Dr. Kenney’s 5 Spot
I interact with hundreds of patients each week and get asked a lot of questions. On Fridays I like to share some of the answers I give and hope it has value for you.
Do you eat strictly over the holidays? The way I approach eating at holiday events is that I indulge in things that I am excited about but avoid just stuffing my face with things I don’t. For example, my grandmother used to bring over apples that are essentially baked using red hot candies and water. She created this recipe during The Depression, and I’ve had it every year of my life going back to childhood. It’s as much Christmas to me as the tree. Is it good for me? No. Am I skipping it? Heck no. On the other hand, cookies are not my thing so when those are everywhere at parties, I leave them be. I don’t restrict myself, but I don’t go too crazy just because it’s a holiday.
A piece of nutrition advice you like to give? Following along with the above, I believe that there is nothing wrong with eating whatever you want from time to time. Scientifically when this is a deviation from your norm, it accelerates metabolism. My advice is to not let a “cheat day” become multiple days, a cheat week or more. So, what I recommend is the day after you indulge, get right back into healthy eating and get some form of exercise in. On Christmas I ate a lot of food I would not eat on a regular day. On the 26th I got up, did 100 burpees (while my 17-month-old clapped for me, bonus!), drank a lot of water and had a healthy breakfast of eggs and an avocado. Before my body could even begin to crave sugar or want more of the bad stuff, I had it back on the right track. Treating yourself is fine, just have the discipline to get it back under control.
A gift I’m excited about? I got a training mask from my kids for Christmas. For those not familiar, this is a mask you wear that restricts breathing and simulates altitude training. It can be set for anywhere from 3,000 feet to 18,000 feet. I’ve done a run and a couple workouts with it thus far and it’s challenging but I think it will help me as I continue training for my upcoming 100-mile race in March.
A book I love? Living with a SEAL by Jesse Itzler. This is the true story of a wealthy man, stuck in his routines that brings a very intense Navy SEAL to live with him and his family and follow him around for 30 days. The story itself is worth it but there are many lessons to be learned about breaking out of comfort zones and challenging ourselves daily to become better people.
A quote I love? “Deep in his heart, every man longs for a battle to fight, an adventure to live and a beauty to rescue.” – John Eldredge
Don’t forget to follow Dr. Kenney on Instagram @Coloradochiropractor