This started as a blog about training together as a family, in part to inspire other women & families to get involved. As female participation in jiu jitsu has increased, as we have grown as athletes and as we learned that families training together aren’t such an anomaly, the blog has evolved. Jen gets personal with posts on ambition, challenges & achievements in BJJ, CrossFit & with nutrition, while Tom's posts are more educational, informative and analytical in regards to training. On occasion you may hear from the kids.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Silencing the Hungry Ghosts




Hungry ghosts are beings tormented by insatiable cravings for physical desires. They have tiny mouths and huge empty bellies that can never be satisfied. They are a Buddhist metaphor for people caught up in the cycle of addiction; who are trying to find happiness through food, sex, alcohol, drugs, power etc... I have a huge addiction I am trying to kick, Diet Coke. I love the stuff, I drink on average 8 cans a day and I have been addicted to it for over twenty years. It is more expensive per gallon than gas and has questionable effects on your health. The latest study came out last week and found that diet sodas may increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks by 61% over non drinkers. This is just one of similar studies performed throughout the past few years. The American Beverage Association disputes the findings but they are a vested partner interested in the beverage corporations success, not my health. I train Jiu Jitsu to develop my mind, body and spirit. I train to be an inspiration to my children and anything that compromises my success at BJJ should be questioned. I am trusting my gut on this one, I have not had any Diet Coke for 3 days now. I have had severe head aches, body aches, sleepiness, depression and nightmares. Am I detoxing from Coca Cola or a street drug? Anything that causes withdrawal symptoms like this can not be good for you.


Posted by Tom
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7 comments:

  1. A.D. McClishFebruary 15, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Ugh, I have the same addiction. Coke Zero is my personal brand of torment. Good luck getting coke-free. ;)

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  2. BJJFamilyMatters.comFebruary 18, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    The headaches are finally gone. I think this is a really positive change and my BJJ will benifit from it. I felt like my body was becoming toxic from too much DC. Good luck with your Coke Zero.

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  3. MeganFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    It was great meeting you today!!

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  4. BJJFamilyMatters.comFebruary 20, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    You too Megan!! I'm so glad I finally got to meet you & Allie!

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  5. MeganFebruary 20, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Love the idea of a local ladies' open mat btw...

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  6. BJJFamilyMatters.comFebruary 20, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Then we are going to make it happen! I'm excited!

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  7. GeorgetteMarch 15, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    FYI the stroke study didn't specify a cause.. it just highlighted a correlation. Could be that people who drink diet sodas are also overweight, which often goes hand in hand with other health issues like diabetes, high cholesterol, heart problems, high blood pressure, etc. which might be more accurately seen as the causes of the strokes...

    But I salute your desire to get healthier! Try green tea or white tea :)

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