How Quitting Alcohol Helped Today's Guest Lose 30 Pounds, Make More Money, Attract Better Friends And Lovers, And Got A Job Hosting SportsCenter on ESPN (And Your Formula For Reducing or Quitting Alcohol).
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How Quitting Alcohol Helped Today's Guest Lose 30 Pounds, Make More Money, Attract Better Friends And Lovers, And Got A Job Hosting SportsCenter on ESPN (And Your Formula For Reducing or Quitting Alcohol).

In recent podcasts, I've talked a lot lately about alcohol, and what it does to the body, both good and bad.

My friend James Swanwick, who wrote the article below and is the host of the Alpha Male Club podcast, has a very interesting take on alcohol.

So in today's podcast, you're going to learn how quitting alcohol helped James lose 30 pounds of fat, make more money, attract better friends and lovers, and got him a job hosting SportsCenter on ESPN - and get a formula for reducing or quitting alcohol. You'll learn:

-Why James quit alcohol...

-What happens to your body when you stop drinking, physically and mentally...

-The biggest challenges that happen when you stop or reduce drinking...

-What to do when you’re at a party or bar if you're not going to order a drink...

-If James turned to any other vices as a replacement...

-Why James doesn't just use a “one glass of wine a day” approach...

-And much more!

-----------------------------------

"I am four years alcohol-free today. What started as a 30-day challenge, turned into a four-year lifestyle change. Friends often ask me about this so I figure I’ll quickly share my story, assuming others may be interested. I was never a big drinker. I’d enjoy a few quiet beers during the week. Most weekends I’d go a little harder and get a good “buzz”. On a handful of occasions over many years, I would say I got “drunk”. It was all good fun. There was no drinking to excess. I never had a drinking problem. But I awoke with a shocking hangover one morning four years ago at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas after a particularly fun night. I walked into an International House of Pancakes for a hangover breakfast. The IHOP menus have photos of the food you can choose – big, bright, bold colors. The sight of those scrambled eggs, bacon and pancakes on the menu and big, fat, overweight people sitting at tables next to me made me ill. I decided then and there to see if I could go 30 days alcohol-free. It was simply a personal bet with myself to test my self-discipline. I didn’t plan to go more than 30 days. But I eventually would. The first two weeks were hard. I went out with friends and ordered water or diet coke and they’d give me a hard time. “You’re un-Australian!” they’d say to me. But I got through those two weeks and I was off to the races. I felt better, slept better and had much more mental clarity. After 30 days, I’d lost an incredible 13lbs (5.9kg) of fat around my stomach. Just from stopping drinking. I had more money in the bank balance, my skin looked considerably better and I actually enjoyed getting out of bed early morning to exercise.

James (left) a few years before he quit drinking at 218lbs (98kg) and James (right), today, alcohol free, at 180lbs (82kg)

So I said to myself, “Bugger it. I feel great. I’ll just keep going and see how far I can go.” Little did I know just how far I would go. After 60 days, I craved a cold beer. Or a red wine. Or a Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic with a dash of lime. When it was hot outside, I started dreaming, “I would smash an ice cold beer right now!” But I breathed deeply, downed a diet coke or water and the feeling passed. After three months, I felt terrific. I’d dropped a few more pounds of fat and was starting to put on some lean muscle in the gym. People were complimenting me on how good I looked. I also realized that despite not drinking, I was still managing to have wildly entertaining nights out – even with my drunken friends slurring their words around me. Conversations with women became much more interesting. When I told women I wasn’t drinking, far from them thinking I was an alcoholic in recovery, they actually told me they were impressed with my self-discipline.

You don’t need alcohol to have a good time

“Beautiful,” I thought. “I can stop drinking and still be fun, entertaining and attractive to women.” Guys were always suspicious of my story, though. They always thought I was a recovering alcoholic who “obviously” had a problem. I just smiled. Between three and six months I was in the zone. I felt energetic and healthy and I actually started to thrive on telling people I had temporarily stopped drinking. But many people – particularly guys – still challenged me. They called me a “Pussy!” Or said to me, “Just have one!” Or “An Aussie that doesn’t drink?!?! F$%k off!” I just laughed, pointed to my head and gave them my stock response, “I’m too strong in mind!” Some idiots even tried to secretly slip vodka into my soda. I had to make a point of always sniffing before drinking if they’d ordered for me. Six to 12 months was fairly easy to be honest. And this is where I noticed the most dramatic changes. I found that my relationships were considerably better – romantic and platonic. For example, I was constantly thinking about how I could help my friends rather than how they could help me. I was more inclined to help people generally and was more considerate. I was calmer and noticed I made better decisions.

My work productivity soared. My business made more money. More opportunities – like an ESPN audition to host SportsCenter – came my way. When it did, I was clear in mind, energetic, and seized the opportunity. I ended up getting that gig and hosted SportsCenter for two years. I did, however, find I got tired at night time and went to sleep earlier. Listen, I could still burn the midnight oil until 5am during my sobriety. But I found I didn’t really want to. I felt like nothing that good really happened after 1am anyway.

So I would party hard – alcohol-free – until 1am. Most people who just met me weren’t even ever aware I wasn’t drinking. I could still be the life of the party with nobody even knowing. Then I headed home to be asleep most Friday and Saturday nights by no later than 2am.

James still James partying late - alcohol free

I was up at 8am or 9am on weekends to hit the gym, showered, had breakfast and was ready to tackle the day by 11am when my mates were just dragging their lazy hungover backsides out of bed. When I reached the personal milestone of one year without drinking, I found myself back in Austin at South by Southwest. I went to a pub, ordered a Budweiser, and put it to my mouth.

For James, no alcohol means more energy for exercise

It smelled good. I had every intention of drinking that beer. But something stopped me from taking a sip. I paused and thought about it for a minute. I decided that all the pros of not drinking outnumbered the cons. So I said to myself, “I’ll just keep going.” So I did. I put the Budweiser down and haven’t picked up a drink since. March 12, 2014, is four years to the day since I gave myself that initial 30-day challenge. I’m 20lbs (9kg) lighter today than I was when I started on March 12, 2010. I’m 38lbs (17kg) lighter than when I was at my porkiest (See fat face photo above). Drinking definitely kept fat around my waist. Stopping drinking eliminated it. This is likely due to three main things: 1. Alcohol contains a lot of carbs 2. Drinking makes you eat a lot more food, especially bad food like fries and desserts 3. Quitting drinking gives you more energy which turns you into a fat-burning machine. I’m not for one moment suggesting you should quit drinking entirely like I did. Obviously, I am an extreme case. But my story clearly shows some of the positive benefits you can get if you do quit. Even just reducing your alcohol consumption by a few drinks a week, I believe only positive things can happen. If I have a drink today, no worries.

I’ve accomplished my goal. But I just don’t feel like having a drink. In summary:

PROS: I feel better, look better, work better, act better, am better, have more money, have better quality of friends, really enjoy a nice ice cold water, don’t miss alcohol, realize I CAN party like a rock star WITHOUT alcohol, friends who’ve known me a long time say I’m a considerably nicer and more agreeable person

CONS: It is sometimes awkward explaining to new friends or business associates why you don’t drink. BUT…that initial awkwardness is mostly felt by THEM, not by you. And you can’t control how they feel. If you decide you want to give it a try, trust that the pros will likely outweigh the cons. Set yourself a 30-day-goal. Or a two or three-month goal.

Test it. See how you feel. See if it works for you. Or go for a year. Or don’t do it at all. If you’re happy drinking, keep drinking! I love drinking! I love to drink a six-pack of beer and a bottle of red with the best of them. I’m sure I’ll do it again one day. But for now, I’m happy with water and soda and feel like I am the best version of me."

Do you have questions, comments or feedback about the health of alcohol, quitting alcohol, reducing alcohol or anything else related to today's podcast? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and either James or I will reply!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaksot(1747)

Podcast Episode #21: What You Need to Know About Chinese Medicine, Ben Greenfield’s Secret 1-2-3 Rapid Weight Loss Strategy and…Can Fat Make You Fat?

Podcast Episode #21: What You Need to Know About Chinese Medicine, Ben Greenfield’s Secret 1-2-3 Rapid Weight Loss Strategy and…Can Fat Make You Fat?

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. This is a jam-packed, must-listen audio episode! Here's 5 important peak previews of this week's podcast: 1. Ben Greenfield reveals a 1-2-3-Step Proprietary Fat Loss Technique to help you lose 5 pounds in 2-4 weeks! 2. John Gilbert and Ben Greenfield have a disagreement about whether "Fat Can Make You Fat", and John talks about this week's newsletter article on "9 Nutritional Myths". 3. An interview with Dr. Pamela Langederfer about how Chinese medicine and acupuncture can be used for wellness management, sports performance and smart exercise recovery. Click here to listen to the podcast and learn exactly why this may be the key to healing your injuries, boosting your immune system and enhancing your energy. 4. More coupon codes for metabolism boosting supplements (definitely listen to minute 46:35 on the podcast!) 5. Shownote links from this podcast include: - Brand new Spokane personal training, metabolic testing and nutrition management program - redesigned for group affordability! - A 15 Week Triathlon Off-Season Strength Training Plan endorsed by Ben Greenfield - Dr. Langederfer's recommended link on Acupuncture for Sports - Introduction to the New Online Triathlon Coaches and Personal Trainers at Pacific Elite Fitness You won't want to miss this episode! Listen in today, and contact Ben Greenfield at ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com with any questions, comments, or feedback. P.S. Check out Ben Greenfield's new recommendations on the right sidebar of this website!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Loka 201150min

Podcast Episode #20: What You *Don’t* Know About Sugar

Podcast Episode #20: What You *Don’t* Know About Sugar

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. In this November 4, 2008 podcast, Ben Greenfield interviews registered dietitian and sugar expert Stacey Trogdon. You'll hear some fascinating and very practical advice on What You *Don't* Know About Sugar, including: -the true link between sugar and fat -the one hormone that could both make you gain weight and give you diabetes -a scary syndrome that you might actually be developing -the amazing link between sugar and inflammation -the difficult sugar decisions that athletes must make ------------------------------------ Also in this podcast: -Special Newsletter Series from human nutrition & metabolism expert John Gilbert - be sure to sign-up for the BenGreenfieldFitness.com newsletter to access this fantastic series! This week's article features some very practical tips about How Not To Get Fat While You're Eating at Work. -"Quality Over Quantity" Ironman 6 Month Training Plan, brand new design from Ben Greenfield - click here to learn more. -Podcast Discount on Fat Loss Capsule - during the introduction to Podcast #20, there is a special discount code that automatically gives you a ten dollar discount on ThermoFactor! Click here to order with your discount code.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Loka 201142min

Podcast #19: Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition & Performance

Podcast #19: Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition & Performance

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. In this October 28, 2008 audio episode, Ben Greenfield interviews Dr. Todd Schlapfer of Coeur D' Alene Healing Arts. Dr. Todd introduces the concept of naturopathic medicine, and differences between allopathic and naturopathic, then proceeds to give concrete examples of: -how active individuals can determine proper dietary protocols via specific types of testing... -what the optimum nutritional philosophy should include... -how to enhance recovery and muscle repair with mineral intake... -why excessive protein intake can be harmful... -the importance of the right type of fat, and ideal dietary sources... -how chronic inflammation, an acidic body pH, performance, and health are interrelated... Click here for a link to a previous podcast on medium chain fatty acids (MUFA's), which are introduced as a healthy energy option by Dr. Todd. Also in this podcast: -listener Q&A: is it possible to become stronger and aerobically fit at the same time? -how to subscribe for free to Ben Greenfield's Shape21 Newletter, which provides a new meal plan and workout for each week! -introduction to next week's topic: an interview with registered dietician Stacey Trogdon on What You *Don't* Know About Sugar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Loka 201117min

Podcast #18: Mid-Week Update, Extreme Workout Challenges & ThermoFactor

Podcast #18: Mid-Week Update, Extreme Workout Challenges & ThermoFactor

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. SPECIAL MID-WEEK ANNOUNCEMENT #1: Click here for a complete list of Ben Greenfield's Six Extreme Workout Challenges. Video record yourself completing any of these challenges in the allotted period of time, and receive a FREE copy of Shape21: The Complete 21 Day Lean Body Manual. SPECIAL MID-WEEK ANNOUNCEMENT #2: Podcast Discount on Fat Loss Capsule - at the end of Podcast #18 is a special discount code that automatically gives you a ten dollar discount on ThermoFactor! Click here to order with your discount code. ThermoFactor is a synergistic formula that successfully addresses major issues associated with weight gain. The ingredients provide powerful thermogenic support and help control the appetite and blood sugar balance: Citrus aurantium Extract (Advantra Z) Advantra Z is extracted from the dried immature fruit of the bitter orange. More effective than ephedrine upon thermogenesis, it increases metabolic rate without the side effects. It helps suppress appetite and increase the release of fatty acids from storage. Athletes benefit from the ability to exercise longer without exhaustion or lean tissue loss. Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis): Green tea works synergistically with Advantra Z to increase thermogenesis. It is recognized as an overall health tonic containing powerful antioxidants. L-Tyrosine: The amino acid L-tyrosine increases the appetite suppressing abilities of Advantra Z. It is a precursor to a number of neurotransmitters and hormones. L-tyrosine is a minor stimulant for the release of growth hormone (GH) and thus important for metabolism (including thermogenesis). Chromium: Insulin plays a major role in fat storage. Chromium is a trace mineral that potentiates the effects of insulin, causing less insulin to be needed. Blood sugar levels are thus stabilized, and less fat is stored. Perhaps 90% of all Americans are deficient in chromium. It helps decrease LDL, cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising the levels of desirable HDL. Vanadyl Sulfate: Vanadyl sulfate mimics many of the activities of insulin. It is biologically active even in the absence of insulin. It possesses anti-catabolic properties: reducing the breakdown of muscle protein for energy. It also prevents the storage of excess carbohydrates as fat. Manganese: Manganese is another mineral that plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. It is a cofactor with many of the enzymes that affect sugar metabolism. Podcast Discount on Fat Loss Capsule - at the end of Podcast #18 is a special discount code that automatically gives you a ten dollar discount on ThermoFactor! Click here to order with your discount code. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Loka 20117min

Podcast Episode #17: Eating Before Workouts, Recovery & Endurance Secrets

Podcast Episode #17: Eating Before Workouts, Recovery & Endurance Secrets

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. In this October 12, 2008 podcast, Ben Greenfield podcasts from the Hawaii Ironman Medical Conference on the following topics: -cutting-edge research on getting the most out of your cardio training -managing gut issues during exercise -proprietary methods for enhancing recovery from your workouts -how to achieve vast amounts of endurance in a very short period of time This podcast also includes a special announcement about a new "Tip of the Week" newsletter from Ben's book: "100 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism". Links included in this podcast: 100 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism Newsletter Article on "Eating Before Your Workout" Muscle-Trac Muscle Rolling Stick (recovery) Foam Rollers from Perform Better (recovery) Recover-Ease (proteolytic enzyme source for recovery) Ben Greenfield's Triathlon AdventuresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Loka 201137min

Podcast Episode #16: All About Protein, Enzymes & Probiotics!

Podcast Episode #16: All About Protein, Enzymes & Probiotics!

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. In this September 26, 2008 podcast, Ben Greenfield interviews Joe Stout, an expert in the field of animal proteins. During this 30 minute interview, Ben and Joe discuss many topics, including: -goat vs. cow vs. vegetable based protein -whey protein vs. casein protein -colostrum for sports performance or immune system integrity -probiotics -digestive enzymes This podcast also includes a Q&A on creatine supplementation, a review of Ben Greenfield's recent post on aqua jogging for fitness maintenance, and an exciting announcement about the fitness synergy system from Pacific Elite Fitness. Links included in this podcast: CREO2 by Millennium Sports Mt. Capra Nutritional Products Good Source for Probiotics, Colustrum, and Goat Protein (Use code BGF for 5% discount) Pacific Elite Fitness - personal training from Ben GreenfieldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Loka 201147min

Podcast Episode #14: Foot and Ankle Health, More Nutrition Questions

Podcast Episode #14: Foot and Ankle Health, More Nutrition Questions

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. In this September 12, 2008 podcast: -An interview with Dr. Darron Woolley about how the foot and ankle health affects the rest of the body, common injuries among active individuals, mistakes that people make when treating themselves, and the million-dollar question - how often should you change your shoes? -Listener Q&A: carbohydate depletion and the pre-workout meal; nighttime eating; chiropractic questions. -Special Announcement: September 24 Nutrition Clinic in Spokane, WA -Websites mentioned in this podcast: http://www.runwithnopain.com - recommended book to fix low back pain permanently http://www.bitelog.com - nutrition and meal content research http://www.medicalfootcenter.net - Dr. Darron Wooley's website http://www.avia.com - Ben Greenfield's favorite shoe http://blogs.kxly.com/blog/2008/09/12/vo2-max-and-lactate-threshhold/ - a physiology lab in action! http://www.pacificfit.net - free articles, coaching, and trainingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Loka 201142min

Episode #167: Why Fat Is Good, How We’ve Been Lied To About The Obesity Epidemic, And How To Be A Fat Head.

Episode #167: Why Fat Is Good, How We’ve Been Lied To About The Obesity Epidemic, And How To Be A Fat Head.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to "pacificfit" or scroll down on this post to access the free "Ask Ben" form...   In this October 19, 2011 free audio episode: Why fat is good, how to exhale when swimming, preventing cramps in high school athletes, are boot camps enough for strength, DMAE supplements, what happens when you taper, the difference between prebiotics and probiotics, is it normal to gain weight in the winter?, what should your partial pressure of oxygen be? Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: -New Podcast Hashtag contest! Get your tweet read on the next podcast episode with our new Fitness Hashtag contest! Just use Twitter to tell me who I should interview on the show and why, in 140 characters or less. To have your Hashtag read on the show, you need to use this format: @bengreenfield ________________________________________ #podcastguest -Vote for the BenGreenfieldFitness podcast for the Podcast Awards at http://www.podcastawards.com -The BenGreenfieldFitness gear and clothing store is now LIVE! Click here to get triathlon uniforms, tech pants and coat, hats and more - all emblazoned with Ben Greenfield's "Fire & Water" tattoo! -Click here to donate $1 to keep this podcast going! -Wed, November 2, noon Pacific time: Live Q&A With Ben, during which you can ask any of your questions about Ben's consulting services. Just come right back here at 12:00PST on Wednesday: http://InstantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=23580678 -BenGreenfieldFitness Inner Circle is now just $1 for a 14 Day Sneak Peek! Click here to join now. - Get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code) --------------------------------------------------------------- Featured Topic: Why Fat Is Good, How We've Been Lied To About The Obesity Epidemic, And How To Be A Fat Head. Have you seen the news stories about fat in fast food and the obesity epidemic? Did you see Morgan Spurlock's movie "Super Size Me"? Then guess what ... You've been fed a load of bologna. In this interview, comedian, author and speaker  Tom Naughton replies to the Super Size Me crowd by talking about how he lost weight on a fat-laden fast-food diet that included double quarter-pounders and fried chicken. He points out that nearly everything we've been told about obesity and healthy eating is wrong, and why fat is good. Here's a link to Fat Head on Hulu - or you can buy the Fat Head DVD on Amazon. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Jeff has a call-in question about how to exhale when swimming. A listener has a call-in question about cramping in highschool football players. In my response, I recommend listening to this episode about muscle cramping with David Warden from TriTalk. Marcy asks: I just started a boot camp class 3 days a week. It's very hard. I'm not sure I've ever sweat that much. It's showing me that I'm not in as good shape as I thought. But I'm hanging in there. Would you say that that is enough resistance training. There are days that I am quite sore. Or should I add some gym days in between. Lia Marley asks: What are your thoughts on taking the supplement, DMAE? What are the benefits? I've heard that it can help with soreness and stiffness after working out. Glenn asks: Ben, i am training for my first marathon in 3 weeks. I understand some thing about the taper period, but i think i have heard you talk about the loss in fitness level during the taper. What really is going on physiologically during a proper taper? Surely it is more than "rest"? and, more importantly, what kind of GAINS are still available (strength, time to exhaustion, fat burning efficiency, etc.) to me in the next 2 weeks? Alex asks: Hi Ben. I heard you mention pro-biotics a few times but there's this supplement I was planing on buying that contains pre-biotics and they expressly mention it's not pro-biotics. What is the difference and which one is the preferred one? In my response to Alex, I mention Enerprime and Caprobiotics. Paul asks: I'm 5-foot-6 and weight about 150 pounds and I'd like to drop about five pounds by the time the next tri season rolls around. I've found it difficult to drop weight during the tri season, mostly because I don't want to short-change my nutrition while training hard. Now that the tri season is over, do you think it's a better idea to give my body a break and let it naturally pack on a couple of extra pounds over the winter (as it generally would) and then slim down to my new race weight as the next tri season approaches? Or would it be more effective to start slimming down now when I don't have the same nutritional needs as when I'm gearing up for a new season (or in the middle of the season)? Dave asks: I have been using the Restwise software that you discussed. My PO2 is usually in the 94-95% range. Recently had an unplanned ambulance ride and they measured PO2 @ 93. They were very surprised that it was that low. What do the numbers mean and is there an effective way to increase them. The EMT, knowing that I am a competitive athlete, thought it should be around 98%. In my response to Dave, I mention "Floradix" and also this episode with Restwise. -------------------------------------------- Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Loka 20111h 11min

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