Today I have special treat: an interview with my friend Vin Miller of Natural Bias

I came in contact with Vin through Online Profits a course we are both taking. I immediately resonated with his holistic view on health. Like many, Vin once struggled to live a healthy life, instead succumbing  to the unhealthy habits of the Western World, but now lives a healthy life full of energy. I hope you enjoy the interview.

Me: NaturalBias is a blog that challenges it’s reader to live life as healthily as possible often suggesting concepts that go against main-stream beliefs. What inspired you to create NaturalBias?

Vin Miller: Most of my inspiration comes from the low standard of health that has unfortunately come to be accepted as normal. So many people are run down from overwhelming stress and poor nutrition that excellent health and normal health have come to mean two completely different things. As such, most people are living with a severely compromised quality of life and don’t even realize it.

I consider myself blessed to have experienced health issues at a relatively young age because it gave me the motivation necessary to look beyond the limits of mainstream health knowledge and gain a true understanding of optimal health. It didn’t take me long to find the world of holistic and natural health, and when I did, the concept of trusting nature and supporting your body’s innate ability to heal itself made complete sense to me. In fact, it seemed so obvious, simple and intelligent that it made me wonder how modern society has deviated so far from this common sense approach.

As I continued to research and learn, it became painfully obvious that many of the unhealthy influences and much of the misinformation that exists today are tied to corporate greed, and in some cases, even political corruption. Deeply frustrated by this blatant disregard for human life, I knew immediately that I had to do something to help people find sensible and truthful information about how to improve their lives through better health.

Me: Despite being fairly new your blog has shown a lot of promise and has seen a steady increase in traffic. What do you attribute your quick success to?

Vin Miller: Some of the factors that I believe have helped me get off to a good start include a strong passion for what I write about, a passion for writing itself, a technical background to help get the most of these passions, and a lot of hard work.

Because I enjoy writing and developing websites, blogging is an excellent medium for me to share my passion for natural health and help others improve their lives. While my technical background made it much easier for me to build a professional looking website and learn how to promote it, the passion that has driven me to learn as much as I can about natural health is definitely the most important factor. Without this passion, I wouldn’t be able to provide helpful information to my readers, and there wouldn’t be any incentive for them to visit my blog no matter how professional it looks or how well I promote it.

Despite my initial success, I know I still have a long way to go and look forward to the progress that lies ahead.

Me: Where do you see Natural Bias in 5 years time?

Vin Miller: To be honest, I don’t see Natural Bias being much different than it is now with the exception of having much more information to share and hopefully a much larger audience. I’m not looking to create an empire or make myself famous. I just want to continue learning and continue helping people by writing about it. That’s exactly what I’m already doing!

Me: What advice would you give to someone who wishes to transform their eating and exercising habits?

Vin Miller: Anyone looking to change their lifestyle should first be sure that they’re doing it for the right reasons. Too many people exercise and change their diets just to improve their appearance, and in my opinion, this is the wrong reason. To lose weight, most people will compromise their health by exercising excessively and starving themselves. While this may help them lose weight, it will eventually cause them to age faster and will increase their risk of developing disease. With this in mind, my advice to anyone wanting to lose weight is to put their health first by living a healthier lifestyle and allowing their excess body weight to come off naturally.

Consistently making healthy choices can require a lot of determination, particularly with the many unhealthy influences of modern society. Unfortunately, you have to go out of your way to find high quality food, avoid stress, get enough sleep, etc. If you don’t have a good understanding of the benefits of better health and don’t have a strong desire to achieve it, you simply won’t go through the trouble. Based on this, one of the most important pieces of advice I can offer someone looking to change their habits is to make sure they’re clear on why they want to do it.

Once someone is motivated to make some changes, two of the easiest things that can be done to improve their health and increase their energy is to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and gradually eliminate sugars and refined carbohydrates from their diets. As simple as this may sound, many people are fighting fatigue each day as a result of their neglect for these two factors. To make matters worse, they usually compensate by consuming excessive amounts of sugar and caffeine.

Me: What are some of the healthiest food’s this world has to offer?

Vin Miller: In general, natural and organic whole foods that come from a tree, plant, or animal are the healthiest choices. Ideally, these foods should be eaten in a condition that resembles their original form as closely as possible and this means little or no processing and minimal cooking.

I’m hesitant to recommend particular foods because I’m a big believer in the idea that we each have unique nutritional needs. This belief is referred to as Metabolic Typing and explains why some people thrive on a high protein and fat diet while others thrive on a nearly vegetarian diet. Likewise, there are also many people who do awful on each of these diets. As such, natural and whole foods that are appropriate for the individual consuming them are the healthiest foods this world has to offer.

Depending on one’s Metabolic Type, some of the foods I consider to be most healthy include grass fed and free range meat, free range eggs, butter or ghee, most vegetables, fruits, raw nuts and oils such as coconut oil and olive oil.

Me: What are some of your favorite exercises?

Vin Miller: All of my favorite exercises are functional in nature which means that they resemble and support the basic human movement patterns that are an important part of all the physical activities we engage in from walking up and down stairs to high end athletic performance. The human body is designed to lunge, squat, bend, push, pull and twist, and for nearly anything we do, we’re required to move in a way that requires a combination of these patterns. Although we gain the ability to perform all of these movements at an early age, many adults lose their ability to perform them due to inactivity or improper exercise. As a result, they become more susceptible to pain and injury.

I tend to prefer exercises that train movement patterns as a whole and incorporate multiple joints. I also prefer free weights over machines because they allow for more freedom of movement and add an element of balance that helps to strengthen the small muscles that stabilize joints.

Although most people might not recognize all of them, some of my favorite exercises include trap bar deadlifts, front squats, single leg squats and weighted chin-ups. For people who are less experienced with resistance training, some of the exercises I like include lunges, single leg deadlifts and just about any rowing motion. In general, I like these exercises because they strengthen muscles that most people have neglected and improve function, posture, and resistance to injury.

In regard to cardiovascular exercise, I think intervals of short but intense bursts of activity are far superior to the long, slow and steady type of training that most people follow. Not only is this slow and steady style of training more of a burden on your body, but it also consumes much more time, and depending on your fitness goals, is also usually less effective.

Me: You said you once struggled with living a healthy life. When was your “A-Ha” moment?

Vin Miller: I first realized something was very wrong with the mainstream perception of normal health when I discovered that I was prone to hypoglycemia. This is a condition that results in dramatic drops in blood sugar after consuming sugar or excessive amounts of carbohydrates. As I would later learn, hypoglycemia is not necessarily a disorder in itself, but more a symptom of compromised health in general.

When I started researching about hypoglycemia, what I found was a long list of symptoms and problems that I was experiencing myself. This was the very first time that I realized that for quite some time, I’d been living with a severely compromised quality of life. Not only was I astonished that I’d gone so long without realizing it, but I was also extremely excited about the potential for improvement.

Although I had much more work ahead of me than I initially realized and was later diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, learning about hypoglycemia is what pushed me beyond the mainstream standards of a healthy lifestyle and inspired me to learn what good health is really about. Like many people who are misguided by mainstream misinformation, I thought I was already living a healthy lifestyle up until this point.

Me: Much of the Western World places great emphasis on treating the symptoms of disease rather than attempting to find the underlying cause. What is your take on this?

Vin Miller: I think the focus on treating symptoms is an unfortunate byproduct of the convenience driven and instant gratification mentality that modern society has cultivated in many of us. Many people disregard the need to live a healthy lifestyle because they assume that all their problems can be taken care of with a pill. The problem is that these people don’t fully understand the much better quality of life that they’re giving up and they accept the problems they’re bound to encounter as a normal part of aging. In reality, it’s often the decades of unhealthy habits that cause their problems, and relying on a pill to alleviate the symptoms is like pulling the fuse on a car’s check engine light instead of having it repaired. It’s only a matter of time before the problem grows and becomes more dangerous, possibly leading to major disease.

Having the desire to look beyond the symptom based approach of western medicine is often a matter of recognizing health as the foundation of happiness. Those who open their minds to this mentality are often amazed by how much they improve their lives as a result. However, regardless of what you tell them, some people will never accept this perspective. They’d rather live a life of indulgence and take the chance of living with pain and suffering during their later years. While I think this is a shame, life is about choices, and I respect their right to live this way.

Me: Thank you very much for your time.

Vin Miller: My pleasure! Thank you for inviting me to share my story with your readers.

If you would like to more learn more about Vin Miller please head over to Natural Bias

Post from: A Boundless World

Interview with Natural Bias

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I first became enamored with the concept of longevity after stumbling upon the book “Healthy At 100″ by John Robbins. It truly opened my eyes on how to live a long and healthy life.

Living to the “old” age of one hundred is perceived at least in the American culture, to be an unrealistic goal; yet in many cultures living well past one hundred is more common than one would think.

The book details accounts of various centenarians and their alleged “secrets” to living a long life, yet upon further review their secrets to longevity are surprisingly relatively simple and all revolve around a common theme.

Virtually all of the centenarians discussed in the book whether it be the Hunza people, the Abkhasians people, the Vilcabambans, or the centenarians of Okinawa lived a life enriched with compassion and love for their people and more importantly themselves.

So what other factors did these centenarians all have in common? The following three categories are attributed to nearly all centenarians’ ability to live a long and happy life.

Diet

To live a truly long life (and by long life I mean a life full of energy and vigor, not just living to be one hundred while attached to a breathing tube for twenty years.) You must eat healthy day in and day out.

Let’s face it; for the most part a typical American’s eating habits are absolutely horrendous. Consequently we are one of the most unhealthy and obese nations in the world. It will continue to remain this way until we as a nation say take full responsibility of our own eating habits.

A good diet goes a tremendous way in regards to your health. Try eating healthy for just one week and you will notice an astounding difference in your overall energy not to mention outlook on life. Countless centenarians discussed in the book live on nothing but fruits and vegetables.

Each day they grow and prepare their own meals, taking time to enjoy the feast with their family and friends, instead of merely ingesting their meal. In order to get the most out of life one should incorporate a variety of healthy foods into their daily life. Instead of consuming food to feel good and fill up one should aim to choose food that will “fuel” their nutrient guzzling bodies.

Exercise

This is also a big one in regards to personal health. Nearly every centenarian incorporates exercise into his or her daily life. Most centenarians interviewed have been known to walk as much as an hour a day. Often times the simple exercise of walking gets over looked, when in fact it is one of the most beneficial exercises known to man.

To often we spend most of our day bottled up in a dim lit house wondering why we are depressed. Our bodies are meant to be in constant motion and just going out side for a walk will fulfill this natural desire. Daily exercise will prove quantum leaps in energy and strengthen your immune system.

A centenarian expert in his mid-thirty’s recalls going on a ten-mile hike with a man who was in his late nineties. He recalls the man to be agile as if he was in his late teens. The expert actually had to tell the man in his nineties to slow down, during their hiking adventure.  If conditioned right our bodies can do tremendous things.

Try to incorporate a good hour of exercise each day. Get out and walk the dog. Take your lover on a stroll through the park. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Any exercise is better than none, and will surely add to your over all health.

Attitude:

While diet and exercise play a significant role in overall longevity attitude which also plays a large role, is often over looked. America in general has little respect for elders, consequently our elders are living life’s full of depression and hopelessness. Many of the centenarians studied come from cultures that look up to and idol their older peers.

Perhaps that is why people in other cultures live much longer and happier life’s. Is getting old a bad thing?

Our nations attitude on older people dampens our society.

We need to come to respect them, as they have so much to offer. Our view on aging is the underlying cause on why we dread aging. “As you age you get weaker, less sharp, and less respect.” The typical American would agree with that statement. Yet this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

If you eat right and exercise providing your body with the things it needs your body will be in good condition up and till the day you die. Our bodies respond to stimulus, yet as we age many believe it is normal to become weaker. Aging should be a sign of maturity and be looked up upon instead of dreaded.

While there is a time to celebrate youth there should also be a time in which we should also celebrate our aging. Our society is obsessed with staying young, for they think as you age things get worse, when in reality that perception is what causes it to be “worse” for if we look forward to aging, aging will come to be one of the best times in our life’s.

Growing old is a natural part of our life, there is no way around it. No matter how much we want to stay young, we must accept the fact that we are going to age. No matter how much we advance in science and technology there will never be an “anti aging” pill that successfully keeps us young (as much as many Americans want it.)

Although there is nothing we can to do stop aging, we can change our perspective on aging. Why not age gracefully with compassion, love, and a positive outlook on life? Our bodies are meant to live to be a hundred. But first we most allow ourselves. We must eat, exercise, have a positive outlook on life, but mostly importantly we must love.

For love is what makes living to be one hundred all worthwhile.

Post from: A Boundless World

How to live to be 100

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Photo courtesy of JinonKong

In today’s  world our schedules  are unfortunately constructed to where we barely have time to even breathe, let alone exercise, yet that doesn’t diminish the fact that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential in living a happy and well-rounded life. Fortunately this can be easier than many believe it to be. The following are 10 simple ways in which you can life a more healthy life.

Walk:

Get out and walk. Go on a stroll through the park, walk your dog, explore an unknown path. Make it a habit to walk at least an hour a day. Walking is often overlooked as it is such a simple exercise yet it provides numerous benefits such as, better overall well being, stronger bones, mental clarity, and it promotes weight loss.

The best thing about walking is that you don’t need anything but a good pair of shoes to do it (depending on the type of person you are even that might not be necessary.)  It is no coincidence  that  the majority of centenarians on record have had a vigorous walking program embedded in his or her every day life. With all the great benefits walking provides one would have to be a fool not to take advantage of nature’s greatest exercise.

Get Outside:

Does this sound familiar? Its a beautiful Saturday afternoon, not a single cloud in sight, yet you remain closed off in your office or bedroom surfing the net or watching television , all the while you could be outside soaking up the sun increasing your overall well being by just being outside.

Just being outside forces you to be active. Play ball with your kids, start a neighborhood  BBQ, just sit outside and meditate if you so choose.

Water:

Drink lots and lots of it. Many of today’s aliments, dry mouth, dizziness, cramps, and headaches, are all attributed to lack of water. One should aim to drink at least 64 oz a day at the very least. If your “thirsty” you are already too late. Water is essential in fueling your body.

Try to carry a water bottle with you throughout the day. Drinking water makes you feel refreshed and keeps you alert. It also stimulates weight loss.

Fruit Smoothies:

Drinking fruit smoothies can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your body. One smoothie packs loads of antioxidants and essential nutrients for your body. Smoothies can be used to get your daily requirements for nutrients. I am not very fond of banana’s but I will usually throw one or two in my smoothie with no problem.

Rememeber smoothies will pack a fair amount of calories so be sure to take that in consideration.

Stretch:

Stretching is often overlooked; yet those who stretch know the benefits first hand. Stretching keeps your mind and body lose, all the while reducing the likely hood of injury. Stretching makes it easier for your body to “flow” increasing ones energy and overall being.

Stretching has also been reported to make the bedroom more full filling. I personally spend 15 minutes each morning stretching, it not only wakes me up, but helps start my day in a peaceful state of mind.

Sports:

Sports have been keeping people in shape for centuries. Sports give people a reason to stay in shape while providing them the opportunity to be called top dog. Competitiveness is a natural desire that makes the world go round. Luckily sports are also rather enjoyable. Try to sign up for a community league in which you play once or twice a week.

Sports will keep you in tiptop shape and is a medium in which you can release that natural competitive edge, perhaps lowering your stress levels as well. You would be surprised at the benefits of playing with people the same age of you. A fun and simple way to stay fit.

Deep breathing:

Personally I believe this is one of the best ways to increase overall well being.  So often we take the benefits of deep breathing for granted. Deep breathing will allow our body to run more efficiently thus improving our state of mind. It’s no surprise that cultures throughout the history of the world have placed such high emphasis on meditation . Some say deep breathing is essential in living a healthy life.

Take a good 10 minutes out of your day to just sit and relax, focusing only on your breath. Let your mind be a filter for all your thoughts, just be. Don’t be surprised if by deep breathing your “worries” seem to float away.

I personally start my morning with deep breathing, which allows me to begin my day in a positive state of mind.

Eat Slowly:

It’s a shame so many  miss out  the benefits of eating slowly. While eating slow not only do you actually enjoy the food instead of merely ingesting it, you finish with a feeling of contentment rather the  feeling of being full. Eating slowly also promotes wait loss, as the slower you eat the less you are going to want to consume.

Eating slowly will also give you the opportunity to actually socialize with your family or co workers. What we can be social when we eat? Believe it or not, some feasts lasts hours. So while eating slowly might be difficult to do, go ahead and try it on your next meal, who knows you might actually enjoy it.

Positive thinking:

Many of the world’s most successful people attribute their success to positive thinking. What we continually think becomes reality. Unfortunately many of us have negative beliefs ingrained into our unconscious mind.

The solution to this very common problem is to make it a habit to think positive thoughts. There are many ways to do this, visualizing, positive affirmations, or even a gratitude journal.

Rise earlier:

This one is probably one of the most difficult things to do; yet its benefits far out weigh the negatives. Waking earlier allows you to have more “you” time, something that too many of us forget to do. The extra time from waking earlier can be spent meditating, reading, exercising or just anything that you love.

Waking earlier allows you to control the pace of your day, as you don’t feel rushed or in a hurry. There are many fantastic articles online which go into greater detail on how to become an early riser. Two of my favorites : Steve Pavlina and Zen Habits.

Incorporating any of the above methods of staying fit  will  undoubtedly  increase your overall wellness and well being. One must not incorporate these ideas holistically to reap benefits. Try working one or two of the ideas into your daily routine then expand from there.

Post from: A Boundless World

10 Simple Ways To Stay Fit

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