Respect for Fatty

In today's #BWD: getting on your bike can change the way you think about almost everything; the things you think you know about food can hurt you; and an encounter between two courageous, compassionate hearts. May it bless you.

Be Well,
Bob

MIND

Leaving the car keys at home and choosing the bicycle instead will certainly change your body, but it will also change the way you think: about your clothes, about your town, and about yourself. In this piece, Elly Blue reflects on Your Life, By Bike.

BODY

I did quite poorly on this quiz. Web MD offers this eye opening lesson on some food safety myths: Can I Eat That?


SPIRIT

I used to fear being the fat guy at the gym. Then I decided I rather be him than the fat guy in the coffin. I'm sure there are some people who judged me for my weight, but more often than not I found acceptance and encouragement. Here's a moving example of the welcoming spirit I discovered in the weight room, on the treadmill, and on the running trail. 

Today's light-hearted BWD takes a look at some of the hilarious ways people have spent money looking for fitness magic, offers natural solutions for gas, and introduces a hero whose cyclocross career started with a decision to get out of the house and live. May it bless you.
Be Well!
Bob

MIND

Fitness fads can be funny. They can also be dishonest. Ever since the first con man strolled into town with a sack full of snake oil and patent medicines, scam artists have been pulling the wool over the eyes of people who long for health and fitness without actually having to work hard to get them. Millions are seduced every year by the promise of a shortcut to wellness. LIVESTRONG.com explores some of the silliest in this amusing slide show. Before you invest in a program, system, or piece of equipment for your body, use your brain. Think before you buy.

BODY

Oh, and speaking of funny (come on, you know they are), many of us find that increasing the whole foods and fiber in our diet can have consequences that are, well, aromatic. You can invest in pills and potions to reduce offensive emissions, or you can try one of these food-based solutions for the toots from the folks over at Huffington Post. Here's hoping one of them helps you keep things silent, not deadly.

SPIRIT

There are heroes all around us. Meet Ernest Gagnon. At nearly 600 pounds, he was standing at Death's front door (and locked inside his own) Fed up with the shame, Ernest decided to climb onto a bicycle and pedal his way back to life. His story of courage and determination at npr.org is sure to inspire you to pick yourself up when things seem hopeless.