violence or at least the threat of it was just easier.  But then I realized I was isolated.  I was a prisoner locked inside my meat-suit.

It wasn’t until I made the transformation from “man” to “human being” that I was free live as a: 

Father, teacher, student, writer, friend, and a fully conscious being who could feel. My mind set went from "what's in it for me?" to "how can I help you?"

The point I’m trying to make as the end of the year rapidly approaches is:

Are you living your best life?  Are you walking toward a place you want to go?

Or is there some type of transformation you need to make to become the better version of yourself?

If so, now it the time to act. 

There will never be another moment like this.

There will never be a better time. 

There will never be another now. 

Time flees so fast it’s hard to fathom.  Hopes, dreams, great ideas, become time-worn relics in the chest of “what could have been.”

Take in a stiff breath of courage.  Take those first few steps.  Start making that transformation.  Start on that path to a happier and healthier life.  Start walking toward a place you want to go.

You deserve to be happy.  You really do.

Here are a couple question that may help you along the journey:

  • What do you love to do?
  • What makes time disappear?
  • What makes you smile when you think about doing it?
  • What do people say you’re good at and have a knack for?
  • What comes easy to you that other people find challenging?
  • What have been some of your most rewarding experiences in the past?
  • How would you finish this question: "If only I could make a living at… "

Good luck along the way.  Be brilliant!

Dan Clark

Pic of Me and Kid Rock goofin' around.

Dan Clark Nitro & Kid Rock

BTW – about Oprah.com. I’ll take good information from anyplace I can get it!  Including GQ, Men's Health, NY Times, Esquire,  Best Life, and Shape. 

 

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My Top 3 Must-Read Diet Books of 2009

Posted in Fitness Tips on November 9th by Dan.

I hate using the word "diet" yet it seems to be a word that everyone relates to.  But the truth is my favorite "Top Pick Must-Read Diet Books" of the year are NOT diet books at all.  

They are LIFESTYLE – NUTRITION books.  

Why?

Because study after study show that diets don't work. Yet diet books continue to follow the typical formula: First there's the sympathy for the would-be weight loser, blaming the excess pounds on everyone but them. Then comes the revolutionary formula that will torch those pounds forever. 

How many of you have tried the "in" diet before?  And how many of you have initially lost weight only to fall off the wagon and eventually gain it all back?  Count me right in there with you.

But you know what I learned over the last 25 years? 

It's simple, consistent actions taken every day that make the difference when it comes to health and happiness. It's never about a diet and ALWAYS about making lifestyle changes.

It's finding nutritious foods that you love that you can eat every day that you also find satisfying so you're never feel hungry or depleted. It's making exercise a daily part of your life.  I'm not talking about moving mountains – I'm talking about simply getting yourself moving every day.  The key, just like when it comes to food, is finding something you love to do. It doesn't matter if it's yoga, pilates, boxing, swimming, fitness walking – find what you love and enjoy and it won't seem like exercise. It will… get this… it will be FUN.

This really is the secret not only when it comes to food and exercise but to everything in life.  Find what you LOVE to do and it will never seem like work.  Learn to make your vocation your occupation and you are truly a wealthy person.

What do I love to do?  

I love helping people change their lives so they can live a happier, healthier more fulfilled life. To that end I give you my three favorite nutrition books of the year.

I've attached a link to be helpful because I know we buy things on the spur of the moment and also when they are easily accessible.  So just click on the book and it'll take you to Amazon.com so you can start enjoying the benefits!

"Sugar Blues" by William Duffy.  I first came across this book when I was reading Jenny McCarthy's blog on Oprah.com.  Yep, that's right.  I went from beating the crap out of guys on TV to hanging out on Oprah.com.  Hey, I'll take good information from any place I can get.  This classic, bestselling book is a stunning expose about what sugar does to the body. I knew it was bad, but I had no idea it was THIS bad.  Be sure to pick up this oldie but goodie.  You'll never look at sugar the same. 

 

The End of Over Eating by David Kessler.  This by the former head of the Food and Drug Administration is a must read. It looks at our growing obesity problem and our inability to control our food intake as a culture.  It talks about how the food industry is in collusion with the advertising industry and how they spend of 30 billions dollars a year enticing us to eat!  It also provides his take on a solution so you'll never overeat again. 

 

 

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan.  The best line of the book is the first line and a line I LIVE by: "Eat Real Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants."  So forget the diet and do just that.  This book shows you how and informs you about how processed and nutritionalized food have replaced real food.  It's a real eye opener and a quick, informative read. 

 

There you have it.  Please enjoy and let me know if they work for you and also share with me some your favorite nutrition books!

Be Brilliant!

Dan Clark aka Nitro

Dan Clark

BTW — Here's my absolute favorite protein powder - Sun Warrior Brown Rice protein. It's all I'll take now. I ran out of it — went back to whey and almost vomited — I wish I would've because my stomach was upset all day.  I know brown rice, vegan, raw, with no added sugar is a little more expensive than the other proteins, but you are so worth it!!!  Check it out by clicking the link above.

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