Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Tips For Better Wieght Loss Results

Do you ever find when you want to lose weight, you immediately start craving bad foods and are always hungry? Even the use of diet pills leaves you staring in the cupboards for something, anything. You are not alone. It is kind of like when someone says “don’t look now, but…” do you really have any choice but to look immediately? It takes a strong person to bypass the desire to do an activity they are all of a sudden “not allowed” to do.

You can go your whole life without wanting a brownie. That is until you are “not allowed” to have one. I am not a “sweets” person, but when I am getting ready for a fitness competition and no longer able to dabble in temptations, I suddenly want candy bars and ice cream. After the show, when I can indulge, I’d rather have chicken and a salad…just isn’t right.

There are some tricks that you can use to help your cravings as you pursue your goals in weight management. It takes more than a great diet pill, it takes thought and planning.

American Dietetic Association spokesperson Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, recommends:
  • Eat plenty of low-calorie vegetables to help you feel full.
  • Drink plenty of water so you don't confuse hunger with thirst.
  • Clear the house of tempting foods.
  • Stay busy to prevent eating out of boredom.
  • Eat only from a plate (not from the container), while seated at a table.
  • Always eat three meals and one snack daily -- no skipping meals.
Weighing yourself daily and tracking your food intake can also help you stay on track focused. The conscious act of writing down your progress, or lack there of, can help you avoid temptation through out the day and force yourself to choose momentary satisfaction or restraint that will reinforce the big picture. 
"Even if you write it down on a napkin and end up throwing it away, the act of writing it down is about being accountable to yourself and is a very effective tool for weight loss," says Bonnie Taub Dix, MA, RD, a food and nutrition blogger for USA Today.
These simple tricks will help you to reach your goals better than using a diet pill alone. You can expect a little pill to be able to make up for your neglect. Diet pill are not a pass to eat what ever you want. If they were, we wouldn’t have such an epidemic.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Should You Take Nutritional Supplements?

There is a lot of conversation about the need to take nutritional supplements...or not. First off, we need to define the term supplement. To me, and for the purpose of this discussion, supplementation is any nutrient or substance (natural or synthetic) that does not come from your diet. For argument sake, we will omit prescriptions.

There are some nutritional supplements that I think are generally accepted, even if not taken: vitamins and minerals. But there is a world of other supplements out there that are safe and effective and justified.

Most people have a hard time getting in enough protein to support a training regime. That being said, a protein supplement is not only justified but incredibly effective. There are protein supplements for EVERY need, rather you are vegan, on a budget or trying to get jacked. Protein supplements are great for men or women, but they are not all created equal. Often we omit something that could be really great, from a stigma that is fabricated and perpetrated due to a simple lack of education.

Then you have workout nutritional supplements like creatine, nitric oxide products, recovery supplements, endurance supplements and diet aids. Some of these products merely help your body do what it already does, just faster and better, naturally. Other products have synthetic ingredients to 'create' a desired reaction. Just like proteins, not all products are created equally or have the same impact on your body. Some are completely natural and safe, for example: l-glutamine and amino acids. Supplementing with these natural substances that occur in food, just not enough, promotes faster recovery from physical stress (rather from work, chasing the kiddos or killing it in the gym).

There are certainly people who abuse nutritional supplements, and it is these people who have created a negative stigma around a world of possibilities and potential. Like most things in life, if you over do it or abuse it, the possibility of negative consequences are endless, but respected and done in moderation can enhance your life. If you have any question on supplements, which ones you may need, what they do, or if they are safe, you can email me anytime: leslieraestg@yahoo.com.

Sport Supplements Surviving the Heat


Sports Nutritional Supplements have been in the media a lot lately, good and bad. The FDA wants to make the supplement industry out to be a monster, but the turns a blind eye to those that are really threats.

Sports Supplements, like aspirin, can have possible side effects, and negative results if abused. If taken correctly by a healthy individual, sports supplements are great ways to maximize an athlete’s ability and create gains faster. Nitric-oxide is one of the hottest ingredients in workout supplements right now. 

NO-BOMB, one of Maximum Human Performance’s (MHP) newest products, is one of the biggest breakthrough in pump-maximizing nitric oxide supplementation. MHP scientists have raised the bar with the development of NO-BOMB, the first-ever formula to use a full Sigma-tau certified clinical dose of the patented pharmaceutical compound GlycoCarn (GPLC). At the clinically dosed 4.5 grams, GlycoCarn has been confirmed to be far superior to Arginine and AAKG in boosting nitric oxide levels to help trigger greater pumps and muscle growth.

Benefits:
·        Recovery
·        Lactic Acid Removal
·        Fat Burning
·        Energy

MHP is a recognized leader in strength sports and the choice of top pro bodybuilders, but they are also the choice for millions of amateur athletes from all sports, as well as, fitness enthusiasts. MHP is dedicated to developing the most technologically advanced supplements to promote health, longevity, and physical performance. MHP, in collaboration with Giampapa Institute of Anti-Aging, have developed a complete line of supplements unlike any other.

When you are seeking out a company dedicated to delivering quality sports supplements you can be confident leaning on MHP.

Reviews:

Just finished a chest workout and NO-BOMB gives me a killer pump. I feel the pump for the full workout so much that it's almost painful! My strength is up in most of my exercises and I push out more reps per set. NO-BOMB is the best NO product I've ever used!!! Great when stacked with basic creatine, but if you need a psycho boost, try it with Dark Rage! Highly recommend this stuff!!!
Randy (Texas)

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Looking for Hope in a Bottle?


Weight loss supplements are more common than a summer sale. They have more variations than dance re-mixes and none of it is very consumer friendly. It is hard to know which weight loss claims are legit and which supplement health ‘warnings’ are real.

When you are looking for a good weight loss supplement, pay attention. Don’t get caught up in the hype and empty promises. There is no such thing as a miracle pill, no such thing. If there were, do you think there would be such the weight loss epidemic? Nope.

Most of the ‘results’ and testimonies are not typical, not even close. They are the one in a million cases, or they are the result of the energy supplied in executing all the recommendations: combining said product with diet and exercise.

You just are not going to find a “get out of fat free” card. There are supplements that will suppress your appetite and as a result you may eat less and lose fat. And, there are others that will raise your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories that will drop a few pounds.

Weight loss supplements are only as effective as the motivation of the individual. Getting the most out of a supplement will only happen when you put the most in to your endeavor. If there were something that could take the fat off without any extra effort or changing your diet, do you really think gyms would be so packed? Do you REALLY think that so many people would spend the time away from friends and family to sweat after putting in a full day of work, or wake up before creation to hit the gym?

These people know that the weight loss supplements they are taking are to aid there goals and help them reach them sooner.

Read the back of the bottle. You don’t necessarily have to know what each are, but if two bottles have the same ingredients at about the same ratio, go with the best price. Shop online and save big! Just know that you will have to put in more energy than entering your credit card number and mailing address.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Summer Is Upon Us

Memorial Day has passed and we are head first into summer!! Bikini season and neighborhood BBQ's are looming. Pull out the shorts and tank tops and get ready!!

Summer is the season for vacations! The kids are out of school and the beach is waiting. Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean you should take a week off training. Personally, I love going to 'new' gyms! I get my hardest workouts when I am in a new environment for some reason; it couldn't be my pride wanting to show out (haha). Any way, back to you...one of the hardest parts of training while out of town is having your supplements. After being in such a rhythm, sometimes it feels like a waste of time without protein, pre and post-workout supplements, especially with the regulations like they are on fights.

There are some simple solutions. Measure out your protein in little baggies so you aren't carrying around a tub of protein. Do the same with your other supplements and label the baggies, but make sure to put them in a large bag in case there are any punctures or accidents. That way you aren't shaking protein and Super Pump 250 out of your swimsuit!

Even if you don't plan on working out, you still need your supplements. It is too easy to miss meals or miss certain nutrients on vacation and it is unnecessary. Take your protein and help your body maintain your physique. A week off of training is bad enough without adding insult to injury by depriving your body of the tool to try and keep its progress!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Double Protein Shot Never Hurt

It is no secret that protein is a vital and necessary part of any fitness program, but sometimes whipping out powder, water and a mixer is less than incontinent. However having a protein shot handy would make the process much easier!

IDS has acknowledged this problem and has a New Whey Liquid Protein. These protein shots have 25 grams of protein in each shot.

IDS New Whey Liquid Protein Highlights:

1. New Whey Liquid Protein is packaged in an easily portable 2.9 fluid oz, virtually unbreakable, plastic vial.
2. New Whey Liquid Protein is heat stable. This means refrigeration is optional which adds to its convenience and portability.
3. You can take New Whey anywhere anytime with no fear of bottle breakage or leakage.
4. Each Protein Shot has 25 Grams protein, 0 grams carbs, 0 grams fat!
5. Only 100 calories per shot.
6. Actinase is the source of protein in IDS New Whey Liquid Protein and is made up of a special grade of protein called hydrolyzed proteins for easy and fast digestion.

This form of IDS protein is ideal to through in your backpack or purse for easy and immediate access. It takes the planning out of supplementing. You can keep a case at work, in the car or where ever you go.

Study after study has testified to the importance of supplementing with protein after workouts for muscle repair. If you are crunched for time and miss that ‘magic hour’ when it is the most crucial to get quick absorbing protein in your system, than you are missing out on the gains you could be making.
IDS whey protein supplies your body with the correct nutrition in a manor too easy to argue with. IDS New Whey Protein is also a great supplement for Bariatirc Patients.

IDS pprovides complete protein in an easily absorbable form, New Whey Liquid Protein is ideal for patients following bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass and Lap-Band® surgery. The unique formula has been shown to help the body heal and prevents muscle loss without filling up the stomach.



Supplement Facts: Serving Size: 1 vial (12 Servings per box):

Calories 100
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 g
Sodium 64 mg
Potassium 31 mg
Total Carbohydrates 0 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
PROTEIN 25 GRAMS
Vitamin C 100%
Thiamin (B1) 10%
Riboflavin (B2) 10%
Niacin (B3) 10%
Pantothenic Acid (B5) 10%
Pyridoxine (B6) 10%
Cyanocobalamin (B12) 10%
Biotin 10%
Folic Acid 10%

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Looking to Buy Ephedrine?

Are you still wondering where to buy ephedrine? Look no further! You can still buy ephedrine at discount prices at WorldClassNutrition.com. Support your diet efforts with the proven benefits of ephedrine.
Ephedrine has helped men and women lose unwanted fat for years! It is relatively new to America but other countries have been using the medicinal properties for centuries.

There are several ways that ephedrine is used in the supplement industry today. There are pills and drinks. Among the different diet pills are several different formulas designed to help in different ways.
  • ECA Stack: This is a very popular combination of ephedra, caffeine and aspirin. These three ingredients have been repeatedly proven to work together to optimize the effect of the ephedra.
  • Thermogenics: These supplements primary purpose is to stimulate your body temperature through metabolic stimulation. This stimulation causes your body to use more calories to maintain the elevated temperature. The result is calories burned, and generally the calories come from fat storage.
  • Stimulant-Free Fat Burners: These products generally do not include ephedra or caffeine. They utilize ingredients that do not alter your physical state. They generally do not bring the same results at the same speed as stimulants/thermogenics, but you do not have to worry about any of the physical effects of stimulants.
  • Appetite Suppressants: ~Ephedra in itself has appetite suppressant characteristics, but in specific appetite suppressants, they include other ingredients that have been repeatedly proven to control the appetite and general cravings. ~Hoodia is a supplement that many people believe helps them control their hunger. Hoodia originated from Africa and was primarily used by hunters when they went out on hunting expeditions to prevent hunger pains from shortening their trip. Be aware, however, that it can take a few days to exert its affects; if you don’t feel anything at first, wait it out before making judgments.~Caffeine is a daily part of most of our lives, yet many of us don’t realize the appetite-suppressing properties that caffeine has. This stimulant is most noted for its energizing effect along with its ability to help keep you awake during that mid-morning meeting. When taken in moderate doses, however, as the central nervous system is stimulated, you’ll also tend to experience a decreased appetite.
Regardless of your preference, WorldClassNutrition.com has a product to fit your needs and help reach your goals. When you are looking to buy ephedrine or other weight loss products, look to the leader in ephedra products at discount prices. The prices may be discounted but the quality is not. WorldClassNutrition.com is able to bring you the best names in weight loss and every other supplement need you have because they have teamed up with the manufacture to get the best prices available. With minimal overhead, WorldClassNutrition.com is able to pass on the savings to you!

Popular Ephedra Products:

ThinQuik (30mg Ephedra 90ct)
Regular price: $59.99
Sale price: $44.95, 2/$86.99

Green Stinger (27mg Ephedra 120ct)
Regular price: $69.99
Sale price: $49.99, 2/$95.99

Fire Starter (30mg Ephedra 90ct)
Regular price: $79.95
Sale price: $44.99





Thursday, May 20, 2010

HumaPro...Mamma Always Said...

ALRI has unveiled another innovation in the fitness industry. HumaPro is their newest protein and the only protein on the market designed to mimic human milk. Anyone who knows me, knows I am against dairy. I have always been against promoting the only species (us) who drinks another mammals milk (cows). I have never wanted to develop like a cow so I have never understood drinking the very thing that nurses calf's, but I digress (if I don't move on, I may never get off this introduction).

ALRI wondered the same thing but took it a step further. The protein supplements we are bombarded with in the fitness industry are components of milk: whey and casein. ALRI did the research to find out the differences between cow and human milk (and there are several).

Cow milk is about 80% casein and 20% whey. Human milk starts off about 40% casein and 60% whey and as the baby grows, breast milk proteins change until the ratio is about 50/50.

They whey in human milk is predominantly alpha-lactalbumin while the whey in cow milk is dominate in beta-lactoglobulin. ALRI reported: "Whereas alpha-lactalbumin has been studied well for validation associated with increased immune factors to disease, allergies, increased mineral absorption and growth factors specific to humans, beta-lactoglobulin has been associated with the exact opposite."


Pretty interesting information if you as me...you didn't but you are still reading :) So if human and cow's milk is fundamentally different to produce separate actions in the receiving system, why are we consuming the ingredients to build a cow?

I haven't tried it yet (it just came available to distributors yesterday), but I will be. It could change the game...ohhh did I mention ALRI says HumaPro has a calorie of 0.4 per gram (traditional protein has 4 calories/gram). So you can get better protein, none of the side effects and consume fewer calories in the process? Too good to be true? We'll see. 

Monday, May 17, 2010

Vitamins for Weight Loss


Proper Weight Loss Requires Specific Vitamins

Weight loss and vitamins are tightly connected. In order for your body to be free to shed unwanted fat, it has to be in an optimal state; otherwise you will be more susceptible to losing muscle, not fat.  

Vitamins are important for you body to develop normally. There are 13 vitamins you need in order for proper function: A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and foliate).

The Best Vitamins for Weight Loss

The most important vitamins for weight loss are B vitamins and Vitamin C, they are the chief vitamins responsible for proper thyroid and metabolic function. The thyroid is responsible for regulating hormone production. If your hormones are out of whack, you body tends to store fat as a defense mechanism. If your metabolic function is off, your body will not process calories properly, and this usually doesn’t end well.

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Assists in promoting normal thyroid function and overall metabolism. Good food sources: Milk, liver, almonds, hard cheese, eggs, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables.

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Essential for normal thyroid hormone production. Vitamin B3 is also part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) which is released every time blood sugar rises. Good food sources include: Wheat bran, liver, tuna, turkey, chicken, meat, eggs, mackerel, salmon, oats, barley, cheese, dried fruit, and brown rice.

  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): A deficiency in Vitamin B5 limits the bodies capacity to utilize fat efficiently. In addition, it is super important in energy production and assists in adrenal function. Good food sources of Vitamin B5 include: liver and kidney, meat, poultry, nuts, wheat bran, wheat germ, eggs, molasses, oats, barley, beans, wholegrain bread, green vegetables.

  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Helps regulate the production of the thyroid hormone and aids in overall metabolism. Good food sources of Vitamin B6: wheat bran, wheat germ, oats, sardines, mackerel, poultry, beef, avocado, bananas, brown rice, cabbage, dried fruit, molasses, eggs.

  • Choline: Included in the Vitamin B complex. However choline is not a real vitamin; it is made in the liver. Choline is vital for efficient fat metabolism. Without choline, fats become trapped in the liver and are unable to be processed. Good sources of choline include: lecithin, egg yolks, wheat germ, cauliflower, cucumber, peanuts.

  • Inositol: Also a member of the vitamin B complex and manufactured inside the body. Inositol combines with choline to assist in fat metabolism. Good sources of inositol include: lecithin, beef heart, beef liver, wheat germ, soy, eggs, citrus fruits, whole grains, and nuts.

  • Vitamin C: Among Vitamin C’s surplus of health benefits is its function in the proper conversion of glucose to energy with in the cells. Good food sources of vitamin C include: blackcurrants, broccoli, green peppers, kiwi fruits, brussel sprouts, lemons, citrus, strawberries, and cabbage.

While it would be ideal to get all your vitamin needs from food sources, it is not always practical. With the amount of processing foods go through they end up having to be ‘fortified’ with vitamins (important vitamins that were naturally in the food are removed when processing and synthetically added back into the product). Also, because of the destruction to the soil, most vegetables and farmed foods do not have the vitamin content they should. This deficiency is passed on to the animals who graze on them, and as a result, our meats are lower in vitamin’s too.

However, when you take vitamin supplements to help with weight loss and overall health, make sure to take them with food! SupplementsToGo.com has the best names in the vitamin business at prices that won’t break the bank. Save money, get what you want and reach your goals!

Protein and Weight Loss


Decade after decade the media has been influenced by fad diets that have in one way or another caught our eye. Daring claims were made against fat, for fat…against carbs and for carbs. But, what they have all had in common is protein. We have been fighting with the right amount and right kind of protein for weight loss for years.

  • How much protein do we really require?
  • What foods contain protein?
  • Which protein is best?
  • Does working out influence protein needs?

While ensuring your diet is balances with each food group (carbohydrates, fat and protein), it is super important to have enough protein if your goal is weight loss.
 
A Little Background on Protein
Protein is made up of 20 amino acids that serve as the building blocks for muscle tissue development, growth and repair. Of those 20 amino acids, the body makes 11 (nonessential amino acids), but the other nine, (essential amino acids) have to come from food or supplementation.

The protein in our diet can come from animal or plant sources. These “dietary” proteins are broken into two categories: complete and incomplete. Animal and soy proteins are complete because they contain the 9 essential amino acids that the body is not able to make, but must have. Plant proteins (vegetables, nuts and beans) are incomplete. They lack at least one of the essential amino acids. Your body needs complete proteins for weight loss.
 
How much protein do I need?
For mildly active (exercise three times a week for 30-60 minutes), you don't need more than the RDA -- 0.4 grams per pound of ideal body weight. To calculate your daily protein needs in grams, multiply your weight by 0.4. (For a 145-pound person, that's 58 grams, or 12-15 percent of total daily calories.)

If you're moderately active (exercise four to six days a week for 30-60 minutes), take 0.6-0.7 grams/pound. (That's 87-101.5 grams, or about 20 percent of total daily calories, for a 145-pound person.)

If you're highly active (exercise daily for an hour or more) you may need more like 0.9-1 gram/pound. (For a 145-pound person, that's 130.5-145 grams, or about 30 percent of total daily calories.

The reason the quantity of protein goes up is because when you are exercising, you are breaking down muscle tissue (rather you are going heavy or light, if it is burning, it is breaking…if it’s not burning, we have a whole other problem: Kick it up a notch!). In order to repair the broken down tissue, the body needs complete protein chains (all the essential and non-essential) before it can repair the damage and allow you to be one day closer to your goals.

Eating protein will not make you ‘big,’ but it will support what ever workout program you are on, rather it be to lose fat or develop big dense muscles. Eating protein will help weight loss by feeding your body what it needs to be lean and efficient.

Sometimes it is not practical to expect to get the right amount of protein through out the day. Dropping everything to cook eggs or chicken is time consuming and requires some equipment. Having a protein supplement on hand is not only smart but effective. It ensures you are getting quality, complete protein without high amounts of saturated or trans fats.

BSN Lean Dessert Protein: Contains MCT's, EFA's, and Glutamine Peptides, which stimulate energy, fat loss, and lean muscle growth! Designed to be thick and satisfying (helping control your cravings and appetite until your next meal)! Rich in BCAA's and other Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids! Low in carbs and fat (ideal for low carb/ low fat lifestyles)!

BSN Syntha-6 Protein: Utilizes a formula that offers a time releases supply of amino acids into the bloodstream; uses a patented blend of proteins for a constant supply of nutrient to muscle tissue. Includes branched-chain amino acids and both essential and non-essential amino acids.
Nitro-Tech Hardcore by MuscleTech: Nitro-Tech Hardcore is designed to deliver a triple-whammy of anabolic effects.  First, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains a blend of amino acids that has been specially selected for super-fast, super-effective muscle growth.  Second, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains Insulogen, which is designed to enhance insulin secretion and sensitivity. Third, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains a NOx (nitric oxide) enhancer that helps you to look and feel as pumped as you’ll ever be.

Zero Impact Protein by VPX: Because protein is the single most important performance, appearance and muscle enhancing substance, a significant amount of research went into isolating a protein superior to those already available. Pushing the envelope of technology, VPX Sports Nutrition engineered a protein derived from Cross-Flow Quadrafiltration (CFQ) called ZERO PROTEIN – the highest biological value, fat and carbohydrate-free, pure whey protein isolate. This unique manufacturing processes (CFQ) yields increased protein microfractions and Di, Tri and Quadrapeptide Isolates.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Summer Tan...Make It Last


Summer is here and not only are you not donning the tan of your dreams, you’re hiding behind winter white. Heading to the pool, lake or beach isn’t fun if you are blinding everyone.

You have solutions. Rather you are into tanning beds or self tanners, there are easy, cheap solutions from designer brands. Even if you have the base you want there are products that will help the life of your tan and treat your skin like silk.


Indoor tanning has some negative effects. The media has certainly blown each of them out of the water, but so does processed food, the air you breathe, cell phones and micro waved food.

The majority of the negative effects are associated with over use (like anything). But, there are also some benefits. The body gets a very vital nutrient, vitamin D, from UV rays, rather natural or artificial.

You can avoid frequent visits and still get deep, rich color by implementing a tanning lotion. Australian Gold, Designer Skin and Hoss Sauce each provide some of the best formulas on the market today!

There are two different types of tanning lotions:
  1. Tinglers-helps increase blood circulation, thus improving the oxygenation of your skin cells. The increased level of oxygen helps accelerate your tan.
  2. Bronzers-There are two different types of bronzers:
·        1. Cosmetic Bronzer – This is a bronzer that acts much like a make-up, giving you immediate color once applied, allowing your natural tan to develop over the next few hours. The bronzer will ultimately wash off.
·        2. DHA Bronzer – DHA is a colorless chemical that is found in self-tanners. DHA is also found in many indoor tanning lotions. DHA, when applied to your skin will start to turn your skin brown in about 2-3 hours.
(Both types of bronzers are very effective in helping you achieve your best looking tan.)

Within each of the above formulas, manufactures add various moisturizers, firming complexes and tan extenders to maximize your tanning experience, tan life and skin’s appearance. There are even lotions with Stay Fresh technology that are designed to make sure you don’t smell like a typical tanning session.

Industry Leaders

Australian Gold: For over 20 years, Australian Gold® brand has continually produced lotions with superior bronzing power, advanced skincare and unbeatable results. Their Accelerator lotion continues to be the number one seller in the industry. New technologies such as DermaDark® blend keep Australian Gold in the forefront of the industry as one of the most recognized brands in indoor tanning.

Designer Skin: Designer Skin’s prevailing philosophy is “Nutrition for the Skin” and this mantra drives every aspect of their product development. Designer Skin’s phenomenal line of dark tanning formulas provide the ultimate in skin nutrition through the use of advanced skincare ingredients and superior formulations. They work by two standards: Exceptional skincare and exceptional color.

Hoss Sauce: An industry leader in product development and refinement and continues to market the highest-quality products. They provide an array of quality lotions that help kick-start a tan as well as advanced lotions that help clients burst through any tanning plateau. Tanners won’t find better products that are more extremely advanced in formulation and manufactured with the highest-quality ingredients than those developed by Hoss Sauce.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Kre Alkalyn Creatine Supplements

Kre-Alkalyn Creatine has changed the way the fitness industry uses creatine supplements.  
Creatine is one of the most used and respected supplements in the fitness and bodybuilding industry.
When you ask gym folks what two supplements they could not do without, you generally hear some form of creatine supplement and of course, protein.

Popular KreAlkalyn Creatine Supplements:

  1. Kre-Alkalyn Soft Gel 45ct by Sci-Fit
  2. Kre-Alkalyn 240ct by CTD Labs
  3. Crea3 Powder 500g by MNT
Out With the Old

Traditionally there was a loading phase and intricate cycling phases. This was due the discovery that while creatine was highly beneficial as a supplement, when it was added to water, it rapidly converted to the toxic by-product creatinine. This held true no matter how "unique" the formulation claimed to be, or the purity of its dry creatine content.

In order to get the amount of creatine to achieve desired results, you had to take so much. When you supplement with 5 grams of ordinary creatine monohydrate, you only get the benefit of 2-400mg of actual creatine. The rest is converted to creatinine, and the toxicity of this by-product results in some unwanted side-effects including:
  • stomach cramps and bloating
  • diarrhea
  • indemia
  • water retention
  • dehydration
  • headaches
  • liver and kidney problems
  • creatinine poisoning.
These side-effects are caused by the body's internal self-defense mechanism reacting to save itself from the ingested toxins by combining it with water.

In With the New

The industry found a solution, and it is kre-alkalyn creatine. The kre alkalyn version of creatine does not convert to creatinine when combined with water. In fact, the body is able to use the amount ingested. This has put an end to loading and cycling creatine as well as having to take 10-20grams.

Kre-Alkalyn allows you to safely consume creatine to its full and most potent effect with only a fraction of previous dosages. It is buffered to work with the stomach, resulting in perfect pH for full absorption of every gram.

The benefits from using creatine are so extensive that many companies add Kre-Alkalyn Creatine to their protein, pre and post workout supplements. The benefits include:
  • Helps pace the process of building muscle mass without having to consume harmful substances such as steroids and hormones
  • Enables you to notice a significant increase in muscle in just 2-3 weeks
  • Enhances performance, increases the intensity of your workouts, increases the energy levels and accelerates recovery
  • Helps build lean muscle while cutting down on body fat
Kre-Alkalyn Creatine Reviews:

Pradeep, India:

I have used creatine monohydrate earlier. This, my fellow iron men, is by far the best. Right from its first serving you will notice greater endurance. I am not a hard gainer. I just started using Kre-Alkalyn Creatine. I presently lift 400 pounds on the bench press (3 reps), but with Kre-Alkalyn Creatine, I do it with a bit more ease, and the recovery between sets is very good too. Your ability to push yourself accelerates. I also noticed it does not dehydrate me like the regular creatine monohydrate. I work out like a maniac. The only thing I see in the gym is the weights and the mirror. No bullshitting, no chit chats on the stock market, and I HATE to be questioned by puny guys about muscle building during my sets. If you are my kind of a guy, you will love your work outs with Kre-Alkalyn Creatine.

Dezi, Texas:

I don’t usually write reviews, but I think SciFit Kre-Alkalyn 1500 is a product I will actually vouch for. A few of my older cousins got me into it. I tried BSN Cell-Mass, Pro-lab Creatine Monohydrate, ATP Serum and god knows what else…but this product did wonders for me. I’m 5′11 and 147lbs, and within the 3rd week into it, my lifting (on almost all workouts) shot-up by at least 25 pounds (bench, curls, dips...you name it) and there is NO LOADING PHASE all you do is take 2 before and 2 right after your workout...great product. I’m on my 3rd bottle, and I’m not the weakest link anymore!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Discount Sport Nutrition Products


Discount sports nutrition products are hard to find, and often the ones that are readily available are not the ones you want. SupplementsToGo.com and WorldClassNutrition.com are different. They are two sites dedicated to bringing you the best discounts on the best named products available.

Serious gym goers are typically not one supplement kind of people. Their supplementation consists of multiple products, in specific combinations, sometimes timed to the minute, to generate exact results. All the supplements add up, especially because serious people generally want supplements from good companies. Cutting corners, for these people, does not extend to supplements. With SupplementsToGo.com and WorldClassNutrition.com it doesn’t have to…finding name brand sport nutrition products at discount prices is easy.

SupplementsToGo.com and WorldClassNutrition.com have thousands of products from weight loss to weight gain, we've got it all. And we have the lowest prices too! We ship internationally and are one of few companies left still bringing you ephedra and ephedrine (until supplies run out).

Featured Products:

H-Drol 60ct Competitive Edge Labs Prohormone (30.99): Build Lean, Dry Muscle Gains with H-Drol. HDROL is the ultimate repartitioning compound designed for individuals looking to achieve the most noticeable gains and visible gains in lean muscle and strength in the shortest period of time. As a nice added benefit, many users report losing body-fat during the course of their cycle as well.

ThinQuik (90 ct) 30mg Ephedra(44.95):  There is a limited amount of this brand new rapid weight-loss pill available at this price. After years of research STG Supplements has released the much anticipated Thin Quik. The strongest weight loss pill available. If your ready to drop the pounds quickly and are ready for serious weight loss, Thin Quik is your only and best choice. With 30mg of Ephedra as a starting ingredient in every serving, get ready for amazing appetite control, superior hunger craving suppression, and a thermogenic fat burning experience like you have never experienced before. Thin Quik is unlike any other diet pill available on the market!

Nitro-Tech Hardcore 2lb by MuscleTech ($27.50, 2/$54.00): Nitro-Tech Hardcore (from leading manufacturer MuscleTech) is designed to deliver a triple-whammy of anabolic effects.  First, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains a blend of amino acids that has been specially selected for super-fast, super-effective muscle growth.  Second, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains Insulogen, which is designed to enhance insulin secretion (unless you’re like the 2006 Mr Olympia, who had Type 1 diabetes and therefore couldn’t make his own insulin) and sensitivity.  Thirdly, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains a NOx (nitric oxide) enhancer that helps you to look and feel as pumped as you’ll ever be.

There are a lot of companies that claim to offer the best prices available, but too often they have a few products priced ‘right’ and the rest are marked up, or they charge extra on shipping and handling. SupplementsToGo.com and WorldClassNutrition.com are not trying to play games or trick you into to purchasing products at prices that you don’t need to pay. They are dedicated to bringing you products that offer you results and keep money in your pocket.


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Tight Curves Brownies

Too many times this recipe has saved my contest prep to not share it!! But know that you HAVE to use Tight Curves Protein. I have tried it with other brands and it ALWAYS turns out horrible!! Also use a small pan or they will turn out more like crepes...ohhhh and if you use an electric mixer it will make the 'batter' more fluffy and your brownies thicker :)

Tight Curves Chocolate Brownies

Makes 12 Brownies
Cook Time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Mix chocolate protein, egg whites and whole egg together
  2. Spray pan with cooking spray (for best results use a 8" x 8" pan)
  3. Sprinkle walnuts into mixture before baking
  4. Bake at 350° for approximately 10 minutes
(Approximately 30 or so calories per brownie)


Had to try it!!

I have been waiting ALL week, well some of last week so it feels like a long time, for the new iSatori Flash Point (the world's first sublingual fat burner) to come in, and FINALLY the wait is over! The box was sitting on my desk as I came into work. Nearly losing my mind, I opened the box, which in my opinion is quite excessive however impressive, and paraded my new find!

Now, I was already warned on the iSatori website that the taste was not ideal or especially delicious. The directions say to take three tabs, but I took two and placed them under my tongue and waited for the magic to happen. As the tabs dissolved, the undesirable taste was confirmed, but the effects did begin to take place! My hands tingled and my energy level began to climb steadily.

I am going to have to go ahead and vote FOR this product right now and time will tell if this product will stay on my love it list or fade to the 'ehh' category. 

Friday, April 16, 2010

Burning Muscle in Your Sleep? Try This Recipe

During the night your body is 'starved' of protein and can cause catabolism (break down of muscle tissue). You can fight this by adding Casein at night. 

My Favorite Casein Recipe:
1.5 scoops Optimum Casein (vanilla)
¼ cup Frozen Berries
¼ cup Whole Oats
½ t Cinnamon
2 packets of Splenda (or your favorite sweetener)
Water

In a bowl, mix casein, berries, cinnamon, and sweetener with enough water to make a thick batter. Top with oats and freeze for approximately 15 minutes or until solid. Be careful not to freeze too long. The consistency should be like ice cream.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Motivation: Where is it?

Lack of motivation is a killer of success, and fear of failure (or success for that matter) is the single most deadly component to any dream. It doesn't matter if other people think you can or can not achieve something if you don't.

I have had times when EVERYONE around me believed in me, but I had doubt, and I failed. I have had times when everyone around me told me I was foolish to have certain dreams, but my heart didn't know how to stop, and in the end, my belief brought success.

What separates most people who have 'made it' from those who haven't is an unwavering belief in their own success. It is not genetics, tho they play a part. How many times have I seen someone who had all the talent but none of the drive and ended up 'wasting' their ability. Genetics and talent mean nothing if you don't believe in their existence. And often talent can be developed and honed in on.

If you don't know my story, I am a girl who was never supposed to become an IFBB fitness pro or any other pro athlete. I have average genetics, average. I have zero back ground in gymnastics, dance or anything that would lend to a fitness routine or career. At 20-years-old, a dream was born. A fire burned that many tried to put out...repeatedly.

Had I listened to them, I would have quit. But I didn't, I took a year of yoga before a year of gymnastics (with 8-year-olds) before I began to put together a routine and think about a competition. I didn't do well my first show, or my second, but I progressed. Inch-by-inch I qualified for nationals. I was the girl who shouldn't even have made it that far. I struggled with my physique and my routine, but I loved it and the work and time and energy was worth it. I believed that I would be deserving of the title IFBB Pro. I believed if I worked hard enough I would make up for my genetics and lack of background. And that is exactly what I did.

I would have been easier to believe I couldn't do it, much easier. I think that is what kills people's motivation; it is easier to keep where you are instead of work for where you want to be. It is easier to give up than to go for it. It is easier to not try than to chance failure.

You may not succeed at every one of your dreams, but the only thing holding you back from a better life is yourself. The reason we love movies like Rudy, Mighty Ducks, Miracle, and Remember the Titans, is because somewhere in all of us is a dream that should have come true.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

No "Nonsense," No Hype Required

In an era where supplement companies and athletes are being attacked for using illegal substances, it is hard to know where to turn to find a legitimate product that works and isn't going to turn up on the FDA's banned list tomorrow. Beverly International has been an advocate for drug-free athletes since their commencement, and SupplementsToGo.com has been an advocate for Beverly International.

Beverly International has been making and defending their title as “Protein Kings” since 1967. You may have not heard much about the company because advertising is minimal; they don’t use sexy models on glossy pages to push ‘hope in a bottle’.

Beverly International allows their products speak, their craftsmanship sell and their results bring customers back time and time again. I first saw Beverly International at a regional NPC show in North Carolina. I spoke with the booth representative, who was actually knowledgeable in the product, the company and the fitness industry. I tried their products and new this was indeed a ‘no nonsense’ company.

Three different laboratories are involved in the manufacturing of Beverly’s product to ensure the supplements are not only the most effective on the market, but the safest and healthiest formulas available.

In addition, they employ two additional independent laboratories to analyze and test their finished products. These laboratories jobs are to make certain that each Beverly supplement meets or exceeds its label claim before the Beverly International label is placed on the bottle.

Beverly International provides tried and tested products that meet any fitness goals: from fat loss, to weight gain; from contest prep to off-season transformations. Their products are designed for men and women looking to take their physique to the next level, drug-free.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Protein and Biological Value


Biological Value (BV) is a common term used with protein, but not many people know what it means or why it is important. 

Biological Value is one of the standards of measure for over-all protein quality. It measures the amount of protein deposited in to the muscle tissue per gram of protein absorbed from foods and supplements. However, not every gram of protein you intake is absorbed by the body. If there is not 100% biological value then your body can not use that source alone or fully to provide your muscles with the full grams of protein available. For example, tuna has a BV of 83% that means that 17% of the protein digested is not able to be processed because it is missing key protein particles (amino acids).

Biological Value for top proteins:
Whey Isolate: 159
Whey Concentrate: 104
Whole Egg: 100
Egg Whites: 88
Tuna: 83
Lean Beef: 80
Chicken Breast: 79
Casine: 77
Soy: 74




Friday, April 2, 2010

When Skinny is Fat: Who Needs Muscle?

Are you Skinny Fat? You are finally a size four. You have given up meals and killed hours on the treadmill. Your clothes are hanging off your body, but still, something is not the way you pictured it. You still have cellulite and feel “squishy.” You don’t have that toned muscle look at all. Welcome to being “Skinny Fat.”

There are a few reasons celebrities and models look they way they do. Granted there are those who eat what they want and don’t have to work for it and have genetics to thank (and we hate them). Then there are those who are young and in their prime, when the years begin to add on, they will not have the same look (welcome to reality). For the most part, those looks are worked for, hard.

When most people think about muscle, they think about people like Arnold Swarchenegger. Looking into the weight room at most gyms, you see muscle bound guys, grunting and looking admirably in the mirror. It is little wonder why most women stick to the treadmill and spin classes.

Putting in time on cardio machines seems like a great way to lose weight, and it is. But, the bodies in the magazines (you are reading to pass the time) did not get that way from cardio alone. Cardio is a part of the equation, but it is not the whole answer.

Those sleek, lean bodies that grace the covers of top magazines, both fashion and fitness, are tight and tone because they work at it, on and off the treadmill. It does not matter how much weight you lose if what is under the fat is not what you want to show.

There are a couple rules to building sleek, sexy, toned muscles:

• If it isn’t burning, it isn’t working.
• If you don’t change your workout, you won’t change your body.
• If you don’t focus on your butt, no one else will (I can’t take credit for this one).

Building lean muscle does not mean you are a bodybuilder. Those men and women did not get that way from putting in a little time in with the weights. They got that way from relentlessly pouring their life into the gym, day in and day out. Their entire lives are built around building the fullest, largest possible muscles their body can hold.

The bodybuilding community makes up a VERY small percentage of the overall gym community. In fact, there are far more figure athletes alone than bodybuilders, we are talking probably 100:1 (the girls in popular magazines like Shape, Muscle & Fitness, Oxygen and Fitness Rx).

I can honestly tell you, their sleek toned bodies come from hours in the gym, split between resistance training and cardio training, and proper nutrition. Resistance training is not just weights; it encompasses any exercise that includes resistance (weights, machines, bands, bars and bodyweight). Cardio training is not limited to the “cardio vascular section” in the gym. Cardio is more than treadmills and bikes and stair-masters. Cardio extends to classes designed to keep your heart rate up, track workouts, trail running and more.

When I start talking about weight training and building muscle, many women say, “I don’t want to get ‘big,’” or, “I don’t want to look like a man.” That is just not the case. There is NO way you are going to get big muscles or start looking manly from getting into the weight room, unless, you change your ENTIRE life and start living only to reach that goal. It is not something that happens from training 4-5 days every week. However, if you find yourself starting to lift 2-3 times your body weight, you just might be the exception to the rule and should ease off!

Part of the problem is many women don’t know where to start or stop and don’t know how to start a muscle toning program. Even though the very magazines that keep you distracted on the treadmill have article after article about exercising, still many women are afraid or do such a minimal workout it ends up not doing anything.


How to Get Started:

The key to starting any program is to show up. Waiting until next month or next week will just give you opportunity to keep pushing back the start date. Start today! Most gyms have an orientation session where you can meet with a trainer and learn how to use the equipment, take advantage of it; just know that they will try to sell you more sessions. Generally, if you are not interested in having training, you can avoid some of the sales pitch by telling them up front that you are just interested in learning the machines.

Make a plan. Building muscle tone and having that tight, swim suit body, requires some planning. Figure out how much time and how many days each week you have to dedicate to the gym (aim for 3-5 days). Divide up your muscle groups (legs, back, chest, arms and shoulders) through out the days. Then stick to it. Make sure what ever you plan is, you are working the muscle. It should burn. It should be hard. You should sweat. Your muscles should get sore.

Make the Most of Your Time:

The only thing worse than not working out is wasting your time at the gym. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

• Do cardio after you train, not before.
• Don’t chit-chat, working your mouth won’t help your legs.
• Increase the weight; just because you are a girl doesn’t mean you are a baby.

Use Products that Help:

It is hard to get all the nutrients you need from food. It is equally hard to prepare all the food you need to make the most of your gym efforts. Eating 5-6 small meals a day is ideal, yet time consuming. To help properly feed your muscles using supplements is recommended.

• Muscle Recovery: Glutamine Select Plus-chalked full of vital amino acids that assist in recover and reduce muscle soreness.
• Protein Supplementation: Tight Curves-protein designed for the nutritional and hormonal needs of women.
• Multi-vitamin: Opti-Women-combines vitamins and essential minerals with Ostivone, Soy Isoflavones and more to create an all-inclusive female formula.

Find out your potential by getting off the treadmill and into the weight room. Turn skinny fat into fit and fabulous.