One is an expert on movement and has become pain-free again after a slipped disc. The other knows his way around the kitchen and has lost 30 kilos with his own recipes. The orthopedist Dr. Matthias Manke, known as Revierdoc, and TV chef Tarik Rose (photo) have turned their own problems and solutions into a book with recipes and exercises for a healthy life. In the interview, the two bestselling authors talk about their experiences.
You have changed your lifestyle. What was behind it?
Tarik Rose: I did not feel very well. I used to be a competitive athlete, played American football in the national league among other things. That carries some risks. When I quit top-class sport, I gained weight. Besides, I got pain. Whether it's my knee, hip or back – something often hurts me. I wanted to get rid of weight and do something about my pain. Today it's about moving my body through and creating a balance to work.
Matthias Manke: With me it was first of all existential fears that drove me. As an orthopedist with my own practice, it could have ruined me financially after my slipped disc if I had been out of action for months. So I needed to get back on my feet quickly.
What did you do differently before?
Tarik Rose: I lacked mindfulness and calmness most of all. I sit down far too seldom to eat slowly and attentively. As a restaurateur, I rarely have regular meals. So I had to force myself to downsize a bit. That I would lose so much weight as a result surprised myself.
Matthias Manke: I used to pay less attention to my health, although I always demand that my patients do so. Despite a lot of stress, everything was going well for me for a long time until my herniated disc showed me how vulnerable I am. I then realized how much exercise brings even in the most difficult circumstances. I have been able to become free of complaints because I have carried out my training with great willpower.
How it came to success?
Tarik Rose: I always lost weight on my own when I consciously paid attention to my diet. Because I know that I can't keep up with starvation diets, I've only changed a few habits for the time being. For example, I gave up alcohol completely for a while, didn't eat sugar, cut out snacks, ate more vegetables and less meat. I had to make a firm commitment and plan.
Matthias Manke: Stress doesn't leave me untouched either. As I get older, mindfulness becomes more important to me. In order to stay healthy for a long time, I now pay more attention to clearing my head by, for example, doing something I don't usually get to do: Going for a walk and being silent.
And what about sports?
Tarik Rose: I try to walk a lot and enjoy cycling around Hamburg. At home I have a racing bike on the roller and Therabänder. Basically, however, I prefer to train in the studio to get a change of scenery.
Matthias Manke: Fortunately, I can already do a lot in everyday life. I usually work at a standing desk, walk around the practice a lot, do exercises for my patients and balance while brushing my teeth. I have a rowing machine at home or I get on my bike after work. I also like to try out other sports.
That sounds exemplary. Do you also have bad habits?
Matthias Manke: Unfortunately yes. As a child of the Ruhr area, Pommes-Currywurst is my favorite dish. And then I also like chocolate. When I open a pack, I have to empty it too. I compensate for too many missteps with interval fasting and extra sports. I asked my wife to hide sweets from me.
Tarik Rose: If I ever stray from the program, I have to make sure I get back on track afterwards. When I do sports, I let a "I don't feel like it today" pass if I know I'll do something again the next day. I also like sweets. I especially go weak over gum snacks. But I can say "I know where the things are, but I don't always want to go there."
No battles with the inner pig dog?
Matthias Manke: My pig dog and I have a balanced relationship. Sometimes he's the stronger one, sometimes I am. He often lets me win because he knows that I will treat him to something afterwards – for example, enjoyable days without sports and with lots of sinful food.
Tarik Rose: My pig dog is more like a Bernese mountain dog, a loyal calm type. When we fight, I let him win so that he has the feeling that he is being paid attention to. Then he stays calm and doesn't get bitchy.
What advice do you give to your readers?
Matthias Manke: We have compiled the ten most important behavioral changes that have also helped us ourselves. My part focuses on stress reduction, exercise, muscle building and motivation. I show exercises that support this.
Tarik Rose: For me, of course, it's all about what's on the plate. We can achieve a lot with the right nutrition. So not only lose weight, but also reduce pain, strengthen the immune system, become healthier and more efficient. Much of the book consists of recipes our readers can use to do just that.