Yoga began in India 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and means, to join or integrate, or simply union. Yoga started, as far as we know, as part of India's philosophical system, but not everyone practiced yoga, and it has never been a religion.
About 5 million people in the United States do some yoga. Dance and stretching exercise classes usually have parts and pieces that come directly from yoga. If you ever go to a physical therapist, he or she may give you therapeutic exercises that are yoga postures.
There are several types of yoga. The yoga you may have seen on TV or taught at your local Y or an adult education class is called hatha yoga, or physical yoga. Sometimes it's known as the yoga for health. You may also find yoga being taught in a hospital or medical setting. Many health professionals today feel yoga can be part of a treatment plan.
Hatha yoga has three parts: a series of exercises or movements called asana (poses or postures in English), breathing techniques of all kinds, and relaxation.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
An All-Around Yoga Exercise: 12-Step Salute to the Sun
One of the all-around yoga exercises is the 12-step salute to the sun. Do it once or twice when you get up in the morning to help relieve stiffness and invigorate the body. Multiple repetitions at night will help you to relax; insomniacs often find that six to 12 rounds help them fall asleep.
1. Stand with your feet slightly apart, palms together, thumbs against your chest.
2. Inhale deeply while slowly raising your hands over your head, and bend back as far as possible, while tightening your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.
3. Slowly exhale and bend forward, keeping your knees straight, until your fingers touch the floor outside your feet. (If you can't touch the floor, go as close as you can.) Bring your head in toward your knees.
4. Slowly inhale, bend your knees, and if your fingertips aren't outside your feet on the floor, place them there. Slide your right foot back as far as you can go, with the right knee an inch or so off the floor, (a lunge position). Now look up as high as possible, arching your back.
5. Before exhaling again, slide your left foot back until it is beside the right one, and with your weight supported on your palms and toes, straighten both legs so that your body forms a flat plane. Make sure your stomach is pulled in.
6. Slowly exhale, bend both knees to the floor, bend with your hips in the air, lower your chest and forehead to the floor.
7. Now inhale slowly and look up, bending your head back, then raising it, followed by your upper chest, then lower chest. Your lower body - from the navel down - should be on the floor, and your elbows should be slightly bent. Hold for three to five seconds.
8. Exhale slowly and raise your hips until your feet and palms are flat on the floor and your arms and legs are straight in an inverted V position.
9. Inhale slowly and bring your right foot forward as in position 4. The foot should be flat on the floor between your fingertips. The left leg should be almost straight behind you, with its knee slightly off the floor. Raise your head, look up, and arch your back.
10. Slowly exhale and bring your left foot forward next to your right one. Straighten your legs and stand, trying to keep your fingertips on the floor, and try to touch your head to your knees as in position 3.
11. Slowly inhale, raise your arms up and stretch back as in position 2. Don't forget to tighten your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.
12. Slowly exhale, lowering your arms to your sides. Relax. Repeat the series.
1. Stand with your feet slightly apart, palms together, thumbs against your chest.
2. Inhale deeply while slowly raising your hands over your head, and bend back as far as possible, while tightening your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.
3. Slowly exhale and bend forward, keeping your knees straight, until your fingers touch the floor outside your feet. (If you can't touch the floor, go as close as you can.) Bring your head in toward your knees.
4. Slowly inhale, bend your knees, and if your fingertips aren't outside your feet on the floor, place them there. Slide your right foot back as far as you can go, with the right knee an inch or so off the floor, (a lunge position). Now look up as high as possible, arching your back.
5. Before exhaling again, slide your left foot back until it is beside the right one, and with your weight supported on your palms and toes, straighten both legs so that your body forms a flat plane. Make sure your stomach is pulled in.
6. Slowly exhale, bend both knees to the floor, bend with your hips in the air, lower your chest and forehead to the floor.
7. Now inhale slowly and look up, bending your head back, then raising it, followed by your upper chest, then lower chest. Your lower body - from the navel down - should be on the floor, and your elbows should be slightly bent. Hold for three to five seconds.
8. Exhale slowly and raise your hips until your feet and palms are flat on the floor and your arms and legs are straight in an inverted V position.
9. Inhale slowly and bring your right foot forward as in position 4. The foot should be flat on the floor between your fingertips. The left leg should be almost straight behind you, with its knee slightly off the floor. Raise your head, look up, and arch your back.
10. Slowly exhale and bring your left foot forward next to your right one. Straighten your legs and stand, trying to keep your fingertips on the floor, and try to touch your head to your knees as in position 3.
11. Slowly inhale, raise your arms up and stretch back as in position 2. Don't forget to tighten your buttocks. Hold for three seconds.
12. Slowly exhale, lowering your arms to your sides. Relax. Repeat the series.
Supplements For Building Muscle
If you were to walk into your local health and nutrition store looking for supplements that build muscle, you’ll probably find yourself confused and amazed at just how many products there are to choose from. With so many supplements available, it can be a little on the tricky side to decide which ones will help you with your goals. There are a lot of supplements out there to help you build muscle, although some may not be ideal for your goals.
The first thing to keep in mind, is the fact that you don’t always need muscle building supplements to build muscle, although will help you speed up the process. These types of supplements can help you increase muscular development, providing you work out. They can aid you in both muscle growth and the recovery of your muscles. Among the many products available, the most popular are protein, creatine, and multi-vitamins.
Protein is a preferred supplement among bodybuilders and those who exercise. It contains many amino acids which help you to build muscle. No matter what type of diet you are or on or supplement you select, you should always pick one that contains a lot of protein. The ideal way to take protein, is 2 grams per pound of body weight. You can get protein in pill form, powder, or even bars. When you select your protein supplement, you should also make sure that the supplement contains whey, soy, and eggs. Whey protein is the ideal supplement, as it contains everything you need to start building muscle.
Creatine is another beneficial supplement, as it will help you increase your muscle mass and improve the recovery time for your muscles. Creatine also helps you to increase your muscle pumps as well, allowing you to do more repetitions with more weight. Normally, you will need to go through a loading period of creatine, which is usually a week. Once you have loaded it, you should use in cycles, a few weeks using it and a few weeks off. To get the most from creatine, you should always follow the instructions the manufacturer has provided on the label.
Micro-vitamins are another great supplement, as they work great for those who aren’t getting enough minerals and vitamins with their normal diet. Although you may have the best of intentions, a busy or hectic schedule can make it very hard to get a healthy meal. If you use vitamin supplements in your diet, you can get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. If you are looking to build muscle, you should always take the proper supplements, and use protein bars and shakes if you aren’t able to eat a healthy meal.
Building muscle is something we would all like to do. Even though it requires a lot of exercise and commitment on your behalf, you should also have the necessary supplements as well. If you use the right supplements, you’ll notice the muscle growth in a matter of weeks. Supplements will help you to build muscle, by speeding up the process.
There are a lot of brands and manufacturers to choose from, including Weider and MuscleTech. You can find these supplements locally or online, giving you plenty of great deals to take advantage of. If you exercise and are looking to add more muscle mass to your body, you should give muscle building supplements a try. They work extremely well, they taste great, and they will greatly assist you in your quest to build muscle and live a healthier life.
The first thing to keep in mind, is the fact that you don’t always need muscle building supplements to build muscle, although will help you speed up the process. These types of supplements can help you increase muscular development, providing you work out. They can aid you in both muscle growth and the recovery of your muscles. Among the many products available, the most popular are protein, creatine, and multi-vitamins.
Protein is a preferred supplement among bodybuilders and those who exercise. It contains many amino acids which help you to build muscle. No matter what type of diet you are or on or supplement you select, you should always pick one that contains a lot of protein. The ideal way to take protein, is 2 grams per pound of body weight. You can get protein in pill form, powder, or even bars. When you select your protein supplement, you should also make sure that the supplement contains whey, soy, and eggs. Whey protein is the ideal supplement, as it contains everything you need to start building muscle.
Creatine is another beneficial supplement, as it will help you increase your muscle mass and improve the recovery time for your muscles. Creatine also helps you to increase your muscle pumps as well, allowing you to do more repetitions with more weight. Normally, you will need to go through a loading period of creatine, which is usually a week. Once you have loaded it, you should use in cycles, a few weeks using it and a few weeks off. To get the most from creatine, you should always follow the instructions the manufacturer has provided on the label.
Micro-vitamins are another great supplement, as they work great for those who aren’t getting enough minerals and vitamins with their normal diet. Although you may have the best of intentions, a busy or hectic schedule can make it very hard to get a healthy meal. If you use vitamin supplements in your diet, you can get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. If you are looking to build muscle, you should always take the proper supplements, and use protein bars and shakes if you aren’t able to eat a healthy meal.
Building muscle is something we would all like to do. Even though it requires a lot of exercise and commitment on your behalf, you should also have the necessary supplements as well. If you use the right supplements, you’ll notice the muscle growth in a matter of weeks. Supplements will help you to build muscle, by speeding up the process.
There are a lot of brands and manufacturers to choose from, including Weider and MuscleTech. You can find these supplements locally or online, giving you plenty of great deals to take advantage of. If you exercise and are looking to add more muscle mass to your body, you should give muscle building supplements a try. They work extremely well, they taste great, and they will greatly assist you in your quest to build muscle and live a healthier life.
Good Food Health Vitamin Intake
It is essential that a person is aware of what constitutes good food health vitamin intake. The federal drug administration produces a recommended daily allowance for the majority of vitamins which it regards as a good food health vitamin intake. These figures vary according to a person’s age, sex and some other factors so that the good food health vitamin intake for a young woman is going to be different to that of a man in his seventies.
The food health vitamin intake amounts of certain foods are included in the nutritional labelling. This labelling is important for a person to consider and helps ensure that they are receiving the correct food health vitamin intake from the foods that they eat. The nutritional information is often represented as a percentage of the recommended daily allowance of each vitamin and mineral and can help assess the value of the foods in the quest for good food health vitamin intake.
There are also a number of items that a person may want to restrict in their diet as part of their good food health vitamin intake. Again, the nutritional labelling of certain foods can help a person to see how high a product is in these undesirable contents. Salt and fat, for example, may be items that a person wants to consider limiting as part of their good food health vitamin intake even though they are not strictly vitamins. The majority of people actually refer to nutrients when they use the word vitamin and food manufacturers are aware that a person is looking at minerals and other items when they are considering their good food health vitamin intake. Fiber is another element that many people are more aware of as forming an essential part of a balanced diet and is necessary for good food health vitamin intake.
If a person is on a restricted diet for any reason then they need to pay even more attention to their good food health vitamin intake. Obviously, some foods contain different nutrients to others and this is applicable to vitamins as well and it may be more difficult for a person to achieve their good food health vitamin intake if they are unable to eat certain foods. Vitamin supplements can form an essential part of a good food health vitamin intake for people who are unable to obtain their vitamins from their normal diet. It is also worth remembering that the good food health vitamin intake for a person varies throughout their life depending on their general health.
The food health vitamin intake amounts of certain foods are included in the nutritional labelling. This labelling is important for a person to consider and helps ensure that they are receiving the correct food health vitamin intake from the foods that they eat. The nutritional information is often represented as a percentage of the recommended daily allowance of each vitamin and mineral and can help assess the value of the foods in the quest for good food health vitamin intake.
There are also a number of items that a person may want to restrict in their diet as part of their good food health vitamin intake. Again, the nutritional labelling of certain foods can help a person to see how high a product is in these undesirable contents. Salt and fat, for example, may be items that a person wants to consider limiting as part of their good food health vitamin intake even though they are not strictly vitamins. The majority of people actually refer to nutrients when they use the word vitamin and food manufacturers are aware that a person is looking at minerals and other items when they are considering their good food health vitamin intake. Fiber is another element that many people are more aware of as forming an essential part of a balanced diet and is necessary for good food health vitamin intake.
If a person is on a restricted diet for any reason then they need to pay even more attention to their good food health vitamin intake. Obviously, some foods contain different nutrients to others and this is applicable to vitamins as well and it may be more difficult for a person to achieve their good food health vitamin intake if they are unable to eat certain foods. Vitamin supplements can form an essential part of a good food health vitamin intake for people who are unable to obtain their vitamins from their normal diet. It is also worth remembering that the good food health vitamin intake for a person varies throughout their life depending on their general health.
Free Weight Loss programs
The race to fitness is on and a lot of people are getting into the band wagon. Some people do it to achieve a sexy body, some people just do it because they are embarrassed with the body they have now, while others do it simply to remain fit and heatlthy. As such, many fitness programs are out in the internet, in gyms, spas and fitness centers all over. Some are too expensive to afford that one may even lose weight just by trying to work out the money needed to pursue these fitness programs.
One may not have to go to the gym or the spa or any fitness center and spend much just to slim down to obtain that longed for sexy body. There are many books available in the bookstore which offer weight loss programs which are convenient and for free, of course the books are not though. These weight loss programs, or diet plans are gaining immense popularity with so much publicity, testimonials and reviews that one may be confused which exactly to follow. So before choosing which weight loss plan to follow, try reading these summaries about the most popular diet programs out today.
Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins. This weight loss program encourages high protein diet and a trim down on the carbs. One can feast on vegetables and meat but should fast on bread and pasta. One is also not restricted against fat intake so it is okay to pour in the salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, after the diet, one may find himself lacking on fiber and calcium yet high in fat. Intake of grains and fruits are also limited.
Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller. This diet plan advocates low carbohyrate eating. Approves on eating meats, vegetables and fruits, dairy and grain products. however, warns against taking in too much carb. "Reward" meal can be too high on fats and saturated fats.
Choose to Lose by Dr. Goor. Restrains fat intake. One is given a "fat" budget and he is given the liberty on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to watch his carbohydrate intake. Eating meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and seafoods is okay. A go signal is also given on eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta. This weight loss plan is fairly healthy, good amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch triglyceride levels though; if high, trim down the carbohydrates and tuck in more of the unsaturated fats.
The DASH Diet. Advocates moderate amounts of fat and protein intake and high on carbs. Primarily designed to lower blood pressure, the diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages high intake of whole wheat grains as well as fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy. Some dieters think it advocates too much eating to procure significant weight loss.
Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Ornish. Primarily vegetarian fare and strictly low-fat. Gives the go signal on the "glow" foods but warns to watch it on non-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet is poor in calcium and retricts consumption of healthy foods like seafoods and lean poultry.
Eat Right for Your Type. Interesting because it is based on the person's blood type. recommends plenty of mest for people with the blood type O. Diet plans for some blood types are nutritionally imbalanced and too low in calories. And for the record, there is even no proof that blood type affects dietary needs.
The Pritkin Principle. Focused on trimming the calorie density in eating by suggesting watery foods that make one feel full. Eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy is okay. Although limits protein sources to lean meat, pseafood and poultry. Although it is healthy by providing low amounts of saturated fats and rich amounts of vegetables and fruits, it is also low on calcium and limits lean protein sources.
Volumetrics. For low-density calorie eating. Recommends the same foodstuff as Pritkin but restricts fatty or dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This plan is reasonably healthy given the high amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as being low in calorie density and saturated fats.
The Zone. Moderately low on the carbs yet moderately high on the proteins. Encourages low-fat protein foods like fish and chicken plus veggies, fruits and grains. It is also healthy but lacking in grains and calcium.
Weight Watchers. High carbohydrates, moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. it allows the dieter to plan his own meal rather than give him a set to follow.
One may not have to go to the gym or the spa or any fitness center and spend much just to slim down to obtain that longed for sexy body. There are many books available in the bookstore which offer weight loss programs which are convenient and for free, of course the books are not though. These weight loss programs, or diet plans are gaining immense popularity with so much publicity, testimonials and reviews that one may be confused which exactly to follow. So before choosing which weight loss plan to follow, try reading these summaries about the most popular diet programs out today.
Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins. This weight loss program encourages high protein diet and a trim down on the carbs. One can feast on vegetables and meat but should fast on bread and pasta. One is also not restricted against fat intake so it is okay to pour in the salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, after the diet, one may find himself lacking on fiber and calcium yet high in fat. Intake of grains and fruits are also limited.
Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller. This diet plan advocates low carbohyrate eating. Approves on eating meats, vegetables and fruits, dairy and grain products. however, warns against taking in too much carb. "Reward" meal can be too high on fats and saturated fats.
Choose to Lose by Dr. Goor. Restrains fat intake. One is given a "fat" budget and he is given the liberty on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to watch his carbohydrate intake. Eating meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and seafoods is okay. A go signal is also given on eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta. This weight loss plan is fairly healthy, good amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch triglyceride levels though; if high, trim down the carbohydrates and tuck in more of the unsaturated fats.
The DASH Diet. Advocates moderate amounts of fat and protein intake and high on carbs. Primarily designed to lower blood pressure, the diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages high intake of whole wheat grains as well as fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy. Some dieters think it advocates too much eating to procure significant weight loss.
Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Ornish. Primarily vegetarian fare and strictly low-fat. Gives the go signal on the "glow" foods but warns to watch it on non-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet is poor in calcium and retricts consumption of healthy foods like seafoods and lean poultry.
Eat Right for Your Type. Interesting because it is based on the person's blood type. recommends plenty of mest for people with the blood type O. Diet plans for some blood types are nutritionally imbalanced and too low in calories. And for the record, there is even no proof that blood type affects dietary needs.
The Pritkin Principle. Focused on trimming the calorie density in eating by suggesting watery foods that make one feel full. Eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy is okay. Although limits protein sources to lean meat, pseafood and poultry. Although it is healthy by providing low amounts of saturated fats and rich amounts of vegetables and fruits, it is also low on calcium and limits lean protein sources.
Volumetrics. For low-density calorie eating. Recommends the same foodstuff as Pritkin but restricts fatty or dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This plan is reasonably healthy given the high amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as being low in calorie density and saturated fats.
The Zone. Moderately low on the carbs yet moderately high on the proteins. Encourages low-fat protein foods like fish and chicken plus veggies, fruits and grains. It is also healthy but lacking in grains and calcium.
Weight Watchers. High carbohydrates, moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. it allows the dieter to plan his own meal rather than give him a set to follow.
The Wondrous Benefits of Soy Protein
Soy protein is emerging as one of the great alternative protein sources for human consumption. Health experts are all excited about how soy protein can change the face of nutrition. What’s all the rage? Here are some great reasons to get with soy protein.
Soy Protein is Plant Protein
Soy beans contain complete protein and have one of the best protein digestibilities among all protein sources. Soy beans also contain little or no fat and have virtually no cholesterol. Lactose intolerant ones will be pleased to know that soy beans contain no lactose.
Being a plant protein, soy is free from steroids and antibiotics animal protein contains. It is also free from the parasites that contaminate some of these products. They also contain none of the diseases one can contract from mean sources such as Mad Cow Disease, and Foot and Mouth Disease.
Vegetarians love this bean as it provides a comparable – if not better – source of protein as compared to its animal counterpart. It provides a protein that is better and easier to digest and is comparable to most protein supplements.
Soy Beans are Very Versatile
Soy beans are very versatile. Various cuisines, especially Asian ones recognize the value of the humble soy bean. A variety of naturally yummy delicacies are all soy based: tofu, soy pudding, Soya milk, and meat substitutes – not to mention condiments such as soy sauce, and hoi sin sauce.
To counter the problem of world hunger, the growing of soybeans has been suggested. Not only are soybeans easy to grow and harvest, they will grow pretty much anywhere and produces much in a little time. There have been farmers reported to have replaced their entire crop line with soy bean plants. These hardy little plants produce much per harvest, and, as said earlier, can grow in even the most trying terrain.
The Great Substitute
Soy is low in fat and can be used to substitute most protein sources. When cooking, you may use soy substitutes instead of flour for a low fat alternative. This makes it a great protein source for those that are looking to lose weight without compromising their protein requirements.
Bodybuilders are considering how this can make their jobs a lot easier. Without the fat and with all the protein goodness – easily digestible at that – bodybuilding has just received a great blessing of a food.
Although these bodybuilders are currently debating how soy can be a help to bodybuilders, it doesn’t take away anything from what soy can contribute to the overall health of a person.
It is very advisable to stick to natural protein rather than processes protein if possible, as processed foods typically have some risk attached to them. The best use of this food can be attributed to how it perfectly fits into anyone’s low-fat, high-protein diet.
Soy products can be incorporated into shakes and drinks. And being lactose-free, lactose intolerant people will still be able to get their milkshake fix without having to suffer so.
Soy products are also a great source of other nutrients such as saponins, isoflavones, and phytosterol. Saponins help support a healthy immune system. It also combines with cholesterol to avoid increased absorption of cholesterol in the body. Phytosterols also help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body in the same way saponins do.
Isoflavones are powerful antioxidants and prevent the effects of free radicals in the body. They prevent many of the signs of aging and have been known to help prevent cancer. This alone makes soy a miracle protein source in its own right.
Isoflavones, along with vitamins A,C, and E are among the front liners in the fight against such disease – they also counter the effects of pollution, and stress.
How Much is Too Much
Unlike other protein sources, it is pretty safe to consume a wide amount of soy products. While allergies to soy products exist, cases are few and far between. When changing to a soy diet, however, it would be best to consult your physician or your nutritionist. Ask specifically if the soy interferes with any prescription drugs you are taking.
Soy can be great blessing for people who are looking for a great source of protein that does not entail the side effects of most of the other sources. It would be advisable for one to explore how it can improve one’s diet.
Soy Protein is Plant Protein
Soy beans contain complete protein and have one of the best protein digestibilities among all protein sources. Soy beans also contain little or no fat and have virtually no cholesterol. Lactose intolerant ones will be pleased to know that soy beans contain no lactose.
Being a plant protein, soy is free from steroids and antibiotics animal protein contains. It is also free from the parasites that contaminate some of these products. They also contain none of the diseases one can contract from mean sources such as Mad Cow Disease, and Foot and Mouth Disease.
Vegetarians love this bean as it provides a comparable – if not better – source of protein as compared to its animal counterpart. It provides a protein that is better and easier to digest and is comparable to most protein supplements.
Soy Beans are Very Versatile
Soy beans are very versatile. Various cuisines, especially Asian ones recognize the value of the humble soy bean. A variety of naturally yummy delicacies are all soy based: tofu, soy pudding, Soya milk, and meat substitutes – not to mention condiments such as soy sauce, and hoi sin sauce.
To counter the problem of world hunger, the growing of soybeans has been suggested. Not only are soybeans easy to grow and harvest, they will grow pretty much anywhere and produces much in a little time. There have been farmers reported to have replaced their entire crop line with soy bean plants. These hardy little plants produce much per harvest, and, as said earlier, can grow in even the most trying terrain.
The Great Substitute
Soy is low in fat and can be used to substitute most protein sources. When cooking, you may use soy substitutes instead of flour for a low fat alternative. This makes it a great protein source for those that are looking to lose weight without compromising their protein requirements.
Bodybuilders are considering how this can make their jobs a lot easier. Without the fat and with all the protein goodness – easily digestible at that – bodybuilding has just received a great blessing of a food.
Although these bodybuilders are currently debating how soy can be a help to bodybuilders, it doesn’t take away anything from what soy can contribute to the overall health of a person.
It is very advisable to stick to natural protein rather than processes protein if possible, as processed foods typically have some risk attached to them. The best use of this food can be attributed to how it perfectly fits into anyone’s low-fat, high-protein diet.
Soy products can be incorporated into shakes and drinks. And being lactose-free, lactose intolerant people will still be able to get their milkshake fix without having to suffer so.
Soy products are also a great source of other nutrients such as saponins, isoflavones, and phytosterol. Saponins help support a healthy immune system. It also combines with cholesterol to avoid increased absorption of cholesterol in the body. Phytosterols also help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body in the same way saponins do.
Isoflavones are powerful antioxidants and prevent the effects of free radicals in the body. They prevent many of the signs of aging and have been known to help prevent cancer. This alone makes soy a miracle protein source in its own right.
Isoflavones, along with vitamins A,C, and E are among the front liners in the fight against such disease – they also counter the effects of pollution, and stress.
How Much is Too Much
Unlike other protein sources, it is pretty safe to consume a wide amount of soy products. While allergies to soy products exist, cases are few and far between. When changing to a soy diet, however, it would be best to consult your physician or your nutritionist. Ask specifically if the soy interferes with any prescription drugs you are taking.
Soy can be great blessing for people who are looking for a great source of protein that does not entail the side effects of most of the other sources. It would be advisable for one to explore how it can improve one’s diet.
7 Diet Secrets of the Stars
Celebrities always look fabulous. Whether appearing in television or films or strutting down the red carpet during movie premiers and awards, they never cease to fascinate us with their larger than life presence. The truth is, it takes a lot of effort to look the way they do, and being the public figures that they are, they cannot afford to slack off when it comes to taking care of their physical appearances. Their livelihood largely depends on how they look. Aside from the clothes, the hair and the makeup, celebrities have to take good care of their bodies.
So it is no surprise that these stars have their own secrets when it comes to staying fit and gorgeous. Their health agenda can range from extreme workouts to well-planned meals. Who doesn't want to know their secrets in staying absolutely sexy? Here are some of the diet secrets of seven women celebrities.
1. Jennifer Aniston
The star of the phenomenal television show Friends not only mesmerized audiences with her adorable comic sense and her famous hairstyle, she was also known for having one of the sexiest bodies in Hollywood, as she appeared in countless magazine covers. To stay trim, Jennifer follows the 40:30:30 diet method. The diet consists of:
40% Low glycemic carbohydrates
-Foods such as beans, fruits and vegetables, legumes
30% lean proteins
-Tofu, fish, chicken, turkey, beef and low fat dairy products
30% essential fats
-nuts and seeds, fish and olive oils
It is essential that every meal should contain macronutrients to attain the balance of hormones and maximum weight loss.
2. Kate Hudson
The gorgeous daughter of actress Goldie Hawn gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy, which she needed to shed quickly before commencing on her next film. From her previous eating plan, she switched to a higher protein diet. She consumed high protein meals in smaller portions, and she combined this diet with an exercise program that includes weight training and cardiovascular workouts. After getting a lot of flak because of her post-pregnancy figure, Kate removed all that baby weight in only four months and has gained abdominal muscles that gained the envy of many in Hollywood.
3. Oprah Winfrey
As one of the most successful talk-show hosts in the world, there is no question that Oprah needs to maintain her physical appearance for her millions of audiences. Known as one of those celebrities who are constantly battling weight gain, she has recently toned up her figure and has never looked figure in age 50 by combining a regular exercise regime and diet plan. Oprah works out five days a week, spending 30 minutes on the threadmill and doing free weights. Her eating plan consists of legumes, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables, chicken and dairy products that are lowfat. She limits her consumption of white sugar and flour. Oprah also credits her trim figure to her habit of not eating anything after seven in the evening.
4. Gwyneth Paltrow
A lot of people may find it hard to believe that the perpetually slim Academy award-winning actress actually needs to diet. Gwyneth actually follows a healthy eating plan that resembles Oprah's, avoiding sugar and white flour. She usually follows a macrobiotic diet, eating foods like vegetables, brown rice, and lean meat. She also eliminated dairy from her diet, and does yoga everyday.
5. Madonna
The pop star known as the Material Girl has always flaunted a body that is to die for, and has become a true fitness paragon over the years. She keeps herself in tip-top shape by having Ashtanga Yoga, and follows a strict diet that mostly shuns junk foods. She adopted a macrobiotic eating plan that includes organic foods rich in lean protein.
6. Claudia Schiffer
The bodacious German supermodel eats salad and steamed vegetables for dinner and eats only fruits before the afternoon. While on locations, she prefers to eat black grapes and drinks tomato juice and herbal tea.
7. Christie Brinkley
Long-time supermodel maintains her all-American good looks by being a vegetarian. She does not keep junk foods of any kind inside her home to make sure that she does not eat them when cravings occur. She snacks on sweet potatoes in place of candy bars, and she adopts a liquid juice diet when she needs to slim down fast.
Celebrities are just like ordinary people. They need to maintain their figures just like anyone else, and there is more pressure on their part since they are constantly in the public eye. Ordinary folks can have celebrity-like bodies, too, and by following these diet and fitness plans, they can also look like red-carpet worthy.
So it is no surprise that these stars have their own secrets when it comes to staying fit and gorgeous. Their health agenda can range from extreme workouts to well-planned meals. Who doesn't want to know their secrets in staying absolutely sexy? Here are some of the diet secrets of seven women celebrities.
1. Jennifer Aniston
The star of the phenomenal television show Friends not only mesmerized audiences with her adorable comic sense and her famous hairstyle, she was also known for having one of the sexiest bodies in Hollywood, as she appeared in countless magazine covers. To stay trim, Jennifer follows the 40:30:30 diet method. The diet consists of:
40% Low glycemic carbohydrates
-Foods such as beans, fruits and vegetables, legumes
30% lean proteins
-Tofu, fish, chicken, turkey, beef and low fat dairy products
30% essential fats
-nuts and seeds, fish and olive oils
It is essential that every meal should contain macronutrients to attain the balance of hormones and maximum weight loss.
2. Kate Hudson
The gorgeous daughter of actress Goldie Hawn gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy, which she needed to shed quickly before commencing on her next film. From her previous eating plan, she switched to a higher protein diet. She consumed high protein meals in smaller portions, and she combined this diet with an exercise program that includes weight training and cardiovascular workouts. After getting a lot of flak because of her post-pregnancy figure, Kate removed all that baby weight in only four months and has gained abdominal muscles that gained the envy of many in Hollywood.
3. Oprah Winfrey
As one of the most successful talk-show hosts in the world, there is no question that Oprah needs to maintain her physical appearance for her millions of audiences. Known as one of those celebrities who are constantly battling weight gain, she has recently toned up her figure and has never looked figure in age 50 by combining a regular exercise regime and diet plan. Oprah works out five days a week, spending 30 minutes on the threadmill and doing free weights. Her eating plan consists of legumes, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables, chicken and dairy products that are lowfat. She limits her consumption of white sugar and flour. Oprah also credits her trim figure to her habit of not eating anything after seven in the evening.
4. Gwyneth Paltrow
A lot of people may find it hard to believe that the perpetually slim Academy award-winning actress actually needs to diet. Gwyneth actually follows a healthy eating plan that resembles Oprah's, avoiding sugar and white flour. She usually follows a macrobiotic diet, eating foods like vegetables, brown rice, and lean meat. She also eliminated dairy from her diet, and does yoga everyday.
5. Madonna
The pop star known as the Material Girl has always flaunted a body that is to die for, and has become a true fitness paragon over the years. She keeps herself in tip-top shape by having Ashtanga Yoga, and follows a strict diet that mostly shuns junk foods. She adopted a macrobiotic eating plan that includes organic foods rich in lean protein.
6. Claudia Schiffer
The bodacious German supermodel eats salad and steamed vegetables for dinner and eats only fruits before the afternoon. While on locations, she prefers to eat black grapes and drinks tomato juice and herbal tea.
7. Christie Brinkley
Long-time supermodel maintains her all-American good looks by being a vegetarian. She does not keep junk foods of any kind inside her home to make sure that she does not eat them when cravings occur. She snacks on sweet potatoes in place of candy bars, and she adopts a liquid juice diet when she needs to slim down fast.
Celebrities are just like ordinary people. They need to maintain their figures just like anyone else, and there is more pressure on their part since they are constantly in the public eye. Ordinary folks can have celebrity-like bodies, too, and by following these diet and fitness plans, they can also look like red-carpet worthy.
Becoming One of Those Sexy Fitness Babes
In today's modern society, you have to consider that being fit means being attractive. Besides, you would have more sex appeal if you have a great looking body instead of having those extra padding in your body. So, if you want to look and feel sexy and also have more self confidence, you have to consider starting a fitness program for your body.If you saw TV and fitness magazine advertising before, you have to admit that the fitness babes looks so attractive showing off their sexy and fit body. If you want to make it as a fitness babe or simply want to look like them, you have to consider working out in the gym. You have to realize the fact that having a well-toned and sexy body not only means that you will be very attractive it will also mean that your heart and the rest of your body will be healthy as well. By working out, you will be less at risk for heart diseases and other diseases such as diabetes.
As you can see, there are quite a lot of benefits that exercising or working out can provide. Aside from the fact that you will look attractive and have more self-confidence, you can prevent diseases from affecting you.
What if you are already a mom or are always very busy at work? You have to consider that some of these fitness babes are also a mom or are very busy at work. Working out to have a great looking body applies to everyone. You have to consider that there are quite a lot of fitness programs available in fitness centers today. There are fitness programs for moms and there are also different fitness programs for career women. If you saw moms and career women who look like fitness babes, you have to consider that they probably are. By just having enough discipline and dedication for fitness, it will be possible for you to get that healthy looking body that you have always wanted.
If you don’t have time to go to the gym, you can always purchase home gym equipments and hire a fitness expert to guide you and schedule you on your daily workout routine. They will also be able to provide you with the proper diet when you are working out. Many women today desire having a great looking and sexy and fit body. However, you have to consider that many women try everything only to have little or no results at all. Sometimes, women try different kinds of diet where it can be very dangerous for their health by depriving the proper nutrients that their body needs.
They also try cosmetic surgery, such as liposuction just to have a great looking body. However, these methods can just give you thin body. It will not eventually give you a fit and well toned body. And, these methods are usually dangerous.
So, if you want a well-toned body like those of fitness babes, you have to consider working out in order to have it. It is a natural way and it is also beneficial to your health.
Arnold Schwarzeneggar Body Building
There’s probably no one more well-known in the body building world than the governor of California. Arnold Schwarzeneggar made body building a household phenomenon with the release of his 1973 movie “Pumping Iron”. He has been granted the honor of single handedly making body building an everyday term.
When Arnold first started out in his body building career, he was just a young man. He started out as a “98 pound weakling” and grew into Mr. Universe. His transformation was an incredible display of body building might along with some amazing dedication.
There is probably no better body building story than that of Arnold Swarzeneggar. He worked a variety of jobs including that of street worker in Santa Monica, California. The entire time, he was also devoting all his off hours to honing and sculpting a beautiful body. In 1970, he was awarded the ultimate body building title of “Mr. Universe” and became a household name.
He kept on with his body building until he decided that a film career was the way to go. He found success as an actor in such films as “The Terminator”, “End of Days”, and “True Lies”. While he never won any type of award for his acting work, he still garnered the respect of many Hollywood elite for his strong performances in these films.
Arnold's first approach to bodybuilding was fairly atypical. When he was 13, he played soccer, but felt very dissatisfied with a team sport. "I didn't like the fact that I couldn't be personally gratified" he declared. He tried other endeavors: track and field, boxing, javelin throw and weightlifting. But only when his coach suggested he tried working with weights (to strengthen his legs), Arnold found his true vocation.
When he first walked into a gym he was literally awed. "I found myself in a gym, in awe of muscles I had never seen before and of which I didn't even know the correct name. The bodybuilders were powerful, Herculean. Before my very eyes, my true future opened up: I had found the answer I had been looking for." Thus began, at 16, the career of the greatest bodybuilder of all times, the man who would be crowned Mr. Olympia for a record seven times.
As his physique started developing, so did his self-confidence. Very soon he discovered the thing somebody described as the "power of size". And, as his muscles grew, so did the respect he was receiving from his peers. The growing of his muscular mass, started influencing his relationships with other young men and, of course, with women too. He realized that some women were decidedly turned on by his physique, whereas others seemed to be disgusted by it. "I wanted to become even bigger, so that I'd be able to really impress the girls who dug muscles and... irritate even more the ones who disliked them."
Arnold Schwarzeneggar is quite possibly the epitome of the body building ideal. When you are serious about your body building goals, you could do worse than following the advice of the great governor of California!
When Arnold first started out in his body building career, he was just a young man. He started out as a “98 pound weakling” and grew into Mr. Universe. His transformation was an incredible display of body building might along with some amazing dedication.
There is probably no better body building story than that of Arnold Swarzeneggar. He worked a variety of jobs including that of street worker in Santa Monica, California. The entire time, he was also devoting all his off hours to honing and sculpting a beautiful body. In 1970, he was awarded the ultimate body building title of “Mr. Universe” and became a household name.
He kept on with his body building until he decided that a film career was the way to go. He found success as an actor in such films as “The Terminator”, “End of Days”, and “True Lies”. While he never won any type of award for his acting work, he still garnered the respect of many Hollywood elite for his strong performances in these films.
Arnold's first approach to bodybuilding was fairly atypical. When he was 13, he played soccer, but felt very dissatisfied with a team sport. "I didn't like the fact that I couldn't be personally gratified" he declared. He tried other endeavors: track and field, boxing, javelin throw and weightlifting. But only when his coach suggested he tried working with weights (to strengthen his legs), Arnold found his true vocation.
When he first walked into a gym he was literally awed. "I found myself in a gym, in awe of muscles I had never seen before and of which I didn't even know the correct name. The bodybuilders were powerful, Herculean. Before my very eyes, my true future opened up: I had found the answer I had been looking for." Thus began, at 16, the career of the greatest bodybuilder of all times, the man who would be crowned Mr. Olympia for a record seven times.
As his physique started developing, so did his self-confidence. Very soon he discovered the thing somebody described as the "power of size". And, as his muscles grew, so did the respect he was receiving from his peers. The growing of his muscular mass, started influencing his relationships with other young men and, of course, with women too. He realized that some women were decidedly turned on by his physique, whereas others seemed to be disgusted by it. "I wanted to become even bigger, so that I'd be able to really impress the girls who dug muscles and... irritate even more the ones who disliked them."
Arnold Schwarzeneggar is quite possibly the epitome of the body building ideal. When you are serious about your body building goals, you could do worse than following the advice of the great governor of California!
Atkins and Appetite Suppression
One of the most common, and surprising, effects of following the Atkins diet is appetite suppression. Many followers of the plan report that the between meal hunger pangs they used to experience fade away very quickly. This makes it easier to stay on the diet and continue to lose weight. While other diets have their followers starving between meals, the Atkins diet offers relief from constant hunger. The Atkins diet, with its specific combination of foods and ingredients, has powerful appetite suppressing effects.
The first key component is the amount of protein in the Atkins diet. Protein, more so than carbohydrates, has the power to satiate hunger. If you’ve ever eaten a carb heavy meal and then felt hungry afterward, you know that carbohydrates don’t have much staying power. Protein, when combined with a small amount of healthy fats, can keep you feeling full for long periods of time.
One of the most powerful appetite suppressing foods on the Atkins diet are eggs. Eggs are a great form of quick and easy protein. A recent study showed that eating eggs for breakfast would actually stave off hunger pangs through the rest of the day. The research concerned two groups of women. One group ate eggs for breakfast and the other had a breakfast of bagels and cream cheese. The calorie count for both breakfasts was exactly the same. The subjects kept track of what they ate the rest of the day and answered questions about their levels of hunger and satisfaction throughout the day. The results showed that the women who ate the eggs for breakfast felt more satisfied throughout the entire day. They ate less at each meal than the women who were in the bagel group.
Eggs contain about 6 grams of protein each. This helps to even out blood sugar and produces a feeling of satisfaction. Both of these factors help to curb cravings. Egg yolks also contain lutein and xenazanthin. These nutrients have been shown to have incredible effects on eye health. So it’s important to eat the whole egg, and not just the white. Eggs contain choline that is important in brain functioning and memory. These nutrients are just an added benefit to the appetite suppressing qualities.
Broccoli and cauliflower, two of the acceptable vegetables on the Atkins program, also have appetite-suppressing effects. These vegetables are very bulky and they help make your stomach feel full. When your stomach feels full, it will actually create a chemical response in your body. Your body will reduce its appetite because it believes that your stomach is full of high calorie foods. This will happen regardless of what is in your stomach. You can achieve the same results with water and psyllium husk fiber. Both broccoli and cauliflower provide bulk in your diet and are essential vegetables on the Atkins plan.
The Atkins diet focuses on eating small protein balanced meals a few times per day. This will help keep your blood sugar stabilized and avoid carbohydrate cravings. With high carbohydrate diets, you are riding the wave of carbohydrate highs. After you eat, you feel great and full. Then a few hours later, you come crashing down and are hungrier than you were previous to eating the carbohydrate. This cycle continues and, over time, you will eat more and gain weight. The protein, fat and vegetable meals of the Atkins plan put your blood sugar back in balance. They provide just enough of each type of food, with a proper amount of carbohydrates (from the vegetables). The vegetables provide quick carbohydrate energy, and the protein gives the meal staying power. This combination helps suppress your appetite.
The Atkins diet is actually a craving control diet that can help suppress your appetite. If you’ve had a problem with carbohydrate cravings before, this new way of eating will help control those cravings. The more you eat on the plan, the better your cravings will be controlled and the easier it will be to follow the diet.
The first key component is the amount of protein in the Atkins diet. Protein, more so than carbohydrates, has the power to satiate hunger. If you’ve ever eaten a carb heavy meal and then felt hungry afterward, you know that carbohydrates don’t have much staying power. Protein, when combined with a small amount of healthy fats, can keep you feeling full for long periods of time.
One of the most powerful appetite suppressing foods on the Atkins diet are eggs. Eggs are a great form of quick and easy protein. A recent study showed that eating eggs for breakfast would actually stave off hunger pangs through the rest of the day. The research concerned two groups of women. One group ate eggs for breakfast and the other had a breakfast of bagels and cream cheese. The calorie count for both breakfasts was exactly the same. The subjects kept track of what they ate the rest of the day and answered questions about their levels of hunger and satisfaction throughout the day. The results showed that the women who ate the eggs for breakfast felt more satisfied throughout the entire day. They ate less at each meal than the women who were in the bagel group.
Eggs contain about 6 grams of protein each. This helps to even out blood sugar and produces a feeling of satisfaction. Both of these factors help to curb cravings. Egg yolks also contain lutein and xenazanthin. These nutrients have been shown to have incredible effects on eye health. So it’s important to eat the whole egg, and not just the white. Eggs contain choline that is important in brain functioning and memory. These nutrients are just an added benefit to the appetite suppressing qualities.
Broccoli and cauliflower, two of the acceptable vegetables on the Atkins program, also have appetite-suppressing effects. These vegetables are very bulky and they help make your stomach feel full. When your stomach feels full, it will actually create a chemical response in your body. Your body will reduce its appetite because it believes that your stomach is full of high calorie foods. This will happen regardless of what is in your stomach. You can achieve the same results with water and psyllium husk fiber. Both broccoli and cauliflower provide bulk in your diet and are essential vegetables on the Atkins plan.
The Atkins diet focuses on eating small protein balanced meals a few times per day. This will help keep your blood sugar stabilized and avoid carbohydrate cravings. With high carbohydrate diets, you are riding the wave of carbohydrate highs. After you eat, you feel great and full. Then a few hours later, you come crashing down and are hungrier than you were previous to eating the carbohydrate. This cycle continues and, over time, you will eat more and gain weight. The protein, fat and vegetable meals of the Atkins plan put your blood sugar back in balance. They provide just enough of each type of food, with a proper amount of carbohydrates (from the vegetables). The vegetables provide quick carbohydrate energy, and the protein gives the meal staying power. This combination helps suppress your appetite.
The Atkins diet is actually a craving control diet that can help suppress your appetite. If you’ve had a problem with carbohydrate cravings before, this new way of eating will help control those cravings. The more you eat on the plan, the better your cravings will be controlled and the easier it will be to follow the diet.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Atkins Diet Basics
The Atkins diet is not a new phenomenon. The diet first appeared in the late 1970s and has grown popularity in recent years in response to the low-fat diet craze. As dieters had trouble with low-fat plans, they searched for a new solution and Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution book found a new audience.
A lot of people have jumped on the Atkins bandwagon and there has been a lot of hype as a result. But what are the basic principles of the Atkins diet?
The Atkins diet is based on a theory of why we get fat. According to Dr. Atkins, the over-consumption of carbohydrates and simple sugars leads to weight gain. The way your body processes the carbohydrates you eat have more to do with your waistline than the amount of fat or calories that you consume. In his book, Atkins outlines a phenomenon called “insulin resistance.” He theorizes that many overweight people have cells that do not work correctly.
When you eat excess carbohydrates and sugar, your body notices that sugar levels are elevated. Insulin is released from the pancreas in order to store sugar as glycogen in the liver and muscle cells for extra energy later on. However, your body can only store so much glycogen at once. As soon as your body reaches its limit for glycogen storage, the excess carbohydrates are stored as fat. This happens to everyone who eats too many carbohydrates.
However, insulin resistant individuals have an even harder time of using and storing excess carbohydrates. The more insulin that your body is exposed to, the more resistant it becomes. Overtime, the pancreas releases more insulin and cells become insulin resistant. The cells are trying to protect themselves from the toxic effects of high insulin. They create less glycogen and more fat.
As a result, insulin resistant individuals gain extra weight. The carbohydrates get converted into fat instead of energy. Other side effects include fatigue, brain “fog” (the inability to focus, poor memory, loss of creativity), low blood sugar (which can leads to hypoglycemia), intestinal bloating, sleepiness, depression and increased blood sugar. There is much more than weight at stake when you are insulin resistant.
The remedy for people who are insulin resistant is a diet restricted in carbohydrates. The crux of the Atkins diet is a limitation of carbohydrates in all of its forms. The foods restricted on the Atkins plan include simple sugars (like cookies, sodas and sweets) and complex carbohydrates (like bread, rice and grains). Even carbohydrates that are considered healthy, such as oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread, are restricted on the program.
The diet has you restrict your carbohydrate intake to less than 40 grams a day. This will put your body in a state of ketosis. While in ketosis, your body will burn fat as fuel. According to Dr. Atkins’ research, the ketosis state will also affect insulin production and it will prevent more fat from being formed. Your body will begin using your stored fat as an efficient form of fuel, and you’ll lose weight.
Another benefit of the Atkins plan is that ketosis will end your cravings for carbohydrates. If you’ve been living on a carb-heavy diet, you may have found that you simply cannot get enough carbohydrates. With carbohydrate restriction and ketosis comes a reduction in carbohydrate cravings. People who have been on the Atkins diet for some time report that they do not crave carbohydrates as they once did.
Although the initial phases of the Atkins diet are rather strict, the program teaches you to restore balance to your diet in the long run. People who use the diet slowly reintroduce minimal amounts of carbohydrate into their eating until they find a comfortable balance between their health and carbohydrate use.
The basic principles of the Atkins diet have been adapted to many other low-carb diet plans. However, Atkins popularity still remains strong as one of the most effective low-carbohydrate solutions for those who are insulin resistant.
A lot of people have jumped on the Atkins bandwagon and there has been a lot of hype as a result. But what are the basic principles of the Atkins diet?
The Atkins diet is based on a theory of why we get fat. According to Dr. Atkins, the over-consumption of carbohydrates and simple sugars leads to weight gain. The way your body processes the carbohydrates you eat have more to do with your waistline than the amount of fat or calories that you consume. In his book, Atkins outlines a phenomenon called “insulin resistance.” He theorizes that many overweight people have cells that do not work correctly.
When you eat excess carbohydrates and sugar, your body notices that sugar levels are elevated. Insulin is released from the pancreas in order to store sugar as glycogen in the liver and muscle cells for extra energy later on. However, your body can only store so much glycogen at once. As soon as your body reaches its limit for glycogen storage, the excess carbohydrates are stored as fat. This happens to everyone who eats too many carbohydrates.
However, insulin resistant individuals have an even harder time of using and storing excess carbohydrates. The more insulin that your body is exposed to, the more resistant it becomes. Overtime, the pancreas releases more insulin and cells become insulin resistant. The cells are trying to protect themselves from the toxic effects of high insulin. They create less glycogen and more fat.
As a result, insulin resistant individuals gain extra weight. The carbohydrates get converted into fat instead of energy. Other side effects include fatigue, brain “fog” (the inability to focus, poor memory, loss of creativity), low blood sugar (which can leads to hypoglycemia), intestinal bloating, sleepiness, depression and increased blood sugar. There is much more than weight at stake when you are insulin resistant.
The remedy for people who are insulin resistant is a diet restricted in carbohydrates. The crux of the Atkins diet is a limitation of carbohydrates in all of its forms. The foods restricted on the Atkins plan include simple sugars (like cookies, sodas and sweets) and complex carbohydrates (like bread, rice and grains). Even carbohydrates that are considered healthy, such as oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread, are restricted on the program.
The diet has you restrict your carbohydrate intake to less than 40 grams a day. This will put your body in a state of ketosis. While in ketosis, your body will burn fat as fuel. According to Dr. Atkins’ research, the ketosis state will also affect insulin production and it will prevent more fat from being formed. Your body will begin using your stored fat as an efficient form of fuel, and you’ll lose weight.
Another benefit of the Atkins plan is that ketosis will end your cravings for carbohydrates. If you’ve been living on a carb-heavy diet, you may have found that you simply cannot get enough carbohydrates. With carbohydrate restriction and ketosis comes a reduction in carbohydrate cravings. People who have been on the Atkins diet for some time report that they do not crave carbohydrates as they once did.
Although the initial phases of the Atkins diet are rather strict, the program teaches you to restore balance to your diet in the long run. People who use the diet slowly reintroduce minimal amounts of carbohydrate into their eating until they find a comfortable balance between their health and carbohydrate use.
The basic principles of the Atkins diet have been adapted to many other low-carb diet plans. However, Atkins popularity still remains strong as one of the most effective low-carbohydrate solutions for those who are insulin resistant.
The “Quick Weight Loss Diet” Trend Disadvantage
If you wear a size 14 and you blow a bundle on designer size 8 dresses as motivation, you will probably end up feeling guilty, frustrated, and angry if you are not slinking around in it a month later.
In reality, you will do much better setting smaller, achievable targets for yourself. If you must try the new-clothes strategy, go down a size at a time, and do not buy anything you have to take out a second mortgage to pay for.
Because, if you continue to remorse on losing weight fast, you will end up incorporating fad diets or those that offer quick weight loss.
For most people who are not aware of this fact, there are no such things as quick weight loss diets and there is no nippy weight loss for people who want to be slimmer than what their body can provide.
The problem with most people is that they tend to opt for nippy fixes wherein fact these things are not effective at all.
What Does Not Work
Today, there are plenty of weight-loss strategies that are guaranteed to backfire. This is because these nippy fixes instilled on certain diet plans are, in reality, not efficient because it does not employ the right principle and the right attitude in losing weight.
These quick weight loss diet plans are known as fad diets because that is exactly what they are, just a fad. In time, when fashion is over and popularity wanes down, people will realize that the diet they have depended on is not reliable at all.
To know more about these fad diets that are selling like hotcakes in the market today, here is a list of some telltale signs that would tell you not to try it even once.
Here they are:
1. Skipping meals
Does your diet plan require you to skip meals? If it does, then, it is a fad diet.
Abstain from food completely is not a healthy habit. It may even cause some serious complications or problems especially for people who are sick with diabetes.
Skipping meals will only cause a hypoglycemia, or the condition wherein your blood sugar is really low, and will probably only be effective in making you eat twice as much at the next meal.
2. Dieting without exercise, or vice versa
Exercise is crucial to the human body. It is important in the proper blood circulation and other activities of the human body system.
Therefore, diet plans that do not require you to exercise are nuisances. People are born to move.
But then again, exercise alone is not sufficient. Hence, it would be better if diet and exercise will go hand-in-hand.
3. Continuous dawdling
There is no better time to start losing weight. If you want to really lose those excess fats, you have to lose weight now.
Delaying tactics will not get you anywhere and will only make the problem worse. So, if your diet plan suggests a certain timeframe for you start losing weight, chances are, you are following the trend of fad diets.
Boiled down, it is best to rely more on the way you feel than the tale of the tape. This means that if the weighing scale tells you that you are losing weight even if it is slower than you would like, but you are feeling energetic and positive about your weight-loss efforts, then, you are just doing fine.
As mentioned and is worth mentioning all over again, weight loss is not a quick process.
In reality, you will do much better setting smaller, achievable targets for yourself. If you must try the new-clothes strategy, go down a size at a time, and do not buy anything you have to take out a second mortgage to pay for.
Because, if you continue to remorse on losing weight fast, you will end up incorporating fad diets or those that offer quick weight loss.
For most people who are not aware of this fact, there are no such things as quick weight loss diets and there is no nippy weight loss for people who want to be slimmer than what their body can provide.
The problem with most people is that they tend to opt for nippy fixes wherein fact these things are not effective at all.
What Does Not Work
Today, there are plenty of weight-loss strategies that are guaranteed to backfire. This is because these nippy fixes instilled on certain diet plans are, in reality, not efficient because it does not employ the right principle and the right attitude in losing weight.
These quick weight loss diet plans are known as fad diets because that is exactly what they are, just a fad. In time, when fashion is over and popularity wanes down, people will realize that the diet they have depended on is not reliable at all.
To know more about these fad diets that are selling like hotcakes in the market today, here is a list of some telltale signs that would tell you not to try it even once.
Here they are:
1. Skipping meals
Does your diet plan require you to skip meals? If it does, then, it is a fad diet.
Abstain from food completely is not a healthy habit. It may even cause some serious complications or problems especially for people who are sick with diabetes.
Skipping meals will only cause a hypoglycemia, or the condition wherein your blood sugar is really low, and will probably only be effective in making you eat twice as much at the next meal.
2. Dieting without exercise, or vice versa
Exercise is crucial to the human body. It is important in the proper blood circulation and other activities of the human body system.
Therefore, diet plans that do not require you to exercise are nuisances. People are born to move.
But then again, exercise alone is not sufficient. Hence, it would be better if diet and exercise will go hand-in-hand.
3. Continuous dawdling
There is no better time to start losing weight. If you want to really lose those excess fats, you have to lose weight now.
Delaying tactics will not get you anywhere and will only make the problem worse. So, if your diet plan suggests a certain timeframe for you start losing weight, chances are, you are following the trend of fad diets.
Boiled down, it is best to rely more on the way you feel than the tale of the tape. This means that if the weighing scale tells you that you are losing weight even if it is slower than you would like, but you are feeling energetic and positive about your weight-loss efforts, then, you are just doing fine.
As mentioned and is worth mentioning all over again, weight loss is not a quick process.
Beauty and Fitness
Health is wealth. By being physically fit, it can make a person look lean both inside and out.
There is a lot a person can do such jogging or walking in the morning, playing basketball or any other sport with friends but if a person wants to have muscles and look lean, the best thing to do will be to sign up and workout in a gym.
Just like taking any medicine, one should first consult the doctor before undergoing any form of exercise.
Physical exercise is beneficial because it helps maintain and improve ones health from a variety of diseases and premature death. It also makes a person feel happier and increases ones self esteem preventing one from falling into depression or anxiety. It has also shown to make a person with an active lifestyle live longer than a person who doesn’t.
The best exercise plan should have cardiovascular and weight training exercises. This helps burn calories and increase the muscle to fat ratio that will increase ones metabolism and make one either gain or lose weight.
A person who has never worked out before should do it gradually. Doing it too much for the first time can make one pull a muscle or have an injury making it worse. Endurance will never be built in a day and doing it repeatedly will surely be good to the person.
Focusing on certain portion in the body can help make it improve. A good example is going to the gym and doing a workout more often in a specific area such as the abs can give one a chest pack.
But beauty is not only about having muscles which is what people can see. It is also about enhancing the beauty within.
Here are some things one can do everyday to stay beautiful and healthy;
· Reading books and other reading material more often keeps the mind sharp just like working out keeps the body in shape.
· Work no matter what kind it is produces stress. One can reduce this by taking the time out to do something special like lying in a hot tub, shopping or watching a movie. Studies have shown it is reliever and helps one from looking haggardly.
· Pollution is something people cannot control given the size of the problem. When one goes out, it is best to put some form of protection such as beauty products that contain antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. There are also other beauty products available and choosing the right one with the help of a dermatologist can help the person.
· Another way to stay healthy is to give up some vices. Most people smoke and drink. Smoking has been proven to cause lung cancer and other diseases as well complications for women giving birth. Excessive drinking has also shown to do the same.
· For people who don’t smoke, it is best to stay away from people who do since studies have shown that nonsmokers are also at risk of developing cancer due to secondary smoke inhalation.
· Lastly, it is best to always start the day with a positive outlook. Just as studies have shown that exercise makes a person feel happier, smiling produces the same effect. A smile can do a lot and it is contagious in a positive sense. It brightens the day of not only one but others as well.
There is a lot a person can do such jogging or walking in the morning, playing basketball or any other sport with friends but if a person wants to have muscles and look lean, the best thing to do will be to sign up and workout in a gym.
Just like taking any medicine, one should first consult the doctor before undergoing any form of exercise.
Physical exercise is beneficial because it helps maintain and improve ones health from a variety of diseases and premature death. It also makes a person feel happier and increases ones self esteem preventing one from falling into depression or anxiety. It has also shown to make a person with an active lifestyle live longer than a person who doesn’t.
The best exercise plan should have cardiovascular and weight training exercises. This helps burn calories and increase the muscle to fat ratio that will increase ones metabolism and make one either gain or lose weight.
A person who has never worked out before should do it gradually. Doing it too much for the first time can make one pull a muscle or have an injury making it worse. Endurance will never be built in a day and doing it repeatedly will surely be good to the person.
Focusing on certain portion in the body can help make it improve. A good example is going to the gym and doing a workout more often in a specific area such as the abs can give one a chest pack.
But beauty is not only about having muscles which is what people can see. It is also about enhancing the beauty within.
Here are some things one can do everyday to stay beautiful and healthy;
· Reading books and other reading material more often keeps the mind sharp just like working out keeps the body in shape.
· Work no matter what kind it is produces stress. One can reduce this by taking the time out to do something special like lying in a hot tub, shopping or watching a movie. Studies have shown it is reliever and helps one from looking haggardly.
· Pollution is something people cannot control given the size of the problem. When one goes out, it is best to put some form of protection such as beauty products that contain antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. There are also other beauty products available and choosing the right one with the help of a dermatologist can help the person.
· Another way to stay healthy is to give up some vices. Most people smoke and drink. Smoking has been proven to cause lung cancer and other diseases as well complications for women giving birth. Excessive drinking has also shown to do the same.
· For people who don’t smoke, it is best to stay away from people who do since studies have shown that nonsmokers are also at risk of developing cancer due to secondary smoke inhalation.
· Lastly, it is best to always start the day with a positive outlook. Just as studies have shown that exercise makes a person feel happier, smiling produces the same effect. A smile can do a lot and it is contagious in a positive sense. It brightens the day of not only one but others as well.
How To Unleash An EARTHQUAKE In Your Muscle Fibers!
When an earthquake unleashes its fury, there's also a series of "aftershocks" that roar through an affected area and can hit within a few hours...or even DAYS later!
When it comes to building muscle, you can use a similar "aftershock" technique that will not only increase muscle fiber activation...
...but GREATLY increase your mass-building capacity!
I'm currently in a "mass building" cycle and this technique comes straight out of my "Advanced Mass Building" program (though you've probably never heard it explained this way before).
Here's how it works:
First, you're going to be supersetting two exercises (performed back-to-back), both targeting the SAME muscle group. For this example, we're going to use everyone's favorite...the CHEST!
Your first exercise is going to be an isolation exercise that uses a "super stretch" movement. An example of this would be incline dumbbell flyes where, at the bottom position, your arms are below the body and you can feel a "stretch" in the targeted area.
Your second exercise is going to be a compound "power mover" where you can push a lot of weight. For this example, we're going to work the incline barbell bench press.
By first performing your isolation exercise and getting a deep stretch at the bottom of the movement, your muscle fibers get extremely elongated. Your body, as it's programmed to do, senses this extreme stretch position as a potential "crisis" and triggers what's known as a "myotatic reflex" - a hyperstimulation of the central nervous system to ward off injury by calling in more muscle fibers around the targeted area to help out.
(Note: I'm not talking about "ultra-stretching" the muscle to the point of injury. Just lower the dumbbells in a controlled fashion until you feel a deep - but safe - stretch in your pecs, then raise the weight to the top position)
This initial hyper-stimulation of your muscle fibers is the perfect setup for your next exercise that uses the "aftershock" of the myotatic reflex to activate even more muscle fibers. Compound exercises like the incline bench press are ideal for this type of training because your first set isolated your targeted muscle group first and now you can get help from your other supporting muscles (like your shoulders and triceps) to push more weight and hit your Type II muscle fibers even HARDER!
Not to be confused with simple "pre-exhaust" training, this myotatic reflex training looks deceptively similar and simple...but the effects are felt deep in the epicenter of your muscles where real growth begins!
When it comes to building muscle, you can use a similar "aftershock" technique that will not only increase muscle fiber activation...
...but GREATLY increase your mass-building capacity!
I'm currently in a "mass building" cycle and this technique comes straight out of my "Advanced Mass Building" program (though you've probably never heard it explained this way before).
Here's how it works:
First, you're going to be supersetting two exercises (performed back-to-back), both targeting the SAME muscle group. For this example, we're going to use everyone's favorite...the CHEST!
Your first exercise is going to be an isolation exercise that uses a "super stretch" movement. An example of this would be incline dumbbell flyes where, at the bottom position, your arms are below the body and you can feel a "stretch" in the targeted area.
Your second exercise is going to be a compound "power mover" where you can push a lot of weight. For this example, we're going to work the incline barbell bench press.
By first performing your isolation exercise and getting a deep stretch at the bottom of the movement, your muscle fibers get extremely elongated. Your body, as it's programmed to do, senses this extreme stretch position as a potential "crisis" and triggers what's known as a "myotatic reflex" - a hyperstimulation of the central nervous system to ward off injury by calling in more muscle fibers around the targeted area to help out.
(Note: I'm not talking about "ultra-stretching" the muscle to the point of injury. Just lower the dumbbells in a controlled fashion until you feel a deep - but safe - stretch in your pecs, then raise the weight to the top position)
This initial hyper-stimulation of your muscle fibers is the perfect setup for your next exercise that uses the "aftershock" of the myotatic reflex to activate even more muscle fibers. Compound exercises like the incline bench press are ideal for this type of training because your first set isolated your targeted muscle group first and now you can get help from your other supporting muscles (like your shoulders and triceps) to push more weight and hit your Type II muscle fibers even HARDER!
Not to be confused with simple "pre-exhaust" training, this myotatic reflex training looks deceptively similar and simple...but the effects are felt deep in the epicenter of your muscles where real growth begins!
Cheap Old School Supplement That Burns Fat Fast!
All but lost is a little-known "Old School" supplement that used to be one of pro bodybuilding's Top Gun supplements for when competitors were trying to shed crazy amounts of body fat, but needed to hold on to as much muscle as possible.
Why haven't you heard of it as often?
Well quite frankly, over the years, individual supplements just haven't been as "sexy" as the high priced "breakthrough formulas" being marketed...and not as profitable for the supplement companies!
So what is this amazing (yet boring) supplement that can dramatically increase fat-burning while helping keep the muscle mass you've worked so hard for?
It's called "Medium Chain Triglycerides" (MCT's) and it's one of those supplements that has been PROVEN to work!
MCT's most often come in the form of an oil (either by itself in supplement form or in coconut oil) and is itself a FAT...
...a fat that actually BURNS FAT!
You see, MCT's are digested differently than other fats.
For one, they CANNOT trigger fat storage no matter how much you take!
Weird...but TRUE!
Also, they produce a LOT of energy and are burned very quickly, thereby saving your muscles from being broken down for fuel during cycles of intense training.
I suggest using the complete formula in "Homemade Supplements" first because I show you how to use it in combination with a few other cheap supplements to create a KILLER personal supplement you can make yourself!
(You can learn how to make your own supplements at http://tinyurl.com/ybleuba)
However, you can also take a tablespoon by itself during dieting cycles when you need extra energy but don't want to increase your calories.
The best times are immediately upon waking or about 20-30 minutes before weight training.
Give this "lost supplement" a try if your goal is to burn body fat while you're still training with weights.
It's a VERY powerful addition to your supplement program that won't cost you a kidney!
Bodybuilding Training Tip For More Growth Hormone Release
More growth hormone (GH) = more MUSCLE, right?
It's a known fact that anyone looking to build more muscle mass must address your body's natural "hormone factory" to see some real gains in size.
But different hormones are stimulated in different ways.
Here's a cool (and SIMPLE!) "Quick Tip" to add to your next workout to raise GH naturally and kick start some KILLER MASS...
=============================
"Quick Tip" For Skyrocketing GH..
=============================
On your very LAST SET of each exercise, when you know that you have 2 REPS left in you...
...DON'T take them!
Instead, bring the weight to the PEAK CONTRACTION POINT or "flexed" position (e.g.- for bicep curls, it would be the "up" position) and hold the weight while flexing your targeted muscle.
Your goal is to hold this flexing for 20 SECONDS (called "static contraction) before slowly letting the weight down.
This is going to burn like HELL...
...and that's EXACTLY what you're looking for!
=============================
Why This Works...
=============================
That "burn" you feel is your body's natural "lactic acid response".
When lactic acid is triggered in the body, it sends a signal to your endocrine system to release growth hormone as a "recovery aid".
And that GH release is a powerful mass-building chemical in your body and your gains will SOAR!
Note: Do this for no more than 1 EXERCISE per body part in your workouts for 1 WEEK. Skip a week before doing it again.
=============================
Special Consideration For...
=============================
...if you're using my Advanced Mass Building program (http://tinyurl.com/yjbvm86), then give this method a try in WEEK 3 of your mass-building cycle.
In other words, instead of the insane "DSP" technique I teach you, give this method a try instead to change this up a bit.
Go for it...and feel the burn! ;-)
It's a known fact that anyone looking to build more muscle mass must address your body's natural "hormone factory" to see some real gains in size.
But different hormones are stimulated in different ways.
Here's a cool (and SIMPLE!) "Quick Tip" to add to your next workout to raise GH naturally and kick start some KILLER MASS...
=============================
"Quick Tip" For Skyrocketing GH..
=============================
On your very LAST SET of each exercise, when you know that you have 2 REPS left in you...
...DON'T take them!
Instead, bring the weight to the PEAK CONTRACTION POINT or "flexed" position (e.g.- for bicep curls, it would be the "up" position) and hold the weight while flexing your targeted muscle.
Your goal is to hold this flexing for 20 SECONDS (called "static contraction) before slowly letting the weight down.
This is going to burn like HELL...
...and that's EXACTLY what you're looking for!
=============================
Why This Works...
=============================
That "burn" you feel is your body's natural "lactic acid response".
When lactic acid is triggered in the body, it sends a signal to your endocrine system to release growth hormone as a "recovery aid".
And that GH release is a powerful mass-building chemical in your body and your gains will SOAR!
Note: Do this for no more than 1 EXERCISE per body part in your workouts for 1 WEEK. Skip a week before doing it again.
=============================
Special Consideration For...
=============================
...if you're using my Advanced Mass Building program (http://tinyurl.com/yjbvm86), then give this method a try in WEEK 3 of your mass-building cycle.
In other words, instead of the insane "DSP" technique I teach you, give this method a try instead to change this up a bit.
Go for it...and feel the burn! ;-)
Best Abs Exercises Technique For 3-D Abs!
Check out any local gym and you'll see inexperienced members training their abs with endless sets of situps and crunches, right?
While the abs are predominantly made of Type 1 (endurance) muscle fibers and respond to slightly higher repetition ranges,your abs are made up of muscle just like any other part of your body.
Therefore the best abs exercises to get that "cut" look are those that are resistance-based and treat them like any other muscle.
But there's a special little trick you must know in order to maximize your abs training on your way to having a stacked 6-pack.
In fact, ignoring this principle, could force you to develop "lopsided" abs that are so common among beginner bodybuilders.
Let me share this secret with you now...
The main abdominal muscle you want to be working when training your abs is your "rectus abdominis", that sheet of rippled muscle that goes from your rib cage all the way down the front of your body to your pelvis.
What's unique about this abdominal muscle group is that the upper abs can work separately from the lower abs (to some extent)...BUT when you work your lower abs exercises, your upper abs are ALWAYS working as well.
This is why most people (including myself from years of military training focusing on upper abs) had overdeveloped upper abs but underdeveloped lower abs.
Here's how to correct this...
Make sure you train your LOWER ABS first in your abs workout (ALWAYS!) which brings both upper and lower abs into the workload!
If you don't work your lower abs first, you exhaust your upper abs too soon and when you DO target your lower abs, your upper abs will fatigue too fast and you'll end up with under-targeted lower abs.
So the best exercises for lower abs are:
* Incline Leg Raises
* Incline Knee Ups
* Hanging Leg Raises
* Flat Bench Leg Raises
And then follow up with the best upper abs exercises:
* Crunches
* Weighted Crunches
* Situps
* Hanging Knee Raises
While the abs are predominantly made of Type 1 (endurance) muscle fibers and respond to slightly higher repetition ranges,your abs are made up of muscle just like any other part of your body.
Therefore the best abs exercises to get that "cut" look are those that are resistance-based and treat them like any other muscle.
But there's a special little trick you must know in order to maximize your abs training on your way to having a stacked 6-pack.
In fact, ignoring this principle, could force you to develop "lopsided" abs that are so common among beginner bodybuilders.
Let me share this secret with you now...
The main abdominal muscle you want to be working when training your abs is your "rectus abdominis", that sheet of rippled muscle that goes from your rib cage all the way down the front of your body to your pelvis.
What's unique about this abdominal muscle group is that the upper abs can work separately from the lower abs (to some extent)...BUT when you work your lower abs exercises, your upper abs are ALWAYS working as well.
This is why most people (including myself from years of military training focusing on upper abs) had overdeveloped upper abs but underdeveloped lower abs.
Here's how to correct this...
Make sure you train your LOWER ABS first in your abs workout (ALWAYS!) which brings both upper and lower abs into the workload!
If you don't work your lower abs first, you exhaust your upper abs too soon and when you DO target your lower abs, your upper abs will fatigue too fast and you'll end up with under-targeted lower abs.
So the best exercises for lower abs are:
* Incline Leg Raises
* Incline Knee Ups
* Hanging Leg Raises
* Flat Bench Leg Raises
And then follow up with the best upper abs exercises:
* Crunches
* Weighted Crunches
* Situps
* Hanging Knee Raises
The Great Protein Lie!
Protein supplements are a staple in any bodybuilder's supplement arsenal.
Depending upon who you listen to, you'll get different answers for "how much protein" you should consume in order to build muscle.
Bodybuilding magazines and supplement manufacturers tell you you should consume at least "2 grams of protein per pound of body weight" because you need all that protein to recover from your workouts and increase muscle mass.
But are they blowing these dosages way out of proportion?
I mean, supplement companies who promote massive dosages (I've seen up to 5g/lb of body weight!) couldn't POSSIBLY be trying to get you to consume more of their product so you'll go and buy another tub, right?
Fact is, I've caught a LOT of hell over the years from so called "experts" for my statements in my Optimum Anabolics (www.OptimumAnabolics.com) program where I've said that the body CAN'T use more than 20-30g per meal.
Well a recent study looked at just how much protein is "enough" and how much is "too much".
Protein Study: How Much Protein Should You Consume?
A group of highly trained athletes consumed one of five different doses following a bout of resistance exercise.
* Og: The "control" group
* 5g
* 10g
* 20g
* or 40g
Following exercise, ALL groups increased muscle-protein synthesis, but the 20g dose produced nearly DOUBLE the amount of muscle-protein synthesis than the control group!
The 40g dose was even higher, but not by all that much. Therefore, it appears that even after resistance training, your body can only USE so much protein (somewhere between 20g and 40g) and then the rest gets burned up as fuel.
Even in Optimum Anabolics, I recommend way less protein than most people take in (1.17g/lb of LEAN body weight) with about 25% of your daily protein requirement taken IMMEDIATELY after training.
By not consuming "too much" protein, your body can focus on burning FAT for fuel instead of the excess protein which is why OA is considered more of a "build and burn" bodybuilding program.
So stop overdosing on protein, will you?
Consume about 20g in 5 meals throughout the day and add a separate 30-40g serving immediately after your workouts to ensure full muscle-protein synthesis when you need it the most.
Depending upon who you listen to, you'll get different answers for "how much protein" you should consume in order to build muscle.
Bodybuilding magazines and supplement manufacturers tell you you should consume at least "2 grams of protein per pound of body weight" because you need all that protein to recover from your workouts and increase muscle mass.
But are they blowing these dosages way out of proportion?
I mean, supplement companies who promote massive dosages (I've seen up to 5g/lb of body weight!) couldn't POSSIBLY be trying to get you to consume more of their product so you'll go and buy another tub, right?
Fact is, I've caught a LOT of hell over the years from so called "experts" for my statements in my Optimum Anabolics (www.OptimumAnabolics.com) program where I've said that the body CAN'T use more than 20-30g per meal.
Well a recent study looked at just how much protein is "enough" and how much is "too much".
Protein Study: How Much Protein Should You Consume?
A group of highly trained athletes consumed one of five different doses following a bout of resistance exercise.
* Og: The "control" group
* 5g
* 10g
* 20g
* or 40g
Following exercise, ALL groups increased muscle-protein synthesis, but the 20g dose produced nearly DOUBLE the amount of muscle-protein synthesis than the control group!
The 40g dose was even higher, but not by all that much. Therefore, it appears that even after resistance training, your body can only USE so much protein (somewhere between 20g and 40g) and then the rest gets burned up as fuel.
Even in Optimum Anabolics, I recommend way less protein than most people take in (1.17g/lb of LEAN body weight) with about 25% of your daily protein requirement taken IMMEDIATELY after training.
By not consuming "too much" protein, your body can focus on burning FAT for fuel instead of the excess protein which is why OA is considered more of a "build and burn" bodybuilding program.
So stop overdosing on protein, will you?
Consume about 20g in 5 meals throughout the day and add a separate 30-40g serving immediately after your workouts to ensure full muscle-protein synthesis when you need it the most.
How To Master Nutrient Timing For Faster Muscle Growth!
It's true that the grueling workout you've invested at the local "iron jungle" will stimulate your muscles to grow bigger and stronger. But ultimately it's your diet that will provide the "building blocks" for this new growth.
However, there's more to a bodybuilder's diet than mountains of canned tuna and protein powder. Timing your meals just right will provide you with a competitive edge that will allow you to build muscle faster and help burn those extra layers of fat covering up your hard work.
Here's how...
Early Morning
When you wake up, you're at the end of a 7-9 hour fast and your muscles are screaming for nutrition. Start off with a potent protein drink for fast absorption mixed with some complex carbs for fueling your day.
(For my "top secret recipe" of the world's best mass building breakfast, check out my “top tip” at the end of this article!)
1-2 Hours Before Your Workout
You're about to send your muscles into the "combat zone" so shouldn't you provide them with the ammunition they need to "take the hill"?
Load up on some complex carbs that will provide the long lasting fuel you'll need to power through your intense workout. Add a full dose of protein to provide a ready source of amino acids and give your muscles a head start on the growth process as you stress the muscle cells during your workout.
Immediately After Your Workout
You've used up the glycogen (stored carbohydrates) in your muscle cells as fuel for your workout and if you don't replenish them fast, you're bound to short circuit your growth.
Within 45 minutes to an hour after your workout you need to down a high-glycemic, high protein drink while your body is primed for fast absorption. Take in between 75 - 100 grams of sugar and about 25% of your day's total protein requirement along with a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats to help stimulate testosterone production.
This is actually a key time to really pack on mass so don't be afraid to get a little crazy here! In my "Optimum Anabolics" program (http://tinyurl.com/yzw5gj7), I actually include a potent post-workout regimen of around 200 grams of high glycemic carbs and 20-30 grams of health fats to kickstart a mass-building hormone release. It works!
Before Bed
You're about to enter another long period of fasting at bedtime, but it's also a prime time for your body to repair and build muscle. The problem is that your metabolism slows way down when you sleep so a large meal before turning in has the potential to trigger fat storage.
To provide the building blocks your body needs for growth while minimizing fat storage, eat a light meal consisting of slow-digesting protein and some easily digestible carbs. A bowl of cottage cheese with some fruit is ideal or mix a scoop of protein powder (one with casein in it is best) into some milk or water. Be sure to avoid high carbs and fat calories at this time.
* * * TOP DIET TIP * * *
Ok, it's time for my promised “Top Secret” Pre-Workout Power Potion Recipe that will give you everything you need to turbo-charge your workouts while providing a ready source of amino acids to avoid muscle loss and begin the growth process.
Follow the directions on the next page and consume this mixture about 1-2 hours before your workout …
The “Muscle Nerd's” Top Secret Pre-Workout Power Potion
Ingredient 1: 1.5 cups Skim Milk
Milk is probably one of the most overlooked supplements there is! It's loaded with both fast-digesting (whey) and slow-digesting (casein) proteins for a steady supply of amino acids...and it's been proven in research to be a powerful growth hormone releaser!
Ingredient 2: ½ Frozen "Slightly Green" Banana
Ripe bananas have more sugar content than bananas that are still slightly green and will result in more of a quick "sugar rush" instead of supplying long term energy to power through your workout. Grab a bunch of "slightly green" bananas at your local supermarket, peel them all, and place them in a plastic bag in your freezer to break up and add to your protein blender drinks as desired.
Ingredient 3: 2 Tbsp Natural Peanut Butter
"Natural" peanut butter ( NOT the commercial hydrogenated garbage!) is loaded with mono-unsaturated fats…perfect for helping you raise your body's testosterone levels for increased muscle mass and rapid fat burning. Look for a product that ONLY lists " Peanuts " and " Salt " on the list of ingredients.
Ingredient 4: ½ Cup Raw Oat Bran or Uncooked Oatmeal
Raw oat bran, like oatmeal, is a complex carbohydrate that is ideal for supplying tons of sustained energy for your workouts… AND the rest of the day.
Its finer texture makes is a better option for blender drinks, but if you only have access to oatmeal, make sure you put the dry oatmeal alone in the blender first and give it a few seconds on "high" to break it up a bit more.
Ingredient 5: ½ Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein
In addition to the casein protein from the milk, whey protein will provide you with additional, ready-to-deliver amino acids that will provide your muscles with a "jump start" on the recovery process.
Vanilla flavored powder seems to go best with this drink but chocolate flavored is another great option!
Directions: Ok…this is pretty self-explanatory, but here goes…
Add the first 4 ingredients in the order listed and blend on "High" for about 15 seconds. While it's still blending, open the top and add the protein powder . Blend for another 5 seconds…stop… drink…wipe the "smoothie mustache" off your face...and enjoy your workout!
However, there's more to a bodybuilder's diet than mountains of canned tuna and protein powder. Timing your meals just right will provide you with a competitive edge that will allow you to build muscle faster and help burn those extra layers of fat covering up your hard work.
Here's how...
Early Morning
When you wake up, you're at the end of a 7-9 hour fast and your muscles are screaming for nutrition. Start off with a potent protein drink for fast absorption mixed with some complex carbs for fueling your day.
(For my "top secret recipe" of the world's best mass building breakfast, check out my “top tip” at the end of this article!)
1-2 Hours Before Your Workout
You're about to send your muscles into the "combat zone" so shouldn't you provide them with the ammunition they need to "take the hill"?
Load up on some complex carbs that will provide the long lasting fuel you'll need to power through your intense workout. Add a full dose of protein to provide a ready source of amino acids and give your muscles a head start on the growth process as you stress the muscle cells during your workout.
Immediately After Your Workout
You've used up the glycogen (stored carbohydrates) in your muscle cells as fuel for your workout and if you don't replenish them fast, you're bound to short circuit your growth.
Within 45 minutes to an hour after your workout you need to down a high-glycemic, high protein drink while your body is primed for fast absorption. Take in between 75 - 100 grams of sugar and about 25% of your day's total protein requirement along with a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats to help stimulate testosterone production.
This is actually a key time to really pack on mass so don't be afraid to get a little crazy here! In my "Optimum Anabolics" program (http://tinyurl.com/yzw5gj7), I actually include a potent post-workout regimen of around 200 grams of high glycemic carbs and 20-30 grams of health fats to kickstart a mass-building hormone release. It works!
Before Bed
You're about to enter another long period of fasting at bedtime, but it's also a prime time for your body to repair and build muscle. The problem is that your metabolism slows way down when you sleep so a large meal before turning in has the potential to trigger fat storage.
To provide the building blocks your body needs for growth while minimizing fat storage, eat a light meal consisting of slow-digesting protein and some easily digestible carbs. A bowl of cottage cheese with some fruit is ideal or mix a scoop of protein powder (one with casein in it is best) into some milk or water. Be sure to avoid high carbs and fat calories at this time.
* * * TOP DIET TIP * * *
Ok, it's time for my promised “Top Secret” Pre-Workout Power Potion Recipe that will give you everything you need to turbo-charge your workouts while providing a ready source of amino acids to avoid muscle loss and begin the growth process.
Follow the directions on the next page and consume this mixture about 1-2 hours before your workout …
The “Muscle Nerd's” Top Secret Pre-Workout Power Potion
Ingredient 1: 1.5 cups Skim Milk
Milk is probably one of the most overlooked supplements there is! It's loaded with both fast-digesting (whey) and slow-digesting (casein) proteins for a steady supply of amino acids...and it's been proven in research to be a powerful growth hormone releaser!
Ingredient 2: ½ Frozen "Slightly Green" Banana
Ripe bananas have more sugar content than bananas that are still slightly green and will result in more of a quick "sugar rush" instead of supplying long term energy to power through your workout. Grab a bunch of "slightly green" bananas at your local supermarket, peel them all, and place them in a plastic bag in your freezer to break up and add to your protein blender drinks as desired.
Ingredient 3: 2 Tbsp Natural Peanut Butter
"Natural" peanut butter ( NOT the commercial hydrogenated garbage!) is loaded with mono-unsaturated fats…perfect for helping you raise your body's testosterone levels for increased muscle mass and rapid fat burning. Look for a product that ONLY lists " Peanuts " and " Salt " on the list of ingredients.
Ingredient 4: ½ Cup Raw Oat Bran or Uncooked Oatmeal
Raw oat bran, like oatmeal, is a complex carbohydrate that is ideal for supplying tons of sustained energy for your workouts… AND the rest of the day.
Its finer texture makes is a better option for blender drinks, but if you only have access to oatmeal, make sure you put the dry oatmeal alone in the blender first and give it a few seconds on "high" to break it up a bit more.
Ingredient 5: ½ Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein
In addition to the casein protein from the milk, whey protein will provide you with additional, ready-to-deliver amino acids that will provide your muscles with a "jump start" on the recovery process.
Vanilla flavored powder seems to go best with this drink but chocolate flavored is another great option!
Directions: Ok…this is pretty self-explanatory, but here goes…
Add the first 4 ingredients in the order listed and blend on "High" for about 15 seconds. While it's still blending, open the top and add the protein powder . Blend for another 5 seconds…stop… drink…wipe the "smoothie mustache" off your face...and enjoy your workout!
Strange "Blood Flow" Experiment Reveals Mass Building Secret!
One of the strangest studies done in recent history in the sports sciences arena was a study done using "tourniquet training" where trainees trained their arms with a pressure cuff on for 2 minutes to restrict blood flow and then again without the cuff.
Trainees were 20% STRONGER after the cuff was taken off and the study revealed that increased blood flow allowed a muscle to contract a maximum force.
Therefore, the more blood you can push through a muscle, the more "contraction potential" and microscopic fiber damage to initiate hypertrophy (muscle gaining).
One way to mimic this end result is to do a proper warmup to effectively increase blood flow to your target muscle so you can train at MAX INTENSITY and jumpstart your anabolic results!
A few sets of an "isolation" exercise of your target muscle group done at SUB-FAILURE (stopping just short of exhaustion) will do very well for this goal.
But I have a better way...
In my "Hardgainer Project X" program, I use a unique 3-stage workout structure that essentially takes the genetic limitations of true "hardgainers" and obliterates them to force new muscle growth.
One of the methods used is a variation of the "Rest-Pause" technique that uses shorter sets of lighter weights.
(Note: For step-by-step instructions on the "Rest-Pause" technique posted on my website, go to http://tinyurl.com/yjxbneu)
These short sets are initially done using sub-failure training to better target Type 2 muscle fibers in the last sets when you go to full exhaustion.
But they ALSO slowly ratchet up the blood supply so your last "rounds" of short reps force a ton of blood through the muscle and MAX OUT your peak contraction!
The result is a massive PUMP and a muscle fiber dead-zone that can't be achieved with normal sets and reps!
Go and copy down the notes at http://tinyurl.com/yjxbneu and try this training method in your next workout and you'll be amazed at the difference you'll feel!
Trainees were 20% STRONGER after the cuff was taken off and the study revealed that increased blood flow allowed a muscle to contract a maximum force.
Therefore, the more blood you can push through a muscle, the more "contraction potential" and microscopic fiber damage to initiate hypertrophy (muscle gaining).
One way to mimic this end result is to do a proper warmup to effectively increase blood flow to your target muscle so you can train at MAX INTENSITY and jumpstart your anabolic results!
A few sets of an "isolation" exercise of your target muscle group done at SUB-FAILURE (stopping just short of exhaustion) will do very well for this goal.
But I have a better way...
In my "Hardgainer Project X" program, I use a unique 3-stage workout structure that essentially takes the genetic limitations of true "hardgainers" and obliterates them to force new muscle growth.
One of the methods used is a variation of the "Rest-Pause" technique that uses shorter sets of lighter weights.
(Note: For step-by-step instructions on the "Rest-Pause" technique posted on my website, go to http://tinyurl.com/yjxbneu)
These short sets are initially done using sub-failure training to better target Type 2 muscle fibers in the last sets when you go to full exhaustion.
But they ALSO slowly ratchet up the blood supply so your last "rounds" of short reps force a ton of blood through the muscle and MAX OUT your peak contraction!
The result is a massive PUMP and a muscle fiber dead-zone that can't be achieved with normal sets and reps!
Go and copy down the notes at http://tinyurl.com/yjxbneu and try this training method in your next workout and you'll be amazed at the difference you'll feel!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Fit Way to a Woman’s Health
Fitness, muscle-building and gym work-outs have gone beyond the traditional all-male club. With the hype over fitness and health and a healthy lifestyle, women have joined the club as well. However, men and women have different fitness needs.
Women’s fitness and exercise needs are focused on the muscles of the upper back. Most of their exercise work-outs are also designed for the stomach muscles, especially those who have just given birth. At the same time, exercises for women are usually designed for weight loss. And while men tend to focus on muscle building whereas women work on toning their muscles, strength training is important for both.
Here are a few things to make you women out there go out and start building up your muscle strength.
Make the performance of your usual tasks easier with a physically strong body. Chores will be easier, lifting your kids, the grocery or the laundry will be a piece of cake. Consequently, it will reduce possible strain on the muscles and injury. Training can increase a woman’s strength by 30 to 50 percent.
Lose fat at the same time. A strength training done 2 to 3 times a week for a span of two months can result to two pounds of muscles and would mean a reduction of 3.5 pounds of fat. The more muscles and less fat, the faster is the metabolism, which ultimately means your body burns calories faster than normal.
Fight osteoporosis. Weight training increases spinal bone mineral density which means lesser chances of the risk of osteoporosis.
Fight heart disease and diabetes. Weight improvement improves cardiovascular health by lowering the bad cholesterol and blood pressure. It also improves glucose use in the body by 23 percent which reduces the risk of diabetes.
The road to a healthier you. Not only does it promote a healthier body, but it also develops a healthier attitude and a healthier heart. Women who engage in regular strength training are more confident, with a more positive outlook in life.
So how do you get started?
For those who lead very busy lifestyles, hitting the gym and starting on a regular fitness plan may seem the perfect way to keep fit. But for most, starting out on a regular walking exercise is the way to go. Start at a manageable rate. A 10 to 15 minute walk is a good way to start. Prior to a workout, make sure to stretch your major muscles. Work your muscles on the front of your thighs. Stretch your shoulder muscles by standing straight and rolling the shoulders backward in a circular motion. And of course, don’t forget to observe proper nutrition. Load up on water to prevent dehydration. Consume carbohydrates before starting on your work-out.
For those with joint and bone diseases, swimming may prove to be a less stressful activity for your muscles.
But the most important is, make time for your exercise. If you can’t hit the gym or start on a regular work-out plan, make sure that your day is filled with enough physical activity that keeps you going and always on the go. Women’s fitness is the key to your beauty!
Women’s fitness and exercise needs are focused on the muscles of the upper back. Most of their exercise work-outs are also designed for the stomach muscles, especially those who have just given birth. At the same time, exercises for women are usually designed for weight loss. And while men tend to focus on muscle building whereas women work on toning their muscles, strength training is important for both.
Here are a few things to make you women out there go out and start building up your muscle strength.
Make the performance of your usual tasks easier with a physically strong body. Chores will be easier, lifting your kids, the grocery or the laundry will be a piece of cake. Consequently, it will reduce possible strain on the muscles and injury. Training can increase a woman’s strength by 30 to 50 percent.
Lose fat at the same time. A strength training done 2 to 3 times a week for a span of two months can result to two pounds of muscles and would mean a reduction of 3.5 pounds of fat. The more muscles and less fat, the faster is the metabolism, which ultimately means your body burns calories faster than normal.
Fight osteoporosis. Weight training increases spinal bone mineral density which means lesser chances of the risk of osteoporosis.
Fight heart disease and diabetes. Weight improvement improves cardiovascular health by lowering the bad cholesterol and blood pressure. It also improves glucose use in the body by 23 percent which reduces the risk of diabetes.
The road to a healthier you. Not only does it promote a healthier body, but it also develops a healthier attitude and a healthier heart. Women who engage in regular strength training are more confident, with a more positive outlook in life.
So how do you get started?
For those who lead very busy lifestyles, hitting the gym and starting on a regular fitness plan may seem the perfect way to keep fit. But for most, starting out on a regular walking exercise is the way to go. Start at a manageable rate. A 10 to 15 minute walk is a good way to start. Prior to a workout, make sure to stretch your major muscles. Work your muscles on the front of your thighs. Stretch your shoulder muscles by standing straight and rolling the shoulders backward in a circular motion. And of course, don’t forget to observe proper nutrition. Load up on water to prevent dehydration. Consume carbohydrates before starting on your work-out.
For those with joint and bone diseases, swimming may prove to be a less stressful activity for your muscles.
But the most important is, make time for your exercise. If you can’t hit the gym or start on a regular work-out plan, make sure that your day is filled with enough physical activity that keeps you going and always on the go. Women’s fitness is the key to your beauty!
Body Building
The sport of body building has grown steadily in popularity over the years. From its heyday in the 1970’s to now, technological advances as well as nutritional advances have made body building a sport that focuses on the art of the human body and what is possible when it is pushed.
Body building is more than just lifting weights, however. To have an effective body building program, you have to focus on many different things – especially if you are serious about your goals. In fact, setting goals can be one of the most important parts of an effective body building program. What do you want to accomplish when you start body building? Keep your goal always at the forefront of your mind so you don’t get off track.
A serious body building routine is also very much about your diet and nutritional choices. Body building requires a lot of energy. We get energy from calories that we consume. Our muscles also respond to other nutrients such as protein and fats to bring growth hormones to the muscles we want to strengthen and tone. A proper diet is very important in any body building program.
Another huge aspect of a workout routine is to get plenty of rest. When you begin lifting weights and working out to build your body, you will be doing a small amount of damage to your muscles. When your body is in a sedentary state during sleep, your muscles will work to repair themselves and grow in the process.
You must have a balanced body building workout routine in order to focus on certain muscle groups and grow your entire body. You’ll need to include not only weight lifting, but a cardio workout is also important. The entire body needs to be healthy and that includes your heart. When you have a strong heart muscle, you’ll be able to workout more effectively.
A positive mindset can be one of THE most important parts of a body building program. It’s easy to give up when you start to push yourself. Remember why you want to start the whole thing in the first place and be positive that you will be able to do it. Staying positive can push you even more than you thought possible.
Body building is so much more than just performing exercises and lifting weights to get big. You have to concentrate on your whole body – not just the muscles. When you start a body building program, know what these components are and then focus on your goals as you workout. You will grow your mind right along with your body, and that can be the most satisfying part of all!
Body building is more than just lifting weights, however. To have an effective body building program, you have to focus on many different things – especially if you are serious about your goals. In fact, setting goals can be one of the most important parts of an effective body building program. What do you want to accomplish when you start body building? Keep your goal always at the forefront of your mind so you don’t get off track.
A serious body building routine is also very much about your diet and nutritional choices. Body building requires a lot of energy. We get energy from calories that we consume. Our muscles also respond to other nutrients such as protein and fats to bring growth hormones to the muscles we want to strengthen and tone. A proper diet is very important in any body building program.
Another huge aspect of a workout routine is to get plenty of rest. When you begin lifting weights and working out to build your body, you will be doing a small amount of damage to your muscles. When your body is in a sedentary state during sleep, your muscles will work to repair themselves and grow in the process.
You must have a balanced body building workout routine in order to focus on certain muscle groups and grow your entire body. You’ll need to include not only weight lifting, but a cardio workout is also important. The entire body needs to be healthy and that includes your heart. When you have a strong heart muscle, you’ll be able to workout more effectively.
A positive mindset can be one of THE most important parts of a body building program. It’s easy to give up when you start to push yourself. Remember why you want to start the whole thing in the first place and be positive that you will be able to do it. Staying positive can push you even more than you thought possible.
Body building is so much more than just performing exercises and lifting weights to get big. You have to concentrate on your whole body – not just the muscles. When you start a body building program, know what these components are and then focus on your goals as you workout. You will grow your mind right along with your body, and that can be the most satisfying part of all!
Building Muscle: The T.U.T Factor Of Mass Building Techniques
If you want to build muscle fast, should you train with higher reps with lower weights or lower reps with heavier weights?
Knuckle-dragging guru's from every corner of the bodybuilding planet most often chant in unison the "Lift heavy or go home!" mantra.
But is this really the best way to build more muscle mass?
Building muscle is a result of several different training elements including muscle contraction, anabolic hormones, amino acid availability, calories, recovery, and a factor called "time under tension".
Time under tension basically refers to the amount of time during your working sets that your muscle is actually exerting force against the weight and according to one study, is greatly impacted by the amount of weight your lifting...and HOW you're lifting it.
A group of untrained young men were divided into groups with one using LOW WEIGHTS (only 50% of their 1 Rep Max) but using a slow lifting tempo to increase the amount of time it took to raise and lower the weight. All sets were performed to the point of muscular exhaustion.
Another group went "heavy" with 80% of their 1 Rep Max but used a faster repetition tempo to exhaustion.
The Results Of The Study?
Both groups experienced significant muscle gains but the surprising revelation was that Group 1, using lighter weights with higher reps and slower tempo, had the greatest degree of impact from "time under tension" factor in the trained muscles.
This resulted in a higher degree of hormone-signaling factors (largely from build up of lactic acid) that triggered a greater release of growth hormone and insulinlike growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
Also, because there was a greater constriction of the trained muscles' blood vessels and "pump" from the increased time under tension, the body responded by increasing the production of nitric oxide in order to expand blood pathways and increase oxygen to the muscle.
But one of nitric oxide's other roles is to generate satellite muscle cells, already primed for adding to your overall muscle mass through proper training.
How To Apply This To Your Training...
Does this mean that you should abandon all other training methods and switch over to lower weights?
Absolutely not!
Any type of training performed the same way for too long only creates adaptation by the body and leads to frustrating "no growth" plateaus. There's incredible value in mixing up "heavy" training into your bodybuilding routine. You may want to train one day with lighter weights and then a few days later with heavier weights to mix things up but one of the important factors from this study shows that when lifting lighter weights for mass-building, you should use a slower tempo, around a combined 5-7 seconds between concentric and eccentric movements.
But There's An Even Better Way!
I actually use what I humbly consider a much more effective variation of this technique in my "Advanced Mass Building" program (http://tinyurl.com/yjbvm86). My technique doesn't just increase the "time under tension" factor...it sends it through the roof!
My method focuses on targeting two complimentary actions of a specific muscle group to work together in ramping up tension. For example, incline flyes followed by cable crossovers to target different areas of the chest. Sets are performed back-to-back in rapid succession with no rest until the prescribed number of sets are reached. You may do even this for 10 sets or more, depending upon your own abilities.
The result is an extreme time under tenstion factor that triggers massive release of growth hormone and IGF-1 hormones as well as the biggest pumps of your life. In turn, this naturally stimulates the production of nitric oxide and an increase in muscle satellite cells.
This method is then supported by follow up weekly cycles specifically building upon this mass-building momentum with the goal of targeting all seven muscle fiber variants and greatly enhanced muscle mass.
For more information on this unique training method, please see my website at http://tinyurl.com/yjbvm86.
Tips For Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is a way of balancing the food you
eat to keep your body in great health. With healthy
eating, you'll have energy all day, get the vitamins
and minerals you need, stay strong for activities
you enjoy, and maintain a healthy weight.
Below, you'll find tips designed to help you with
healthy eating.
1. Don't skip any meals
Eating 3 meals with snacks in between is the ideal
way to maintain both energy and a healthy weight.
When you skip meals and get hungry, you're more
than likely to choose foods that aren't very good
for you.
If you are eating away from home, take food with
you or know where you can buy healthy food from.
2. Learn about how to prepare foods
Instead of deep frying, try grilling, stir frying,
microwaving, baking, and even boiling. You should
also try fresh or even dried herbs and spices to
add flavor to your food. Before you eat any type
of meat, be sure to trim the fat and skin off of
it.
3. Avoid a lot of sugar
Drinks that contain sugar are a major source of
empty energy. What this means, is that the drinks
contain a lot of energy that your body may not
need, and it doesn't contain any vitamins or
minerals. If you plan to drink sugary drinks,
don't go overboard - limit yourself to 1 a day.
4. Avoid thinking about diets
There are no good food nor any bad foods. All
food can be a part of a healthy diet, when eaten
in moderation. You don't need to buy any low
carb, fat free, or even diet foods, as these foods
normally have lots of other added ingredients
to replaces the carbohydrates or fat.
eat to keep your body in great health. With healthy
eating, you'll have energy all day, get the vitamins
and minerals you need, stay strong for activities
you enjoy, and maintain a healthy weight.
Below, you'll find tips designed to help you with
healthy eating.
1. Don't skip any meals
Eating 3 meals with snacks in between is the ideal
way to maintain both energy and a healthy weight.
When you skip meals and get hungry, you're more
than likely to choose foods that aren't very good
for you.
If you are eating away from home, take food with
you or know where you can buy healthy food from.
2. Learn about how to prepare foods
Instead of deep frying, try grilling, stir frying,
microwaving, baking, and even boiling. You should
also try fresh or even dried herbs and spices to
add flavor to your food. Before you eat any type
of meat, be sure to trim the fat and skin off of
it.
3. Avoid a lot of sugar
Drinks that contain sugar are a major source of
empty energy. What this means, is that the drinks
contain a lot of energy that your body may not
need, and it doesn't contain any vitamins or
minerals. If you plan to drink sugary drinks,
don't go overboard - limit yourself to 1 a day.
4. Avoid thinking about diets
There are no good food nor any bad foods. All
food can be a part of a healthy diet, when eaten
in moderation. You don't need to buy any low
carb, fat free, or even diet foods, as these foods
normally have lots of other added ingredients
to replaces the carbohydrates or fat.
Politically Incorrect (But EFFECTIVE) Tactics For Working Out In A Busy Gym!
I’ll admit that I’m NOT the most “politically correct” member at my local gym.
No, I don’t spit in the water fountain or hang out in the doorway of the ladies’ yoga class drooling. I don’t sweat all over the bench and leave behind a puddle of toxic waste for the next member to swim in. I bathe regularly, use deodorant, brush my teeth before heading to the gym and don’t reek of stale beer while I’m on the treadmill.
But when it comes to waiting in line for a piece of equipment…I’m a barracuda!
In fact, I HATE to wait for people to get off of “MY” equipment.
So when you’re on a “schedule” you don’t want to have to be held up by the other knuckleheads who probably don’t have ANY plan, right?
Well, you wanna know how do I claim ownership of my workout zone without urinating around the equipment to “mark” my territory?
Here are 5 ways (with a few “not-so-politically-correct” strategies) that I manage my time and space on the gym floor…
Ok, this first one is a simple one…
Workout When The Gym ISN’T So Busy!
I know, I know….DUUUUUUHH, right?
Hey, you know I had to throw that in there, right?
Obvious yes, but if you’re especially challenged at your gym, then perhaps you should re-examine your schedule and see if you’re able to go at lunch when things are a little quieter.
Throw On Your Headphones And Crank Up The Music!
This works great for managing your time in the gym since you won’t get lured into those long “between set” discourses on the meaning of life with “that guy” who seems to flap his gums with everyone in earshot of him.
But the other advantage of wearing your headphones is that people are less likely to interrupt you and ask if they can “work in” with you.
(If someone DOES ask…let them! I’m teaching you how to do the best you can to “own” the equipment, but don’t be a COMPLETE jerk!).
Which brings us to…
If someone is using a piece of equipment you also want to use…
Ask If You Can “Work In”!
Most guys aren’t “Alpha’s” in the gym so when you simply ask “Do you mind if I work in with you?”, saying “No” makes THEM the jerk.
And let’s face it, not many people care to be thought of as the “jerk of the gym”.
You’ll get compliance 99.9% of the time and they’ll likely even cut their own sets short and move on to another exercise.
“Mark” Your Territory!
Although my Golden Retriever, Wrigley, has the right idea when I walk him around the block…I’m NOT talking about whipping it out and urinating around the gym equipment you want to use.
But there IS a way you can claim some real estate…
This is especially helpful if you’re using supersets in your training like I emphasize in my “Advanced Mass Building” program (http://tinyurl.com/yjbvm86) where you need to flip back and forth between 2 pieces of equipment.
Simply grab two of the gym’s floor towels (the ones you use to wipe down the equipment) and throw one over each machine or station you want to use just prior to your sets.
So for example, if I’m supersetting chest and back, I may go and throw a towel over the straight bar on the flat bench and then go and wrap another towel around the pulldown bar at a different location.
And I’m talking, I make it OBVIOUS!
I literally put the towel where someone would know that that equipment is being used…not just toss it on the ground next to the equipment.
Then at the end of each set on each piece of equipment, I put the towel back where it can be seen that I’m still using it.
Same thing goes for your other floor “equipment”. If you’re carrying a water bottle and a training notebook, keep one at one station and the other at another one to send a clear signal that the equipment is taken.
Loiter
Know why you see “no loitering” signs around businesses such as convenient stores?
Because it annoys people.
When you’re in a time crunch and someone looks as if they’ve set up temporary residence at a piece of equipment, “hang out” close by them – where it’s obvious that you are waiting for THEIR equipment – and occasionally look at your watch.
Now the secret to this is NOT to glare at them as if you expect them to just pick up and go.
No…what you want to do is kind of look around the gym as if it’s no big deal, but when they look at you, just flash a friendly smile at them.
They’ll usually respond with “Oh, are you waiting for this equipment?”
This is where you can come back with “Yeah, are you almost done?” (Again…keep the friendly tone!).
The typical reaction I see?
They will shortcut their rest period and quickly knock out one more set and leave or let you work in with them during their rest periods.
Well, like I said, I never claimed to be the “nice guy” at the gym, but hey…it’s an (iron) jungle out there and you’re either a lamb or a lion.
If you’ve ever watched “Wild Kingdom”, you know that the lions are the ones who are licking their chops as they gnaw on their leg of lamb.
Have a great workout!
Guidelines in Finding A Fitness Club
You would like to join a fitness club but there are so many choices! And then you will just end up having a headache! Fitness clubs are effective motivators. They should motivate us and not frustrate us. Before you choose on a fitness club, make sure that it suits your needs and goals. And before you do that, you should first learn and decide on what is your priority. By then, you will know what you really need in a fitness club. Here are some guidelines you can consider in choosing a fitness club that is best for you:
1. Where is it located?
The location is the first thing that you should consider when finding a fitness club. If the club is far from your home, you will just another excuse not to work out. It is best to find a facility that is near your home.
2. Are the employees friendly and nice? Will they be able to help you reach your goals?
Make sure that the instructor has the necessary experience to work with you. The instructor should be a certified professional that can work with you safely and effectively. Your instructor should also know if you have physical limitations or you may find an instructor that is well trained to work with you. You can also check the age of the instructor especially if it is one factor for your motivation and learning. The staff should also be helpful, friendly and professional. You can also ask the services they offer and find what is important for you. Some facilities have their own dietician and physical therapists that can offer services for you.
3. What kind of programs does it offer?
Find time to see what programs are there for you and check if they suit your interests. Do they offer group classes? Choose the facility that offers the classes you really like. You can do a trial class to check it out if you want.
4. Are the facilities and equipments good and will they be available anytime that is most convenient for you?
Check if the equipments are enough for all members. Otherwise, you will waste your time falling in line and waiting for your turn. Also make sure that the facility is open during the time you are most likely to do work outs and exercises.
5. Is the entire facility well maintained, clean and safe for you?
Machines and other training facilities should be in clean and in good order. If you see a lot of "out of order" signs, it could be something to think about. Modern equipments are safer and more comfortable to use, so you may also want to consider that. Are the floors cleaned regularly to avoid accidents? Is there enough room for everyone? Also check if the facility is located in a place away from danger, consider also if the location is well lit.
6. Are the members of the club friendly and can they be your friends?
The fitness club is also a venue for social interaction. Take time to drop by and meet the members of the club before you enroll. Other members can be your buddies in the near future and should be considered.
7. What is the schedule of classes and will they be convenient for you?
Find out what classes are offered at a specific time and consider if you will be available at the schedules given.
8. How much would it cost you?
It is important to know the monthly membership fee and what it covers. Some fitness clubs have hidden charges and you should be keen in checking that. Check if they have promotions or discounts and do they offer services at an extra fee. It is also important to know how long the club has been and how often they increase rates.
9. How is it different from other fitness clubs?
Don't just stick into one fitness club. Try to visit as many facilities as you can and make a comparison. Then you can just narrow down your choices to the facilities that met your needs and priorities.
10. What do people say about it? Take your time to gather feedback from other members. Ask them what they can say about the club and let them tell you about the experiences with the facility.
Choosing a fitness club is just like shopping on the best shirt for you. Do not be pressured and do not try to contact them right away. You can take your time to review and gather enough information if you are still not sure which one to choose. Once you have made your choice, enjoy and make the most out of it.
1. Where is it located?
The location is the first thing that you should consider when finding a fitness club. If the club is far from your home, you will just another excuse not to work out. It is best to find a facility that is near your home.
2. Are the employees friendly and nice? Will they be able to help you reach your goals?
Make sure that the instructor has the necessary experience to work with you. The instructor should be a certified professional that can work with you safely and effectively. Your instructor should also know if you have physical limitations or you may find an instructor that is well trained to work with you. You can also check the age of the instructor especially if it is one factor for your motivation and learning. The staff should also be helpful, friendly and professional. You can also ask the services they offer and find what is important for you. Some facilities have their own dietician and physical therapists that can offer services for you.
3. What kind of programs does it offer?
Find time to see what programs are there for you and check if they suit your interests. Do they offer group classes? Choose the facility that offers the classes you really like. You can do a trial class to check it out if you want.
4. Are the facilities and equipments good and will they be available anytime that is most convenient for you?
Check if the equipments are enough for all members. Otherwise, you will waste your time falling in line and waiting for your turn. Also make sure that the facility is open during the time you are most likely to do work outs and exercises.
5. Is the entire facility well maintained, clean and safe for you?
Machines and other training facilities should be in clean and in good order. If you see a lot of "out of order" signs, it could be something to think about. Modern equipments are safer and more comfortable to use, so you may also want to consider that. Are the floors cleaned regularly to avoid accidents? Is there enough room for everyone? Also check if the facility is located in a place away from danger, consider also if the location is well lit.
6. Are the members of the club friendly and can they be your friends?
The fitness club is also a venue for social interaction. Take time to drop by and meet the members of the club before you enroll. Other members can be your buddies in the near future and should be considered.
7. What is the schedule of classes and will they be convenient for you?
Find out what classes are offered at a specific time and consider if you will be available at the schedules given.
8. How much would it cost you?
It is important to know the monthly membership fee and what it covers. Some fitness clubs have hidden charges and you should be keen in checking that. Check if they have promotions or discounts and do they offer services at an extra fee. It is also important to know how long the club has been and how often they increase rates.
9. How is it different from other fitness clubs?
Don't just stick into one fitness club. Try to visit as many facilities as you can and make a comparison. Then you can just narrow down your choices to the facilities that met your needs and priorities.
10. What do people say about it? Take your time to gather feedback from other members. Ask them what they can say about the club and let them tell you about the experiences with the facility.
Choosing a fitness club is just like shopping on the best shirt for you. Do not be pressured and do not try to contact them right away. You can take your time to review and gather enough information if you are still not sure which one to choose. Once you have made your choice, enjoy and make the most out of it.
"Rapid Weight Loss Techniques"
Other than physical appearance weight affects a person in many ways. This could be the overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression, health risks, and physical incapabilities. There are a lot of positive changes once a person experience weight loss. It is for this reason why a lot of people are searching for a weight loss technique that will surely trim down those fats and get a super slim head turner body.
The first thing that an over-weight should do is seek a doctor to recommend the best weight loss regimen. This will be done after a full physical examination, which leads to the determination of proper weight loss technique. And to lose weight fast and effectively four aspects of life should be changed: what to eat, how to eat, behavior and activity level.
Here are fast tips that can change an over-weight's life:
First: Fast weight loss composes of a multi-faceted technique that consists mindset, exercise, and in other cases, diet supplements. Begin by learning a diet food plan that can easily be accustomed with. Incorporate an exercise plan that allows even at least fifteen minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, and dancing.
Second: Set realistic approaches. The ability to focus and have proper mindset enables someone on a diet to quickly lose those extra pounds. With discipline and proper mind set, a dieter will never be discouraged and lose focus.
Third: Listen as the body speaks. Each and everyone's body metabolism reacts differently to different fast weight loss programs and plans. Try substituting one program for another to compensate the body's reaction. Exercise program must be suitable to one's body, as others are not able to exercise as rigorously as others can. If walking is all that can be done, then walk for this is proven the best exercise. Muscles burn more calories than fats so it's also best to put on a little muscle and looking good too.
Fourth: Eat more fibers for it makes a person full sooner and stays in the tummy longer, slowing down the rate of digestion. A single serving of whole grain bread moves fat through the digestive system faster. Grains turn into blood sugar that spikes the body's insulin level. Thus, making the body more energized and ready to tell the body when it should stop burning fats or start storing.
Fifth: Keep away from fried foods especially deep-fried as this contains a great amount of fat. Although fish and chicken appear leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than when a beef is fried. It is recommended for those on strict diet to opt for grilled food as this does not have or contain less amount of fat after the food is cooked.
Sixth: Takes lots of fluid. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body refreshed. Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, the body must stay hydrated.
All in all, discipline and consistency is still the best practice and the key to a rapid weight loss success. Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss than having a massive action only to be followed a return to old habits as this would only lead to gaining more weight than when the weight loss plan has started.
The first thing that an over-weight should do is seek a doctor to recommend the best weight loss regimen. This will be done after a full physical examination, which leads to the determination of proper weight loss technique. And to lose weight fast and effectively four aspects of life should be changed: what to eat, how to eat, behavior and activity level.
Here are fast tips that can change an over-weight's life:
First: Fast weight loss composes of a multi-faceted technique that consists mindset, exercise, and in other cases, diet supplements. Begin by learning a diet food plan that can easily be accustomed with. Incorporate an exercise plan that allows even at least fifteen minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, and dancing.
Second: Set realistic approaches. The ability to focus and have proper mindset enables someone on a diet to quickly lose those extra pounds. With discipline and proper mind set, a dieter will never be discouraged and lose focus.
Third: Listen as the body speaks. Each and everyone's body metabolism reacts differently to different fast weight loss programs and plans. Try substituting one program for another to compensate the body's reaction. Exercise program must be suitable to one's body, as others are not able to exercise as rigorously as others can. If walking is all that can be done, then walk for this is proven the best exercise. Muscles burn more calories than fats so it's also best to put on a little muscle and looking good too.
Fourth: Eat more fibers for it makes a person full sooner and stays in the tummy longer, slowing down the rate of digestion. A single serving of whole grain bread moves fat through the digestive system faster. Grains turn into blood sugar that spikes the body's insulin level. Thus, making the body more energized and ready to tell the body when it should stop burning fats or start storing.
Fifth: Keep away from fried foods especially deep-fried as this contains a great amount of fat. Although fish and chicken appear leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than when a beef is fried. It is recommended for those on strict diet to opt for grilled food as this does not have or contain less amount of fat after the food is cooked.
Sixth: Takes lots of fluid. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body refreshed. Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, the body must stay hydrated.
All in all, discipline and consistency is still the best practice and the key to a rapid weight loss success. Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss than having a massive action only to be followed a return to old habits as this would only lead to gaining more weight than when the weight loss plan has started.
How To LOVE Training Your Legs!
Hate training legs?
Don’t worry – you’re not alone.
Training legs is tough – the most grueling of all specialized muscle training – and let’s face it…who the hell stands in front of the bathroom mirror flexing their quadriceps?
Look, we’d all LOVE to work on those muscles we know will show off the best on the beach this summer.
And that’s EXACTLY why you should be putting a renewed interest in your leg development.
Let me explain…While you may think you can build your chest and arms up so big no one will ever notice the toothpicks you’re carrying them around on, what people are REALLY thinking is “Man, big upper body but look how skinny his legs look!”.
It’s unfortunate that the bigger you get in one area of your body, the smaller it can make other areas look, and that’s where people will focus their attention.
Therefore, building your legs will actually draw MORE attention to your bulging biceps!
Ok, so now that I’ve appealed to your “ego” on the benefit of training your legs, how about a few pointers on making the most of this “necessary evil”?
How To LOVE Training Your Legs!
Whether you like or dislike something…ANYTHING…is really all in your head.
And since we look forward to doing things we enjoy, it’s worth it to reevaluate your “attitude” on exercising your legs.
As soon as you get out of bed in the morning, instead of saying to yourself “Damn…I don’t feel like working my legs today.”, replace it with “YES! It’s leg day!”.
You may not mean it when you first say it, but I promise you that repeated affirmation of your leg exercises as being something you long for, will “program” your brain to actually look forward to this day!
It’s NOT “Leg Day”…It’s “TESTOSTERONE Day”!
Remember, since your legs are such a large muscle group, training them has a MUCH larger effect on anabolic (muscle-building) hormones.
In fact, the Barbell Squat, while being one of the “hardest” and most excruciating exercises, is actually the best overall exercise for skyrocketing testosterone levels in the body.
This is one of the reason why I had my “Hardgainer Lab Rats” train with squats every other workout…
…the hormone boost they got helped skyrocket their mass gains to build muscle when all other training programs had FAILED!
(BTW…you can see their amazing “before & after” pictures at http://tinyurl.com/yjxbneu)
Bottom line…
DON’T think about the pain of doing squats or other leg exercises…think of the PLEASURE of what all that testosterone gushing through your body is going to bring in the way of overall muscle growth, fat loss, and sexual desire!
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