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The High Performance Journal

4 Minute Fridays: A Cheap Supplement To Boost Fat Loss And Muscle Building, A Hidden CIA Technique To Speed Up Healing & I Use This On My Teeth Everyday

4 minute fridays Sep 26, 2025

Read time: 3.8 minutes

Welcome to 4 Minute Fridays, my weekly newsletter, where I reveal cutting-edge tips to help you get lean, boost energy, and live longer. 


What's In Store For Today:

  • The sleep supplement that boosts growth hormone
  • A hidden CIA technique to speed up healing
  • I use this flosser every day

Today's issue is brought to you by ​Create​.

As you know, I'm a huge fan of creatine.

It's the supplement I recommend to most of my clients looking to improve body composition, maximize strength, increase daily energy, and even boost cognition.

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Hey friend,

A Persian farmer named Ali Hafed once owned a large and fertile farm.

He lived in contentment until a traveler told him about diamonds and the immense riches they could bring.

Filled with desire, Ali sold his farm and left his family to search for diamonds.

He journeyed across distant lands, spent all his money, and suffered endless hardships.

After years of failure, he died poor, broken, and far from home.

Meanwhile, the man who had purchased Ali’s farm was watering his animals when he noticed bright stones sparkling in the stream.

These “pebbles” turned out to be diamonds. In fact, the farm Ali abandoned became one of the richest diamond mines in history.

This parable, ​originally written by Russell Conwell​, is a lesson that Ali had been standing on his own acres of diamonds all along.

He never realized it because he was too busy chasing treasures elsewhere.

Here Is Your 4 Minute Friday:


1. The Sleep Supplement That Boosts Muscle-Building Hormones

A new study revealed that one of the most effective supplements to take before a workout is a sleep aid.

A study put 60 healthy adults on the leg press and gave them 5mg of melatonin before lifting.

Men who took 5mg had higher growth hormone levels and less somatostatin (that's the hormone that blocks growth hormone). Women saw smaller effects, but the trend was still there.

This is pretty cool stuff because growth hormone isn't just for bodybuilders. It helps repair muscles, burn fat, and recover faster.

Having adequate amounts means bouncing back from workouts instead of limping around like you just ran a marathon.

Now, mind you, this is one small study, and it only tested a single dose, so no one knows what happens if you pop melatonin long-term before every lift.

But the research is promising. Melatonin might not just be a sleep hack; it could be a bridge to gain more muscle.

Now, if you don't mind me, I'm going to go to the gym and try this out, and you might find me sleeping on the bench press.

2. How The CIA Used Colors To Hack Healing

Alright, now this one is a slight departure from my science-based tips that I like to share every week, and it will delve a little into the woo-woo, courtesy of the CIA.

Buried in a ​declassified CIA report​ is something that sounds less like a quote-unquote spy movie and more like a quote-unquote yoga retreat.

It suggests that you can accelerate healing by visualizing colors, particularly blue.

The reason it works is that it induces a deep state of relaxation. This is where the brain gets extra focused and suggestible.

The report suggests imagining a specific color, say bright blue, in the part of your body that needs help. The color is thought to tune your body's electromagnetic field and boost recovery.

Example: Picture your sore knee glowing with a cool blue light. The CIA claimed this could help restore balance, reduce pain, and speed healing. Think of it as shining a mental flashlight on the spot that hurts.

Now, is this bulletproof science? Not exactly. It's based on the idea that the body is electrical and thoughts can influence energy fields.

The evidence is thin, but the practice is safe, simple, and at the very least deeply calming, which can help you improve the healing process.

The worst-case scenario is that you've just meditated and given your brain a spa day.

❤️ My Favourite Thing This Week

I think flossing is a pain in the you know what.

Unfortunately, my dentist demands that I do it.

I used to use those plastic floss picks, but then I realized that it's probably not great to shove tiny plastic swords into my gums every day.

Enter the water flosser.

My friend ​Dr. Mark Burhenne​ (one of the best functional dentists I know) told me it’s just as good, if not better, than string floss. In fact, studies show water flossers can remove up to 29% more plaque than traditional floss.

I’ve been using mine for 60 days, and I’m sold. It’s simple, mess-free, and I even take it into the shower.

Every time I use it, I’m shocked at how much food it blasts out, which would’ve turned into inflammation city later on.

For what it’s worth, my teeth feel cleaner than ever.

I use ​Sonicare​, but any good water flosser will do.

Client Of The Week - Ashley, Real Estate Agent

Ashley is an entrepreneur who wants to lose weight, boost her energy, and regain confidence in her body.

Her biggest struggle was her eating habits & keeping up with her kids while running her business.

She wanted a plan that fit her busy lifestyle and helped her get back into her little black dress.

In 6 months, she's dropped 47 pounds, doubled her energy levels, and feels more confident in her body than ever.

Ashley completely transformed his body by finding the right system. If he can do it, you can too.

Are you an entrepreneur who wants to drop the fat, gain muscle, and boost energy? Click this link to apply for our coaching program.

 

One Quote To Finish Your Week Strong


"Change before you have to."

 

― Jack Welch


Instead of waiting for rock bottom or some serious health scare to motivate you, change before you have to.

Don't wait for things to happen; get in front of them. Nip them in the bud. The best way I know how to approach life is by being proactive, not reactive.

As promised, get healthier in under 4 minutes.

- Dan

 

When you're ready, here are 2 ways I can help:

1. The Lean Body 90 System: When you’re ready to get in great shape, Lean Body 90 is the obvious choice. You can get in great shape and reach your fitness goals in just 90 minutes a week. Lose weight and build muscle even without hours in the gym or highly restrictive diets. Join 1000+ students here.

2. Are you an entrepreneur who wants to get lean, boost energy, and get in your best shape? Apply for private one-on-one coaching here.



References

  1. Nassar E, Mulligan C, Taylor L, Kerksick C, Galbreath M, Greenwood M, Kreider R, Willoughby DS. Effects of a single dose of N-Acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (Melatonin) and resistance exercise on the growth hormone/IGF-1 axis in young males and females. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007 Oct 23;4:14. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-4-14. PMID: 17956623; PMCID: PMC2174513. 
  2.  â€‹https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/cia-rdp96-00788r001700210016-5.pdf​ 


Disclaimer: This email is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.


 

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