Let's sit down together and have the uncomfortable talk about grains...
I'm gonna say some stuff here that you may not want to hear, stuff that goes against what you've been made to believe is healthy.
However, if you read the following with an open mind then you're going to come away with a life changing truth about truly healthy eating that will transform your body. It has certainly transformed mine.
A few weeks ago I posted the quote below from Mark Sisson, author of The Primal Blueprint, on my facebook page that raised many questions.
"There are no requirements in human nutrition for carbohydrates. Grains are totally unnecessary."
So if we aren't supposed to be eating grains then why are 'whole grains' said to be so healthy for us? Why do whole grain bread product have a heart healthy stamp on them? Why does the doctor tell us to eat plenty of whole grains to help lower our cholesterol and increase our fiber intake?
Here is the argument against the consumption of grains:
When looking at the span of human existence, grains have been apart of our diet for only a short time.
"For better or for worse, we are no longer hunter-gatherers. However, our genetic makeup is still that of a paleolithic hunter-gatherer, a species whose nutritional requirements are optimally adapted to wild meats, fruits and vegetables, not cereal grains. There is a significant body of evidence which suggests that cereal grains are less than optimal foods for humans and that the human genetic makeup and physiology may not be fully adapted to high levels of cereal grain consumption." Loren Cordain, Ph.D., author of The Paleo Diet
Grains contain plentiful calories, however they also contain "antinutrients" (compounds that interfere with the absorption of beneficial nutrients), are high in carbs, and have grain protein which are foreign to the human digestive process.
A diet high in grains puts stress on the body's insulin regulation mechanism which leaves you susceptible for weight gain and diabetes.
Certain grain proteins (ever heard of gluten?) trigger an immune response when ingested. According to researchers, as many as one third of us are gluten-intolerant or gluten-sensitive. Over time this can lead to dermatitis, joint pain, reproductive problems, acid reflux, other digestive conditions, autoimmune disorders, and celiac disease.
"For the purpose of weight control and preventing disease, a gram of carb from a whole grain is no better than a gram of carb from a refined grain. I'm not suggesting you choose refined grains over whole grains; I'm suggesting that you ditch all grains. " Mark Sisson, Primal Blueprint
I don't know why grains are still considered a health food darling while the research against gluten and processed carbohydrates piles up.
Like you, I too have spent years being duped into thinking that brown rice and whole grain bread was benefiting my body, when in fact it was responsible for the weight I couldn't lose and the indigestion I felt. The day that I stopped eating grains my body naturally began to shed off extra pounds.
The good news is that eating fewer grains is easier than you think...
Here are some painless ways to replace grains:
- Bake a loaf of Almond Bread to replace wheat bread.
- Wrap your sandwich in large lettuce leaves.
- Eat Kale chips rather than traditional chips.
- Bake some Caveman Granola rather than regular cereal.
- Swap out regular flour for almond flour in your favorite baking recipe.
- Make noodles with a vegetable peeler and a zucchini, or use spaghetti squash.
- Try my new recipe for Real Healthy Sweet & Sour Rice, using cauliflower.
QUESTION: I'm 39 years old and have noticed that my weight is going up, but my measurements are the same. I exercise -- walking and weight lifting -- an average of four to five hours a week. What's going on?
ANSWER: The scale is not always the best way to assess your weight, especially if you exercise. How much you weigh can vary greatly during a typical day, and for women, it can change depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Better ways to keep track of your weight are by how your clothes fit or by measuring your arms, chest, waist, hips and thighs -- as it sounds like you are doing. If your measurements are not increasing along with your weight, you probably have nothing to worry about.
The most likely reason for the increase in weight is that you're building muscle from your weight-lifting workouts. Compared to fat, muscle weighs about 22% more. But it's much more compact, so a pound of muscle takes up less space than a similar amount of fat -- and looks a heck of a lot better. Another bonus: Muscle burns about 15 to 25 times more calories than fat. So the more muscle you have, the more you can eat without gaining weight.
If the weight gain continues and you notice that your clothes are getting tighter, take a look at your diet. No matter how much you exercise, if you are eating too many calories, you'll gain weight. A packet of M&M's has more than 300 calories, which can quickly override the calories you'd burn during a typical walk. Keep it up and the scale will start to inch up. You don't have to be eating junk food for that to happen either. Even large portions of healthy foods can cause you to gain weight. If your eating is under control but you're still gaining, check with your doctor to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to the weight gain.
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This Week's Feature Exercise:#9 Lateral Over/Under with Cones
#9 Lateral Over/Under with Cones
Speed and Agility (cones, bag, hoops, box) Dynamic Warmup
Exercise Description: Lateral Over/Under with Cones Classification: Dynamic Warmup Instructions: 1)Stand directly behind a bar or hurdle that is 12-18” above the floor. 2)On the “go” signal, you will perform a forward step over the bar with the left foot, push off with the right foot, and land in an athletic stance 1 foot on the opposite side of the bar. 3)Immediately upon landing squat down into a crouched position and step to the right or left under another bar that is 36” or taller. 4)Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite foot. Focus on quickness and fluid movement.
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Get Lean Workouts The Get Lean Programs were designed to have higher repetitions. This higher volume causes a greater ...
Sports Specific Workouts The Sports Specific Programs are designed to give people an exercise program tailored to the demands ...
Home Based Workouts The Home Workout Programs are great for those who wish to train in the privacy of their own home with...
Youth Strength Training Youth Strength Training Programs are designed for overall health and the achievement of a leaner, str...
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13 Tips For Your Best Body
You know that diet and exercise are important when it comes to creating your best body, but you may be overlooking other techniques for getting into the best shape.
Turn the following 13 simple tips into habits and watch as your body transforms.
1) Eat a Smart Breakfast. Most people load up on carbohydrates and simple sugars for breakfast. Cereal, pastries, smoothies and juice are all poor choices when it comes to starting your day off right. Center your breakfast around protein and healthy fat, and you'll have energy for hours. Try a protein shake, eggs, lean breakfast meat, or a handful of nuts.
2) Get More Sleep. If you're not getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night then you could use more sleep. This is especially true if you've reached a plateau with weight loss. Give your body the 8 hours of sleep each night and make weight loss easier.
3) Just Do It. If you're really ready to achieve your best body ever, then dig down deep and commit. As Woody Allen famously said, "80% of success is showing up." This is absolutely true when it comes to fitness. Show up to your workout. Even if you're tired. Even if you'd rather be doing something else. Just do it.
4) Plan Ahead. Take one day each week to plan your healthy meals for the following week. You don't have to do all the shopping and cooking on that day, simply jot down what you plan to eat. This small act of planning ahead will keep you on track with healthy meals even when the week gets crazy busy.
5) Cut Out Gluten. Many people don't realize that they have a certain level of sensitivity to gluten, which causes intestinal inflammation and bloating. Also, gluten-filled foods are typically high in carbohydrates, which contribute to weight gain. When you cut gluten-filled items from your diet don't fall into the trap of simply replacing those items with other high-carb items. Choose non-packaged, whole foods instead.
6) Believe In Yourself. Do you believe that you have what it takes to transform your body? If you want to succeed in weight loss then you have to believe that it's possible. Give yourself a pep talk and dig down deep for the courage and discipline to apply these healthy changes to your life.
7) Eat Less Dairy. Dairy products like cheese or cream add extra fat and calories to your meals. Pass on the dairy and you'll eliminate unnecessary calories, making weight loss quicker.
8) Sleep and Wake at the Same Time. This tip sounds so simple, and yet it's a powerful way to increase your daily energy. Get your body on a schedule and watch how much more productive and energetic you become.
9) Include Veggies at Every Meal. Most people aren't too crazy about vegetables, and probably eat less than they should. Make it a point to include a vegetable with each of your meals – even breakfast. The increase in fiber and other nutrients will give your body that extra boost that you're looking for.
10) Ditch Packaged Food. Throw out those packaged foods! This is one of the easiest things you can do to achieve quicker weight loss results. Packaged foods contain chemicals and additives that will slow your fitness results.
11) Drink More Water. Being hydrated is key when it comes to creating your best body. Drink water throughout your day and limit caffeinated beverages to once daily.
12) Forget Artificial Sweeteners. Sure, these sweeteners don't contain calories, but they are known to increase your appetite and cravings for carbohydrates. In the quest for your best body, put down the diet soda and reach instead for some water.
13) Exercise With a Pro. Are you exercising as efficiently as possible? Do you challenge your muscles enough during each workout? Are you keeping the routine new and fresh? These are all factors that will be taken care of for you when you work with a trained fitness professional. Working with a pro ensures that you make the most of your exercise time.
So there you have it, 13 tips that will take your results up a notch.
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Easy Baked Meatballs
These meatballs are packed with protein and veggies, making it the perfect snack, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make a quick batch on the weekend, and then enjoy throughout your week. Makes: 24 Meatballs
Here's what you need...
2 lbs ground pork
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
dash of pepper
2 teaspoons coconut oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
In a medium bowl combine the ground pork with all of the spices. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!
Place a skillet over medium heat and warm the coconut oil. Add the garlic, onion, celery, carrots, pecans and parsley. Cook for about 3 minutes, until soft. Set the mixture aside to cool.
Add the vegetable mixture into the ground pork and combine well. Use your hands to form golf ball sized meatballs.
Place the meatballs in an oven-safe baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked all the way through.
Nutritional Analysis: 77 calories, 4g fat, 76mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate, .5g fiber, and 8g protein
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This week's feature exercise: {Yoga} Plow (advanced)
#914 Plow (advanced)
Yoga
Exercise Description: Plow (advanced) Classification: Yoga Instructions: 1. If you are an intermediate or an advanced student and you are more flexible, remove the chair and place the toes on the floor. Once again, the weight is across the shoulders and not in the neck. 2. Begin by grabbing onto the big toes with the first two fingers. Keep the chin tucked in and the face relaxed. Work the backs of the knees up towards the sky to straighten the legs. Keep tucking the toes in towards the head and lift the heels away. 3. Slowly, once the posture has been established, remove the hands from the big toes and place the arms behind the body, palms flat onto the floor. To go deeper in this pose, lock the shoulders towards one and other interlock the fingers and place the hands in yoga mutra. Press both hands and arms into the floor. The weight should still rest on the shoulders and not on the neck. 4. If there is any strain on the neck, bend the knees or come out of the position. Work the arms down into the floor, the hips up towards the sky, the toes tucked under and the heels pressing away. Stay here for 5 to 10 deep breaths.
From our Friends @ Bodybuilding.com. Are you ready for MFT28?
Your complete fitness program is ready!
Step 1: choose (click on) your program goal:
General Fitness Workouts General Fitness Programs are designed for overall health and the achievement of a leaner, stronger bo...
Strength and Power Workouts The Strength and Power Programs were designed to maximize the body's ability to generate strength. T...
Get Lean Workouts The Get Lean Programs were designed to have higher repetitions. This higher volume causes a greater ...
Sports Specific Workouts The Sports Specific Programs are designed to give people an exercise program tailored to the demands ...
Home Based Workouts The Home Workout Programs are great for those who wish to train in the privacy of their own home with...
Youth Strength Training Youth Strength Training Programs are designed for overall health and the achievement of a leaner, str...
Custom Favorites! These Custom Programs have been developed in response to special needs and requests. Some of the pr...
Women's Fitness The Women's Fitness Programs are designed to bring about a toning and shaping effect to the body by u...
Body Building The Body Building Programs were developed with the concepts and knowledge of cutting edge training pr...
Armed Forces PFT Programs These Armed Forces PFT Programs will get you prepared for the PFT test. There are also running progr...
Track and Field The Track and Field Programs will work the body to increase strength and power. These key elements a...
Custom General Fitness Programs There are a wide variety of Custom Programs within this section There are Upper Body Only Programs, ...
Metabolism Booster Workouts The Metabolism Booster Programs were designed to create an elevated caloric burning rate both during ...
Cardiovascular Workouts These are "Cardio Only" Programs for those who want to focus exclusively on aerobic fitness. Just pe...
Back To The Basics Series The Back To The Basics Series of Workout Pograms incorporate many different program goals. The major...
The Snack Trap
We've all heard that snacking is great for the metabolism...but have you taken it too far?
In other words, your excessive snacking may be killing your fitness results.
Let's face it, there are only so many extra calories that the body can take before it adds those on as unwanted fat.
Even if you're eating perfectly healthy meals and putting in your time at the gym, if your snacking is out of control then your results will be disappointing.
Here's what you need to know to avoid The Snack Trap:
1) Calories Count. Even when you're snacking on "healthy" food, you've got to keep track of how many calories that you're taking in. Almonds are healthy, but if you down 800 extra calories in them you'll quickly gain weight.
2) Fill Up on Protein & Fat. A lot of well-meaning people are still afraid of fat. They think that if their snack is high in fat then it will end up on their body as fat. This is simply not true. Healthy fat, such as avocado or almonds, is a wonderful thing to snack on as it fills you up and keeps you full longer.
3) Avoid Sugar Calories. Sugar is an awful thing to snack on when weight loss is your goal. Refined sugar is a catalyst for fat storage, so avoid any snack that contains sugar. Remember that eating sugar will satiate your hunger for a very short period of time, and then you'll quickly be hungry again.
4) Don't Be Fooled By 100-Calorie Packs. A popular marketing technique is to package junk food into 100-calorie packs. These could be crackers, cookies, chips...basically any guilty snack food you could think of. The premise is that since you're only eating 100 calories, the snack is healthy. I'm sorry, folks, but eating 100 calories of junk food is not a healthy snack. You are better off avoiding the junk completely and eating something wholesome.
5) Use The 'Is It Real' Test. As a rule of thumb, you should use the "Is it real?" test when deciding if a snack is worth eating. The test goes like this: If your snack can go bad, then it's good for you. If your snack can't go bad, then it's bad for you. The idea is to eat fresh, real foods that are unprocessed and wholesome. These real foods are naturally filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals and will assist you in achieving your fitness goals.
6) Avoid Refined Carbohydrates. Processed and refined carbohydrates make up the bulk of popular snack foods. Take a look around the snack aisle at the grocery store and you will see that most packaged snacks are made with grains. When your goal is to lose weight and increase lean muscle then eating refined grains will work against you. If you only take one tip away from this article, let it be to remove grain-based snacks from your life. This single change could very well recharge your weight loss.
Now you know how to snack in a healthy way that will not derail your fitness goals.
Remember that exercise plays a huge part in getting in shape and losing weight.
Call or email me today to get started on a results-driven exercise program.
Salty, crunchy snack foods are a weakness for most people. Instead of eating chips or popcorn or crackers, which quickly add up in unwanted pounds, make a batch of these delicious, crunchy kale chips. Kale chips are low in carbs and make a delicious crunchy snack. Servings: 5
Here's what you need
1 bunch kale, washed and torn, stems discarded
1 Tablespoon olive oil
dash of salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
In a large bowl mix the kale pieces with all of the ingredients.
Spread evenly on foil-lined baking sheets.
Bake for 12 minutes, watching closely that they do not burn. Remove from oven when crispy.
Once this response is triggered, layer upon layer of ugly, dangerous fat will pile on and no matter how much you exercise or how little you eat will change that.
But there's a way to prevent triggering this "obesity response" and to instead trigger your "lean body response" so the slim, sexy, healthy you can emerge:
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These meatballs are packed with protein and veggies, making it the perfect snack, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make a quick batch on the weekend, and then enjoy throughout your week. Makes: 24 Meatballs
Salty, crunchy snack foods are a weakness for most people. Instead of eating chips or popcorn or crackers, which quickly add up in unwanted pounds, make a batch of these delicious, crunchy kale chips. Kale chips are low in carbs and make a delicious crunchy snack.
