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A Home Away from Home
I am lucky to be a part of many communities at FIU. As a biology major, I have focused my field of studies to those of the natural sciences. I have been able to find a job helping gather and input data for a lab that works in the Everglades. I was able to come across this opportunity by talking to fellow rock climbers at a climbing gym by my house. I am part of the rock climbing club for FIU. I try to go about twice a week and often go with other club members on Fridays. Being in nature and rock climbing come hand in hand, many rock climbers are passionate about the preservation of nature and creating a mutually beneficial relationship with the Earth. Topics like global warming and stopping pollution are problems that are very personal among climbers. With news coming of Trump completely disregarding the value of these parks and what they have to offer is getting the attention of many climbers and inspired many to take political action. Stamina and healthy eating is also an ideal many climbers try to keep, eating particular diets could help climbers last longer and be more productive when climbing the often strenuous climbs. Veganism has become a popular diet trend among climbers as it is the best for the environment, and pros like Alex Honnold have adopted this lifestyle.
Another passion of mine is music. I am a DJ for the Roar, FIU’s student run radio station. Through the radio I was able to find others in a band that I would later join, and make friendships with many who have similar music taste to me. A big problem the radio is currently facing is funding. I believe programs like the radio act as outlets for people to share underground music with the local music scene and help promote local bands. Every Wednesday the radio hosts a local band that plays a live set followed by an interview. Not only does it help local bands, it creates a relationship with the local community and music scene. The radio has opened many opportunities for me and I believe many have found a “home” in similar environments.
Communities can act as safe havens for one to come to and feel like they could be themselves, ideas are discussed and supported among the members with similar mindsets. There is often much support and love within these communities among their members.
Lasting Longer with Leafy Greens?
Personally, I can always feel the difference after having a smoothie bowl versus a plate of steak. A meal with meat often leaves me feeling heavy and sluggish; unwilling to partake in physical activity, while a vegan meal leaves me full of energy and ready to take on whatever comes my way. Scientists have taken notice of many athletes making similar claims, research has been underway comparing the lifestyles and health of vegans and meat eaters.
In the documentary “Game Changers,” scientists tested the blood of athletes before and after having a vegan meal and a meal with meat. It was found that the concentration of fats was greatly increased after a meal with meat, the same fats that cause veins to clog and plaque to buildup. Scientists also looked at the amount of usable energy in meats compared to the carbs and proteins in plants; they found that carbs were the most efficient source of energy for an athlete. Fruits and many vegetables have lots of carbs that the body can easily transform into energy.
While there is an increase in supporters of vegan diets, many still believe a diet of only meat is more beneficial to human health. Followers of this diet have noted that it helps them lose fat, and many have said they feel much more energetic. The meat only diet has been named the “keto diet.” New research has even come out explaining that this diet may even regress the production of certain cancer cells. Downsides to this diet include kidney stones and nutrient deficiencies.
The bottom line is that although it has no direct affect on an athlete’s performance, those who eat high carb vegan diets are more likely to have more stamina and lower cholesterol levels when compared to their omnivore or carnivore counterparts. Vegan athletes also have lower recovery times as their diets consist of many more fruits and vegetables, providing ample nutrients. Meat also contains inflammatory fatty acids, while vegetables fight inflammation. Yet research proves that both may decrease cancer growth.
Rock climbers are constantly putting their tendons and muscles under much stress, as grasping onto small holds are necessary to climb steep grades. Stamina is also necessary for climbing longer than an hour at a time. Studies like these can help climbers and all athletes alike improve on their game. It is up to the individual athlete to use the research to their advantage. If it were up to me, it seems that the vegan diet is overall healthier for my body.
https://nutritionfacts.org/2013/02/12/less-cancer-in-vegan-men-despite-more-testosterone/
https://tryveg.com/health/vegan-diets-for-athletes-the-power-of-plants/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319196.php#1-supports-weight-
losshttps://gamechangersmovie.com/benefits/maximizing-performance/the-plant-based-advantage/
How Do You Feel?
Every person has a different viewpoint of the world and the way the way they live their lives. While completely different in ideal, there are firm believers of the vegan and keto diets. The vegan diet is a diet completely composed of plant based foods. The keto diet is consumption of only protein and fat rich foods, particularly meats.
Veganism is often associated with great health and longevity of life, yet some believe this to be false. A famous blogger who had been vegan for over ten years began to feel extremely weak. Slowly it seemed that her health began to deteriorate, to the point that she even began losing her menstruation cycle. She went to several doctors trying to find a solution, one advised to try to include meat in her diet again. Once she began to eat meat again it seemed that she regained all health. She began to feel much more energy and eventually her periods came back. Though it is an isolated situation, it makes one think. Her problem may have been a lack of certain vitamins or minerals, I believe veganism can work if all the necessary nutrients are consumed.
The keto diet is mainly based on the consumption of meat and has been known to be linked to certain health risks, yet many users have stated that they have seen significant results with this diet. One follower of this diet has even lost about 60 pounds and has been able to maintain at this weight for years. They make no mention of his cholesterol levels.
I personally believe all things should have balance, making conscientious choices should be made. Following a strict regimen is hard to maintain, but continuous healthy choices are the best in the long run. A lifestyle composed of longterm healthy choices will out last the effects of “yoyo” diets that only have short term effects.
https://www.dietdoctor.com/keto-diet-completely-changed-life
Find Balance in Non-Processed
Scientists at Harvard believe the key to longevity doesn’t necessarily require following a strict diet. A diet of whole foods that avoids processed foods is the most beneficial to one’s health. Harvard has developed their own “food plate” guideline for Americans to follow, completely different than the USDA’s. Unlike the USDA, there are no commercial interest Harvard must represent in their food plate. Balancing a good mix of fruits, vegetables and lean meats with the inclusion of some healthy oils are great sources of the necessary nutrients for life. This guideline has used science and research to help people make healthier decisions. The Harvard food plate informs people to limit their input of dairy, yet the USDA’s food plate advises citizen to have up to 3 servings a day. Dairy has been proven to be linked to cancer and heart diseases. I would personally trust a team of doctors and scientist rather than the department of agriculture.
A whole food based diet is one that promotes healthy eating while not enforcing a strict regimen that must be followed. Fruits and veggies are heavily emphasized, and processed foods are extremely limited if not completely omitted. Meat is allowed but more emphasis is put upon the source of the meat and how it is handled. Grass-fed organic beef and organic chicken should complement veggies or grains in a meal, it should not be the focal point.
Overall it seems that no matter what you eat, the quality of the food you eat is what affects one’s health the most. Local farmer’s markets are often full of locally grown and organic foods. Awareness of these may help many families find healthy foods in a facile manner. Rock climbers are often very informed of the environment, I believe they may easily implement these changes to their diet as it is healthier and better for the environment.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/plant-based-diet-guide#benefits
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/
Final Thoughts
When I first began doing research on diet and the effects it had on the body, I came in with a bit of a bias. I had assumed there were no positive effects of eating just meat, I believed this diet could only lead to disease. I thought good health could be met with fruits and veggies only. Learning about the keto diet made me think about how the body can function with high efficiency in different ways. Research from Harvard students also showed that a balance was the key to longevity.
The keto diet, though very strict has been shown to have great effects on its followers. Many have been able to lose weight at an expedited rate, and maintained it. With a change in lifestyle, one may get a slimmer figure. When it comes to endurance, it seems that keto followers are at the disadvantage. The energy needed to break down the fats and proteins are much more than that necessary to break down carbohydrates.
The vegan diet would be more beneficial for an athlete hoping to maintain stamina. The raw carbs from fruits and vegetables act as fuel for the body that can translate to longer workout times and more strenuous training. World famous rock climber Alex Honnold has stayed on a mainly vegan diet to fuel his lifestyle. He travels the world climbing different mountains almost daily. Other than helping the planet by reducing his carbon foot print, he has noticed an increase in energy since he has adapted this lifestyle.
I believe that once the body gets accustomed to eating only certain foods, it can depend on those patterns and shift energy to new things. Rather than focusing on what food group or what kind of food will need to be digested, the body will find “comfort” in knowing what is coming. The vegan diet and keto diet have both been proven to help people lose weight and reduce risks of certain cancers.
I still believe a vegan diet or heavily plant based diet would be most beneficial to the body in the long run. As long as processed foods are avoided and meals are based on fruits and vegetables, the key nutrients of life are ingested and all necessary body processes occur with ease. This research has allowed me to take another second and think about what I am about to eat and where my food is coming from. I will apply what I have researched to help me live an energetic and long life.
https://www.gq.com/story/rock-climber-alex-honnold-vegetarian-diet
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The Earth and the Male 