{"id":65220,"date":"2017-09-05T21:53:51","date_gmt":"2017-09-06T04:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=65220"},"modified":"2017-09-05T21:53:51","modified_gmt":"2017-09-06T04:53:51","slug":"diet-health-and-fitness-for-photographers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/09\/05\/diet-health-and-fitness-for-photographers\/","title":{"rendered":"Diet, Health, and Fitness For Photographers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Gallo
Gallo boxing. Lansing, 2014.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A topic nobody has really talked about: the connection between diet, fitness, lifestyle, health, photography, art, and creativity.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Ignore me.<\/h2>\n
\"Almonds
Almonds after doing deadlifts. Emeryville, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is an essay based on my personal experiences and philosophy on diet and nutrition.<\/p>\n

You can safely ignore all the advice here. It probably won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t work for you.<\/p>\n

Just experiment for hourself, and take the bits and pieces which interest you, and ignore the rest.<\/p>\n

My life story<\/h2>\n
\"Topless
Topless bathroom selfie. Hanoi, 2017.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been a health, diet, exercise, fitness fanatic ever since I was a (fat) 12-year old kid. I remember because my parents were always working, my sister and I would only eat Hot Pockets twice a day (Pizza flavor was my favorite) \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and I had no idea why I was getting so fat. I have memories of me in Bayside Queens, New York… when I had to put baby oil under my double-chin to fall asleep, because of the humidity and the stickiness of my extra fat prevented me from falling asleep.<\/p>\n

Anyways, I was commited at age 12 to lose weight. I asked my mom to buy me dumbbell weights. I started to run with rocks in my backpack. I did sit-ups, push-ups, and dumbbell curls and presses. I started to lose fat, and gain muscle. It was awesome\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I felt control of my fate.<\/p>\n

It never stopped. I kept increasing the weight and resistance in my weights. In college, I got into bodybuilding, weightlifting, and powerlifting. I got really into bench press, squats, deadlift, and other heavy lifting. I tore rotator cuffs often. I learned about mobility from my mentor Thomas Rodriguez at UCLA Undergraduate Admissions (he was a former power lifter, bodybuilder, who was one of the Early kettlebell users). I soon nursed myself back to health.<\/p>\n

Fast forward, my maximum lifts have been 415 for deadlift<\/a> (one rep max), 326 for squat, and 90 lbs for dumbbell press. I can do one hand pushups, pistols (one leg squats), and a lot of chin-ups. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m the strongest I have ever been at age 29, with the least amount of body fat, with lots of energy, focus, and determination.<\/p>\n

But the best thing of it all… I feel the most fearless, and the most productive with my art. Productive with making pictures, with writing, and stronger mentally, physically, and artistically.<\/p>\n

This is what works for me<\/h2>\n
\"Selfie.
Selfie. Hanoi, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It makes sense to me that a strong body equals a strong mind, and vice-versa. Also, it makes sense that a physically fit person should also have a superior advantage as an artist.<\/p>\n

Here are some lessons I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve learned for myself, which has helped me:<\/p>\n

Not eating breakfast and lunch<\/h2>\n

We have been brainwashed by modern diet \u00e2\u20ac\u0153experts\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (many of them being fat) who encourage us to eat \u00e2\u20ac\u0153three square meals a day\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. But logically, that makes no sense. We are not gasoline cars. We don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153feed\u00e2\u20ac\u009d ourselves breakfast before starting the day. In fact, my theory is that eating breakfast (or eating any food) is HARMFUL to us before<\/em> engaging in any physical activity.<\/p>\n

Our hunger is a STIMULUS for us to move. If we never felt hunger, why would we have an incentive to move, seek, or hunt food? A lion doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t eat a granola bar and then hunt a gazelle. No, a lion first feels HUNGER, and then is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153motivated\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to go hunting. After the lion kills a gazelle, she will take a (long) nap.<\/p>\n

I know for myself, after I eat… I feel sleepy and tired. Why? The biological signaling mechanism for the mind says:<\/p>\n

\n Okay good job Eric, you just obtained and ate some food. Good job! You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not going to starve to death. Reward yourself with a nice, long nap, to conserve your energy.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We are not engines<\/h2>\n

The mistake is that we still have this silly gasoline engine analogy. We think the human body (an organic, and complex system) is the same as a car engine (mechanic, simple system).<\/p>\n

A car doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t run without gasoline. If the tank is empty, you cannot start-up or run the car. You must have gasoline in the car in order for it to run.<\/p>\n

We therefore make this incorrect analogy for the human body. We think if we don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t eat something for breakfast at the start of the day, we cannot get our \u00e2\u20ac\u0153engine going.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d But that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s incorrect. The human body will still run on our bodily fat reserves, a process that biologists (currently) call \u00e2\u20ac\u0153ketosis.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d And thank god our body runs like this. This is what allows us to NOT DIE when sleeping (we don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t eat while we sleep, yet our body keeps running). And ketosis is also what allows us to not die<\/em> if we go a few weeks without food (as long as we have water, we are okay).<\/p>\n

Motivation to create as an artist<\/h2>\n

Anyways, in order to be motivated or inspired to create as an artist, we need some sort of stimulus.<\/p>\n

For me, my motivation is hunger.<\/p>\n

Before I make pictures, I gotta be hungry. Why? I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m still an animal. If I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m hungry, I want to hunt. Therefore, when I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m on the streets making pictures, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m \u00e2\u20ac\u0153hunting\u00e2\u20ac\u009d for visual images to satisfy my hunger. Once I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve had a big meal, I lose all motivation to take pictures. I want to just take a nap.<\/p>\n

I notice this in my workshops<\/a>. In the morning, students are pumped up and excited. They shoot a lot. After lunch, they get tired and lose motivation to shoot… unless we have strong coffees to stimulate us again.<\/p>\n

What motivates you to make pictures?<\/h2>\n
\"Three
Three men. Shot on an escalator, during my lunch break. Santa Monica, 2011<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We need some sort of stimulus, trigger, or some sort of motivation to make art and pictures.<\/p>\n

Another idea: having a shitty day job, when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re stuck inside a soulless, fluorescent office cubicle prison is a good way to be motivated to make pictures and art. Why? Because you are excited to leave the office, to ESCAPE, and then to finally roam the streets freely to make pictures.<\/p>\n

I remember when I had an office job, I was most productive as a photographer in short bursts and intervals, even from a 15 minute walk around the office. It was a good way for me to blow off steam, and the built-up, pent-up creative energy inside me.<\/p>\n

Stronger body, stronger creative mind.<\/h2>\n
\"Gallo
Gallo boxing. Lansing, 2014.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Getting back to diet and fitness… I also think having a physically strong and fit body is conducive to being a better photographer.<\/p>\n

Consider, if you have strong legs, little body fat\u00e2\u20ac\u201d you can walk longer, with less fatigue, and end up making more pictures. You can crouch down, run for pictures, and even lie down on the ground when necessary. After a full day of shooting, or when traveling, my body is pretty sore.<\/p>\n

Therefore, having more muscles in your legs is good as a photographer and artist. The longer you can walk and stay on your feet, the better. Even the philosopher Nietzsche said that in order for us to have any good ideas, we should walk outdoors in the wide open, as much as possible. You cannot think of any truly great ideas when sedentary or sitting.<\/strong> My best ideas occur when I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m standing, when I am walking, or exercising.<\/p>\n

Practical suggestions to become a stronger photographer<\/h2>\n
\"Gallo
Gallo boxing. Lansing, Michigan 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To be a better photographer, walk more. Build the strength in your legs. Avoid taking elevator and escalator. Take the stairs.<\/p>\n

If you like the gym, do squats and deadlifts. If you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have access to a gym, do yoga at home, body weight squats, lunges, or pistols (one leg squats).<\/p>\n

Also random tip: spend a lot of money on your shoes. It will be the best investment for your photography. I recommend Nike Free Flyknit shoes (light, stylish, and has more of a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153barefoot\u00e2\u20ac\u009d feel). If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re more extreme check out the Vibram Fivefingers shoes\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I spent two weeks in Istanbul with a pair, and felt more connected with the environment (I still remember feeling the cobblestones beneath my feet).<\/p>\n

What to drink during the day<\/h2>\n

I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t eat breakfast or lunch, unless offered. And I cannot say no to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153free\u00e2\u20ac\u009d buffet breakfast at hotels.<\/p>\n

Therefore, I avoid eating anything until the evening. I drink a lot of liquid instead.<\/p>\n

In terms of fluids, I drink black coffee (I prefer single shots of espresso, or I make a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Clever dropper\u00e2\u20ac\u009d coffee when traveling in my apartment or hotel), green tea (Matcha), water, or 100% hot cocoa (new life hack, no sugar, no milk).<\/p>\n

The best advice for you: Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t drink any fluids or liquids with sugar during the day. This involves \u00e2\u20ac\u0153healthy\u00e2\u20ac\u009d fruit drinks. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t drink orange juice for breakfast, probably the worst thing you can do to spike your insulin and glucose in the morning.<\/p>\n

The benefit of caffeinated beverages: you get that energy (caffeine is a poison) and you feel less hunger (adrenaline response from the poison caffeine suppresses our hunger instinct).<\/p>\n

Then, you can be more active, sharp, and creative, and productive during the day.<\/p>\n

What if I get really hungry during the day?<\/h2>\n

If you can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fast until dinner, I just recommend having fat and protein. Have an avocado with salt and paprika. Have some almonds. Have some eggs (including yolk). Get some prosciutto meat at the grocery store. Or a piece of 100% dark chocolate.<\/p>\n

What not<\/em> to eat during the day<\/h2>\n

My suggestion: Avoid carbohydrates during the day. This includes anything starchy (potatoes and tubers). Avoid rice (brown and white), quinoa, legumes (beans), bread, pasta, wheat, etc.<\/p>\n

Why? When you have anything high in carbohydrates during the day (before dinner), you get sleepy. Why? Because many of these \u00e2\u20ac\u0153high-glycemic\u00e2\u20ac\u009d foods cause our insulin levels to spike. Which causes us to get the infamous \u00e2\u20ac\u0153food coma\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d which makes us tired, sleepy, and useless for a few hours, until our blood sugar stabilizes again.<\/p>\n

Am I going to die?<\/h2>\n
\"Gallo
Gallo boxing. Lansing, Michigan 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No, by not having breakfast or lunch you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not gonna die. You are gonna feel pain, and unpleasant hunger during the day. But that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s okay. What doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t kill you only makes you stronger.<\/p>\n

Also, trust me, if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a real \u00e2\u20ac\u0153foodie\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and like the taste of food\u00e2\u20ac\u201d NOT EATING during the day makes your dinner taste 100x better. When I used to eat 3-5 meals a day, I couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t taste my food, or the subtle textures of my food. Now when I eat dinner, I get 100x more pleasure. I can smell and taste all the delicate flavors in my food.<\/p>\n

What to eat for dinner?<\/h2>\n

For dinner, go crazy. Eat as much as you want, until you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re thoroughly satisfied. You deserve it. Consider your dinner your reward for the day.<\/p>\n

For myself, I generally eat fatty meats, eggs, green vegetables for dinner. I like pork and beef belly, eggs, all green veggies, and pickled veggies. I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t eat rice, bread, or anything wheat or gluten for dinner. I also am Asian and cannot eat dairy, so I abstain. I also am Asian and cannot tolerate alcohol, so I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t drink.<\/p>\n

But for you, just experiment for dinner. Listen to your body. When you eat certain foods, do you feel better and stronger, or worst and shittier?<\/p>\n

Modify your own dinner. See what works for you.<\/p>\n

Experiment for yourself<\/h2>\n
\"Gallo
Gallo boxing. Lansing, Michigan 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anyways, this essay is random, I know. But I am very convinced:<\/p>\n

\n To be a more productive artist, be very careful what you eat, or what you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t eat.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Also, consider how your physical fitness and health affects your mental, and creative health.<\/p>\n

I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t got the answers. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m just experimenting for myself, and figuring out what works for me.<\/p>\n

My body isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t the same as yours.<\/p>\n

So friend, always be skeptical of all this health and exercise advice… from me, and anyone else out there trying to sell you a gym membership, diet or nutrition plan, or trying to get you to become a vegan, vegetarian, paleo, ketogenic diet, etc.<\/p>\n

\"Gallo
Gallo boxing. Lansing, Michigan 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Recommended reading on diet and nutrition<\/h2>\n

But some books I recommend you to read include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes<\/li>\n
  2. Antifragile by Nassim Taleb (his section on deadlifts and nutrition)<\/li>\n
  3. The New Evolution Diet by Art de Vany (I like his ideas on lifestyle. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t agree with his breakfast, supplements, etc). <\/li>\n
  4. The Warrior Diet (essentially what I follow, which is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153intermittent fasting\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    But once again friend, ALWAYS BE SKEPTICAL, and experiment for yourself.<\/p>\n

    BE STRONG AND PROSPER,
    \nERIC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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