Adventure Outdoors Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 45

Coconut oil , while it may sound girly and unattractive to a manly , protein-packed diet to build muscle , is actually a man ’ s best friend . Coconut oil is made up of medium-chain triglycerides , which is a fancy word for testosterone booster . Over 40 % of men over the age of 45 are affected by low testosterone levels . If your thyroid is acting up and your testosterone could use a healthy boost , you will want to incorporate coconut oil into your diet . You can put it in nearly everything , like a smoothie or on top of a meal , such as a salad , or simply swallow a spoonful once a day for an added energy boost . Once you try it , though , you ’ ll have to apologize for all the prior conversations you ’ ve waived off about it .
Daily Routines & Exercise There are many things that we take for granted , like the sun , for example . The sun is your ally , not your enemy , no matter what , especially when it comes to building and increasing stamina , as well as testosterone levels . A good 30 minutes in the sun each day will do your body so much justice . Vitamin D3 is a natural booster and has been known to increase testosterone levels in men by up to 30 %. If your vitamin D levels are down , your energy will be down , and so will your stamina and all that falls in line behind it .
Get outside and exercise in the sun . Whether you take a walk or lift weights in your backyard , you ’ ll be “ killing two birds with one stone ,” so to speak . Obtaining vitamin D while sweating out toxins and building muscle is just about the best thing you can do for yourself right now . If you live in a place where decent sun exposure is not an option , then you will want to supplement with a store-bought vitamin . If you ’ re not sure about your vitamin D levels and testosterone levels being low , ask your doctor to test for it . They will be able to let you know what is causing you to have poor functionality and low energy , if anything .
Almonds are another great addition . Almonds have a good source of magnesium , which helps maintain core muscle strength and reduces the amount of stiffness and spasms . A handful of almonds is a great snack to keep with you when you ’ re out and about , especially in combination with berries of all kinds . Blueberries , raspberries , any and every ( edible ) berry is loaded in a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanin . This antioxidant is what actually gives the berry its deep red or blue color . Top off your snack mix with a dark chocolate . The darker , the better . Dark chocolate will boost energy and have a positive impact on high blood pressure , as well as improving overall blood flow to the heart .
A lovely lady in your life may have once ranted about the extraordinary health benefits of coconut oil , and you should listen to her .
Exercise can also improve cognitive function . Studies have shown that those who exercise at least twice a week have improved motor skills , memory , and focus . If you get distracted easily , rather than trying to handle something the second it crosses your mind , make a list of tasks you want to accomplish by the end of the week , and handle that list after your priorities are taken care of . In combination , exercise and meditation has boosted mental health in men , with increased focus in the workplace . Play a memorization game in your downtime , and try to limit TV watching . Instead , read a book or an educational article ( Facebook posts do not count ), and you will notice that you ’ re much calmer and more aware of your daily to-dos .