I have never been good with diet and exercise. I have tried around 3 years ago and managed to lose a few pounds (when I say ‘few pounds’, I mean less than 5). After giving myself a short ‘victory break’ for having lost that much, I have never recovered. I even gained more than what I lost. Argh!

This is one of the many traits of US Navy SEALs that I admire most. They have a strict sense of self-discipline. Their determination never falters (unlike mine! haha..) and they faithfully adhere to a strict fitness program.

Don’t you sometimes wonder what comprises their diet? Well, to ensure top shape, their daily intake should be 50% carbohydrates, 30% fat and 20% protein. They avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine as these can cause them to dehydrate and lose the much needed energy.

Hey wait, did I just write 30% fat? Before anyone out there cries ‘unfair’ with the SEALs being allowed – required, actually – to consume as much fat yet still maintain a great figure, just call in mind the physical fitness standards they have to meet as a member of the US Navy SEALs.

A US Navy SEAL is expected to achieve basic fitness requirements. These include the skill to swim 50 meters underwater (I can barely make it to even a fourth of that!), the strength to run 14 miles and the ability to swim with fins a total distance of 2 miles in the ocean within 75 minutes.

It amazes me even more when I think how normal (they’re still considered normal and without super powers, right?) people can do these things. But if we really think about it, these diet and fitness standards are not exclusive to the SEALs. If they can do it, I (or you) probably can, too – although I must admit my first, and most difficult, step would be adjusting my mindset. ;)