The Growth Kit

Brian Comly

The Growth Kit is where science and practical advice intersect to help you live a better life. It's my mission to give you the knowledge and tools to enhance your physical health, mental health, and parenting skills. Through the world of health, fitness, nutrition, and parenting, we'll discover how small changes can be the catalyst to significant improvements in your life. read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

E20 · 12 Science-Backed Ways To Lower Your Body Fat (Part 2)
Feb 29 2024
E20 · 12 Science-Backed Ways To Lower Your Body Fat (Part 2)
This is part 2 of a 2-part series on ways to lower your body fat percentage. Read The Article: ⁠The 12 Best Tips To Lower Body Fat⁠ Things Mentioned (Part 1 & 2): See the ⁠American Council on Exercise⁠ (ACE), for general body fat percentage ranges based on gender.Measure body fat with:Skinfold Calipers: This method involves measuring the thickness of subcutaneous fat at various points on the body, such as the triceps, biceps, and thighs, using calipers. Simply buy a pair of ⁠inexpensive calipers⁠ and plug in the numbers to the ⁠ACE Percent Body Fat Calculator⁠. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): This is the method used in ⁠bathroom scales⁠. While body mass index (BMI) may be the easiest way to determine how healthy your weight is, it's ⁠flawed and falling out of favor⁠.⁠The Guardian⁠ has a good table (below) that provides basic measurements according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).Use an app such as ⁠cronometer⁠ to provide good insight into the basic caloric content of food, what a serving size is, and how these minute differences in what you thought was the caloric content are very far from the true content. I recommend a clean protein powder like ⁠Levels Protein⁠ which has 25g of whey protein per serving with 5.6g of BCAAs and all the essential amino acids. It also has no artificial flavors, sweeteners, artificial additives, or fillers and its non-GMO comes from grass-fed cows. (Use MBD20 for 20% off).Consider ⁠mouth taping⁠ for better quality sleep. Connect With MindBodyDad (The Growth Kit HQ): ⁠⁠⁠Weekly Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.MindBodyDad.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ (MindBodyDad)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram (The Growth Kit)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠Affiliate Disclosure⁠
E19 · 12 Science-Backed Ways To Lower Body Fat (Plus, What Is A Good Body Fat Number, & How To Measure It) -- Part 1
Feb 15 2024
E19 · 12 Science-Backed Ways To Lower Body Fat (Plus, What Is A Good Body Fat Number, & How To Measure It) -- Part 1
Learn what a good body fat percentage is, why keeping your body weight in a healthy range is important, and the 13 best fat loss tips to do this. The first six tips are the most effective while all of them may influence your scale. Most importantly, prioritize adherence. Do what makes you healthy and happy for sustainability. Read The Article: The 12 Best Tips To Lower Body Fat Things Mentioned (Part 1 & 2): See the American Council on Exercise (ACE), for general body fat percentage ranges based on gender.Measure body fat with:Skinfold Calipers: This method involves measuring the thickness of subcutaneous fat at various points on the body, such as the triceps, biceps, and thighs, using calipers. Simply buy a pair of inexpensive calipers and plug in the numbers to the ACE Percent Body Fat Calculator. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): This is the method used in bathroom scales. While body mass index (BMI) may be the easiest way to determine how healthy your weight is, it's flawed and falling out of favor.The Guardian has a good table (below) that provides basic measurements according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).Use an app such as cronometer to provide good insight into the basic caloric content of food, what a serving size is, and how these minute differences in what you thought was the caloric content are very far from the true content. I recommend a clean protein powder like Levels Protein which has 25g of whey protein per serving with 5.6g of BCAAs and all the essential amino acids. It also has no artificial flavors, sweeteners, artificial additives, or fillers and its non-GMO comes from grass-fed cows. (Use MBD20 for 20% off).Consider mouth taping for better quality sleep. Connect With MindBodyDad (The Growth Kit HQ): ⁠⁠Weekly Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.MindBodyDad.com⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ (MindBodyDad)⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram (The Growth Kit)⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠ Affiliate Disclosure
E17 · How To Prevent & Reverse Alzheimer's Disease
Jan 25 2024
E17 · How To Prevent & Reverse Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., marked by a gradual cognitive decline. Dr. Dale Bredesen challenges the notion of its irreversibility in his book, "The End of Alzheimer's Program," presenting an innovative method to prevent and reverse the disease. Drawing on over 20 years of research, Bredesen's approach addresses 36 metabolic factors comprehensively, embracing individualized solutions rooted in evidence-based research. What sets this program apart is its functional strategy, tackling the root causes rather than merely addressing symptoms. By emphasizing prevention and early intervention, it not only offers hope for treating Alzheimer's but also serves as a proactive measure against cognitive decline and age-related health issues. Listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Watch on YouTube. Read The Article: How To Prevent & Reverse Alzheimer’s Disease Things Mentioned: The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age, Dr. Dale Bredesen Calculate your BMI here Consider supplements (he suggests considering the following as needed but consult with your doctor): Berberine Alpha-lipoic acid Cinnamon Chromium picolinate Connect With MindBodyDad (The Growth Kit HQ): ⁠⁠Weekly Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.MindBodyDad.com⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ (MindBodyDad)⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram (The Growth Kit)⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠ Affiliate Disclosure
E16 · How To Make The Healthiest Cup Of Coffee
Jan 18 2024
E16 · How To Make The Healthiest Cup Of Coffee
Coffee is generally very healthy but what is that cup you’re making in the morning is actually toxic? Here is how to make the healthiest cup of coffee without the toxins. Listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Watch on YouTube. Read The Article: ⁠How To Make The Healthiest Cup Of Coffee⁠ Things Mentioned: EWG Tap Water Database. We use the Waterdrop G3 Remineralization Reverse Osmosis System. If buying an RO filter seems like a bold step then at least consider a good water pitcher such as the Waterdrop Chubby pitcher. More on the importance of filtering water in this article: What’s In My Water? Health Concerns, Water Tests, & The Best Filter. Reusable stainless steel coffee pods If you’re going to use a coffee filter then opt for a natural, unbleached one.   Coffee Makers Pour over: Bean Envy pour over coffee maker Electric kettle for pour over: Mueller electric gooseneck kettle Percolator: Presto percolator French press: Bayka French press Cold brew: Cafe Du Chateau cold brew coffee maker Espresso machine: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Coffee maker: OXO brew coffee maker (8-cup) or OXO Brew Coffee Maker (9-cup) The only con is that the basket is plastic. Bunn Coffee Brewer (12-cup) This is definitely the ugly duckling of the group but it’s the only coffee maker that’s 100% plastic-free. Also, the glass carafe and stainless steel basket are sold separately. Best Organic Coffee Brand: Lifeboost coffee Coffee Tumblers And Mugs S’well Tumbler KeepCup Glass Coffee Cup Yuncang Glass Coffee Mugs Contigo Luxe Autoseal Travel Mug Hydro Flask Mug Miscellaneous Coffee Stuff Dark, airtight container: Veken coffee canister Coffee filters: California Containers natural, unbleached coffee filters Reusable coffee pod: NOALTO reusable K-cup coffee filter Water filters: Waterdrop water filters (kinds vary including pitchers and RO filters) Connect With MindBodyDad (The Growth Kit HQ): ⁠⁠⁠Weekly Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.MindBodyDad.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ (MindBodyDad)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram (The Growth Kit)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠Affiliate Disclosure⁠
E15 · 3 Takeaways From The 4 Hour Body By Tim Ferriss
Jan 11 2024
E15 · 3 Takeaways From The 4 Hour Body By Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss skyrocketed to stardom with his first book The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich back in 2007.  From there he has become respected for his podcast interviews and his work and funding with psychedelics through Johns Hopkins.  He rode the “4-Hour” wave with The 4-Hour Chef and another called 4-Hour Body An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex and Becoming Superhuman.   The 4-Hour Body is a 500+ page book that combines his personal experience with interviews and experiences with the best in the fields of topics including muscle gain, sleep, injury prevention, sex, nutrition, and longevity.  The book is loaded with pictures, graphs, and diagrams that help illustrate a variety of techniques (exercises, stretches, etc.)  and the results of his anecdotal experiments.  A lot of what I read back then was fringe science but it has stood up to the critics and much of it is now well-recognized and practiced (although I don’t hear anyone talking about 15-minute female orgasms).  I covered each chapter in notes and highlights worth reading but I’ve compressed that down to 3 things I learned from reading this book that still has an impact on me. Read The Article: The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss: 3 Takeaways Things Mentioned: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich The 4-Hour Chef 4-Hour Body An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex and Becoming Superhuman.  Tim Ferriss created The Slow-Carb Diet which has 5 rules including avoiding white carbs (except for cauliflower) and limiting fruit to once a week.  He explains:He doesn’t give an explicit minimum effective dose for everything, so I dove into the MED of strength training and found out exactly how much it is based on the research. Connect With MindBodyDad (The Growth Kit's HQ): ⁠⁠Weekly Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.MindBodyDad.com⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ (MindBodyDad)⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram (The Growth Kit)⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.MindBodyDad.com⁠⁠Affiliate Disclosure
E14 · From Chaos to Calm: 16 Unique Tips For Parenting Toddlers
Jan 4 2024
E14 · From Chaos to Calm: 16 Unique Tips For Parenting Toddlers
Raising toddlers is a rewarding yet challenging phase of parenting that often leaves caregivers searching for guidance and effective strategies. Toddlers are constantly exploring the world around them, asserting their independence, and developing their personalities. As a parent or caregiver, understanding the unique needs and behaviors of toddlers is essential to provide them with the support and guidance they require during this crucial stage of development. In this podcast, I’ve compiled a list of practical tips for parenting toddlers. Some are simple (have snacks at the ready on trips), others require some effort (making a balance beam), and yet others are just adulting reminders (make that will). Read The Article: From Chaos To Calm: 17 Tips For Parenting Toddlers Things Mentioned: Make a balance beam. Here is a very basic one, here is a YouTube video on a more advanced one.Have a spray bottle and comb near the door. If their hair is long enough, it will get wild enough. Have a glass spray bottle and a comb set by the door for a quick “car wash” on their way out.Make a will. A will is an incredibly powerful tool, especially as a parent, yet only 33% of Americans have one. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a will to get you started. Learn how to do your daughter’s hair. If you’ve got a daughter (or a son with longer hair), it’s time to step up. Here is a good guide to 6 “Girl Hairstyles that Dads Can Do” and this is another great video tutorial under the Daddy Hairstyles YouTube channel that breaks some down.Get a library membership. Download the Libby app and listen to library audiobooks with your kids on long car rides.Introduce your kids to breathwork. The practice of breathing in purposeful patterns is a great tool to teach your children. It can calm them, amp them up, or simply make them more present. Plus, there are many health benefits to breathwork. Start by using a video to teach them the basics of belly breathing or “balloon breathing.” Hit 1,000 hours outside. Head to this page to get a free tracker of the 10,000 hours or download the app.Don't do anything for your kid that they're capable of doing. Learn more about how to utilize “acomoedido” to implement this from Hunt, Gather, Parent.Make the time for your kids and be present when you’re together. 75% of the Time We Spend With Our Kids in Our Lifetime Will Be Spent By Age 12.Teach your kids to cook. Have them pick dinner for the night from a book of healthy options such as The Paleo Kids Cookbook. Aim to get through every recipe in the book as you make it a weekly tradition and a way to bond with your kid.Model good character. This article My 8 Best Techniques for Evaluating Character provides a great list of ways to determine whether the person you’re dealing with has character. Flip the script by evaluating and modifying your character and model it for your kid. Connect With MindBodyDad (The Growth Kit's HQ): ⁠⁠Weekly Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ (MindBodyDad)⁠ Instagram (The Growth Kit)⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.MindBodyDad.com⁠⁠Affiliate Disclosure
E13 · What Is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (& What To Do About It)
Dec 28 2023
E13 · What Is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (& What To Do About It)
Learn all about shoulder impingement syndrome, a prevalent and often painful condition that can affect anyone. We'll dive into its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, helping you understand how to recognize this common shoulder issue. Discover effective strategies for preventing shoulder impingement and managing its symptoms, and find out how you can stay proactive in promoting your shoulder health. If you suspect you may have shoulder impingement, our article also provides insight into easy diagnostic tests and exercises that can help improve your condition. Don't let shoulder impingement hold you back; take control of your shoulder health today. Shoulder impingement syndrome, or subacromial impingement, occurs when the shoulder structures are compressed, leading to pain and limited mobility. Understanding the anatomy and causes is crucial. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and prevention methods for shoulder impingement, a condition that affects individuals of all ages. Get familiar with the diagnostic tests used to identify shoulder impingement and effective treatment options. Whether you're dealing with shoulder pain or looking to prevent it, our comprehensive guide provides valuable insights to help you maintain optimal shoulder health. Shoulder Impingement Symptoms Shoulder pain, typically located in the front or side of the shoulder. Pain that may radiate down the arm, sometimes reaching the elbow.  This type of pain is called referred pain. Pain worsens with overhead activities, such as reaching or lifting. Difficulty raising the affected arm fully. Weakness or loss of strength in the shoulder. Pain or discomfort when reaching behind the back, such as during tucking in a shirt or bra. Pain or discomfort during sleep, particularly when lying on the affected side. Limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. Pain or stiffness when performing repetitive movements involving the shoulder. Tenderness or swelling in the affected area. Read The Article: What Is Shoulder Impingement Syndrome? Connect With MindBodyDad (The Growth Kit's HQ): ⁠⁠Weekly Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ (MindBodyDad)⁠ Instagram (The Growth Kit)⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.MindBodyDad.com⁠⁠ Affiliate Disclosure
E8 · 9 Ways To Be Healthier When You're In The Car
Nov 23 2023
E8 · 9 Ways To Be Healthier When You're In The Car
The average person spends about 18 days of the year in their car. That time can be spent listening to the formulaic complaining on sports radio while getting annoyed at the traffic around you, or it can be spent becoming healthier. Yes, you can develop healthy car habits to not only manage stress and learn, but you can also become stronger while driving. Here are 9 ways to take advantage of that time spent on the commute. Read The Article: ⁠9 Healthy Car Habits For Your Commute Things Mentioned: Lumbar support A dramatic picture of this was published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2012 which highlighted a 69-year-old truck driver named Bill McElligott. Mesh window socks for the car. For sliding doors use these cling window covers.Natural sunscreen in my car door cup holder.More on natural sunscreens here.Podcast Addict.  Audible. Libby. Hook up your library card to the Libby app and you can borrow audiobooks for free.  Captain of Crush Hand GrippersInstead of traditional air fresheners with chemicals, try essential oil-based ones like these. Or you could use this charcoal odor eliminator Extended exhales breathwork.Do a mindfulness practice called the 5 Senses Challenge. EMF radiation-blocking phone cases (DefenderShield) EMF-free air tube headphones (DefenderShield) Connect With MindBodyDad (The Growth Kit's HQ): ⁠⁠Weekly Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ (MindBodyDad)⁠ Instagram (The Growth Kit)⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.MindBodyDad.com⁠⁠Affiliate Disclosure