What’s happening folks?  I’m back, and today I wanted to quickly share 5 things that I use and really dig:

  1.  Masterclass: If you aren’t familiar with masterclass you need to be.  This is an online platform that helps you learn anything.  Masterclass does a great job of using easy to consume video modules to teach you everything from how to negotiate better to how to cook Chef Gordon Ramsey’s favorite recipes.  There is a masterclass for almost everything so go check it out and let me know what you think!  https://www.masterclass.com
  1. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius:  There are a few books that stay on my desk.  Like the Daily Stoic I mentioned in previous emails, this book is a collection of stoic philosophy, thoughts and meditations from the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius who ruled from 161 to 180 AD.  What makes this an even cooler read is it is a collection of his personal writings or journal.  The wisdom in this book is pretty amazing and I reference it often.  I’ve probably read this book cover to cover a few times but often use it as a resource.  You can flip to almost any page and find wisdom to help you live a life of purpose and reflection.  The best translation I have found of this book is written by Gregory Hayes and it is the 2003 Modern library paperback edition.
  1. Xero Barefoot Shoes: If you know me you know I have a thing for shoes. Having the right footwear for the right occasion is less about fashion and more about function for me these days.  How your feet function impacts your ankles, knees, hips and back.  When we wear regular shoes all day long it’s like “casting” your foot.  The muscles of the foot get weak and this gives us a “shaky foundation” to stand on.  Literally.  These shoes will help strengthen your feet.  I wear them almost daily when I workout.  You can check them out here:  www.xeroshoes.com
  1. US Wellness Meats:  I get most of our family’s meat and pork from this company unless I get a cow from my sister who owns a farm in TN..  Their standard of care for their animals along with the fact they don’t use any hormones or antibiotics makes this the healthiest and best tasting meat I have ever had in my life.  My family loves the burger sliders, hot dogs (beef or pork) and any steak I have ever cooked from this place leaves me craving another the next day.  All meat is not made equal.  There’s a lot of fear around consumption of meat these days.  Meat is NOT bad for you.  However the quality of the meat you eat is something for your consideration.  Go check out their site at www.grasslandbeef.com
  1. Dexcom 7 CGM:  A CGM is a constant glucose monitor. I am using one through the holidays to study my body’s response to certain foods and learn to optimize my blood sugar.  Blood sugar spikes and chronically high blood sugar can lead to diabetes, poor insulin sensitivity and increase inflammation on the body.  Inflammation is the root of all disease so this is one area that I believe people should be more focused on.  I’m doing this for myself but will report what I find.  After 3 days I was blown away by some of the data I am seeing.

There you have it folks.  I hope you are enjoying these emails and If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

 

Stay Strong,

Andy McCloy