A Grit Mindset with Donny SInge.

I asked Donny to share some of his thoughts and experiences on mindset and nutrition, as well as his daily rituals as we go into the back half of 2024, summer, and in fact to do this for us every week.

After all, the man does have 20-plus years of experience and knowledge in coaching at an elite athlete level, and has developed some unique approaches and strategies to coaching over the years, which he employs in his corporate programs such as the corporate and personal Grit Mindset Program.

With 58 years of life experience, he confidently calls himself an authority on leading men over 50 into being physically and mentally strong OLD BULLS.

So let's hear the wisdom from the man. 

Where to start?

My background is elite sport.

My job was to give the best knowledge and resources to my athletes. My priority was to build and prescribe appropriate exercise regimes to enable their physical capacity in order to compete at an elite level.

Programs like this are built in cycles.

Get the energy systems optimised, along with anatomical development.

These cycles are built on DISCIPLINE, APPLICATION, and MINDSET! They can apply to your daily life just as much as an elite athlete. Get a Grit Mindset regarding these.

OK, so the point is?

At a physiological and biological level, this requires nutritional replenishment and nutrient-dense foods to promote sustainability. The day-in, day-out grind of physical and mental demand or grit!

Sound familiar?

Well, no. Just got back from holidays...

Excluding you then, how many of your readers can associate some of what I have written above with day to day personal and professional demands?

At the end of the day, no matter who you are or what you do, you have to pay the piper. Good grit needs food support.

I do agree. Those chickens come home to roost even when on holiday. Travel is stressful, suitcases and heavy and good food can be scarce. 

My opening message to you is thus:

We all have to pay the piper for the physical and mental demands,(or grit) we put on our bodies!

The question is: What currency are we paying this in?

What return on investment do you expect on the nutrition and care you provide your body and mind?

Shitty investments generally give shitty returns. No investment means no returns right? Do you expect this to be different with nutrition?

OK, so mindset is key.

ME… I am a fit and strong man at the age of 58 and loving life. I would consider myself to be, and identify as an "Old Bull".

I have great mental capacity through daily engagement, learning or doing, and knowing my purpose (also called ikigai).

I'm human and thus I slip up! I miss a day! I feel a bit flat! My peaks and troughs are however NOT exponential!! That’s why I can bounce back and rationalise this with myself on a daily basis.

I also put myself first so I can serve who I love and care for best.

I’m cool with that!

Nutrition is just as key.

My daily intake looks like this: (Here we go folks....)

MONDAY - FRIDAY means GRIT.

• Morning: Protein shake (Old Bull Health whey isolate) and Testosterone & Immunity Formula. also, from the Old Bull. I like the vanilla flavour, the fact that it mixes with water, and the convenience of the T&I multi. Also find this suppresses any cravings during the morning and kick starts my day with a great mix of vitamins, minerals, and herbs, and I do feel the difference.
• Lunch: Protein shake, Greens Powder, both from the Old Bull again with water. I also eat some fruit (whatever is in season) and yoghurt, for the gut. Greens powder gives a natural mix of benefits and can help reduce bloating.
• Mid Afternoon: Light snack, varies but never includes chocolates or highly processed or salty foods. Nothing out of a wrapper, or box. They taste great for a second and then will wear you out and slow you down the rest of the afternoon. At least for me, they do once the sugar rush is over.
• Dinner: Protein, as in meat, veggies, and carbs as in potatoes and similar. I go easy on the protein and carb portions and fill up on the veggies if I am still hungry. Don't be tempted to finish what is left of the meat or carbs, put them in the fridge rather than your belly.

I know there are many who recommend no carbs at my age at dinner, but this is me. What I do.

SATURDAY - SUNDAY means not so GRIT.

My taste buds and appetite guide me, responsibly. Sorry, nothing more than that, you have to enjoy life, but it doesn't mean I stuff my face with junk the whole weekend. Everything in moderation, even alcohol. 

How do you feel?

I feel light, mobile, agile, strong and energetic!

That’s JUST ME

YOU do YOU. Just be an educated and discplined YOU when it comes to food choices. You cannot afford not to be when you are over 50.

Donny will be back next week, and is looking forward to helping you in your health and vitality journey in any way he can.