How light exposure affects heart health.
Sustainable Health Stretch Rayner Sustainable Health Stretch Rayner

How light exposure affects heart health.

As men in midlife, we're often reminded of the importance of maintaining our cardiovascular health to ensure vitality and longevity.

However, the conversation around heart health extends beyond traditional topics of nutrition and exercise.

Recently, while listening to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon's podcast featuring cardiologist Dr. Michael Twyman, I gained valuable insights into the role of light exposure in cardiovascular wellness.

Dr. Twyman emphasizes that cardiovascular health isn't just about what we eat or how often we exercise; it's also intricately linked to our circadian rhythm and light exposure.

Read More
Rethinking Food Choices: Regenerative Farming, Mono-cropping, and the Vegan Debate
Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner

Rethinking Food Choices: Regenerative Farming, Mono-cropping, and the Vegan Debate

In today's world, where concerns about sustainability and environmental impact are at the forefront, the conversation around food choices has become increasingly important.

While mono-cropping has long been the norm in industrial agriculture, regenerative farming offers a compelling alternative that prioritises environmental health and resilience, especially in the context of livestock production.

In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between these two agricultural methods and challenge the misconception that a vegan diet is the only solution to environmental concerns.

Read More
Why Building Lean Muscle Mass is Non-Negotiable for Men Over 40
Stretch Rayner Stretch Rayner

Why Building Lean Muscle Mass is Non-Negotiable for Men Over 40

Let's face it – reaching midlife comes with its fair share of challenges. We're bombarded with conflicting advice on how to reclaim our health and fitness, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the best path forward.

The narrative that our well-being declines with age only adds to the frustration, leading us to believe that we're destined for a downward spiral.

But here's the truth: we don't have to settle for mediocrity.

Read More
Harnessing the Power of Colostrum for Midlife Wellness
Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner

Harnessing the Power of Colostrum for Midlife Wellness

Colostrum isn't just for newborns— I've been supplementing with colostrum powder for the last month as part of a gut health reboot.  It's not a supplement I plan to be on forever, but using a tub 2-3 times a year is a good way to boost my gut health and reap the rewards.

Why is colostrum receiving so much attention?

Because it offers a myriad of health benefits, particularly for men in their midlife seeking to optimise their well-being.

Here's why colostrum matters:

Read More
The Gut-Protein Connection, Transforming Gut Health in Midlife
Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner

The Gut-Protein Connection, Transforming Gut Health in Midlife

Protein isn't just about building muscles; it's about building a strong and healthy gut.

Protein is one of the primary building blocks for all cells in the human body, including your gut cells. Even gut probiotics are made of protein.

Research has shown that both the amino acid balance and digestibility of dietary protein are primary factors contributing to gut microbes' composition, structure, and function. [1]

If you live in Australia, you’d think that protein malnutrition couldn’t exist.  But many people in their midlife aren't eating enough protein, especially with trendy vegan and vegetarian diets on the rise.

Read More
Smart Training Strategies for Midlife
Sustainable Training Stretch Rayner Sustainable Training Stretch Rayner

Smart Training Strategies for Midlife

When it comes to getting strong, fit and flexible in midlife, it's time to change the game plan.

Once you hit 40+, you can't approach training like you're fresh out of college or in your prime twenties.

That youth mentality just won't cut it anymore.

We've got to be smarter about how train.

In midlife, it's not uncommon to deal with aches, pains, and old injuries. It's tempting to use these as excuses to skip the gym altogether, but that's the worst thing you can do. Movement is life, and staying active has a boatload of benefits, no matter your fitness level.

Read More
Beyond 40: Nourishing Your Gut for Peak Health and Vitality
Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner

Beyond 40: Nourishing Your Gut for Peak Health and Vitality

Gut health is one of the most important things to focus on beyond 40.

I’m sure you’ve seen the numerous media stories over the past few years connecting changes in the gut microbiome to everything from obesity, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, mental health issues, autoimmune diseases, to allergies and neurological disorders.

If you're beyond 40 and your goal is to stay in shape, improve low energy (and libido), manage chronic health conditions, and unlock vitality, you’re going to need to have a healthy gut.

Read More
Mastering Midlife Fitness: The Efficiency of HIIT and the Art of Exercise Snacking
Sustainable Training Stretch Rayner Sustainable Training Stretch Rayner

Mastering Midlife Fitness: The Efficiency of HIIT and the Art of Exercise Snacking

Being busy in midlife can make finding the time to train challenging.

You want to stay in shape, have more energy, and feel strong, fit, flexible and capable.

Let's be honest. Things are slightly different beyond 40—lack of sleep, high stress, a demanding schedule, and a general lack of time.

Weight gain, fatigue, joint pain, and the like all start to creep up on you.

It can leave you feeling worried about your physical health.

But where do you start?

What's going to be the best use of your time when it comes to training?

Read More
Beyond 40: 10 Reasons To Skip Fasting And Eat Breakfast
Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner Sustainable Diet Stretch Rayner

Beyond 40: 10 Reasons To Skip Fasting And Eat Breakfast

Unlocking peak wellness in midlife can be challenging.

Finding a simple approach to nutrition is confusing. What should you eat to lose weight, boost your energy levels and increase your health and longevity?

Where do you start?

Breakfast is often where I start with many of my health coaching clients looking to upgrade their nutrition.

The start of the day is often when you're most complaint, so it's the perfect place to start.

Read More