Originally published as a Sidebar to "Weight Lifting: The Ultimate Energizer by Russell Wild," Muscle Media 76, March 2000 P58-63. Reprinted with permission

Nutrition plays another key role in our energy levels.  After all, the source of all "chemical energy" comes from the foods we eat.  Our choices of what we eat, how much we eat, and when we eat, have a profound impact on our metabolic processes and energy levels. 

Before I started the Transformation Challenge, I ate modest amounts of protein, reduced amounts of fats, and large amounts of carbohydrates.  I consumed these foods in the traditional three "squares" a day.  My energy levels were at best, modest.  I required 8 hours of sleep, awoke tired, remained tired throughout the day, experienced aches and pains in my joints and muscles, had frequent cravings for sweets, and occasional periods of depression.  I attributed all of this to my age-60 years old.  I had come to accept, like most of my patients, that all of these complaints were the result of the inescapable consequences of aging.                                                                 

When I began the Transformation Challenge, I skeptically, started what Bill Phillips calls the "Nutrition-for-LIFE Method."  This consists of eating 6 meals daily with each meal containing a portion of quality protein and a portion of carbohydrate. 

Within a week I noticed my energy levels increasing.  I required less sleep and was more energetic at home and at the office. My strength and endurance began improving, my joints quit hurting, my thinking became more clear, I quit craving sweets, my mood improved and I just plain felt better! 

After eating each meal, I could feel warmth throughout my body and a surge of energy.  It was truly remarkable.  Now that I've studied nutrition at more than a superficial level, it makes perfect sense to me.  If we only feed ourselves three times a day, our bodies have low levels of fuel (nutrients) that are needed for all the millions of biochemical reactions required for energy production and use throughout the day.  By refueling every two to three hours, we provide a continual, readily available supply of nutrients for our bodies to operate at peak capacity.

It is important to combine one portion of protein with one portion of carbohydrate at every meal.  The wisdom behind this is that this combination results in a more even, steady-state level of blood sugar and minimizes surges of insulin that produce ups and downs in our blood sugar and increases fat storage. It's disappointing to me how many of my patients complain of being tired and overweight.  When I ask them about their eating habits, they almost all universally say they eat just one or two meals a day and skip breakfast.  And they don't know why they don't have the energy to exercise and can't lose fat.

When I tell them they need to eat six small meals every day, each containing one portion of protein and one portion of carbohydrate, to increase their energy levels and get rid of body fat, they look at me like I just dropped a dumbell on my head.  But, those who follow these "doctor's orders" soon become true believers as they begin to look and feel much better.  And, their health improves significantly.

I have found that there is nothing that increases my energy levels more than having a lean, strong, healthy body.   My improved self-esteem, the major improvement in my attitude, and the positive feedback I continue to get from my family, friends and patients all play a big part in this I am sure.   But, I really believe that the major reason for this newfound energy is because my body now functions more efficiently than it ever has in all of my 60 years of living.  You can be certain I am going to continue to exercise intensely and nourish my body for the rest of my life!

Jeffry S. Life, MD, PhD. Sidebar to "Weight Lifting: The Ultimate Energizer by Russell Wild," Muscle Media 76(March 2000): 58-63.