I'm going on the Alex Gordon diet

Storytime...

As a health professional, anytime I see a news article about a major professional athlete, I pay attention. I like reading about how particular they are about what they eat and what their secrets are to staying healthy. What you put into your body is the fuel it uses to perform daily tasks. If you're eating Captain Crunch and drinking Pepsi all day, chances are your body isn't very healthy and has trouble recovering from illness and injury. 

I'm a baseball fanatic. I have been since about age 10. I will watch it on tv, in person, listen on the radio and even talk to my cat about who should start at right field... I've always taken an interest in our hometown hero, Alex Gordon. A few years ago, I read an article about how meticulous he is about his workout routine and diet. He obsesses over his pregame routine, doesn't eat sweets and wouldn't be caught dead eating fried food. I never forgot this. He isn't my favorite player, but I have so much respect for his discipline to make lots of small sacrifices that have ended with big rewards. 

So the other day, I was getting my daily baseball brief (have I mentioned I love baseball?) and I was reading interviews from Royals spring training. Included in the article was a picture of sleeveless Alex Gordon. Instead of having thoughts of a blushing teenage girl, I couldn't help but think,

"He is a true picture of health."

At that moment, I decided that I can do more to take better care of myself. I'm going on the Alex Gordon diet! 

I challenge you to make one single  "major league" change and treat your body like you are a professional athlete.  The rewards are worth the small, temporary sacrifices and will be life changing.