Grasshoppers are a strong, protein rich snack and can be crushed by the handful.On a recent road trip, I broke bread with some colleagues at El Dorado Cantina, a well-regarded Mexican restaurant. The joint is known for their locally sourced, high quality food. Their menu included sautéed grasshoppers. I ordered them for the table, and the rest of the men just sort of glared … [Read more…]
You know we have a no judgment policy around here. I fully comprehend that protein powders are an attractive option, particularly for busy professionals. Despite the fact that it’s not my bag (see?), I’m not here to express displeasure about your leans. Rather, I’ll celebrate our diversity.Still, what kind of partner would I be to you if I didn’t offer you an alternative or … [Read more…]
Forget the blender, reach for a toothbrush instead. Sardines are better than protein shakes after workouts.Today, as part of my 5×5 workout, I performed squats, deadlifts and overhead shoulder presses. I traveled to and from the gym on a red skateboard along Pacific Coast Highway. Ostensibly, I’m a grownup. Just like the teenager I’m behaving like, I needed to replenish my … [Read more…]
I’ve been thinking about my grandfather a ton recently. He popped into my mind today while I ravaged of one of my favorite combos, beets and blue cheese.10 years ago or so, my then wife Lisa and I were leaving my grandfather’s house in Los Angeles. As he often does, he stopped us on our way out the door to pawn off an item from his home he no longer had use for. It might be … [Read more…]
I am constantly toying with ways to improve my focus and attention through nutrition, sleep and exercise.When I was a child, I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. I didn’t like being labeled (I despise labels in general) but I wasn’t alone. I rubbed elbows with 13.5% of boys 3-17 years diagnosed with ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and … [Read more…]
Humans are fundamentally social animals. The ability to communicate is one of our most important skills. Our ability to express ourselves defines and shapes us. It leads to feeling understood which is essential for our mental wellbeing.To date, Kaplifestyle has been running for more than 8 months. I have shared daily to the tune of more than 250 posts. We have covered a … [Read more…]
If you’ve known me at all over the years, you know I frequently talk about how vital it is to have a strong mind. This post offers no advice. It’s simply an ode to the characteristic I respect most in human beings.During my MLB career, I paid close attention to the psyche of the men with whom I stood shoulder to shoulder. I watched as they fell and stayed down, or picked … [Read more…]
You all remember my friend Fred, right? He’s the NBA executive who came looking for workout inspiration and decided to take a crack at my 5 X 5 workout. Today, I have an update on his progress and answer some of his questions. I know how thoroughly invested we all are in Fred’s life, so I wanted to bring y’all into the conversation. Fred: Kapppyyyy,Week 3 – … [Read more…]
Ever start a workout program and realize it’s simply missing your sweet spot? Perhaps you made a New Year’s resolution to work out, but you’re not getting the results you envisioned. You’re not alone – one of the most common questions I get from loved ones is what to do when they’re unhappy with their current fitness routine.For today’s post, I invite you to be a fly on the … [Read more…]
Every January, folks around the world commit to better health. Unfortunately, many gravitate towards fad diets and cleanses as their jumping off point. These diets make trendy claims about quick weight loss and detoxification. Those enticing promises are just enough bait to entice people to swallow the hook.For this new year, I suggest a different, fresh tactic. Start … [Read more…]
You all remember my friend Fred, right? He’s the NBA executive who came looking for workout inspiration and decided to take a crack at my 5 X 5 workout. Today, I have an update on his progress and answer some of his questions. I know how thoroughly invested we all are in Fred’s life, so I wanted to bring y’all into the conversation. Fred: Kapppyyyy,Week 3 – … [Read more…]
I love the dumbbell snatch. It’s one of the exercises I perform simply because enjoy it. I dig the sensation of moving the weight fast and the sting when my feet hit the floor.Lucky for me, the dumbbell snatch translated perfectly to baseball. Picture Andrelton Simmons going from an athletic position to leaping up to, well, snatch a bullet line drive. Notice the … [Read more…]
Ever start a workout program and realize it’s simply missing your sweet spot? Perhaps you made a New Year’s resolution to work out, but you’re not getting the results you envisioned. You’re not alone – one of the most common questions I get from loved ones is what to do when they’re unhappy with their current fitness routine.For today’s post, I invite you to be a fly on the … [Read more…]
The bench press is the most essential upper body move for overall strength, power and muscular development. It has also inspired the world’s most ridiculous question: Man, how much can you bench?This query is both embarrassing and meaningful. The amount of weight an athlete can move off of his or her chest translates directly to sport. For non-athletes concerned mostly … [Read more…]
When an injury robs us of our ability to train the way we are accustomed to, there is nearly always an alternative. After an injury left me unable to perform my usual routine, I focused on the best upper body workouts to keep myself fit and strong.Watching Richard Sherman on crutches during the final minutes of the Super Bowl reminded me of the September night in 2005 when … [Read more…]
Some folks believe that Yerba Mate tea is a magic elixir. A popular brand, Guayaki, sure does: Yerba Mate has the “strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate” all in one beverage. Of the six commonly used stimulants in the world: coffee, tea, kola nut, cocoa and guarana, yerba mate triumphs as the most balanced, delivering both energy and … [Read more…]
Assuming your mission is supreme health and well-being, you’ll want to monitor your caffeine intake. While some caffeine can have notable health benefits, consuming copious amounts may disrupt your ability to achieve your fitness goals and present the most powerful version of yourself.If you’ve been following the blog, you know how strongly I feel about the upside to … [Read more…]
It’s pretty special to come in here tomorrow and have a chance to do that. I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights for a lot of reasons, but tonight I look forward to losing that sleep. It’s been a long hard grind… Buck Showalter just managed his team to a division clinching win. No one will blame him for skipping (see?) out on a night’s sleep. We’ve all prioritized a various … [Read more…]
I am constantly toying with ways to improve my focus and attention through nutrition, sleep and exercise.When I was a child, I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. I didn’t like being labeled (I despise labels in general) but I wasn’t alone. I rubbed elbows with 13.5% of boys 3-17 years diagnosed with ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and … [Read more…]
I tend to be a fairly easy-going and laid back guy. It comes with the SoCal territory. There are times, however, when I find myself growing stressed and irritable. I know that my caffeine intake isn’t helping, and I need to make an adjustment. I’m not quite willing to give up caffeine entirely, but there is an easier step. When these times hit, I start dreaming of an old friend … [Read more…]
Tonight, I made radish soup for my boys and myself. It so was delicious, I figured I would share the recipe with you. First, so you can be totally up to speed on the health benefits, let’s rewind.Remember my post on radishes? If the floating thought bubble above your head reads “This man has no life,” you are correct. I know that most folks aren’t going to snack on radishes … [Read more…]
I’ve written before about my love for a huge salad. To bring the heat, I add some jalapenos. For an added flavor pop, I dig’em pickled.I’m no stranger to the Whole Foods’ salad bar. I never like being dependent on a big box store, but they make it so damn convenient to grab and go. I always snatch a bunch of the pickled jalapenos to mix into my giant creations. The vinegar … [Read more…]
Love is guacamole and guacamole is love.You already know how nutritionally powerful avocados are. With a few simple additions, you can create an even healthier and tastier snack.My first key ingredient is the shallot. The flavor profile of the shallot is slightly sweeter than a red onion and adds the right bit of balance to the salt and acidity of my mix. When making … [Read more…]
Feeding your family on a budget can be a daunting task. The convenience and low cost of fast food presents a siren song, but that’s off limits in these circles (unless it’s part of your indulgences, and even then I don’t recommend processed shit). It can be done organically and inexpensively if you exercise a bit of creativity. I believe I’ve designed a meal for a family … [Read more…]
I’ve always been fascinated by those “eat this, not that” articles. Their “this” recommendations always seem to be based solely on calories and fat content, without taking into account any health implications. I’ve decided to write a semi regular post entitled, “Eat This, Not That… OR That.” In this column, I’ll give you some advice on what to eat for general well-being, not … [Read more…]
I have no patience for risk aversion. Allow me say that in a less abrasive way. Taking calculated risks and behaving in a brave, bold manner gives puts us in an optimal position to have success in every compartment of our lives. When interacting with our fellow human beings, we must be strong with our opinions and assertive with our actions. It’s how we earn respect.From … [Read more…]
Opting for a low-fat diet while on a training program might sound like the right thing to do to get lean, but the opposite may be true, particularly when it comes to hormone production. From marksdailyapple.com: Eat plenty of saturated and monounsaturated fat. Fat blunts insulin secretion while increasing testosterone production. Insulin may be useful for stuffing your muscles … [Read more…]
I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials for the pills and gels promising to reduce the symptoms of “low T.” “It’s just a number,” they say, then promise increased muscle and bone mass, elevated mood, more energy and a whole host of other benefits. Sounds appealing.Perhaps you can skip the pills. I have an alternate solution.Red cabbage.I’ve got your attention now, … [Read more…]
It’s time for a little myth busting. Y’all know we do that around here now and again. Let’s roll.I’ll never forget the day a teammate of mine saw me destroying one of my signature giant salads topped with organic soybeans. “Kap, you know that soy murders testosterone, right?”I nearly spit my bite out right there.I went home and immediately started Googling. Check … [Read more…]
It’s been well publicized that your body language can have a remarkable impact on the way people respond to you. More importantly, there is growing sentiment that your body language changes the way YOU respond to you.If you’ve been reading my posts, you know I use the word intuition quite a bit. I believe strongly that we can learn much from our gut if we learn to trust … [Read more…]
Hello, my friends, and thanks for joining week 12 of our open thread. We don’t have time to waste. Let’s roll.Charlie says: Being an elite athlete, I am sure you have dealt with your fair share of injuries. I recently suffered a torn labrum which required surgery. I rehabbed slowly but surely, returned to my physical line of work but still suffer from a lot of weakness in … [Read more…]
Resisting getting back into the gym because you’ve fallen off the wagon? Stop. You can regain your size and strength in short order. Muscle memory is real and more powerful than you think.In 2005, I tore my Achilles tendon rounding second base at the Skydome. My post game quotes from mlb.com: I just haven’t really had a chance to allow it to sink in,” Kapler said after the … [Read more…]
I’ve never understood it. Men and women reach middle age and it hits them. They tell their friends and family, “I’m running a marathon!” Whether it is the need to get in shape or an attempt to prove viability, running 42.195 kilometers (26 miles and 385 yards) has become the standard benchmark. Train for and run a marathon if you wish, just be aware that you’re not necessarily … [Read more…]
You don’t have to limp around after exercising to be assured you had a fruitful workout. Pain does not necessarily equal gain.As a teenager, I assessed my workouts based on my subsequent level of soreness. I assumed if I was gingerly walking around the day after a tough training session, I was getting bigger and stronger. I was mistaken. From muscleevo.net: Exercise can … [Read more…]
Long periods of active rest are optimal for recovery after long periods of intense training.The season is now over for the Tigers and the Angels. The majority of MLB teams ended their grind a few days prior, with the close of the regular season. In my playing days, I started my offseason training programs the day I packed up my locker. In fact, as the days of the season … [Read more…]
Hey there, KL readers. As you may have heard, I’m headed back to work in baseball. I’m genuinely ecstatic. You’ve been following for some time, so you’ve likely heard me throw out the JFK quote, “Do not pray for easier lives, pray for stronger men.” I believe through building stronger men and women, we make the world a safer, more negotiable place. I’ll have a chance to … [Read more…]
Remember my man Fred? If not, take a quick peek and meet us below when you’re ready.Today we say goodbye. Fred is leaving us, wiser and more equipped to stay consistent. He’ll be back someday. Kappppyyyyyy,So, full disclosure……this will be my last week of the Kap 5×5 program. I have to tell you, the program I loved everything about it. Well, ok, not exactly! … [Read more…]
“It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience. “ -Julius CaesarWhen you begin your 5 x 5 workout program, or any new training routine for that matter, please leave your ego at the door and practice patience.My brother Jeremy texted me about a week ago:“Joined a gym for the first time in nearly 4 … [Read more…]
Quick reminder, my friend Fred is an NBA executive who, 8 weeks ago, began the 5 X 5 lifting program and recently added sprints. For further context, check this out then rejoin us.Fred reached out excitedly to me today. Just completed my 8th week of the Kap 5×5 training system. Few items of note. My strength has increase at a nice steady pace and I am really digging the … [Read more…]
If you don’t remember reading about the superstar editor of Kaplifestyle, start here, and then rejoin us.Before starting the 5 x 5 program that I recommended to her, Steph sent me some information on her health issues. First, some background. I have a congenital disorder (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). It is a rare condition, and my specific subtype is even rarer. This disorder … [Read more…]
[Editor’s note: I requested that Gabe allow me the use of this platform once again. I wanted to share my thoughts on obstacles on the path to achieving our goals. He generously agreed to the request. The words below are all mine. –Stephanie]If we had to pick a motto at Kaplifestyle, it would very likely be “take the first step.” While I’m not yet ready to get it tattooed … [Read more…]
I’d like to try an all meat diet, eating nothing but the flesh of humanely raised and slaughtered animals. I have an inclination we’ve been fed a boatload of lies about what we need to survive. Vegetables? Psfffttt.What would happen if we ditched our fruit and veggies? Would we become unhealthy? What sort of risk would we encounter if we gave this experiment a try? It’s … [Read more…]
Is it narcissism to focus on obtaining a specific look on our own single body part? Perhaps, but both men and women alike desire that chiseled ab look.We are funny (and sometimes pathetic) creatures, aren’t we? Now that we’ve given ourselves an excuse to be shallow, shameless and…sliced up, it’s time to point out how to get there. While the formula is uncomplicated, the … [Read more…]
There is an extraordinarily powerful ripple effect from one small change.Folks often decide to make drastic and sweeping changes because they want immediate results. Not only are these choices difficult to commit to and maintain, you can actually set yourself up for failure before you start. A 2002 study confirmed the negative effects of committing to an … [Read more…]
Ask most Americans to describe a salad and they will craft a picture of a lettuce heavy base, a few pieces of broccoli, some shredded carrots and perhaps a few slices of chicken breast. They’ll top it all off with some crunchy croutons and a creamy dressing poured out of a bottle or squeezed from a package. Better choice than cereal? Of course. Nutritionally dense? Eh. It’s a … [Read more…]
I’m about to bust the balls of my top 5 most ridiculous fad diets in history.
I know a little something about this. I had my own moments of absurdity on this journey. As a young player in the low minor leagues in 1996, I was under the impression that the best way to get bigger, stronger and faster was to eat no fat, tons of protein and starchy carbs. I lived on two colors, black and white. I mainly ingested boneless, skinless chicken breasts, white rice and black beans. Balanced, right?
Throughout this, I desperately craved ice cream, pie, whatever sweets I could find. Lisa, my girlfriend at the time, had no problems ordering desserts. I began the practice of taking a bite, chewing…then spitting it out. Chew, spit, rinse and repeat. It worked. I got big, strong, lean…and sick. I had colds frequently, the stomach flu at least once a year. I was a ripped, unhealthy and moronic 20 year old. I laugh at that boy now.
Now that I’ve shown I can take it as well as dish (see?) it out, I’m giving myself some permission to have fun here. On to some ideas that were just as absurd as mine.
The Sleeping Beauty Diet gained notoriety during the 1960s and 1970s, when it was purportedly championed by such high-profile dieters as Elvis Presley. The diet takes the idea that individuals don’t need to eat while they sleep to a dangerous extreme by encouraging them to enter a drug-induced state of sedation. The diet posits that over a number of days dieters can “sleep off the pounds” by sticking to a strict regimen of sleeping pills. Unfortunately, these pills were highly addictive and dangerous, and there’s no evidence to suggest that the diet produces any sustainable weight-loss.
Let’s state the obvious. If 1970s Elvis is the poster boy for the diet, keep me the hell away. Y’all know how much we value sleep for health and well-being, but c’mon. Sleep more so you can eat less and do so with Lunesta? This one takes the cake (see?).
Dr. Siegal’s Cookie Diet, The Hollywood Cookie Diet and the Smart for Life Cookie Diet all promise that eating cookies will help you drop pounds. Of course, you don’t get to chow down on chocolate-chip cookies — you eat about 500 to 600 calories a day from high-protein and high-fiber weight-loss cookies (one cookie company even makes the cookies from egg and milk protein) for breakfast, lunch and any snacks. Then you eat a normal dinner, for a total of 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day.
But my normal dinner is cookies. What do I do? Wait, I get it. This is Zen master shit. The creators of the diet want me to come up with the healthy answer. Oatmeal raisin. No brainer.
This diet fad is attributed to Horace Fletcher, who sold art in San Francisco in the early 1900s. He advocated chewing incessantly, until the food was purified, and then spitting out what remained. He supposedly had many fans, including novelist Henry James, industrialist John D. Rockefeller, and cereal mogul John Harvey Kellogg. “This diet at least has some science behind it,” March says. “Studies show if you take your time and eat more mindfully, you will feel full with less.
Oh, now I feel better about my minor league days. I wasn’t being stupid; I was legitimately practicing a diet fad. I’m so proud of myself. I felt full with less all right….less pleasure.
Want to lose up to 10 pounds in a week without ever feeling hungry? Great! You just have to load up on a low-sodium cabbage soup. It makes up the bulk of this strict diet plan, which is also supplemented with fruit, vegetables and water, as well as beef and grains on certain days.
Duh, why not just add the beef and veggies to the soup and follow two fad diets in one? Booya, now you’re Paleo, too.
After winning the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conquerer reportedly grew so obese that he couldn’t stay on his horse. So he tried to lose weight by locking himself in his room and consuming nothing but alcohol.
Bill was way ahead of his time. The 20 somethings in the clubs of Beverly Hills have latched onto this diet. Iceberg lettuce plus vodka equals skinny.
What are your favorite fad diets? Chime in; I’ll be eating grapefruits.
