Author: Menya

The Peak Performance Insider: Why Preparation Is So Important And How Using Your Phone In The Morning Is Derailing Your Day

Estimated read time: 4 minutes No one does everything in their schedule. Not you, not me, and not even that person who looks like they’re on top of everything. But failing to plan almost guarantees that you will not accomplish your goals. So don’t just make New Year’s Resolutions. Write down your goals, schedule desired behaviors, then create rock-solid accountability. And remember that your health is an investment, not an expense, that pays dividends for life. Now without any further ado… The Peak Performance Insider: 1. Why preparation is so important Lack of preparation may be the leading cause of death of fitness goals worldwide. I can’t even count the number of clients who have made poor decisions because of poor preparation. Think about the last time you led a meeting without an itinerary or any preparation. How did it go? You may be quick on your feet, but it probably would have gone better if you had spent some time preparing. The same logic applies if you sit on your yoga mat or walk into the gym unprepared. What happens may not be terrible, but it would likely be better with a plan. And when it comes to nutrition and weight loss, planning is virtually everything. So plan your meals in advance. In the beginning this takes some time and effort, but once you build the habit of preparing food it’s as easy as brushing your teeth. Also, knowing what to eat gives you the flexibility to enjoy all different kinds of food without worrying about weight gain. You don’t need to spend hours cooking and filling plastic containers with chicken, rice, and broccoli. Just prepare what you need to hit your macros and calorie goals for the day. What You Can Do: Measure your main meals enough times to eyeball them, and have healthy snacks at the ready at all times. 2. How using your phone in the morning is derailing your day Starting your day with a smartphone can derail you from the get-go. When you grab your phone first thing in the morning, you’re flooded with notifications and emails. This influx of information triggers stress and anxiety, ruining any chance of a calm, focused morning. It also disrupts your ability to prioritize, as you’re reacting to others’ demands instead of setting your own agenda. Instead, dedicate those first moments to exercise, a proven way to boost energy and mental clarity. Use the morning to plan your day, focusing on high-priority tasks, to set a tone of proactivity (not reactivity). Limiting early smartphone use can also improve sleep quality, as screen exposure can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) even in the morning. What You Can Do: Avoid smartphones first in the morning to foster a more productive, stress-free start. I hope this helps! Client Spotlight – Mike, 35 | Phoenix, Arizona | Sales Manager Click to play video Mike is a sales manager who had been exercising for years but wanted to go from good to great. His biggest struggle was not knowing the best way to build muscle and functional strength. In 8 months he gained 17 pounds of muscle and dropped his body fat to 10%. Our strategy: Increased protein intake from 80 to 150 grams per day Significantly increased training load by sticking to a rigorous program Practiced intermittent fasting because it suited his schedule and his personal preference Prioritized sleeping 8 hours to maximize muscle recovery and growth By working together Mike was able to build lots of muscle, functional strength, and the knowledge he needs to keep achieving new goals. ​If you’re a busy professional who wants to feel confident in your own skin, have more energy, and build healthy habits that last click here for a free discovery call.​ Food For Thought This Weekend “Be kind. You’ll probably forget about it in 5 minutes but the other person might remember it forever.” Kindness has a lasting impact. A small act of kindness might be fleeting for you, but it can leave a lasting impression on others. In your busy life, remember that your kindness can be a powerful, memorable force. It’s a simple yet profound way to positively influence your environment, your peers, and yourself. – Menya When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help: 1. Download my free health and fitness guide. When you’re ready to unlock peak performance, this is where you should start. It’s the same framework for success that I use with all of my clients. It also contains 6 habits of highly successful fitness people. 2. Are you an entrepreneur or busy professional who wants to get lean, boost energy, and feel fantastic? Apply for private one-on-one coaching here.​ 3. Promote yourself to like-minded subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter. Contact me for details. Refer High Performing Friends Have friends who’d love this newsletter too? Do them a favor and send them this link.

Peak Performance Insider: The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Personal Trainer in Tokyo and 5 Essential Ingredients for Health and Fitness

Estimated read time: 4 minutes Every client I have ever worked with has tried to get fit in the past. So when we first talk there’s often a degree of learned helplessness in their voice. Learned helplessness is a real or perceived lack of control over the outcome of a situation. It develops when you get knocked down so many times that you start thinking, “Why bother trying to stand up?” But no matter what’s happened in your past or how many times you’ve failed, your past does not equal your future. So do not let it define you. Now without any further ado… The Peak Performance Insider: 1. The ultimate guide to finding a personal trainer in Tokyo There is more information online today than at any other point in history. And with all that free information there’s never been a better time to get in shape. But living healthily can be especially challenging for expats living in Japan because of new foods, a new culture, and a completely different language. And although you can diet and exercise on your own, it is statistically unlikely that you’ll get the results you’re aiming for. So whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’ve been exercising for years, hiring a personal trainer or online coach is the safest and most effective way to achieve your fitness goals. And since you’re putting your health in someone else’s hands, finding the right guide for you is imperative. What You Can Do: Read the full article ​here​. 2. 5 essential ingredients for health and fitness There is no “secret” to lasting health. But these 5 ingredients are a must: (1) Eat with your stomach: This means listening to your body when you eat. Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full, and don’t aimlessly put food in your mouth. A mindful approach to eating helps prevent bloating, heartburn, and weight gain. (2) Exercise a few times a week: Physical activity helps control weight, improve mood, and even increase your lifespan. The best approach is a combination of cardio and strength training, but there is no perfect program. Remember, any activity is better than none. (3) Get 8 hours of sleep: Sleep is crucial for good health and well-being. It helps your body recover, improves memory, reduces stress, and strengthens your immune system. Get 7-9 hours each night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule on weekdays and weekends. (4) Drink lots of water: Water helps maintain cellular function, support metabolism, and detoxify the body. Good hydration also boosts mental and physical performance, skin health, and helps regulate body temperature. Aim for 2-3 liters (70-100 ounces) every day. (5) Repeat forever: Living a healthy lifestyle is a lifelong commitment. It’s not about quick fixes or temporary changes. Instead, focus on making sustainable lifestyle choices that you can maintain in the long run. Remember: it’s never too late to start. What You Can Do: Choose 1 of the first four ingredients and stick to it for the rest of the month. Once you’ve locked it down, add another. I hope this helps! Client Spotlight – Yasmine, 29 | Tokyo, Japan | Financial Trader Click to play video Yasmine is a trader who wanted to lose weight, get toned, and build muscle and strength for ski season. Her biggest struggles were balancing a busy work schedule with an active social life and avoiding an all-or-nothing approach to fitness. Here is how she lost 11 pounds (5kg) in 12 weeks. Our strategy: Increased protein intake from 40 to 100 grams per day Began strength training in the gym four times a week Tracked all of her meals using ​MyFitnessPal​ Drank alcohol less frequently and less alcohol during each session By working together Yasmine was able to build the muscle, strength, and confidence she needed to enjoy Japan’s world-famous slopes. ​If you’re a busy professional who wants to feel confident in your own skin, have more energy, and build healthy habits that last click here for a free discovery call.​ Food For Thought This Weekend You are born looking like your parents. But you die looking like your decisions. This one speaks for itself. – Menya When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help: 1. Download my free health and fitness guide. When you’re ready to unlock peak performance, this is where you should start. It’s the same framework for success that I use with all of my clients. It also contains 6 habits of highly successful fitness people. 2. Are you an entrepreneur or busy professional who wants to get lean, boost energy, and feel fantastic? Apply for private one-on-one coaching here.​ 3. Promote yourself to like-minded subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter. Contact me for details. Refer High Performing Friends Have friends who’d love this newsletter too? Do them a favor and send them this link.

Peak Performance Insider: The best weight loss exercise, why you’re sleeping less than you think, and the Japanese superfood you need to start eating

Estimated read time: 4 minutes If you’re like most people, you’ve just finished writing your New Year’s Resolutions. But the truth is that most resolutions fail. No, that doesn’t mean you’ve waste your time. But it does mean that in order to stick to your resolutions, you’ll have to do things differently. The key is to create accountability until your new habit transforms into lasting change. So set clear goals, find a proven plan, and create structured accountability. Future you will thank you. Now without any further ado… The Peak Performance Insider: 1. The best weight loss exercise Every time I speak at companies about improving health and fitness, someone asks me, “What’s the best exercise to lose weight?” My gut instinct is to yell “A better diet!” But the real answer is even simpler: Walking. Walking is the easiest and most accessible form of exercise on the planet. It’s also the best fat-burning exercise for most people. Walking is a great way to burn calories, bolster the heart, build strong bones, and even improve posture. Plus it releases endorphins that help boost mood while reducing stress and anxiety. And walking isn’t just a physical activity; it’s a remedy for a healthy mind and body. The goal should be 80-100 minutes of walking (8-10k steps) around the house, up and down the stairs, or ​walking meetings​ whenever possible. Any pedometer (step-counter) will do, whether it’s a new smartphone or simple wearable. Remember that every step counts. What You Can Do: Begin walking 8-10k steps every day. 2. Why you’re sleeping less than you think My recent experience with a ​Gen3 Oura Ring​ has been very eye-opening. I didn’t realize that time in bed and time asleep can differ by as much as an hour. That means that getting into bed at 10pm ad getting out of bed at 6am isn’t really 8 hours of sleep. It’s more like 7… My Sleep Score I was in bed at 10pm—eye mask on with my head on the pillow—and up at 6am. That makes my total bedtime 8 hours but my total sleep time only 7 hours and 3 minutes. Now considering that ​adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night​, I’m barely making the cut. So if you think you’re getting 6 hours of sleep it’s probably more like 5…leaving you in a pretty bad state of mental and physical functioning. I know this sounds impossible. I’ve worked with hundreds of people who’ve struggled with sleep. But regularly sleeping 7-9 hours is the only way to unlock your body and brain’s potential. So choose a bedtime and a wake time separated by 8 hours, then stick to it. What You Can Do: Maintain a regular 8 hour sleep schedule. 3. The Japanese superfood you need to start eating Miso soup is more than a comforting bowl of warmth. It’s a treasure trove of health benefits. This age-old Japanese superfood is mainly made from fermented soybean paste, seaweed, and tofu, making it a great source of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It also contains vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, iron, and phosphorus, which all support key bodily functions. Plus the fermentation process used in making miso creates beneficial probiotics, which aid digestion by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines and promoting gastrointestinal health. All in all, miso soup enriches the body, elevates the mood, and enhances the culinary experience. And here in Japan most people drink miso soup once a day. But aiming for once a week is a great way to regularly infuse delicious nutrients, probiotics, and antioxidants into your diet. What You Can Do: Drink miso soup at least once a week. I hope this helps!​ Client Spotlight – John, 42 | Canberra, Australia | Diplomat John is a breadwinning father who was feeling tired, bloated, and uncomfortable in his own skin. He needed to lose weight and lower his blood pressure for himself and as an example for his family. His biggest struggles were drinking too much, sleeping too little, and not knowing what to do in the gym. In 16 weeks he lost 28 pounds (13kg) and completely transformed his life. Our strategy: Food prepped and packed a healthy lunch for work Drank less regular beer and more non-alcoholic beer Regularly ran, boxed, and practiced yoga Began wearing an eye mask and ear plugs to improve sleep By working together John built lean muscle, lost ~30 pounds of fat, and now feels confident with his shirt off. ​If you’re a busy professional who wants to feel confident in your own skin, have more energy, and build healthy habits that last click here for a free discovery call. Food For Thought This Weekend “Everyone must choose one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” — Jim Rohn The pain of discipline involves getting up for that workout, eating a healthy lunch, and sleeping instead of binging another episode. It’s not easy at the start but ultimately makes you healthier and happier in the long run. The pain of regret involves feeling worn down due to constant neglect, struggling with fatigue, and never living up to your potential. It’s easy at the start but ultimately prevents you from living your best life. So the choice is yours: discipline or regret. Which pain will you choose? – Menya When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help: 1. Download my free health and fitness guide. When you’re ready to unlock peak performance, this is where you should start. It’s the same framework for success that I use with all of my clients. It also contains 6 habits of highly successful fitness people. 2. Are you an entrepreneur or busy professional who wants to get lean, boost energy, and feel fantastic? Apply for private one-on-one coaching here.​ 3. Promote yourself to like-minded subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter. Contact me for details. Refer High Performing Friends Have friends who’d love this newsletter too? Do…
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Peak Performance Insider: How to not gain weight over the holidays, why you start losing muscle in your 30s (and how to stop it), and the best decision my best friend made in 2023

Estimated read time: 5 minutes This first email issue of the ​Peak Performance Insider is brought to you by ​MH Health Coaching.​ We help entrepreneurs and busy professionals get lean, boost energy, and build healthy bodies. We have 3 private coaching spots available in January, so if you’re a high-performer with a busy schedule looking to get in the best shape of your life click the link below to get started. Click here to sign up for a Free Discovery Session Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks for being a part of this community and I hope you’re as excited as I am for 2024. If you’re new here, thanks for joining. I’m really happy to have you. And if you’ve been here a while, thanks for sticking along for the ride. Now without any further ado… The Peak Performance Insider: 1. How to not gain weight over the holidays Surviving the holidays without gaining weight is pretty much everyone’s plan. And lucky for you the key to success is very, very simple. Eat in moderation and stay active. That’s it. No false promises or fancy workouts. No January fad diets or weight loss pills. It just comes down to building some structure and balance. What You Can Do: Have a look ​here​ for the full explanation. 2. Why you start losing muscle in your 30s (and how to stop it) You lose 3% to 8% of muscle mass every decade starting in your 30s. It’s a phenomenon called sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is the gradual decline in the size, strength, and functionality of muscle due to natural aging. Fortunately, no matter how old you are or how much experience you have, strength training is the single best way to preserve and restore muscle mass. So although going for walks, sleeping 8 hours, and eating healthily are great habits, if you are not regularly strength training your body will literally wither away. Do you have to workout in a gym? No. You can build muscle practicing yoga, doing calisthenics, or lifting weights at home. But when it comes to building muscle and strength, there is no substitute for hard work. Your muscles will only grow if you push them outside their comfort zone. So get comfortable being uncomfortable. Your body actually depends on it. What You Can Do: No matter how you choose to exercise, make sure you include strength training. 3. The best decision my best friend made in 2023 One of my childhood friends lost 30 pounds within the last 10 months. And it mainly happened because he decided to finally stop drinking alcohol. In December last year he asked for my help going alcohol free this year. He wanted to lose weight and have more energy so he could be the best dad possible for his 3-year-old son. He had tried on his own but always failed and he knew that he needed some help. So we got on a call, made an agreement, and I became his accountability partner. 10 months later his eating habits, sleep, work, and family life have all made massive improvements. And “my goal went from let’s stay in shape for the kid to can I get 6 pack abs?!” If there is any secret to his success it’s creating bulletproof accountability. And it fills me with joy knowing one of my best friends is now living his best life. What You Can Do: Find an accountability partner to help you reach your goals in 2024. I hope this helps! Client Spotlight – Alex, 48 | Tokyo, Japan | Data Center Developer Click image to see video Alex is a father who needed to lose weight and get in shape for his family. His biggest struggle was lacking the confidence to eat well and exercise consistently. In 16 weeks he lost 28 pounds and completely transformed his life. Our strategy: Practiced intermittent fasting with a 16:8 schedule Increased whole food and water consumption Reduced processed foods, refined sugar, and total alcohol intake Multiplied exercise volume from zero to several times a week By working together Alex built lean muscle, shed excess fat, and now feels confident in his own body. ​If you’re a busy professional who wants to feel confident in your own skin, have more energy, and build healthy habits that last click here for a free discovery call.​ Food For Thought This Weekend “Everyone must choose one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.” — Jim Rohn The pain of discipline involves getting up for that workout, eating a healthy lunch, and sleeping instead of binging another episode. It’s not easy at the start but ultimately makes you healthier and happier in the long run. The pain of regret involves feeling worn down due to constant neglect, struggling with fatigue, and never living up to your potential. It’s easy at the start but ultimately prevents you from living your best life. So the choice is yours: discipline or regret. Which pain will you choose? ​– Menya When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help: 1. ​Download my free health and fitness guide​. When you’re ready to tackle your fitness goals, this is definitely where you should start. It’s the same framework for achieving goals that I use with all of my clients. It also contains 6 habits of highly successful fitness people. 2. Are you an entrepreneur or busy professional who wants to get lean, boost energy, and feel fantastic? ​Apply for private one on one coaching here.​ 3. Promote yourself to like-minded subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter. Contact me for details. Refer High Performing Friends Have friends who’d love this newsletter too? Do them a favor and send them this link: 👉 https://www.menyahinga.com/newsletter/ 👈

Peak Performance Insider: Zen and the art of stress management, quick yet effective HIIT workout, and why traditional Japanese cuisine is perfect for the modern professional.

Estimated read time: 5 minutes This first email issue of the ​Peak Performance Insider is brought to you by ​MH Health Coaching.​ We help entrepreneurs and busy professionals get lean, boost energy, and build healthy bodies. We have 4 private coaching spots available in January, so if you’re a high-performer with a busy schedule looking to get in the best shape of your life click the link below to get started. Click here to sign up for a Free Discovery Session After weeks of researching, writing, and making small adjustments, I shared this newsletter on social media and didn’t know what to expect. Now, just a few days after announcing it, I’m blown away by the level of interest and support from friends, colleagues, and strangers. So if you’re new here, thanks for joining. I’m really happy to have you. And if you’ve been here a while, thanks for your patience over the last few weeks. I’m excited to keep sharing new insights I find about health, fitness, and high performance. Now without any further ado… The Peak Performance Insider: 1. Zen and the Art of Stress Management Meditation is an invaluable tool for stress relief and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Zazen (座禅) is a popular form of Buddhist meditation in which participants sit for lengthy periods to try to achieve inner peace. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to foster a state of calm and centeredness, and is an excellent way to counteract the chaos of daily stressors. When we meditate, we shift our focus from external worries to internal peace, using techniques like mindfulness or focused attention. This shift in focus allows us to achieve a state of mental clarity and relaxation. Psychologically, meditation has been shown to reduce stress, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional well-being. And physiologically, meditation has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, and enhance the production of neurotransmitters that promote relaxation, like GABA and serotonin. Plus regular practice leads to improved stress management, as it trains the brain to respond more calmly to stressful situations. What You Can Do: Meditate for 10 minutes each day with the help of an app like ​Calm​ or ​Headspace​. It is a game-changer. 2. Quick yet Effective HIIT Workout When you’re strapped for time, short, high-intensity workouts can help maximize results in minimal time. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is the cornerstone of this approach. HIIT involves brief bursts of intense activity followed by short rest periods. This method not only fits easily into a busy day, often requiring as little as 20 minutes, but also delivers big benefits including improved cardiovascular health, increased metabolism, and even fat loss. Research shows that HIIT can be more effective than traditional steady-state exercise, especially in terms of boosting metabolic rate and enhancing muscle endurance. Tabata training is a form of HIIT that originates from the research of Japanese scientist Dr. Izumi Tabata and his team at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Japan in the 1990s. Tabata training involves 20 seconds of ultra-intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for four minutes. Combined with circuit training, which cycles through a series of exercises with minimal rest, this kind of training targets different muscle groups while keeping the body fully engaged. So whether at home, in a hotel room, or a small office space, Tabata training is fast, effective, and completely customizable based on your fitness level and preferences. What You Can Do: Try completing the ​Total HIIT Circuit​ at least once over the holidays. 3. Why traditional Japanese cuisine is perfect for the modern professional Traditional Japanese food is known for its freshness, taste, balance, and healthiness. Central to this diet is the idea that meals should contain a variety of food. This principle is evident in the traditional Japanese meal structure, which typically includes a staple (like rice), a main dish (often fish or lean meat), a couple of side dishes (vegetables, tofu), and soup. This variety ensures a comprehensive intake of essential nutrients while keeping calorie counts in check. Plus, Japanese cuisine emphasizes the quality and natural flavors of ingredients without heavy seasoning. This focus on fresh, seasonal produce not only enhances taste but also maximizes the nutritional benefits. Traditional Japanese meals are also served in smaller portions, which helps naturally manage one’s caloric intake while promoting better digestion. The cultural practice of ‘Hara Hachi Bun Me’ (腹八分目), or eating until you are 80% full, also aligns with modern dietary advice to avoid overeating. What You Can Do: Focus on eating fresh, whole, lightly seasoned food in relatively small portions. I hope this helps! Client Spotlight – Lana, 30 | Tokyo, Japan | Account Manager Lana had been to gyms, yoga classes, and even worked with a personal trainer but nothing worked until coaching. Her biggest struggle was finding a program that was built around her busy lifestyle. In 6 months she lost 18 pounds (8kg) and it changed her life forever. Our strategy: Introduced more protein and fiber into her diet Discovered lactose intolerance by means of elimination dieting Began batch cooking on the weekend and bringing lunch to work Exercised several times a week including running, yoga, and HIIT By working together Lana cleaned up her diet, shed excess fat, and now feels better than ever in her own body. ​​If you’re a busy professional who wants to feel confident in your own skin, have more energy, and build healthy habits that last click here for a free discovery call.​ Food for Thought This Weekend “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” — Benjamin Franklin Nothing is as meaningful as learning through experience. Because active participation in the learning process leads to deep, lasting knowledge. So take what you’ve just read today and apply it. Now. ​– Menya When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help: 1. ​Download my free health and fitness guide​. When…
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Peak Performance Insider: Why sleep is a pillar of peak performance and how you can get even more of it

Estimated read time: 3 minutes This issue of the ​Peak Performance Insider​ is brought to you by ​MH Health Coaching.​ We help entrepreneurs and busy professionals get lean, boost energy, and build healthy bodies. We have 4 private coaching spots left for December, so if you’re a high-performer with a busy schedule looking to get in the best shape of your life click the link below to get started. Click here to sign up for a Free Discovery Session​ Click here to sign up for a Free Discovery Session​ Now without any further ado… 1. Why sleep is a pillar of peak performance and how you can get even more of it We all know that sleep is important but few of us get enough of it. We tell ourselves that it’s because our jobs, families, friends, and devices are constantly vying for our attention. And we justify staying up late for “me time” even when we know that we should be sleeping. But the problem is that there are no shortcuts. In a culture obsessed with optimization and instant gratification, you can’t “hack” sleep. No pill is going to turn six hours into eight. You’re either going to get enough quality sleep or suffer from sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation increases hunger, increases cravings, and reduces strength and performance. Poor sleep also leads to memory issues, poor concentration, irritability, weakened immunity, high blood pressure, weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, poor balance, and a low sex drive. So although we all need different amounts of sleep, getting between 7 and 9 hours each night should be paramount on your priority list. Study after study indicates that if you’re sleeping well, your immune system works better. You think more clearly. You have more energy. Your metabolism functions more efficiently. Your blood sugar levels are more stable. Even your reaction times improve. So stop relying on coffee, snacks, and power naps to get you through the day. Start improving your sleep hygiene by: Making your room pitch black or wearing an eye mask Keeping your phone outside your room or away from your bed Keeping your room temperature cool Avoiding electronics 1-2 hours before bed Wearing blue light blocking glasses when looking at screens Quality sleep directly contributes to more productive work days, more effective workouts, and a happier and healthier you. For more information about how to sleep better, read Matthew Walker’s NY Times Best Seller “​Why We Sleep​.” It’s a brilliant deep dive into what sleep is, why we do it, what happens when we don’t get enough, and how to ensure you get more. What You Can Do Today: Watch ​this TED Talk by Matthew Walker​ then create a consistent sleep and wake schedule. I hope this helps! Food for Thought This Weekend The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. – Stephen Covey We don’t fall short of our goals because we’re incompetent. We fall short of our goals because we’re distracted. You can’t accomplish big things if you’re distracted by little things. So focus on one goal, ruthlessly commit to it, and turn it into a reality. – Menya When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help: 1. ​Download my free health and fitness guide​. When you’re ready to tackle your fitness goals, this is definitely where you should start. It’s the same framework for achieving goals that I use with all of my clients. It also contains 6 habits of highly successful fitness people. 2. Are you an entrepreneur or busy professional who wants to get lean, boost energy, and perform better? ​Apply for private one on one coaching here.​ 3. Promote yourself to 2,000+ subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter. Contact me for details. Refer High Performing Friends Have friends who’d love this newsletter too? Do them a favor and send them this link.

Peak Performance Insider: Why exercise is the ultimate weapon against stress and how to bank calories for the weekend

Estimated read time: 5 minutes My mission is to give people the best tools possible to achieve better health and fitness. I’ve shared thousands of copies my free ebook to help people on their journey to that end. So if you’re on that journey and would like some guidance, ​take a look at my free fitness ebook here​. Now without any further ado… The Peak Performance Insider: 1. Why exercise is the ultimate weapon against stress Stress is the body’s natural reaction to challenges. In fact, stress is the reason we grow outside our comfort zone. No stress means no growth. And although low levels of stress are healthy and normal, chronic stress—the kind that gives you headaches, keeps you up at night, and eventually makes you sick—is the nemesis of good health. Fortunately, exercise is the ultimate weapon against this kind of harmful stress. Exercising releases pleasure chemicals, like endorphins, which are natural stress reducers that enhance mood and well-being. Pleasure chemicals serve as a reward for essential actions, helping humans and other species survive for millennia. The brain rewards us like this because if it didn’t feel good to move, we wouldn’t do it. And if we didn’t move, we wouldn’t survive. Thus, we are biologically engineered to feel good when we move. Exercise creates a kind of calm and clarity that helps us escape from everyday stressors, including our jobs, partners, traffic, kids, bosses, parents, and more. It also improves sleep quality, which is vital for brain function and overall performance. Making physical activity a regular event even helps create better work-life balance. What You Can Do: Exercise for 30 minutes every day. This includes brisk walking. 2. How to bank calories on the weekend Overeating on the weekend is the most common way that people sabotage their weight loss goals. It’s easy to stay on track during the week when most people have fixed schedules, but once Friday evening arrives all bets are off. People like to relax and enjoy themselves at restaurants and social events, but both are perfect environments to consume more than you should in the form of comfort food and alcohol. Here is the easiest way to get around this: Eat less during the week so you can eat more on the weekends. As long as your total weekly calories are taken into account, you can eat more or less on any given day without ruining your weight loss That means you can ‘bank calories’ for the weekend. Banking calories means saving a larger portion of your calories for one particular meal or day of the week. It’s a useful way to stay on track with your goals while allowing you to have a social life and enjoy the food you love. So instead of planning to eat the same amount of calories every day, plan for higher and lower calorie days. Consume more calories on days when you need more energy, e.g., workout days. And consume fewer calories on days when you need need less energy, such as rest days. Fat loss is impacted more by the total calories you consume throughout the week than by any single day of heavy eating. The key is ensuring that the calories balance out in the end. This means that overeating on a particular day won’t ruin your week, as you can adjust your intake over the following days to compensate. What You Can Do: Bank calories now so you can enjoy them later. I hope this helps! Food for Thought This Weekend It will cost a lot more to fix poor health than it will to build healthy habits. Your choices determine your quality of life and you are ALWAYS choosing. The very least you can do is take care of yourself so you can take care of those you love. – Menya When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help: 1. ​Download my free health and fitness guide​. When you’re ready to tackle your fitness goals, this is definitely where you should start. It’s the same framework for achieving goals that I use with all of my clients. It also contains 6 habits of highly successful fitness people. 2. Are you an entrepreneur or busy professional who wants to get lean, boost energy, and perform better? ​Apply for private one on one coaching here.​ 3. Promote yourself to 2,000+ subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter. Contact me for details. Refer High Performing Friends Have friends who’d love this newsletter too? Do them a favor and send them this link.

Peak Performance Insider: How I would lose 15 pounds before 2024 and why you need to test your blood

Estimated read time: 4 minutes This issue of the ​Peak Performance Insider is brought to you by ​MH Health Coaching.​ We help entrepreneurs and busy professionals get lean, boost energy, and build healthy bodies. We have 2 private coaching spots left for November, so if you’re a high-performer with a busy schedule looking to get in the best shape of your life click the link below to get started. Click here to sign up for a Free Discovery Session Now without any further ado… 1. How I would lose 15 pounds before 2024 There are fewer than 7 weeks left in 2023. This is exactly how I would lose 15 pounds (approximately 6.8kg) before 2024. I would start with my diet by prioritizing whole foods like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. I would avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, which can sabotage weight loss. I would control my portions by eating smaller, well-balanced meals. I would incorporate intermittent fasting, which means eating within specific time windows to help regulate calorie intake. I would do a mix of cardio and strength training. Cardio burns calories while strength training builds muscle, both of which increase metabolism. I would aim to get 8 hours of sleep because poor sleep undermines weight loss by affecting hunger hormones and decreasing energy levels. I would manage stress with deep breathing, meditation, or a favorite hobby to prevent emotional eating. I would stay hydrated every day by drinking 3 liters of water to help with metabolism and reduce feeling hungry. I would avoid alcohol and other high-calorie drinks, which add significant empty calories to your diet. I would track my diet, exercise, and weight loss progress using a journal, app, or chart. I would find support from a reputable coach to help with a plan, motivation, and accountability. Lastly, I would show up for myself, trust in the process, and persist until I succeed. Because even if I fell short by 2024, I’d still be in a much better place than if I did nothing. What You Can Do: Start with whole foods, less sugar, and portion control. 2. Why you need to test your blood Blood tests provide a perfect snapshot of your overall health. They offer clear and objective insights to enhance health and performance. These tests not only detect potential issues before they arise, but also make it easier to predict and manage future health outcomes. Understanding your bloodwork is key to: Optimizing exercise routines Eliminating nutrient deficiencies Improving sleep quality Mitigating stress Preventing disease So remember to schedule regular blood tests and, more importantly, to understand the results. Because blood is the most vital fluid in your body, and your life literally depends on its well-being. What You Can Do: Schedule annual blood tests and review the results with your doctor. I hope this helps! Food for Thought This Weekend This comic made me laugh out loud when I saw it on ​LinkedIn​ the other day. Sometimes I feel like the guy on the left trying to give everyone warm hugs. Accountability is the invisible bridge between goals and achievements. But unsurprisingly not everyone wants to be held accountable for their actions. So here are 3 key questions to ask yourself: Do I want to be held accountable for something? What does accountability mean to me? What is the best way for me to be held accountable? – Menya When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help: 1. ​Download my free health and fitness guide​. When you’re ready to tackle your fitness goals, this is definitely where you should start. It’s the same framework for achieving goals that I use with all of my clients. It also contains 6 habits of highly successful fitness people. 2. Are you an entrepreneur or busy professional who wants to get lean, boost energy, and perform better? ​Apply for private one on one coaching here.​ 3. Promote yourself to 2,000+ subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter. Contact me for details. Refer High Performing Friends Have friends who’d love this newsletter too? Do them a favor and send them this link.

Peak Performance Insider: How to master stress one step at a time and the ancient art of hara hachi bun me (腹八分目)

Estimated read time: 3 minutes Let me start by saying thank you for all the great feedback you’ve given me about this newsletter. It’s been helpful hearing your thoughts on the name, content, design, timing, and more. This publication is a work in progress and I deeply appreciate you reading and sharing your thoughts. I promise to continue making these short, meaningful, and engaging. Now without any further ado… The Peak Performance Insider: 1. How to master stress one step at a time In the dynamic lives of working professionals, stress is inevitable. It’s your body’s reflex to demands and challenges, whether in the office, during workouts, or in daily life. This response, honed by the human body over millennia, can actually be beneficial in moderation. For instance, the stress exerted on muscles during exercise promotes healthy growth and adaptation. However, the unrelenting pace of contemporary life often leads to excessive stress, detrimental to both mental and physical health. It can disrupt focus, increase irritability, and reduce productivity. But there are constructive ways to manage stress: Minimize online and social media engagement Limit morning phone time Integrate meditation into your routine Embrace the outdoors, particularly on sunny days Practice mindful breathing, even at work Pursue a constructive hobby Focus on exercises enhancing flexibility and fitness What You Can Do: Pick 1 strategy and start doing it daily. You will be tempted to choose two or three, but that would be a mistake. Choose 1, lock it down, then add another if you want to. Living stress-free is an illusion, but controlling stress is a realistic goal. The key is to regularly and proactively de-stress. 2. The ancient art of hara hachi bun me (腹八分目) “Hara hachi bun me” may be the simplest yet most effective eating practice that has ever existed. It means “eating until 80% full,” and this age-old wisdom aligns perfectly with the idea of mindful eating. It’s a subtle yet powerful tool, particularly for those aiming at weight loss. By stopping at 80% fullness, you can still enjoy satisfying meals while slightly reducing your calorie intake over time. You might wonder, “How do I gauge 80% fullness?” It’s more intuitive than it sounds: Image by Precision Nutrition It’s about tuning into your body’s signals and learning to recognize when you’re just right – not stuffed but not hungry. The exact percentage doesn’t matter because the real benefit lies in slowing down, savoring food, and learning to understand your own hunger cues. What You Can Do: Stop eating at 80% full. Incorporating hara hachi bun me into your routine isn’t just about controlling portions. It’s a step towards a more mindful, balanced way of life. I hope this helps! Food For Thought This Weekend That which you do most will be that which you do best. — Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu Consistently eating well, exercising, getting quality sleep, and managing stress are not just habits, but investments in your greatest asset – yourself. And no matter how you manage your money, you are your greatest investment. – Menya When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help: 1. ​Download my free health and fitness guide​. When you’re ready to tackle your fitness goals, this is definitely where you should start. It’s the same framework for achieving goals that I use with all of my clients. It also contains 6 habits of highly successful fitness people. 2. Are you an entrepreneur or busy professional who wants to get lean, boost energy, and perform better? ​Apply for private one on one coaching here.​ 3. Promote yourself to 2,000+ subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter. Contact me for details. Refer High Performing Friends Have friends who’d love this newsletter too? Do them a favor and send them this link.

Peak Performance Insider: The law of chocolate chip cookies, how to form habits that last, and everything you need to know about weight loss

Estimated read time: 5 minutes This issue of the ​Peak Performance Insider is brought to you by ​MH Health Coaching.​ We help entrepreneurs and busy professionals get lean, boost energy, and build healthy bodies. We have 4 private coaching spots left for November, so if you’re a high-performer with a busy schedule looking to get in the best shape of your life click the link below to get started. Click here to sign up for a Free Discovery Session I lost $500 in January last year and it’s 100% my fault. One of my goals was to post a video to ​my YouTube channel​ every week on Tuesday for a year. I recruited a friend as an accountability partner and agreed to pay him $500 if I didn’t post a video by midnight every Tuesday. And as much as it pains me to admit it I sent him $500 the very first week—only a few days after creating the agreement—because I missed my deadline by 3 hours “perfecting” the video. Sending my friend $500 a few days after making the agreement was infuriating—I mean I was really, really angry at myself—but it was also an important reminder that showing up is everything. If your goal is to exercise five times each week, what you do is far less important than just showing up. How you choose to create accountability is up to you. I choose money because losing it is painful and a sharp deadline so it’s nonnegotiable. But the key is to create compelling consequences so that you don’t ignore your commitments. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Do I want to be held accountable for something? What does accountability mean to me? What is the best way for me to be held accountable? (Hint: this last one must involve a consequence) Now without any further ado… 1. The law of chocolate chip cookies The Law of Chocolate Chip Cookies is as follows: If the cookies don’t go in the grocery basket, they don’t go home. And if the cookies don’t go home, they don’t go in your mouth. And if the cookies don’t go in your mouth, they can’t turn into belly fat. The end. So does that mean the end of cookies? Of course not. Chocolate chip cookies are one of life’s greatest treasures. But there’s a difference between enjoying a freshly baked cookie and snacking on cookies every day. And that little difference makes all the difference when it comes to getting in shape. What This Means For You: All things in moderation. 2. How to build habits that last I recently came across a powerful technique for developing new, better habits while breaking old, bad behavior patterns. The big idea is that changing your behavior is most effective when you change your identity. And I don’t mean facial reconstruction or changing your name (this isn’t Mission Impossible). I mean focusing on identity-based habits instead of outcome-based habits. Identity-based habits focus on who you want to become, so the process of building habits really just becomes the process of becoming your new self. All you have to do is decide the type of person you want to be, then prove it to yourself with small wins. In time you’ll start winning so much as that new person that you’ll start to look and feel like the new you, too. Some examples related to food are religious adherents or vegetarians whose eating habits are determined by their identities. What You Can Do: Start small with easily achievable milestones. Try setting small milestones like, “I don’t eat snacks before 10am.” Then a few weeks later “I don’t eat snacks before lunch.” Then maybe “I don’t eat snacks before dinner.” Keep track of your wins and celebrate your milestones in ways that align with your goal. That kind of slow, easy progression can make picking up new habits (or breaking bad ones) not only doable but actually easy. And if you’d like to learn more about identity-based habits, check out “Atomic Habits” from ​my recommended reading list​. 3. Everything you need to know about weight loss It’s estimated that 45 million Americans—nearly 15% of the population—go on a diet each year and spend nearly $50 billion dollars on weight loss products and services, according to research conducted at the Boston Medical Center for Nutrition & Weight Management. That is a massive number of people spending a fortune on fitness every single year. So what’s all the hype about? Why do so many people spend so much time and money trying to lose weight? And, most importantly, what exactly is intentional weight loss? In the context of medicine, health, or physical fitness: Weight loss refers to a reduction of the total body mass, by a mean loss of fluid, body fat (adipose tissue), or lean mass (namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon, and other connective tissue). Now let’s put that all into perspective. What is Body Fluid? Using a lean, healthy male as our example, body fluid is divided in a two-to-one ratio between two compartments: Intracellular Fluid is all of the fluid that exists within the cells in our bodies. This amounts to 60-67% of the fluid in the body and is about 42% of one’s total body weight. Extracellular Fluid is all of the fluid that exists outside the cells in our bodies. This amounts to 33-40% of the fluid in our bodies and is about 21% of one’s total body weight. This means that in total, your body fluid amounts to anywhere from 60-67% of your total body weight. What is Body Fat? Body fat is connective tissue found all over the body that is mainly responsible for storing energy, cushioning, and insulating the body. The main types of fat cells are white, brown, and beige cells. White Fat cells are the body’s primary energy storage units and are located under the skin, namely around our belly, arms, buttocks, and thighs. These fat cells cushion…
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