Articles and Essays

Catch up on my latest articles and essays on faith, fitness, and fortitude.

Woman holding flower in field

Hope Molecules: The Amazing Chemicals of Mental Health

Do you sometimes feel down and wish you could boost your mood? You’re not alone. Many people are looking for ways to feel better, mentally and physically. That’s where “hope molecules” come in. While it’s not a term scientists use, it helps us discuss some special brain chemicals. These chemicals, … Keep reading…

Middle aged man in the gym

How to Avoid the Devastating Effects of Muscle Loss

Muscle loss is a common yet preventable part of the aging process. As we age, muscle mass naturally decreases due to a decrease in physical activity and slowed metabolism. This process is known as sarcopenia, and it can have long-term health implications if not addressed. In this article, we’ll discuss … Keep reading…

Surprised guy looking around corner of wall

5 Surprising Low Thyroid Symptoms You Don’t Know About

Hypothyroidism is not your garden-variety health issue where you pop a pill and call it a day. Far from it. Low thyroid is often billed as a “silent epidemic,” mainly because some of the symptoms get written off as the cost of a hectic lifestyle or simply getting older. You’ve … Keep reading…

Man slicing tomahawk steaks

Is the Carnivore Diet Good For You?

In a world swamped with dietary advice, fads, and conflicting information, making sound nutritional choices can feel like navigating a nutritional minefield. Enter the carnivore diet—a way of eating that champions meat and animal products, often hailing high protein as its prime asset. For some, it’s a counterintuitive approach that … Keep reading…

Fit man tying his shoe

DNA Is Not Destiny: The Truth About Fitness Genetics

You’ve been hitting the gym regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, and following all the best advice from your favorite health gurus, but you’re not quite seeing the results you’ve expected. Have you ever thought, “Is it just my genes?” Have you ever told someone else that your current state of … Keep reading…

Woman taking a break from running on the beach

This Is Why Women Need Cardio More Than Men

Over the past couple of decades in working with men and women, I’ve consistently seen that women benefit from cardio more than men. Most of the time, when a guy starts eating better and lifts weights, he gets leaner. However, I’ve noticed that for most women, to get leaner, they … Keep reading…

The Amazing Brain-Rebooting Benefits of a Power Nap

Every once in a while, my computer bogs down. Everything I do takes longer than it should. Some programs don’t even work. When that happens, I do a forced shutdown and reboot the computer. A few minutes later, it runs like new. You can do the same thing for your … Keep reading…

Women exercising by ocean

Algae-Based Omega-3 Supplements: Are they good for you?

For years, maybe decades now, we’ve heard about how essential omega-3s, and more specifically, DHA and EPA, are for our health. Fish oil has been the standard source of omega-3s, and mounds of research support its use. However, some people don’t eat animal products. Others have grown concerned about overfishing … Keep reading…

Woman getting her arm checked out by doctor

Golfer’s Elbow: Symptoms, Causes, and the Ultimate Fix

A little while back, I wrote an article about tennis elbow, leading to many more emails and direct messages than I expected. I guess it’s more common among my readers than I realized. Undoubtedly, its close cousin, Golfer’s Elbow, is equally common. It’s also just as painful and stems from … Keep reading…