How to Avoid a Cold (Key Lime Pie secret)
This was the “Winter that NEVER was” here in Toronto. It hardly snowed. Barely stormed.
And now it’s spring.
(My sympathies to all European TT readers who suffered through record-breaking snowfall and cold. Stay strong.)
It was also the winter that never was because I didn’t have a cold. Not anything even close, and that was despite being on over 21 different flights since last fall.
Plus I had to spend Christmas with a bunch of coughing-and -sneezing family members (even Bally the dog was sneezing), and I was often in gyms filled with other sick members.
So how do you do it?
How do you avoid a cold?
Here are my secrets (including the Key Lime Pie surprise)…
1) Nutrition
My anti-cold regimen includes: 6-7g of vitamin C per day Adequate water, protein, and fiber (especially when I travel) Omega-3 healthy fats Daily Greens Drink
The brands I use can be found here.
Now if you’re repulsed by the idea of a Greens drink, let me solve that problem for you.
First, a story…
Back in my heavy bodybuilding days (2000-2001) I would consume a giant serving of a lemon-lime flavored dextrose (aka sugar) mixed with a vanilla protein powder after each of my workouts.
It tasted like Key Lime Pie. Unfortunately, it drastically increased my insulin levels and made me very, verrry, sleeeepy.
I feel terrible just thinking about it.
Fast forward to today and I’m now able to enjoy a Key Lime flavored drink, but without all the sugar.
How?
By mixing Prograde‘s flavored Greens drink with their delicious vanilla protein.
It’s really good. I’ve been starting my day with that or having it mid-morning (or even mid-afternoon). And I always cram a few of the Greens drink pouches in my bag when traveling.
It’s the Key Lime pie secret to my success avoiding colds.
2) Hygiene I’m quite obsessive about washing hands or using anti-bacterial stuff in public places. I don’t share glasses or water bottles.
3) Proper Fluids I drink very little alcohol and caffeine, but a lot of water and Green Tea
4) Rest I go to bed and get up at the same time (crucial for all day mental alertness/energy without need for caffeine)
5) And I don’t put my fingers in my nose or mouth.
EWWWW. I know, gross. But it’s a politically incorrect truth.
Stop biting your nails, picking your nose, and sticking germs-covered fingers into ‘body hot spots’.
Haha, you have no idea how funny I thought that last line was…but again, it’s the politically incorrect, disgusting, hilarious truth.
Wash your hands and keep them out of your nose and mouth.
And if you have a baby, don’t let the baby stick their fingers in your hot spots either.
You can do it. You CAN stay cold-free. But you have to follow my hilariously politically incorrect tips, and my Key Lime Pie secret.
Stay healthy and strong,
Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer