Sunday, December 30, 2007

My Indepth Plan!

Intro:
Within the past few minutes I just sent out my order for my after workout shake. It comprises of:


Whey Protein Isolate Cold-Filtration 30%

Amylocel (Waxy Maize Starch) 35%

Maltodextrin 20%

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's) 15%

Though I first thought protein after workouts was the biggest and most important aspect in post-workout nutrition, it turns out carbs play a huge role also. After workouts, a high G.I carb that digests fast is preferred, so I included Maltodextrin (common) and Waxy Maize Starch. The WMS itself is very unique. It replenishes the body’s glycogen stores much faster than Maltodextrin or Dextrose and helps in recovery. BCAAs I've read are helpful in weight-loss and of course I stuck with a whey ISOLATE for protein.

As for pre-workout, I will eat something with a low G.I, some protein, and some fat (mostly 0mega-3 fish oils and CLA) I still have some leftover protein powder which also has Rice Oligodextrin that has a low G.I. Makes it suitable for pre-workout only.

As for everyday foods, this is what I've come up with. Very whole, very basic, yet realistic.
Cooked spinach, scrambled eggs, nuts and legumes, grains (quinoa, rolled oats, oat grouts), fruits and veggies, smoothies (with rice milk as liquid), whole wheat pasta with alfredo sauce, homemade guacamole and chips, and if I don't feel like making any other above..perhaps a cereal with rice milk. If it's a time where I go out to eat, I will most likely eat poorly so I'll try to limit that at most once a week..if even.

Working Out:
I will only workout every other day. I will be following an 8-hour eating window and a 16- hour fasting window. Due to school and setting workout times to after, I will begin my eating at 1:45 pm, which will be my lunch for school, usually consisting of a banana, fruit, nuts/trail mix, maybe some cookies (nothing like oreos). This means my ending time would be 9:45 pm.
My exercise will be about three hours after I get home from school. With the traffic I experience on the way home, I'd say about 4:10pm is when I get home. I'll be eating around 4:30-5pm, and will exercise starting around 7pm, but FIRST I will take some sort of energy 30 minutes before. It will either be the protein with the low G.I carb Oligodextrin mix OR or merely banana or raisins.

When I do exercise, I will work the weights I do have, however they are nothing hardcore. At home I have: 2 10lbs, 1 15lb, 1 20lb, and 1 30lb dumbbell. I will first start out with the weights doing exercises such as military presses, curls, squats (pathetic I know with what I've got), and attempt a somewhat reasonable bench press with the 30lb, though it won't do much of anything. I may end up getting a heavier dumbbell also. I will finish with a few more exercises I have in a fitness book. After the first ~30minutes with the weights, I will work with something I got a long time ago called the Power Wheel II. Now that is one heck of a device and I am thoroughly sore after using that. It really helps the core and push-up muscles. I will also try running around the neighborhood and play basketball while I have time left. I'm planning this to be at least an hour. If in any way this lasts for more than 1.5 hours, I will immediately take water mixed with a half to one scoop of Cytomax. On the weekends only (which may either be saturdays or sundays depending on the schedule, will ride my bike for at least 20 miles. I always do my 10 mile route that takes ~40 minutes, but I need the endurance training. This is also on a mountain bike and not on a bike with 29" wheels. I may also take the Cytomax afterworkouts and follow up with the shake.

When I finish up my workout usually around 8:00 to 8:30, I will have my post-workout shake at 8:30 or 9:00 pm (always about 30 minutes after finishing up) And finally I will have my main dinner course around the last time I will eat roughly around 9:45-10:00pm.
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This will be my schedule I'll commit to, unless I feel the reason to change something. If I do, I'll post about it.

P.S: If you need any type of protein or carbs for weight-training, athletic, performance, or for recovery purposes, I highly recommend TrueProtein.com. You cannot beat their prices, and often they have neat specials for orders, which they'll tell you through their newsletter.

Typically per pound it costs about 9 dollars for me, but I ALWAYS make my own custom mix. It's really neat to make it myself, and the options they have are incredible.

If you want to make your own mix, here is the web address:

http://www.trueprotein.com/custom_product.aspx

Finally CRJ777 will save 5% off entire order.
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If you think I should revise something about my plan, leave me a comment.

I'll try to post daily happenings and experiences with this all.
As of now I am 202 pounds. I've changed the first day to occur on Jan. first, the first day of the new year!

Friday, December 28, 2007

My Favorite Superfoods and Supplements

Due to the horrible extent of the average American diet has turned into, I find it necessary to include just a few types of supplements into "our" diet. This doesn't involve everyone, as there are plenty of folks who naturally and consistently eat well, and I applaud them for that. I don't fall into that category specifially, but either way, these supplements are very beneficial:



***Spirulina:
-"This tiny aquatic plant offers 60% all-vegetable protein, essential vitamins and phytonutrients such as the antioxidant beta carotene, the rare essential fatty acid GLA, sulfolipids, glycolipids and polysaccharides." (http://www.spirulina.com/SPBSpirulina.htm)


-"
Spirulina's most powerful health benefits lie in its ability to stimulate and maintain immune system activity. The results of the Mao, Van De Water and Gershwin study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food (2000), and conducted at the university of California at Davis School of Medicine, provide continued understanding and proof of the awesome power of Spirulina." (http://www.relfe.com/spirulina_health_benefits%20_3.html)

-The best dosage could be anywhere from 3-10 grams for maintaining health, but upwards of 20 grams is credible for therapeutic use.

-Remember, Spirulina is a FOOD not a drug or some vitamin you can overdose on. Though it does have a number of beneficial and extremely helpful nutritional substances, it won't be enough to cause any harm.



***Chlorella:
-" Chlorella is a powerful detoxification aid for heavy metals and other pesticides. Numerous research projects in the U.S. and Europe indicate that chlorella can also aid the body in breaking down persistent hydrocarbon and metallic toxins such as mercury, cadmium and lead, DDT and PCB while strengthening the immune system response." (http://www.healingdaily.com/oral-chelation/health-benefits-of-chlorella.htm)

-It can be accredited as:
1. Helpful within making the body's pH level alkaline (healthy)
2. Excellent for the digestive system, as it contains two digestive enzymes (pepsin and chloropyllase)
3. Aiding the normalization of blood sugar and blood pressure
4. Stimulating tissue repair...just to name a few

-Dosage can be anywhere from 3 grams to preferably 5-7grams for noticeable benefits. I've also read that it's advisable that the chlorella dosage should be around half that of Spirulina's amount. I tend to mix 10 grams Spirulina with 5 grams Chlorella in a smoothie.



***Probiotics:


-"Hydrocarbons are broken down by probiotic bacteria which means the food is being split into its most basic elements. This allows almost total absorption through the digestive system. In this way probiotics dramatically increase overall nutrition and enhance rapid cellular growth and development.

The intestinal tract is cleaned by probiotics. They go under the layer of crud on the intestinal walls, attach themselves and dislodge the accumulated decay. This waste is then flushed out naturally.

Probiotics also produce many important enzymes and increase the availability of vitamins and nutrients, especially Vitamin B, Vitamin K, lactase, fatty acids and calcium.

Another one of the benefits of probiotics is that the bacteria strengthen the immune system. Because of this support to the immune system, they have been used in alleviating allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome and systemic candida.

Constipation is quickly relieved by probiotics and the bowel movements become normalized, which means diarrhea is also reduced.

These good bacteria produce specific proteins that act as antigens. The reservoirs of nonspecific antigens are then available for the immune system to use in battling all kinds of different disease conditions." (http://www.upwardquest.com/probiotics-benefits.html)

-A friend of mine mentioned to me that upon taking refrigerated probiotics, the sudden introduction to the stomach's high temperature could very well damage the strains.

-Always buy credible probiotics also. Make sure that the capsules have been coated in order to survive the stomach acids upon arrival.

-Dosage: Anywhere from the millions to, preferably, the 1-10 Billion count is best.



***Apple Cider Vinegar

-First and foremost, Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is the the utmost best brand available, and it's highly recommended. The prized slime inside, blended of course, called "the mother" is very valuable also. If it's not Braggs, make sure the ACV is raw, unpasteurized, unfiltered, and organic.

-"Apple Cider Vinegar has been used as a health aid for thousands of years. For many of us it is a common item on our grocery list and with good reason. ACV is rich in vitamins and minerals as well as enzymes, amino acids, potash, propionic acid and apple pectin. It can lower cholesterol by flushing fats, thins blood to help control blood pressure and ACV fiber helps to control glucose in the blood. While we are told to stay away from vinegar if we have a yeast infection, organic apple cider vinegar aids in stopping the infection.

ACV has a powerful detoxifying and purifying influence and has been known for it's ability to neutralise harmful bacteria that may be found in foods. By taking a tablespoon of ACV in a glass of water before a meal, it could prevent upset stomach or diarrhea.

ACV is said to be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, bladder problems, metabolism, sore throats, gallstones, kidney stones, stiff joints, detoxifying the body, weight loss, and is taken regularly for all over good health.

Apple Cider Vinegar can be taken three times a day by mixing 1 or 2 tablespoons of vinegar in 8 ounces of distilled water.

Always drink ACV diluted. Use a straw or rinse your mouth with water directly after drinking to avoid enamel erosion on teeth. You should always consult your doctor before making changes to your treatment or if you have concerns about your health."
(http://www.healthmad.com/Alternative/Benefits-of-Apple-Cider-Vinegar.12778)



***Cod Liver Oil


-“Doctor Price was right, as usual. Cod liver oil is very good for you, more than you ever knew. Research studies ranging from 1918-2001 give cod liver oil an A+ rating. This marvelous golden oil contains large amounts of elongated omega-3 fatty acids, preformed vitamin A and the sunlight vitamin D, essential nutrients that are hard to obtain in sufficient amounts in the modern diet. Samples may also naturally contain small amounts of the important bone- and blood-maintainer vitamin K.

There is hardly a disease in the books that does not respond well to treatment that includes cod liver oil, and not just infectious diseases but also chronic modern diseases like heart disease and cancer. Cod liver oil provides vitamin D that helps build strong bones in children and helps prevent osteoporosis in adults. The fatty acids in cod liver oil are also very important for the development of the brain and nervous system. "If you want to prevent learning disabilities in your children," said David Horrobin, distinguished medical and biochemical researcher, "feed them cod liver oil…"

…Cod liver oil greatly improves heart function to prevent heart disease and to treat it even in advanced stages, after a heart attack and after heart surgery. Cod liver oil alters the linings of the arteries in such a way as to improve healing after damage. This is attributed to the omega-3 fatty acids but vitamin A, D and K all have important roles to play in facilitating mineral absorption, improving muscle function and supporting elasticity of the blood vessels.” (http://www.westonaprice.org/basicnutrition/codliveroil.html)

-Remember, many individuals lack sufficient Vitamin D so it's very important to use Cod Liver Oil if you lack any of the A or D vitamins. Both of these vitamins are fat soluble so do not take more then necessary.

-I take 1 teaspoon in my spinach and fruit smoothie. The Spinach provides adeqaute beta-carotene, so the body determines how much of it needs to be converted to vitamin-a, hence impossible to overdose.



***PGX Fiber

-Now this is a new one for me. Today my friend also told me about this interesting type of fiber.

-“Absorbs hundreds of times its weight in water over 1 to 2 hours, it expands in the digestive tract creating a highly viscous (thick) gelatinous material. Once hydrated, this complex creates a lasting sense of fullness and it greatly stabilizes blood sugar and appetite hormones. Thus an adequate serving of PGX should make cutting calories much easier. For those who want to lose weight (using either a carbohydrate- or calorie-restricted diet), PGX provides effective weight management without suffering from hunger pangs.” (www.doctormurray.com/articles/pdfs/3550_WellBetX-PGX.pdf)

-I will be purchasing this for my meal plan and will provide an update on how it goes in the future.




***Omega 3 Fish Oil (Especially DHA+EPA)

-Hands down Omega 3 Fish Oil are fantastic for personal well-being.

-*DON'T use Cod Liver Oil as a prime provider of Omega 3s*

-"In a study of overweight and obese dieters with cardiovascular problems, University of South Australia researchers found that tuna oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids helped them lose more weight.

All study participants took regular doses of either omega-3-rich tuna oil or sunflower oil -- which is free of omega-3s -- but did not otherwise change their diets. Then, some of the participants were instructed to take a 45-minute walk or run three times a week. The exercising tuna oil group lost an average of 4 pounds while the exercising sunflower oil group, and both of the non-exercising groups, lost no weight at all. " (http://www.newstarget.com/019787.html)

-I could go on about the benefits for a very long time, but in a nutshell, the primary focus of omega 3 fish oils lie within the EPA and DHA, acids, that have a multitude of benefits in part by their highly anti-inflammatory effects. This can be beneficial for people prone to acne especially, arthritis, weight problems, ect.

-To get the benefits, I've been told and have researched that around 2.2 grams of EPA and DHA combined is best. Do NOT round it off to 2 grams and be confused that 2 grams of Fish Oils = the right amount. Typically for one Fish Oil capsule, you receive 1000 mg of it, but only 300mg total of EPA+DHA. That requires you to take around 8 pills, or 8000mg of the Fish Oil. It's a definite plus.




***Barley and Wheat Grass


-"Barley Grass & Wheat Grass are the young green grasses that later become the cereal grains barley and wheat. These grasses contain the most balanced nutrient profile in green plants. They have an abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, proteins, active enzymes, and chlorophyll. Very much like spirulina and chlorella above. Researchers at the University of California and George Washington University have found that barley grass juice contains antioxidants superoxide dismutase or SOD, 2"-O-glycosylisovitexin and vitamin E succinate. Each of these phytochemicals have been shown to help prevent lipid peroxidation caused by free-radicals. Both grasses are great in detoxing the body, improving digestion, preventing cancer, diabetes and heart disease, curing constipation, detoxifying heavy metals from the bloodstream and cleansing the liver." (http://www.natural-cure-remedy.com/superfoods.html)

-I like to take a tablespoon of Wheat Grass powder in my smoothie or in water. Good stuff. I've taken Barley Grass pills, but not for too long. If you have a 1 or 2 oz Wheat Grass shot, be sure to take it with orange juice. If not, you'll see why you would want to, heh.



*** Royal Jelly & Bee Pollen


-"Bee pollen is said to be nature's most complete food and is the richest source of vitamins found in nature in a single food. There are actually some elements in bee pollen that science cannot identify. The amount of rejuvenating nutrients in bee pollen exceeds those present in brewer's yeast and wheat germ. Bee pollen is used to help those with nutrient deficiencies and chronic health problems. Bee pollen is extremely rich in rutin and is helpful in strengthening the capillaries. Like chlorella, it also supplies the nucleic acids RNA and DNA. Clinical tests have proven bee pollen to be effective in combating the effects of hay fever and other airborne allergens. It has been used to increase energy and stamina. It has a high concentration of amino acids and immune building properties.

Royal jelly is equal to bee pollen in nutrition. Studies have show its effectiveness in helping with accelerating the healing process, anxiety, insomnia, atherosclerosis, bronchial asthma, pancreatitis, arthritis, kidney diseases, stomach ulcers, ovarian insufficiency, reversing the aging process, liver diseases, regenerating the nervous system and promoting sexual health. Whether you take bee pollen or royal jelly is up to you. They are both equally nutritious and beneficial to your health." (http://www.natural-cure-remedy.com/superfoods.html)

-I have had ultra-limited experience with this, but it looks promising. I have also read it's over-hyped, so I am not claiming this to be excellent.




***Quinoa (The Supergrain)

-Quinoa is excellent, I cannot begin to tell you. Sure the taste is slightly awkward, but tasty nonetheless. I like to add Agave Nectar or Grade B Maple Syrup on top. This stuff will stuff you fast. Cook it, don't microwave it.

-"Called a supergrain, quinoa is highly nutritious and can supply us with all of the body's requirements: carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Quinoa is gluten free and considered an ideal food for those prone to food allergies. Common allergens include grains from the grass family such as corn and wheat. Quinoa, a leafy grain, is not in the grass family, making it beneficial for people who cannot tolerate common grains like wheat, corn, rye, barley, and oats.

Most grains are deficient in the amino acid, lysine. Because quinoa has an adequate quantity of lysine, it is considered to contain all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.

Quinoa possesses larger quantities of calcium, fat, iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins than many other grains. One-half cup of dry quinoa contains 51 mg of calcium, compared to 28 mg in the same quantity of whole-wheat grains. The protein content is a whopping 11 g for that one-half cup of quinoa. Potassium is impressively high with 629 mg. as is zinc with 2.8 mg. Other impressive figures include 42 mcg of folic acid, 7.9 mg of iron, and 179 mg. magnesium. In the category of fiber quinoa rates top scores with 5 grams for one-half cup dry grain. One cup of cooked quinoa has a calcium content equal to that of a quart of milk.

Quinoa is high in minerals and B vitamins, especially vitamin B6. Two ounces of cooked quinoa offers 14% of the RDA for B6. Niacin, one of the B vitamins usually measured in trace quantities, totals 2.49 mg, a figure considered impressive when it comes to the B vitamins." (http://nutricoach2.com/Quinoa.aspx)


***Aloe Vera Juice

-Amazing plant here..well more specifically what's inside this odd looking plant.

-I've used it in smoothies and find it pleasant. You can also drink it by itself, but I've never done that. Here is a very well written article:

-"The health benefits of aloe vera juice have long been known. It has been used historically as a soothing balm, applied externally for cuts, scrapes and burns. Modern uses of aloe vera are extensive.

The health benefits of aloe vera taken internally include: improved circulation, regulation of blood pressure, promotes healing of bones and joints, strengthens the immune system, defends the body against bacteria, heals internal tissue damage, heals ulcers, improves and even eliminates constipation, blood sugar regulation, and reduces itchiness in psoriasis helping it to heal.

Drinking two to four ounces a day is all that is required to gain the many benefits of aloe vera juice. If you drink it daily, aloe vera can aid your digestion, improve your circulation and detoxify your body and cleanse your colon.

The detoxification properties of aloe vera juice also act to detoxify your blood stream. If you have intestinal or stomach problems it can help your digestive tract to work smoothly.

Aloe vera also helps to dilate the capillaries and support cell growth, thereby improving circulation.

One of the most important health benefits of aloe vera juice is its operation as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, helping to prevent the onset of disease in the body. Thus, taking aloe vera juice daily helps to maintain good health and provide a sense of wellbeing and energy.

Aloe Vera Juice And Weight Loss

One of the most valuable health benefits for today's society is aloe vera's ability to assist weight loss. Aloe vera works to both reduce and stabilize the body mass index by stimulating the metabolic rate in our liver cells so that we burn more energy.

The energy used for this comes from fat and carbohydrate stores in the body. Drinking aloe vera juice every day has been likened to doing multiple workouts throughout the week.

Another reason why aloe vera works well as a weightloss supplement, is because it has a high content of collagen protein. When you drink aloe vera juice every day, the body has to spend additional energy to assimilate its protein into your system.

This extra expenditure of energy also supports weight loss and muscle development. Aloe vera reduces the amount of time food stays in your intestine, which means that less energy is absorbed from the food.

Throughout history aloe vera has been associated with achieving healthy body weight and it has been known as "the dietary plant" and "the harmony remedy."

Aloe Vera Juice And Detoxification

Detoxification is another of the health benefits of aloe vera juice. Carrisyn, an extract of aloe vera, has been shown to stimulate the production of infection-fighting blood cells and in so doing strengthen the immune system.

Aloe vera juice contains amino acids, methionine, serine threonine and molybdenum, which work together to detoxify heavy metals and additionally aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein. This action prevents a build up of fat in the liver and the arteries.

These detoxification and laxative qualities of aloe vera juice, improve the efficiency of the colon, which is extremely important for good health. Poor colon health results in the re-absorption of toxins into the human body resulting in low energy and un-wellness.

Aloe vera juice contains nineteen amino acids, twenty minerals and twelve vitamins and as such is an excellent, natural nutritional supplement.

Any Side Effects Of Aloe Vera Juice?

Yet, aloe vera is not without possible side effects. Reported side effects include allergic reactions, liver dysfunction, nausea, dermatitis and strangely colored urine.

However, these side effects are rare and may well be the result of drinking too much of the juice. It is unwise to drink aloe vera juice as if it were orange juice. If you stay to the recommended dose, you should be fine.

Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to any side effects and stop drinking the juice if you detect a reaction. Aloe vera juice is not a magic potion or a cure-all.

Indications that you should avoid aloe vera are if you are pregnant or breast feeding, have kidney or heart disease, or are allergic to garlic or onions. It is also inadvisable to give aloe vera juice to children as they can experience toxic reactions.

For most people, the health benefits of aloe vera juice outweigh any risks, however it is important to use this supplement wisely and pay careful attention to your body's responses to it." (http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=29154)



The End.

Introduction (First Post)

I plan to start promptly on Monday, December 31-New Years Eve, after the season finale of this weekend's superb NFL football matches (Go Cowboys). I recently chose to go on Stanley Burrough's Master Cleanse, as of December 20th, for ten days merely lasting on: 2tbs lemon juice in 10 oz water, 1/10th teaspoon of Cayenne powder, and 2 tablespoons of Grade B Maple Syrup, but unfortunately decided to end the cleanse (flush for a better term) by ending my 5th day due to some peculiar ailments I was experiencing.


Anyways, despite having not accomplished the desired time, I did discover this intermittent fasting method, thus ended up finding about the valuable links displayed at the bottom of the page. I have included LeanGains, in which the intelligent Martin Berkhan has experimented with the Intermittent Fasting method in order to maximize the effect it has when developing a personal regime for his clients. The other link is another blog by a man who has successfully used I.F for his benefit. This has been the motivation for me to try it for myself. And the last link, NewsTarget.com, is a neat site about health related matters and the problems with current allopathic medicine.

First of all, I am only 17, and do not have any credentials in nutrition or dietetics, but I do have quite a bit of knowledge. I understand the basics invloved with weight-loss and I have some experience with pre and post-workout nutrition, which I believe to be extremely important. If you find I have seriously asserted any erroneous claims or something I may have overlooked/miscalucated, I'd be interested in hearing about it. I will further post My Plan coming up!