HIGH PERFORMANCE
Very unscientific
by Tom Thekan/The Scugog Standard

I don’t think there’s any rule that says this column must be based solely on scientific research and findings.
mA lot of our dietary habits came from our parents and grandparents, without us realizing that an actual habit or eating pattern was being developed. We just ate that way because that’s how the family ate.
mIf you take a close look at what you eat now, it was likely the stuff that mom put on your plate as a kid or it relates to the gems of wisdom that came from your grandmother about what you should eat.
mWhen your parents and grandparents live to be 90-something, they must have been doing something right. Do you really need a scientific study to prove it?
mMany times, you will see a column about a star or celebrity or someone who is just famous for being famous.
mWell, fortunately I’m none of the above. My only claim to fame is that I’m one of the four ‘old guys’ that are up at 5 a.m. shovelling snow on Queen St. so the teenagers who are sleeping can walk to school. We laugh about that.
Here’s what keeps me fuelled up for the day.

1. Breakfast
- three eggs (from free range chickens)
- three slices of bacon
- baked beans
- toasted flax seed bread, buttered

2. Favourite natural snacks
- apples - they’re not messy and fit in the pocket
- banana - they fit the other pocket
- cherries - if the pits hit your windshield, you’re tailgating ... BACK OFF!

3. Favourite man-made snacks
- cheese (I’m from Wisconsin)
- dark chocolate - at least 80 per cent cocoa

4. Favourite raw veggies
- spinach
- tomatoes
- green/red peppers

5. Favourite cooked veggie
- corn on the cob (I know it’s not the best choice, but it’s only around for a few weeks)
- spinach - Popeye and mom wouldn’t lie

6. Favourite meats
- anything grilled with mushrooms
- turkey (light or dark meat)
- liver (and onions)

7. Favourite desserts (sparingly)
- any kind of cheesecake
- blueberry pie with ice cream

I’m not a celebrity and I’m not even famous yet, but that’s what gets me through the day.
I wonder what the other three old guys eat?

mTom Thekan is a strength and conditioning coach.
mNever begin any exercise program without consulting your doctor.