| New Trainer! |
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| Jul 18, 2008 |
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Well all, I have a new trainer and I'm SO excited! After 3 years of making very little progress with my old trainer, I have hired a new one with new ideas and more experience.
I started the diet 3 days ago. I've not noticed too much difference, as I was already eating very clean. This diet actually allows me to have some cottage cheese, fruit, small servings of whole grain bread and even rice cakes. Yes, my former meal plan was brutally strict.
I begin the workouts next week, and they look like ass-kickers! 4 day splits, combined with HIIT cardio and AB/CORE workouts.
I'll keep you all posted!
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Posted in Rantings | No Comments  |
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| Whey Protein & Fat Burners |
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| Jan 31, 2008 |
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Why Whey??
I have been asked in recent times about the validity of using protein powders to supplement my diet. This little blurb deals exclusively with whey protein, as that has been what I have always used.
While I do not ever recommend that one gets all of their protein from shakes, I do feel that this is one of the very few supplements that does work (and I’ve tried plenty of them…). Interestingly enough, I have witnessed people who will decry protein shakes on one hand, while at the same time encouraging the use of potentially dangerous and usually completely ineffective ‘fat burners’.
As an aside, for an interesting read about fat burners, go to this link and give the article a read… something to think about BEFORE you go out and spend anywhere from $25 to $70 on these products.
http://weightloss.immunodefence.com/2007/01/bayer_others_settle_with_us_ov.html
Back to the protein!!
The foundational ingredient in whey based protein powders of course, is whey protein. Whey is considered by many to be protein’s super-star, and nature’s richest source of biologically active protein.
Whey is one of the world’s oldest ‘health foods’. You know the liquid that forms on top of your yogurt? The stuff that many people pour off and throw out? Guess what that is?? That's right, it's whey! Stir it in and eat it, it's good for you!
Way back in 420 B.C., Hippocrates, who is known as the ‘Father of Medicine’, recommended the health-boosting benefits of whey. In Europe during the Middle Ages, whey was touted as a health tonic. Fast forward to the 21st century, and we have scientists discovering an amazing array of healthful benefits from whey.
The very first protein source you were designed to eat as a newborn is your mother’s breast milk. Did you know that the single most important nutritional protein in breast milk is whey protein? In fact, mothers’ milk is 70% whey.
Whey protein contains all of the essential amino acids*. Plus, it boasts the highest protein quality rating among all proteins.
It is a complete protein, giving newborns a healthy start in life. From that start, you’re designed to build a strong immune system and attain a normal growth pattern.
A 1987 Immunology journal reports that whey protein supports optimal immune system response by replenishing glutathione (GSH) levels in the blood through its critical precursor, cysteine*.
Intercellular levels of glutathione and its precursors increase when you eat protein. Then glutathione is stored in your cells for later use.
Great Reasons to Consider Using Whey Protein
1. Convenience – fits easily into a busy, fitness oriented lifestyle.
2. Nutrition – a biologically active whey protein can enhance your health and immune system*.
3. Energy – long-lasting moxie so you can accomplish more*.
4. Cost – when you are consuming a large amount of protein in your diet, the cost of purchasing lean chicken and turkey breasts over time becomes very taxing on all but the biggest wallets. Whey protein provides a cost effective solution.
mercola.com |
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| Posted in Rantings | No Comments |
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| The Most Common Question... |
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| Jan 21, 2008 |
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Hi All,
Today I would like to write about one of the more common questions that I get asked. People are very curious (as a rule) about what an aspiring body builder has to do to prepare for a contest. I think that a lot of people think that you lose some weight and tan a bit...
BUT... when people find out about the strict, STRICT diet, the long hours of cardio, the hours of practicing poses and routines and tanning while continuing to lift over a duration of up to 6 months... they usually say, "Why would you willingly put yourself through that kind of hell?"
Short Answer - Because I can.
Long Answer - People have to understand... once you have done something this difficult, it has a profound impact on the rest of your life. There will be simply nothing in your personal life or in your career that you will feel you can't accomplish. You will no longer be afraid to accept challenges.
It is a healthy lifestyle. Wait... before you freak out... I'm not talking about people who abuse drugs to enhance their physique. Anyone knows that that is NOT healthy.
In a 20 week contest prep, for the first 16 weeks your body will run like a well tuned machine. Your diet is perfect. You are challenging your body with weight training and cardio. You are paying attention to the amount of sleep that you are getting. It is very unusual to pick up a 'bug' or virus during this time, which speaks volumes.
Now, you'll notice that I mentioned the first 16 weeks. The last 4 weeks does become a drag on your system. Carbs are severely cut and calories are reduced, both of which sap your energy. In the final month, your cardio can be increased to inhumane levels in an attempt to shed as much body fat as possible**. Then, in the final week when you think that you cannot possibly take any more, you must deplete your system of water in order to show all of your definition. The last month is NO FUN.
But, it is so worth it in the end... it's kind of like cosmetic dental work. You probably won't like the process, but you're going to LOVE the end results.
Point to ponder... why are bodybuilders considered insane for their amount of discipline and commitment, but a hockey player who continues to play on a broken ankle is a hero??
**As an aside, it is impossible to have zero body fat. You would be surprised at how many people honestly believe that they have (or know someone who has) zero body fat. Impossible for either gender. You would die. Case closed.
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| Posted in Rantings | No Comments |
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