Reviews

Best Sleep Protocols with Simba and Bryan Johnson

All my aches and pains of late have made me reflect on my age and my family history of not living very long (there is actually a mortality theory called the “Glasgow Effect”). Heart disease, cardiac arrest, brain aneurysms, and cancer have claimed far too many ancestors, friends, and colleagues…

And, if I’m realistic, it is a fate that likely awaits me, unless I act and take a different path. And act, I have. Again.

Back to the Future

Back at the start of 2011 weighing in at 354lbs, I hit rock bottom with a picture being the final straw. I decided to turn my life around. I researched all the latest science on fat loss, took what I felt would work for me and embarked on a journey that saw me shedding 174 lbs within a year, completing a marathon, and becoming a try athlete.

My protocols were rigid but effective. Intermittent fasting was my cornerstone, allowing me to control my caloric intake without feeling deprived. I walked up to 25,000 steps daily (read about it here), a feat that kept me physically active and mentally focused (I would do a lot of thinking and planning on my walks). My diet was monotonous, consisting of the same foods every day, which simplified meal planning and ensured a consistent mix of proteins, fats, calories, and occasional sugars. I also relied on a stack of supplements to complement my dietary and physical activity protocols.

I measured every aspect of my life. I reviewed every change I made. Ditching anything that didn’t add value

It changed my life. This blog was born and all the adventures I’ve had as a try athlete stem from that decision. If I want my future to be a healthy one, I have to go back and learn from the past.

History Repeats (hopefully)

Once again I have recognised and accepted that what I have been doing hasn’t worked. I went searching for answers and inspiration. I stumbled upon Bryan Johnson’s anti-aging protocols on YouTube. He has dedicated his life, wealth and body to discovering and sharing how we can reduce aging. His videos are inspiring, albeit some of his methods seem a bit extreme. But they do work for him (see his results below) and I wanted to see what elements I could introduce into my lifestyle.

While I won’t commit (just yet) to taking over 100 supplements or stop eating at 11am every day there was one change to his life that Bryan Johnson regularly shared that was the most important. He believes that good sleep is the foundation of overall health. Inspired by this, I decided to research his best sleep protocols and overhaul my sleep environment and behaviors. I treated myself and my girlfriend to a new Simba Hybrid mattress while Simba Sleep were very kind to gift us a new Simba Hybrid duvet, and a pair of Simba Hybrid pillows.

Simba Hybrid Pillow

You can read my review of the Simba Hybrid duvet here and the award winning pillows work in a similar fashion. One side is cooler and with each pillow being made up of five layers, you can experiment to find out which combination of these five layers of cool is most comfortable for you. I prefer a firmer pillow while Teresa likes a softer cushion. With Simba pillows, we are both happy. Currently priced at £127 they are NOT cheap, but Simba state that their “Renew” super soft pillow fibres are designed to be super comfortable and to keep their shape and stay fluffy. Tiny titanium Aerocoil springs provide support and act as little mini fans pushing cool air through the pillow increasing the cooling effect.

And another reason that I love working with Simba Sleep is their commitment to sustainability.

Make Sleep Your Priority

I’ve also listened to Bryan’s advice to prioritise my sleep. Too often, I would stay up late working on One Sky Collective, watching “Yellowstone” and writing blogs. Now, I turn my laptop (even with its blue light filter) and mobile phone off at around 10.30pm and go to bed, regardless of any work outstanding or what dramas the Dutton family are experiencing. If I am struggling to sleep, I will resist the temptation of doom scrolling on my mobile and read a book until I feel ready to sleep. Of Bryans best sleep protocols these are the ones I’ve been able to adopt and sustain the easiest.

One of Johnson’s more controversial recommendations is for couples to sleep in separate beds or even rooms to improve sleep quality. While this might be a no-go for many, including us (says me), it’s hard to ignore its potential benefits. We all have different sleeping patterns and preferences. Sleeping separately removes such variances. With my notorious snoring, I’m more worried my girlfriend might agree to this idea and remove me to another room! However, with our new Simba mattress and hybrid pillows and our consistent bedtimes we are sleeping more soundly and less restless.

The Awakening

Since upgrading to Simba bedding and adopting new behaviours, we’ve experienced numerous positive changes. Our sleep quality has improved, resulting in more energy and better moods throughout the day. We’ve found ourselves eating less, being more active, and maintaining a sharper focus. Less grumpiness is an added bonus, making it a win for everyone.

Integrating new habits inspired by Bryan Johnson and others has been an enlightening journey. While some of his methods might seem too extreme, the core lessons, particularly about sleep, resonated with me and have made a significant impact.

In another blog (or two) I’ll update on my best sleep protocols and discuss the supplements, diet and exercise protocols we’ve adopted and how they are impacting both of our lives.

I am focused on not making this another failed attempt to regain my fitness and confidence and I hope you’ll continue to follow my journey this year as I add more personal posts.

May 26, 2024 0 comment

Fitness Reviews Sustainability

Take a Hike with adidas Terrex Free Hiker

written by Stephen Morrison

I am not going to lie. I miss running. I miss the feeling of waking up, lacing up my shoes and with no destination in mind, closing the door on my house and my worries, and pounding the streets for a few or quite a few miles. I miss buying all my gadgets and running kit, the purchasing of which kept my dopamine levels constantly topped up. I also miss the excitement of signing up for events, my pre race rituals, and the smile on my face when I crossed every finish line, regardless of where I finished. And yes, part of me does miss my fifteen minutes of fame (it’s called 15 minutes for a reason). I’m in my fifties now, and my magazine featuring, advert starring, and campaign leading days are over. Unless you count what I have planned with One Sky Collective.

Most of all I miss the people. Those who supported Great Run Local, those I ran with, and those who became my friends. Embarrassment and insecurities about my weight, some unexpected life curveballs and then COVID all took their toll. Neverending, or never quite going away for good, knee pain also made the idea both physically and mentally impossible.

I sought out replacement sports. I dabbled with swimming (and still do occasionally) and took up mountain biking. That didn’t last long with my first official race resulting in almost two years out with shoulder injury and the eventual surgery. Now, cycling is mostly a means of travel, and mostly or rather wholly in the spring and summer months.

So I am back where it all started. Walking. But not just the commute to work or to the Big Bear bakery for the world’s best (so far) empire biscuit cake on those days I am working from home. At weekends, weather pending, we’ve been filling the tank and heading into the Highlands for some walking, drone flying, and in search of the world’s best empire biscuit. Oh, and I cannot forget the finding moments of tranquility and connection with nature (read my blog about connecting with nature) that I am growing to feel are essential for our well-being.

The Benefits of Hiking

Hiking in Scotland offers a myriad of benefits for both body and mind. Here are just a few:

Physical Health: Hiking provides a full-body workout while being gentle on the joints, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels and abilities.
Mental Well-being: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting overall mental well-being.
Connection with Nature: Unlike running, which often focuses on speed (not in my case) and distance, hiking encourages slowing down and immersing oneself in the natural surroundings, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
Wherelse can you find such breathtakingly beautiful backdrops?

Scotland boasts a diverse range of trails, catering to hikers of all abilities. From leisurely strolls along coastal paths to challenging treks through rugged mountains, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Glen Coe, with its dramatic peaks and valleys, offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, while the tranquil landscapes of Argyll and Bute provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

While you do need to appreciate the changeable and variable Scottish weather, you do not need special gear to get started. However, as you grow more adventurous, you might want to invest in some comfortable and reliable outdoor shoes. And as an adidas blogger, you might not be surprised that my go-to choices for off-road adventure are from the adidas Terrex range.

adidas Terrex: The Perfect Companion for Off-Road Adventures

The adidas Terrex Free Hiker combines style, comfort, and performance in one sleek package. Featuring a lightweight yet durable design, the Free Hiker shoes provide unparalleled support and stability on the trails. With their responsive Boost cushioning and grippy Continental™ outsoles, they effortlessly tackle everything from rocky paths to muddy slopes. These are ideal for anyone looking to speedily cross any terrain.

adidas Terrex AX4

For more technical terrain than the Free Hiker, the adidas Terrex AX4 delivers superior traction and protection. With its rugged construction and waterproof design, this shoe is built to withstand the rigours of the outdoors while keeping your feet dry and comfortable. These are my current favourites (and thank you adidas for the kind gift), and not just because I used my adidas adiclub level 4 membership to get them personalised with “ONESKY” on the ankles. I went a size up which has been good for my wide(ish) feet. Despite being heavier than the Free Hikers, they feel more sturdy which is ideal for the Scottish terrain and my clumsy feet.

With 50% of the upper made from recycled materials, these are also less impactful on the planet.

With plastic waste polluting more and more of our world, it’s vital that brands like adidas maintain and increase their commitment to using recycled materials and alternatives to virgin plastic.

And it is imperative that we as individuals, hiking groups, and running clubs come together as guardians of this planet we call home. Look at the products you are buying and if possible choose those using biodegradable, circular or recycled materials like the adidas Free Hiker.

So, whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway, a multi-day trek or joining me in one of my upcoming clean ups, adidas Terrex shoes are the perfect companion for exploring Scotland’s stunning landscapes.

While I do miss running, I’ve found a new passion in hiking in the Scottish countryside. With its countless benefits for both body and soul, walking in nature offers a truly enriching experience that everyone should embrace.

I am part of the #adidasbloggercommunity and these blogs are sponsored

March 24, 2024 0 comment

Reviews

Ultimate Sustainable Gift Guide – Part 1

written by Stephen Morrison

It’s that time of year when your favourite bloggers and influencers share their Christmas gift ideas and I thought I would join in on the fun with my Ultimate Sustainable Gift Guide Part 1.

Over the next few weeks you’ll find my Ultimate Sustainable Gift Guide listing some of my favourite eco-friendly gifts (some I own, some I want to own…hint hint). Now, ideally we should be cutting down our consumption of plastic based goods (there’s no debating that we produce and dump too much plastic), but it is Christmas and all the gifts in my ultimate sustainable gift guide are good to give. You’ll be helping to save the planet (that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it) and supporting the development of sustainable products and alternative materials.

So, get yourself comfy, and get ready to fall in love with shoes that won’t leave a carbon footprint, athletic wear that isn’t fast, soaps that won’t greenwash, and books that won’t read you the riot act, but will provide you with more insight into why we all need to act now.

Sustainable Shoes

When it comes to trainers, my personal collection has diminished over the years, as my running days became numbered and since I started to consider not just how good my trainers looked but also how they were made. It’s been encouraging to see more and more brands pledging their support to more eco-friendly and more ethical means of production. Many of the household brands, such as adidas (read my adidas blog here), are using ocean bound plastic in their manufacturing, but I want to highlight to you the brands that are truly making waves.

The Degenerate

The first is UNLESS Collective with their “The Degenerate” Shoes. These are claimed to be the best shoes for the planet and it is hard to disagree. I have them on order for release in January, but what makes The Degenerate special and my number one pick?

Obviously, they look good, but it’s not a matter of style over substance. The Degenerates are made from plants and minerals and contain no plastic or petrochemicals. If that’s not good enough, it’s what happens to them once you’ve walked enough miles in them. Return them to the UNLESS Collective and they will ensure that they are decomposed and returned back to the earth in the form of soil products. This is circular fashion at its finest. From the earth and to the earth, and at $130 they won’t cost you the earth. UNLESS sells all manner of sustainable clothing, but click here for more information about The Degenerate.

The Wool Dasher Mizzle

Before I was won over by The Degenerate, I almost pressed the buy button on these Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzle shoes (sale items are currently flying off the shelves). I still might, but I am trying to cut down on my shoe buying, remember.

As well as using recycled plastic bottles to make the shoe laces, Allbirds uses ZQ Certified Merino wool, sugar cane based EVA, natural rubber and even castor bean based foam to make a carbon neutral waterproof running shoe. Yes, even the water repellent coating is bio-based and fluorine free. With Glasgow’s drizzle, the Mizzle is still on my wish list. Check out the Allbirds sale page where you can buy a pair of Allbirds for a song.

The Blue Phoenix

A return to Copenhagen might be on the cards next year. No, my marathon running isn’t rising from the ashes (have I ever mentioned that I ran the Copenhagen marathon?). Instead I might be accompanying my partner who might be presenting at a medical conference. If we do go, I will be coming home with a pair of Vaer’s Blue Phoenix.

These stunning trainers use strong materials, including cut offs of jeans and tablecloths, recycled rubber and cotton, and natural fibers to make durable shoes that stand the test of time. Ideally the soles of these will be replaced when needed adding more years to their use.

The Carlo

While brands like Veja and Cariuma are notable omissions with low carbon emissions, my last pick are TOMS’ Carlo trainers. Over the years, I have bought my girlfriend TOMS’ Alps for our summer holidays in the Alps but I’ve recently been made aware of their efforts not only to improve the sustainability of their shoes but also their ethical approach. Sustainability isn’t just about zero plastic production, it’s also about the economic impact of production. TOMS are committed to donating one third of their profits to community projects, with a focus on mental health, gun violence, and on supporting marginalised groups.

TOMS have created an Earthwise collection “rooted in earth-friendly materials and processes” which include The Carlo above. Using bio-based EVA and plant based dyes, TOMS have vowed to slash their environmental impact by 2025. The clock is ticking, but they are making major changes and this has to be applauded.

And that clock is ticking for us all. It is estimated that by 2050 that there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. One way we can prevent this is by buying less plastic goods and buying more sustainable products. If you are in the market for a new pair of trainers, please do have a look at the suggestions above in my Ultimate Sustainable Gift Guide Part 1 and look out for Part 2 on the best eco-friendly clothing.

December 11, 2022 0 comment

Health Reviews

SAS Nutrition: An Honest Protein Powder Review

written by Stephen Morrison

We have all heard that you cannot outrun a bad diet and that successful fat loss is 20% in the gym and 80% in the kitchen.

With a shoulder that is still in pain and requiring surgery limiting what I can do physically (although Paul Jewiss is helping me) what and when I eat has become a major focus.

I’m not a great cook (shame on me) and, like so many of us, I have a hectic life. Making time to purchase, prepare and plate nutritious food has always been a failing of mine.

Convenience is king and my approach in the past has been to make the best choices I can for at least 80% of the time.

Like many, I tend to miss breakfast, as I juggle making sure myself and the boys are ready for work and school while checking my social media notifications from during the night (priorities, I know).

I rush off to work on an empty stomach and while very recent research (1) suggests that those who forgo breakfast consume on average 260 kcals less a day than those who start their day with breakfast, I tend to find that by 10.30 am, a caramel wafer (or two) is calling my name from the vending machine metres away from my desk.

It had (note the past tense) become a habit to have at least one caramel wafer each day and while they alone will not be the cause of my weight gain, making this choice (and yes, it was a choice) was not one of my wisest.

By not having breakfast, I was giving myself permission to consume the equivalent calories in chocolate and for me, chocolate begets chocolate. I decided that I had to adopt an alternative strategy, so when SAS Nutrition dared me to review their WPI 80 Protein Powder, I formulated a cunning plan.

To ward off the temptation of the caramel wafer, I would start my day with a protein shake, but not at the typical time of breakfast.

For recent research (2) has suggested that delaying breakfast for 90 minutes can lead to less calories being consumed and more fat being lost. Supporters (of which I am one) of Intermittent Fasting will recognise this as a delay in breaking the fast from the previous day’s eating.

Now, some of you might question my use of a protein shake rather than real food for breakfast, but I will be honest. A protein shake is easy. It is filling and satisfying and it is something that I can prepare in seconds and take to work with me.

And more importantly, I know that it works for me.

But, with so many protein shakes to choose from, what did I think about SAS Nutrition’s WPI 80?

The Review: SAS Nutrition WPI 80 Protein Powder

SAS Nutrition Protein Powder Review

The Price

At £39.99 for a 2.2kg tub, it is competitively priced, being slightly more expensive than My Protein and Bulk Powders and slightly cheaper than PHD and USN, both of which were my previously favoured brands.

Score 3.5/5

The Packaging

Came in a normal tub, so no bonus points there, but also nice of them to throw in a shaker (not quite as good as the stainless steel USN one) that worked really well…..until I lost the lid. I had said to myself that I would have to be careful not to lose it and my words were prophetic if unheeded by myself. While I cannot blame SAS Nutrition for my girlfriend (well, it wasn’t MY fault) throwing away my lid, I might suggest that the lid is attached to the shaker for idiots like myself.

SAS Nutrition Protein Powder Review

Score 3.5/5

The Mix

Maybe it was the shaker or my increasing shaking strength (from resistance training, you filthy animals), but I am more likely to believe that it was the protein powder, but I experienced a first!

On drinking my shake, there was no lumps left at the bottom of the shaker or glued to the top.

I consume with milk as a) I like milk b) I like the additional protein and c) it works well with my daily calorie plan and at the recommended 200ml level, I found it to be slightly thick, almost like a thick shake. It’s a personal preference, but I do prefer it slightly thinner and I do like a larger drink, so 300ml was perfect for me

Score 5/5

The Taste

A protein shake is never going to compete in taste against my Sunday breakfast of Cauldron vegetarian sausages and brioche buns….seriously good sausages….but I have to commend SAS Nutrition on a great tasting protein powder. Strawberry wasn’t my first choice as they had no vanilla in stock (quite a few items were out of stock) but this was neither sweet nor sickly and with milk, it went down really well.

Score 4/5

The Macros

It’s all the gains, so how much protein does WPI 80 pack and how does it measure in carbs, fats and added riches?

WPI 80 is pitched as a quality but cost efficient protein powder and as such doesn’t have added BCAA ,CLA or any anything else, and if I am honest, I often believe these things are a gimmick and so do many others (3).

Instead, each 30g serving provides 113kcal, 24g of protein, 2g of carbs and 1g of fat with some flavours and no fillers. Again, this compares very favourable against both PHD and USN and My Protein’s highly respected Impact Whey Protein.

It does what it says on the ~~tin~~ tub.

Score 4/5

The Conclusion

This is a local company, so I AM biased, but from delivery to consumption to even cleaning, this WPI 80 Protein Powder was surprisingly good and I would recommend it.

Total Score 20/25

This was gifted from SAS Nutrition who also paid me to write this blog. However, as always, my views are my own and are genuine.

References

March 25, 2019 2 comments