Welcome to the positive corner of wellness. Here’s a daily digest designed to make you healthier in less than 5 minutes. If you were forwarded this message, you can get the free daily email here.
Today’s Health Upgrade
Diet Deception
Book of the week
Member of the week
What Diets Don’t Tell You
Note from Adam: Earlier this week, we challenged a buzzworthy study that suggested the artificial sweetener erythritol causes heart attacks and stroke. We tried to give a balanced breakdown, guidance on what to do next, and peace of mind for those who were worried. But some people weren’t happy about it.
This happens when people are passionate, but also scared. You care about your health. And you want to protect your body. These are good things. But, healthy intentions can become unhealthy when you stress every last behavior, including those that might not be dangerous.
We want you to know it doesn’t have to be so complicated and frustrating. Instead of worrying about everything you eat, it’s important to understand your body can withstand the occasional treat, diet soda, and less-than-perfect meals. If you choose not to eat certain foods, that's fine. But that's different than feeling forced to make changes based on misleading information. When there’s convincing evidence about something that is dangerous to your health, we’ll be the first to let you know.
But, we’ll also be there to blow the whistle when panic is undeserved or potentially harmful. After all, the behaviors you repeat most often will have the biggest impact on your health. As Arnold says, build automatic routines, and then those healthy behaviors will afford you flexibility to live your life and think less.
For decades, I’ve helped people completely transform their bodies with a simple philosophy: stop trying to be perfect. Learn what foods have the some health benefits and those with the least. Try to include one or two of the nutritious foods at each meal, and enjoy the foods with little nutritional value less often. That’s a great place to start, and then you can build from there. You might find that the less stressful approach helps you focus on what matters, and that’s when better results — and improved health — tend to follow.
Book of the Week: The Greatness Mindset
There is tremendous power and selflessness in learning from others. As Arnold once said,
I am not a self-made man. Like everyone, to get to where I am, I stood on the shoulders of giants. My life was built on a foundation of parents, coaches, and teachers; of kind souls who lent couches or gym back rooms where I could sleep; of mentors who shared wisdom and advice; of idols who motivated me from the pages of magazines, and, as my life grew, from personal interaction.
That’s why we appreciate people who reflect on the wisdom of others. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in Lewis Howes’s new book, The Greatness Mindset. We got an early look, and it’s packed with giants who can help you climb to the next level. We spoke with Lewis to learn more about why he wrote this book. Here’s what he shared:
“I wrote this book for myself ten years ago when I was ‘succeeding’ at a high level from sports to business but feeling stuck and unfulfilled inside.
I was driven to win and prove people wrong in life, not knowing the damage that would do to my inner world. I thought I had the right mindset, but it only left me feeling like I still wasn’t good enough with the results I was getting, and my relationships were suffering as well.
This is the book I wish I had then for myself when I was struggling. It’s been a 10-year journey with nearly 1,400 interviews with the top minds, athletes, billionaires, scientists, and mindset researchers to understand the tools and science on overcoming self-doubt and living a life of Greatness and not just success.”
Member of the Week
This week’s subscriber of the week is Ian, who you heard a little bit from on Monday! I met Ian at the Arnold Classic, and I'm thrilled he's a member of our village.
How has being a part of this community helped you?
Being a part of this community has reminded me of the strength and power of others with similar interests motivating you to be the best version of you!
What’s your message to anyone who is struggling to get started on their fitness journey?
This is my favorite quote for any type of self journey: “progress, not perfection!”
—
Lift your friends up, get a personalized, signed copy of my Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding
Help me with my fitness crusade and recruit new members. Share your referral link and if 2 people sign up for The Pump Daily, you’ll be entered to win a personalized, signed copy of my Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding. Five winners will be selected.
