A diet worth considering

Given that nowadays everyone seems to be trying one type of diet or another, I thought it might be interesting to talk about a different kind of diet.

Instead of aiming at weight loss this diet aims at increasing the testosterone levels.

And what for? Well, higher testosterone levels are directly related with an increased libido. A BIG increase in libido. And it also packs a number of other interesting advantages, such as an increase in lean body mass (aka, muscle), a decrease in fat mass (aka, lard), increased attention spans, accelerated metabolism, solving erectile dysfunction problems and general tiredness and asthenia.

Disadvantages? Well, the 3 most relevant ones, although rare, are increased aggressiveness (less tender love J ), increased body hair and, in men with a genetic pre-disposition towards androgenic alopecia (male hair loss) that are not medicated for it (finasteride, I will cover this one later on), may accelerate the hair loss process.

In my personal experience none of the side effects have appeared, although I am medicated with finasteride for some years now. But it did make me feel about 20 again. In everything! :P

But let’s get to the point:

- Eat eggs regularly. Contrary to common knowledge, increased egg intake does not result in increased “bad” cholesterol, the effect varying from individual to individual. An healthy individual can consume about 300 mg of cholesterol per day and one egg has about 213 mg of it, mainly in the yolk;

- Eat nuts (they are good for your nuts! J ). These are an excellent snack and, as long as you don’t overdo it, they are quite rich in monounsaturated fat, which is directly correlated with increased testosterone. You should avoid salty or baked nuts. My advice goes to a nut blend sold at Lidl, called Alesto Nuts Royal;

- Intake of fish oils, such as cod liver oil or salmon oil. Other than the effect on your testosterone, it makes your skin, nails and hair healthier, it prevents arterial disease and they are quite inexpensive. So what is your excuse not to take them?

- Tribulus terrestris tea or supplements. This plant from SE Asia is used for millennia to increase libido, which occurs through the increase of testosterone levels. It is pretty much side-effect free;

- Eat about 30% of your daily calories as fat. Unlike popular belief, that does not imply an increase in body fat if you keep your global calorie intake within healthy levels and don’t eat too many “fast” carbohydrates;

- Eat animal protein. If you doubt that you are omnivorous, look into a mirror and smile. Those pointy things sticking out on the side are there for a reason. Humans have evolved consuming animal protein so although you can live without it, your body will work at sub-optimal levels. And yes, I am willing to discuss this with any vegan fundamentalist. So have a steak once and a while;

- Sleep hard! Sleeping 6 to 8 hours a day (unless you practice some sleep techniques) is essential for most physiological processes. Take your sleeping time seriously and being sleepy will no longer be an excuse;

- Sex. Having sex spikes your testosterone. It’s one of those positive feedback things: sex-testosterone-libido-sex. Everyone is a winner;

- Physical exercise of high intensity. I refer to exercise with a load that does not allow you to go further than 5 to 7 reps in 3 series, so you shouldn’t include sex in this category unless you have premature ejaculation, in which case I will write a post to help you.

There are other foods and methods to increase your testosterone, but these alone are effective enough. I include some of these methods in my lifestyle (sometimes more, others less) and, although I am helped by my genetics, it allows me to have a life more similar to my early 20’s.

Please share your results. And DON’T change your partner’s diet without his consent. :P