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Hilary Swank Gets Phenomenally Fit with FLAX
Just looking at the sculpted muscle on Hilary Swank’s back, one can see the beautiful physical transformation she underwent in order to play a heavy weight boxer in the new film “Million Dollar Baby.” Yes, Ms. Swank put in many hours at the gym and in the boxing ring to get the desired result; but there was another key component to her success – flax oil. Just ask Grant Roberts, Hilary Swank’s trainer on the film. When he recently spoke to Healthy Living, he said, “Flax seed oil is responsible for a significant part of Hilary’s success in achieving the look she did for her role in the film.” Even Hilary herself, talked about flax oil on a recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno while promoting the film. Here’s the story about how flax helped Hilary Swank to phenomenal fitness. View The Doctors' Prescription for Healthy Living article here.
The Challenge
Grant Roberts was hired only nine weeks before film production began. At his first meeting with Hilary, she was waifishly thin (only 110 lbs) for her 5’71/2” frame. “Only then did I learn she intended to fight the 140-pound Women’s World Boxing Champion in the movie, Roberts said. “Lucia Rijker, who plays the Champ, is in real life, the actual 140 pound Women’s Champion!” Roberts said that in order for the film to be credible, Hilary had to look like she belonged in the ring. Thus, he immediately got to work designing her training regimen and equally as important, making significant adjustments to her diet. The studio also had made it clear that they wanted Hilary to gain at least 10 pounds of muscle. Quite a feat!
The Diet
With limited time and the goal crystal clear, Roberts divined a plan for Hilary that allowed her not only to reach her physical goals, but far surpass them. The diet consisted of mostly proteins (egg whites, fish, etc.), almost no carbohydrates (except for some fibrous vegetables and controlled high-glycemic carb snacks), and flax oil (for the essential fatty acids). The bulk of her caloric intake came from protein (for muscle and repair of muscle tissue after workouts) and flax oil (for continued growth). Flax provided her with nearly 1000 calories a day, a quarter of her daily intake. Without an abundance of carbohydrates, her body began accessing stored fat to use as energy. The essential fatty acids (EFA’s) from the flax served to “stoke” the metabolism allowing her body to burn the fat and also digest the 210 grams of protein she was taking in each day. Flax provided high-quality calories for building muscle mass without interfering with the “fat-burning”. In short, said Roberts, “Flax oil was pivotal when combined with the very specific diet I had designed for Hilary to pack lean mass weight on while actually reducing her body-fat percentages as her training progressed.” In addition to these benefits, Roberts prescribed flax for Hilary for other reasons. He explained, “Not only are EFAs great for enhancing muscular development, stamina, recovery, and protein metabolism (while reducing catabolism). When building muscle, EFAs provide what I like to call ‘anti-inflammatory properties’ that ease and reduce joint pain significantly.” With over four hours of combined training and boxing a day, Hilary was “riding on the verge of overtraining” – a state she had deep concerns about. Roberts knew that the flax oil would significantly reduce her inflammation and joint pain, keeping her away from that edge.
The Results
With Swank’s hard work and Grant Robert’s guidance, the results were incredible. “In a short period of time, Hilary gained 20 pounds of lean, functional, and aesthetic muscle mass,” said Roberts. And the flax, he said, played an integral role in her success. “Flax seed oil was pivotal when combined with the very specific diet I had designed for Hilary to pack on lean mass weight while actually reducing her body-fat percentages as her training progressed.” Roberts proudly said that for this role, “Hilary was an athlete who just happened to be an Academy Award-winning actress.” We are happy to report that Hilary Swank has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award as Best Actress award for her role in Million Dollar Baby. But even more important, in the world of health, her example illuminates the vital role flax oil can play in getting fit and athletic performance.
Peak Performance – How Athletes Benefit From Flax
Healthy Living talks with Herb Joiner-Bey, ND (“Dr. Flax”), and author of the Healing Power of Flax
HL: Why should our athletic readers, in particular, supplement with flax?
HJB: Well, for several reasons. The most important being that the essential fatty acids contained in flax oil allow one to optimize the energy reserves in the body. The EFAs work on several levels. First, they improve the metabolism of fats. This is especially helpful with endurance sports. Think marathon runners. When they “hit the wall” and their glycogen stores are used up, the body begins burning fats. In this case, efficient burning of fats really makes a difference in performance. Second, EFAs improve response time. Electrical impulses move from the brain out to muscles across cell membranes. Omega-3 fatty acids, what you find in flax oil, are found on cell membranes and are the most efficient fatty acids in allowing these electrical impulses to move cell to cell. Thus, response time is improved. Third, muscle repair. Athletic sports tear down tissue like crazy. Protein is needed for repair. This again happens at the cellular level and the type of fatty acids present on the cell membrane significantly effect the speed and quality of tissue repair. Omega-3’s are the best for rebuilding tissue.
HL: Wow, why don’t more athletes supplement with flax oil?
HJB: They do; it just hasn’t been in the public knowledge. You don’t have to be a professional athlete though; anyone who exercises can benefit from flax. It is particularly helpful with inflammation.
HL: Can you tell us more about flax and its anti-inflammatory properties?
HJB: Sure. The problem is that the American diet has an imbalanced intake of fatty acids. Most of the fats we eat contain Omega-6 fatty acids. Whatever fatty acids we eat are what you find at the cellular level, on the cell membrane. This is significant as the fatty acids on the cell membrane are used to make local hormones that control inflammation, smooth muscle tone and blood clotting tendencies. Imbalanced intake of fatty acids causes local hormonal imbalances that contribute to swelling and a pro-inflammatory state . Chronic inflammation can lead to cardiovascular disease amongst other problems. If you are getting your Omega-3’s from flax oil, you’ll have more of balance in your system. Omega-3 fatty acids are much more efficient ‘workers’ on the cell membrane. Consequently, you will have a less inflammatory state. That’s it in a nutshell. I like to say, don’t put sugar in a Mercedes Benz. When you eat the wrong fats, you are putting poor fuel in your body, the ultimate Mercedes-Benz.
HL: How do we ensure we get the right fats?
HJB: Food and supplementation. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, small,
wild ocean fish (salmon, sardines, etc.), products from livestock raised on green vegetation (not grain-fed), hormone-free meats and drink plenty of water. Stay away from sugar and refined foods. Omega-3’s can be found in walnuts and leafy green vegetables but the best way to ensure you are getting enough is by supplementing with a good, unfiltered, organic flax oil. You want to get the oil with the highest amount of lignans – that’s the fiber from the actual flax seed. Lignans keep negative estrogen influences in both men women in check. The general rule is 1 tablespoon of flax oil per 100 pounds of body weight.
HL: Surely you must have a flax recipe for the sports-minded?
HJB: The easiest way to deliciously get your flax is by adding into your current daily menu. If you have smoothie in the morning as many athletic people do, just add a couple tablespoons of flax oil. Or add 2 tablespoons to your morning oatmeal; it gives it a wonderful, nutty flavor. My favorite way to use it is in salad dressing. I use flax oil in place of olive oil. And if you want a high-glycemic carbohydrate snack (perfect after an intense workout), try making my Spiced Pumpkin Bread (see recipe at side).
HL: What’s your final word on flax oil and fitness?
HJB: It’s been around for a long, long time. Trust nature’s intelligence. Legend has it that Julius Caesar recommended flax seeds to the Roman legions. We all know their physique and tremendous power! And Charlemagne, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire actually decreed that all his subjects should eat a certain amount of flax seed every day. I’ll say again, the essential fatty acids found in flax will allow your body to optimize its energy resources. What could be more important to an athlete?!
Add: Doctors RX recommendation of Barlean’s as THE flax oil.
Vity Award statement
Resources box for Barlean’s and Dr. Flax
To contact Grant Roberts, go to www.meccafitness.com or email him direct at grant@meccafitness.com.
The following is the condensed version of a presentation made by Grant Roberts to the Legislative Assembly – Standing Committee on Health Care.
Occam’s Razor Applied to Canada’s Healthcare System
For those of you unfamiliar with the philosophical doctrine or precept Occam’s razor, also known as the law of economy, the principle of logic simply put suggests that all things being considered the simplest solution tends to be the right one. If the very foundation of a theory is too complicated the changes of creating and successfully managing the model are improbable. I emphasize the use of this axiom because of the urgent attention I believe this matter requires, and the importance of drawing a straight line to its solution
The Problem
The physical condition of our population continues to contribute to the inevitable demise or collapse of the health care system. In a CTV/Globe and Mail poll demonstrated that 48% of our nation is considered in medical standards as obese.
The purpose of this paper is to recommend a simple fiscal measure that not only will significantly improve the overall physical fitness of Canadians but will also unilaterally create longevity to the health care system by reducing both usage and the overwhelming financial burden.
While it is undisputed that leading a healthy lifestyle that includes an appropriately designed, regular exercise regimen will have an overall positive influence, only a small percentage of Canadians participate in regular physical activity. As the owner of a few fitness centres in Western Canada I can tell you that personal economic situation remains a leading cause for people abstaining from activity. Fitness facilities generally offer memberships at very affordable rates, yet people unfortunately continue to view this service as a luxury instead of a necessity.
People simply do not place enough value on their own health and well being. This problem becomes two-fold as this attitude inevitably leads to premature and preventable illnesses, which ultimately puts unnecessary financial strain on an already weak Medicare system. Few would argue that it is difficult to perceive how any province or nation for that matter can continue to shoulder the burden of caring for a nation that does little to preserve itself on an individual basis. Practitioners themselves predict the collapse of health services in as little as ten to fifteen years. It seems clear that something must be done. The solution is simple.
The healthcare crisis remains a very active topic in the media with diametrically opposing opinions on solutions. A recent study prepared by Dalhousie university suggests, in deliberately vague terms, that offering rewards in the form of tax cuts may be in order for individuals following healthy lifestyles, while those who choose to put themselves at risk cannot benefit or are potentially penalized. The report contains nothing specific, but does strongly suggest that individuals disclose usage of their portion of the 68 billion-dollar health services system. Suggesting declaration should be manditorily reported via annual tax statements.
An opposing study of the Czech Republic prepared by tobacco giant Phillip Morris suggests solutions to the contrary. This company blindly suggests, and I paraphrase, that the indirect positive effects of early death due to tobacco consumption provide government saving on health care, pensions and welfare housing to the elderly; I think it is fair to assume that this particular solution will not meet favorably with the general populous. Nor would I suggest that one would want to be a part of a society that places little or no value on the elderly, one that suggests that premature death is good for the economy.
To demonstrate again the importance of simplicity, I continue to hear the proposal of yet another concept suggesting that fast foods should be taxed additionally making poor food choices less financially accessible as an incentive for people to eat more nutritiously.
It is easy to see the importance of implementing the principle of Occam’s razor, the answer could not be simpler.
The Answer
Once again relying on the elementary wisdom of simplicity, I submit that it is unanimously acknowledged that abstaining from smoking, eating nutritiously and participating in regular exercise is the key to living longer, healthier, productive and active lives. Yet of the triad, exercise remains the least supported and most neglected component in Canada at large. Governments do little to encourage the majority of the population to participate. It’s time that the federal and provincial governments pursue their mandate of reducing tax for persons who exercise on a regular basis in authorized establishments.
Reducing the social costs inherent in unhealthy lifestyles, promoting preventative measures and heightening the awareness of the benefits of fitness to the public at large is only economically feasible if supported by substantial savings or an incentive to participate. Simply put, talk is cheap and the sedentary majority of our citizens dominate public opinion. Participation will only be accomplished by financial incentive making access to qualified fitness facilities and professionals affordable for all. Doctors are prescribing exercise, but frankly doctors are not trained nor qualified to design personal fitness programs. The best health insurance possible is simply exercise and the prescription is best left to fitness professionals available at qualified fitness centers.
The tax incentive I am proposing is limited to 50% of the amount paid by each participant enrolling in a sanctioned facility to a maximum of $250.00 whichever is less.
So, how does giving money away preserve the health care system?
Conclusively studies show that exercise reduces the incidence of leading illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis colon cancer and even depression.
Earlier I alluded to the CTV/ Globe and Mail poll describing our nation as 48% obese. While obesity and diabetes have risen to epidemic proportions, let us just take into account the effect of a single affliction of heart disease alone.
The Conference Board of Canada reports that by increasing our nation’s physical activity by just one percent, the savings tied to the decline in heart disease alone would result in more than enough dollars to cover the costs of the proposed tax rebate.
According to their research, both the direct and indirect savings parlay into a total savings of $386.46 for each Canadian who becomes physically active. Keep in mind that this example focuses solely on the positive return of reducing heart disease alone and based on a tax credit in the amount of the maximum of $250.00. The overall savings are nothing short of astounding when one considers the impact that regular exercise can have on reducing the occurrence of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, colon cancer and depression.
Not only does this provide a financial advantage for government, but such an initiative could further prompt insurance companies to introduce preferential rates for life insurance policies of those people who qualify for the tax credits.
There can be no doubt that reducing health care costs for Canadians while increasing the percentage of the active population would follow other major economic gains. The impact of such a scenario would be felt on productivity and competitiveness in our industries as well.
For this reason I would further suggest that government provide additional incentives for companies of all sizes to provide additional fitness benefits to employees. Studies clearly support the benefits to companies who develop healthier work forces. Employees who exercise have a healthier state of mind, are more likely to exhibit above average work performance, have fewer sick days and are less likely to leave the corporation. Major corporations globally are seeing the benefits with more than one out of four fortune 500 companies active in corporate fitness programs.
A study released by General Electric US shows that after one year period, companies whose employees participated in a fitness program reduced their medical expenses by an average of 38% or $647.00 US.
The government would recoup the costs of this program two fold- through further economics in the health sector, and the collection of taxes on improved corporate profits resulting from increased productivity.
In conclusion, it’s clear that the most valuable asset to any corporation is its employees. Similarly, the most valuable asset to a nation is its people. Throughout my career, I have preached the benefits of fitness on numerous continents and all of this experience has convinced me one thing- the first step to a healthier individual and ultimately a healthier nation is simply EXERCISE!
Plato himself, one of the greatest philosophers, describes his perfect society or ideal man as one whose foundation is built firmly on knowledge and athletics. Exercise is the precursor to the education required for the enlightened individual. People naturally pursue greater knowledge through the simple task of exercise. To enhance personal results, they investigate nutrition and make better food choices. Finally positive lifestyle changes become a priority and confidence is found. An education or knowledge of one’s self is the ultimate accomplishment. What more valuable commodity than our own health do we have?
To contact Grant Roberts, go to www.meccafitness.com or email him direct at grant@meccafitness.com.
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