Etiket: Healthy Eating

  • Yin Yoga: Devotion and Love to warm our hearts

    Let’s face it –  as a lifter and fellow enthusiast of all things getting Yoked, chances are you wanna be jacked/strong and lean all at the same time. Admirable goals friend, join the Swole Club. Unfortunately our physiology doesn’t really like us doing all three at once, so it’ll make excuses and half ass any adaptations and responses to lifting.

    Fortunately there’s a groovy nutrition concept that allows us to maximize training adaptations over time so we can indeed get massiver, stronger-er and more shredded.

    What Does Periodizing Nutrition Even Mean?

    In bro-terms it’s organizing what you eat around the type of training you do to get the best results. You can’t maximize both strength and hypertrophy at the same time very well, nor can you do either of these things whilst dieting down to single-digit body fat at the same time. The central idea of Nutritional Periodization is to match what you eat/how much you eat/specific macro ratios to the goal of your training block.

    Developing Your Very Own Periodized Nutrition Plan

    What happens if your “just eating right” doesn’t support the hypertrophic goals you have and training in a hard volume block doesn’t result in the desired muscle gain?What happens if “just eating right” doesn’t support the maintenance of lean muscle tissue during a deficit?

    What happens if “just eating right” isn’t a sufficient amount of carbohydrates to offset perceived exertion during exercise leading you to feel like you’re the weakest dude in any gym that ever gymed? You put a limit on how much progress you’ll make. Let’s not do that…

    Training and Nutrition Periodization

    When training load increases, guess what else should increase? If you said “calories, carbs and my biceps” you guessed right! Periods of high volume massing just need higher total calories and higher amounts of carbohydrates.

    If we don’t periodize calories and carbohydrates to energy demands of our training, then very bad, super non-awesome stuff happens like overtraining, injuries and worst of all, you can’t fill out your Gymshark stringer Vest.

    Choosing how to sequence your very own periodized nutrition plan is going to depend on where you’re currently at. If you’re looking to pack on some size, then maybe string a few massing cycles together – with the appropriate maintenance blocks obviously, and see how you grow. 

    Ultimately you’ve got to decide what you want to achieve and then periodize your nutrition to match the goals of your training blocks. Now, go get strong, jacked and shredded.

    Bringing It All Together

    I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number. If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least. That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress. Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

    Recent posts

    I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number. If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least.

    That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress. Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

  • Set yourself up for nutrition success with a kitchen-refresh

    Set yourself up for nutrition success with a kitchen-refresh

    Eating well is not just about what you eat, but how you eat, and your environment ultimately shapes those behaviors. If you try to stay away from the heart of the home-the kitchen-out of fear of derailing your diet, it’s time for a kitchen makeover.

    And no, it won’t require a hammer, a fresh coat of paint or a $20,000 budget. With a few simple tricks, you can transform your family’s favorite room into the ultimate health-food spa.

    Organize Your Fridge for Success

    If you rush home from work in a “hangry” state, chances are you’ll grab the first snack you see. Make sure it’s a good one by placing the healthiest options in clear containers at the front of the fridge at eye level, and hiding any of the kiddos’ treats or entertaining leftovers in opaque containers toward the back. I keep baggies and containers of fresh fruit, carrots, hummus and yogurt near the front of the fridge so that the choice is so fast, I can’t even remember we have chips in the pantry.

    Keep Smaller Plates and Bowls within Reach

    Research suggests that larger plates and bowls tend to mean larger portions, because bare space makes us feel deprived. So keep your salad plates and small soup bowls nearby, while storing your full-size dinner plates in a higher-up cupboard out of reach.

    If you’re still hungry after filling the smaller bowl, then of course, go back and grab seconds, but you’ll at least have bought yourself some time to listen to your satiety cues.

    Prep Portion-Controlled Ready-to-Eat Snacks

    Whether your snack food of choice is potato chips, trail mix, pretzels or salted peanuts, treating yourself occasionally doesn’t have to sabotage your diet. But if sitting down with the family-size bag is typically the first step for your mindless snack attack, it’s time to do some preventative prep!

    Immediately after your grocery haul, portion your go-to snacks into manageable portion-controlled bags so that you can easily grab one from the pantry and indulge guilt-free. Keep 1-ounce bags of almonds and 3-cup portions of air-popped popcorn in the pantry and stock your fridge with perfectly portioned energy balls or chia pudding in mason jars.

    We all know we probably can stand to drink more water, so if you’re constantly forgetting to refill your glass, keep your favorite water bottle, filter or water cooler on the counter. Seeing all of your water paraphernalia every time you walk into the kitchen will help remind you to drink that H2O!

    When you keep sweets and treats peppered throughout the kitchen, you’ll end up stumbling upon them even when you’re trying to locate something healthy. Instead, keep the chips, cookies, candies and cakes packed away in a single drawer or cupboard so that you only need to see them when you’re specifically hunting for a treat.

    Like any dream renovation, you don’t have to make all these changes at once. But bit by bit, these simple, mindful hacks have the power to build a healthier dining hub in your home.

    Designate One Treat Drawer

    When you keep sweets and treats peppered throughout the kitchen, you’ll end up stumbling upon them even when you’re trying to locate something healthy. Instead, keep the chips, cookies, candies and cakes packed away in a single drawer or cupboard so that you only need to see them when you’re specifically hunting for a treat. There’s a new reason to tell your family members to put away their dirty dishes! According to research, messy environments, like a cluttered kitchen, tend to initiate an out-of-control mindset which carries over into daily eating behaviors. When study participants were in a cluttered kitchen, they consumed almost three times more cookies than they did in a tidy space! Neat freaks, rejoice!

    Recent posts

    I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number. If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least.

    That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress. Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

  • Staying fit is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Everyone knows that exercise promotes good health. But many don’t understand just how important it really is. For decades, health care professionals have cautioned people about the dangers of obesity. But those warnings have largely gone unheeded. Until recently, too many Americans viewed exercise as the ticket to a beach body—not the first line of defense against deadly diseases.

    COVID-19 is finally changing that mistaken belief. Now, it’s incumbent upon health professionals to help Americans get in shape. Lives depend on it.

    Staying active

    Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, meaning that more immune cells can circulate at a higher rate. Over time, that immune response builds up—with a measurable effect on health outcomes. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that among people who engaged in aerobic exercise five or more times per week, upper respiratory tract infection decreased by 40% over 12 weeks.

    Staying active also reduces body fat and inflammation, which helps to fend off infections and prevent chronic conditions such as hypertension or heart disease.

    it’s about strengthening the immune system

    Due to extensive media coverage of COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on the chronically ill, Americans are starting to finally realize that staying fit isn’t just about looking good—it’s about strengthening the immune system and staving off serious health problems. Fortunately, the fitness industry is trying to accommodate this mass awakening.

    Many gyms moved fitness classes outdoors and online for the first time, in response to social distancing and statewide lockdowns. Organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine have actively campaigned for the health benefits of physical activity in the midst of the pandemic.

    Transforming your relationship with exercise

    Further transforming Americans’ relationship with exercise—and making it a critical component of their health and wellness plans—will also require the help of exercise science professionals. These individuals are trained to develop individualized wellness programs that consider people’s age, health, culture, and other factors that influence their ability to maintain a healthy routine. 

    These professionals can also adjust their methods based on clients’ individual comfort levels. Many Americans still don’t feel safe entering brick-and-mortar gyms—and it’s unclear if they’ll ever want to return. In response, exercise science professionals can build out other innovative tools and training models, such as remote platforms and outdoor workout settings. 

    Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price. I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number.

    If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least. That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress.

    Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

    Staying active also reduces body fat and inflammation

    Staying active also reduces body fat and inflammation, which helps to fend off infections and prevent chronic conditions such as hypertension or heart disease. Due to extensive media coverage of COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on the chronically ill, Americans are starting to finally realize that staying fit isn’t just about looking good—it’s about strengthening the immune system and staving off serious health problems. Fortunately, the fitness industry is trying to accommodate this mass awakening.

     
    Recent posts

    I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number. If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least.

    That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress. Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

  • Why gym bros should periodize their nutrition

    Why gym bros should periodize their nutrition

    Let’s face it –  as a lifter and fellow enthusiast of all things getting Yoked, chances are you wanna be jacked/strong and lean all at the same time. Admirable goals friend, join the Swole Club. Unfortunately our physiology doesn’t really like us doing all three at once, so it’ll make excuses and half ass any adaptations and responses to lifting.

    Fortunately there’s a groovy nutrition concept that allows us to maximize training adaptations over time so we can indeed get massiver, stronger-er and more shredded.

    What Does Periodizing Nutrition Even Mean?

    In bro-terms it’s organizing what you eat around the type of training you do to get the best results. You can’t maximize both strength and hypertrophy at the same time very well, nor can you do either of these things whilst dieting down to single-digit body fat at the same time. The central idea of Nutritional Periodization is to match what you eat/how much you eat/specific macro ratios to the goal of your training block.

    Developing Your Very Own Periodized Nutrition Plan

    What happens if your “just eating right” doesn’t support the hypertrophic goals you have and training in a hard volume block doesn’t result in the desired muscle gain?What happens if “just eating right” doesn’t support the maintenance of lean muscle tissue during a deficit?

    What happens if “just eating right” isn’t a sufficient amount of carbohydrates to offset perceived exertion during exercise leading you to feel like you’re the weakest dude in any gym that ever gymed? You put a limit on how much progress you’ll make. Let’s not do that…

    Training and Nutrition Periodization

    When training load increases, guess what else should increase? If you said “calories, carbs and my biceps” you guessed right! Periods of high volume massing just need higher total calories and higher amounts of carbohydrates.

    If we don’t periodize calories and carbohydrates to energy demands of our training, then very bad, super non-awesome stuff happens like overtraining, injuries and worst of all, you can’t fill out your Gymshark stringer Vest.

    Choosing how to sequence your very own periodized nutrition plan is going to depend on where you’re currently at. If you’re looking to pack on some size, then maybe string a few massing cycles together – with the appropriate maintenance blocks obviously, and see how you grow. 

    Ultimately you’ve got to decide what you want to achieve and then periodize your nutrition to match the goals of your training blocks. Now, go get strong, jacked and shredded.

    Bringing It All Together

    I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number. If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least. That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress. Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

    Recent posts

    I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number. If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least.

    That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress. Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

  • Stop focusing on eccentrics and do this instead

    Hell, one of the most baller programs out there (and one I reference often myself) – Meghan Callaway’s Ultimate Pull-Up Program (ahem, it’s its 3-year anniversary this week and it’s on sale for 50% OFF the regular price hint, hint, nudge, nudge) – incorporates a bevy of eccentric only pull-ups…I mean, it’s well established that the eccentric (or lowering) portion of any exercise is generally where a trainee is strongest, can handle the most load, and, potentially, leads to the most muscle growth.

    Most people will train their pull-up once, maybe twice per week

    I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number. If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least. That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress.

    Ultimate Pull-Up Program & Ultimate Push-Up Program

    All this week you can purchase Meghan Callaway’s Ultimate Pull-Up Program at 50% off the regular price. Meghan is one of the best coaches I know and this program is without hesitation THE “go-t0” program if you’re looking to take your pull-up game to the next level.

    Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

    Do more

    This is hands down one of my favorite accessory “pull-up builder” exercises (and upper back exercises in general). If someone is looking to conquer their first pull-up I’d be more inclined to include one of these exercises as part of EVERY training session aiming for 2-4 sets of 5-15 repetitions

    Nevertheless, given many people have lost access to their regular gyms due to COVID-19 and have been regulated to training mostly at home these two programs couldn’t come at a better time.

    Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price. I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number.

    If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least. That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress.

    Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

    Ultimate Pull-Up Program & Ultimate Push-Up Program

    I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number. If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least. That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress. Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.

    Recent posts

    I think one of the biggest mistakes I see most people make with their pull-up/chin-up programming is that they simply don’t train the pattern enough. However, this approach only works well for those who can already perform 3-5 pull-ups and are looking to level up that number. If you can’t even perform one this would be a daunting prospect to say the least.

    That said, I think staying cognizant of total VOLUME is an often overlooked component of pull-up progress. Moreover, you also have the option of purchasing both the Ultimate Pull-Up Program & the Ultimate Push-Up Program at a heavily discounted price.