The Devil in Disguise

Hi everyone! 

I went out to dinner the other night in downtown New Haven CT and finished rather late (around midnight). As we walked to the parking garage, we passed a rowdy night club – notorious for underage drinking – and apparently, RED BULL, the “energy” drink, was sponsoring the evenings events. Everyone was drinking free Red Bull cocktails and 18year old girls dressed in too teeny clothing loitered on the outside patio that faced the sidewalk. I said to Steve, “Oh God, we have encountered evil.”

Did you know that France and Denmark have banned the drink? There are three ingredients – IN COMBINATION – that make RED BULL satanic.

1. A high level of caffeine –  can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or anxiety disorders. 

2. Taurine – Taurine is an acidic chemical substance found in bile – Manufacturers claim that taurine magnifies the effects of caffeine. (I have a feeling that the liver doesn’t enjoy having to process extra taurine…)

3. Glucuronolactone – glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring chemical compound produced by the metabolization of glucose in the human liver. It was supposedly a Vietnam War-era drug manufactured by the American government to stimulate soldiers on night watch, but is was supposedly banned due to several brain tumor deaths at the time…(it’s apparently not banned now). 

Exercise DVD shoots are notoriously physically draining – they are long days filled with demanding movement. I drink a ton of water, and maybe sip on a can of coke at the end of the day for some instant sugar. I worked with someone who drank at least six Red Bulls in one day and he was mentally flustered from the start and had such severe leg cramping, that we had to postpone production and rollover into the next day, causing major budget woes. I couldn’t believe that the producers didn’t see the relationship between Red Bull and his lackluster performance. 

Lots of people say “oh, it’s just caffeine” or “I only have one”. The problem is that it dehydrates the system very fast. This effects motor function and brain function. Mixed with alcohol, catastrophe. Mixed with workout, injury. Over time, Red Bull consumption is just plain destructive.

The Red Bull marketing team has done an amazing job making the beverage acceptable for work, workout and play. They’ve reached the teen market, the college market and generations x and y. Let’s be smarter than them and just say no. 

So the story isn’t over yet. Two days later, I’m reading the newspaper, and on the front page, I read about four people who were arrested at that nightclub (the night of Red Bull sponsorship) for fighting, damaging the club’s property and use of and possessing concealed weapons. Eight people were sent to the ER for treatment of “wounds”. No jokes. Again, I ask, am I the only one seeing the connection? 

Look, I’m not a doctor or a research scientist and am I am authority on Red Bull? No. However, my intuition wants me to tell you to RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN AWAY FROM RED BULL.

Thanks for allowing me to vent. Now, as usual, I’ve got to go walk the dogs….:)EB

Attention Ladies!

Hi Buff Girls. Here’s the one-page interview – it’s encourages daily activity in your life and not being a “workout junkie”…which I’ve been myself, and from hanging around the gym all these years, I’ve hung around plenty.
Also in the October issue, is a GREAT article about exercise and the menstrual cycle. EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ IT (and heed it!). It really makes sense. You know, we have this weekly schedule that everyone adheres to for business, but what about our moon cycle for wellness? And for the record, I think women should avoid formal exercise during their periods. I also think that during PMS, women should definitely workout – instead of eating ice cream on the couch – but that workout should be moderate in intensity (no Tae Bo) but longer in duration (90+minutes of steady cardio, like walking). Let’s honor the feminine!  Try it for yourself – you’ll see a difference in your vitality in just one month. Our culture views menstruation as this big nuisance, but it’s actually a great tool to connect yourself to your body.

Check Out Natural Health Magazine – October Issue

Hi Buff Girls! 

I just got home and have to take the dogs for a stroll, but before I go, I wanted plug an interview I did with Natural Health mag. The October issue just arrived and as I was thumbing through it, I glimpsed this girl on page 24 who looked like me but seemed better rested! (Alas, it was a photo shop version of me!) Check it out. I will post the interview soon, but wanted to give you a head’s up in case you walk by a newsstand anytime soon. More to come…xoEB

I’m Not Getting Paid To Write This….

My new favorite fitness clothing line is Beyond Yoga. I’ve worn pieces here and there over the last year and I even sold the brand at THE STUDIO in 2007. I find that the cut of the tops and pants really flatters the female physique and there is no fuss. The top won’t ride up and everything gets held in, but not confined.

I

A stylist took this photo of me wearing Beyond Yoga in the latest fall colors, which I loved. We didn't end up using these clothes in the photo shoot however, causing me to pout a little. The line is so comfortable!

 P.S. In The YOGINI WORKOUT dvd I am wearing a Beyond Yoga top and Hard Tail pants.

Dr. Gabriel Cousens for President!?!

I love Barrack Obama. I’m a devotee of Hillary Clinton. I was very impressed with Sarah Palin last night (watching the RNC). And John McCain is very capable, no doubt. But AMERICA needs a wellness reform! The closest the candidates get to creating a healthy America is discussing healthcare plans. What about getting high fructose corn syrup out of peanut butter? What about removing hormones from meat and dairy? What about educating kids and parents about whole food? A little prevention please. Enter Dr.Gabriel Cousens: 

 

Here I am with Gabriel Cousens at his Arizona center on New Year Day 2008.

You can read his full biography here, but basically he’s a wellness guru who celebrates the interwoven relationship between mind/body/spirit. At first glance, his center seems like a “Hippie Haven” but I assure you that it’s grounded in a perfect mix of science and love. 

If you ever get the chance to visit his AZ center, see him speak or read his books - take it!

I can honestly say I look forward to getting older now that I’ve studied with Dr.Cousens because I know I’m in charge of my health. And, I know that authentic fitness is non-violent – no injuries, no suffering, just beauty – a celebration of life, really.