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Eat Your Veggies!

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I know there are plenty of you who avoid eating vegetables, but they pack tremendous health benefits and should be a part of your daily food intake. First of all, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and have strong antioxidant properties which have a protective effect on the development of major diseases. They are also packed with fiber and will help to optimize digestion. Vegetables are low in calorie density which means they will fill you up more quickly without the calorie punch of foods which are high in fat.

Some of you may balk that you don’t like vegetables, you don’t have time to cook, or that you can’t consume fresh produce before it spoils. I understand these concerns, but I have a response and a solution for all of these concerns.

I DON’T LIKE VEGETABLES. – Really? You don’t like ANY of them? There is such a huge variety of vegetables out there that I am sure there is something you would like. There are also ways of preparing some vegetables that render them absolutely delicious, so it might be a good idea to broaden your horizons and explore the wide array of choices out there. Here is a small list of the many choices that are out there:

VegetablesAcorn Squash
Artichokes
Asparagus
Belgian Endive
Bell Peppers
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Butter Lettuce
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chinese Long Beans
Chives
Collard Greens
Corn
Eggplant
Green Beans
Leeks
Mushrooms
Mustard Greens
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Potatoes
Radicchio
Red Leaf Lettuce
Rhubarb
Romaine Lettuce
Rutabagas
Snow Peas
Spinach
Spring Baby Lettuce
Sugar Snap Peas
Sweet Potatoes
Swiss Chard
Watercress

I DON’T LIKE TO COOK/I DON’T HAVE TIME TO COOK. – Perfect. Guess what? Many vegetables can be eaten raw. What’s your excuse now?

I CAN’T GET TO PRODUCE BEFORE IT SPOILS. – If this is a major issue for you, simply turn to the frozen varieties which are available. Freezing vegetables preserves the nutrients which they contain, making the frozen variety a healthy option for those on the go.

NOTE: Canned vegetables do not carry the same nutritional punch and you should generally avoid them.

Make sure to eat at least 3 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

The Other Carnitine Molecule – Brain Booster

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Since yesterday’s post discussed the energy and fat loss benefits of L-carnitine tartrate, I thought it might be best to discuss the brain boosting benefits of the other carnitine molecule which is used commonly as a supplement. Acetyl-L-carnitine helps to reverse some of the functional impairment which occurs in the energy powerhouses of cells known as the mitochondria, thereby improving cellular function. The natural oxidative process which occurs in cells has a cumulative and damaging effect on mitochondria which compromises cellular function throughout the body, but most notably in the brain. Numerous studies have confirmed that cognitive function is enhanced when subjects are given acetyl-l-carnitine. The most powerful safeguard against oxidative damage and free radical formation is to supplement with BOTH acetyl-l-carnitine and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA).

General recommended daily doses are the following:

Acetyl-l-carnitine: 500 to 1,500 milligrams per day

ALA: 150 to 450 milligrams per day

Source Naturals is a good brand to take and it offers a supplement which combines both acetyl-l-carnitine and ALA in one tablet. Each tablet has 500 mg of acetyl-l-carnitine and 150 mg of ALA, so you could safely take this supplement one to three times daily.

acetyl-lcarnitine-alpha-lipoic-acid-60

L-Carnitine For Energy And Fat Loss

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L-CarnitineI am personally a big fan of l-carnitine supplementation and make sure to add it to my intra-workout drink each day that I train. This amino acid compound, consisting of lysine and methionine, can be found in a couple of different forms. This article discusses L-carnitine tartrate, which is the form known to benefit athletic performance and recovery.

There are a couple of important points to consider when supplementing with carnitine. First of all, insulin must be present in the body for carnitine to enter muscle. One way of taking carnitine is to ingest carnitine with carbs so that there is an insulin release, but another effective option is to ingest carnitine with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids optimize cell membrane health, thus making cells more sensitive to insulin. Carnitine serves as a delivery system for fatty acids, so if carnitine levels are high, more fatty acids will be shuttled into cells to be utilized for energy. Conversely, when carnitine levels are low, fewer fatty acids are moved into the cells and are instead stored as fat. Supplementation with carnitine before intense exercise will switch the focus on burning fat rather than utilizing glycogen stores, resulting in longer sessions before glycogen stores are depleted. In addition, the presence of carnitine inhibits production of lactic acid, so recovery from intense exercise is more rapid.

Carnitine is not only an excellent performance supplement, it also serves as an excellent means of addressing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by diabetes, atherosclerosis and high cholesterol, can be countered by carnitine’s ability to induce fat loss, prevent atherosclerosis and minimize the development of diabetes. After several months of carnitine supplementation, carnitine levels reach a level at which energy production and performance are enhanced. For this reason, it is best to consider carnitine an essential supplement in your daily regimen rather than as something taken only periodically.

Take 500 to 2,000 milligrams of l-carnitine tartrate daily with omega-3 fatty acids and a small amount of carbohydrates.

Sugar Makes You Stupid

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hero-cookie-candy-bars
How can sugar be such a bad thing when it tastes so wonderful? Well, you might want to consider the consequences of indulging in sweet treats on a regular basis. You are probably already familiar with the dental consequences of high sugar diets, and you are probably also aware of the correlation between sugar and insulin resistance. You may even be well aware of how sugar can completely stall weight loss efforts. But did you know that a diet high in sugar can affect memory and learning?

Consume a diet which is high in processed sugar, and you can almost count on experiencing a pronounced cognitive decline with advancing years. Numerous studies have revealed a decline in cognitive function among subjects who were evaluated after consuming processed carbohydrates. One 2011 study in particular, which was published in the British Journal of Nutrition, examined habitual sugar intake in over 700 nondiabetic middle-aged subjects of Puerto Rican descent. The results showed that consumption of sugary beverages resulted in lower Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores, while a higher total sugar consumption resulted in lower word list learning scores. Numerous other studies have shown a strong correlation between insulin resistance and lowered cognitive function. Basically, the higher the sugar intake, the lower the mental function.

sugary-drinks

As it is, cognitive function begins to decrease by our late 20’s, with memory problems surfacing about ten years after that. Some individuals are already doomed to develop insulin resistance with increasing age, and this is magnified dramatically when processed carbohydrates are consumed on a regular basis. Processed carbohydrates such as refined sugar are absorbed more rapidly, causing a surge in insulin release. When this occurs frequently, the result is an increase in insulin resistance. Another consequence of increased blood sugar is decreased blood flow, which also inhibits cognitive function.

By no means am I saying that you have to COMPLETELY eliminate all sugar from your diet all the time (though it isn’t a bad idea). If you allow yourself the RARE indulgence, such as birthday cake, that is fine. The more insidious culprits are the sugary sodas, flavored yogurts, breads, pastas, granolas, salad dressings, juices, coffee and tea drinks, and crackers which tend to creep into regular diets.

Here are some common forms of sugar which can show up on a product’s ingredient label:
Cane sugar, Brown sugar, evaporated cane juice, agave nectar, brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, fructose, fruit juice concentrates, high-fructose corn syrup, invert sugar, honey, dextrose, lactose, maltose, malt syrup, molasses, sucrose, syrup

Make sure to read ingredient labels on all items you are considering purchasing at the store!

Remember that foods containing sugar may be tasty to many people, but they carry a heavy consequence. Knowing all of this, why would you risk “dumbing down” and increasing your dementia risk by eating sugary foods all the time? Now, that is just stupid.

References:

Br J Nutr 2011 Nov; 106(9):1423-32.

I Love CJ’s Elite Competition Suits!

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Cynthia James, also known as CJ, makes the most beautiful competition suits ever! I have had many suits made by a number of designers, and I have never seen the level of workmanship with any other suit maker. CJ’s attention to detail is staggering, and she knows how to cut her suits so that they need no alterations whatsoever. She does this via measurements, photos and body weight, and has never once measured me in person. In contrast, I have been measured for suits by other suit makers in person and still had to go through one to four alterations on other suits. Honestly, CJ is incredible.

Team U 2103 Front

Front Metropolitan

North American 2012

Red suit

The New Maxi Dress Craze

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The maxi dress has become popular once again and women can be seen wearing them everywhere this summer. The newer crop of maxi dresses is more body conscious, transforming this particular dress style into neck breaking wear if seen on a hot body. Why are maxi dresses so popular? Well, for one thing, they are extremely comfortable, and in some cases lend a more elegant, polished style to a look without any effort. Some clothing manufacturers have made maxi dresses extremely affordable (one of my dresses cost $14), another sign that the maxi dress is a major fashion trend this season.

One of my favorite newer maxi dresses...this one is a neck breaker1

One of my favorite newer maxi dresses…this one is a neck breaker! It has already sold out and is no longer available.

My desire for comfort, coupled with my love of fashion, has prompted me to purchase a nice little collection of maxi dresses and maxi skirts which I am currently a bit obsessed with. I have even worn one of my maxi dresses in a recent photo shoot and got some beautiful images in it. So if you are looking for a way to resurrect your fashion style for the season and haven’t checked out the newest maxi dresses, check them out. If you are like me and you don’t enjoy shopping in stores, you can check out a number of websites which carry fashionable yet affordable options.

http://www.bodycentral.com

http://www.venus.com

http://www.forever21.com

You’re HOW Old? – Masters Competitors

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While the bodybuilding world has allowed competitors over the age of 35 to compete, there has always been an undercurrent of ageism. It is true that older competitors do not have the skin tautness of younger competitors, and that they must train harder than their younger counterparts to stay in the race. However, masters competitors have stood up to the challenge and give new meaning to the idea of acing gracefully. I love the look of shock that washes over a person’s face when I tell them how old I am (47), or how old Lizzy Fitchner (53), Janet West (52), or Mary Dent (53) are. I am amazed by these ladies and so proud of them!

I am rooting for this incredible woman and dear friend to get that Pro Card! She took a 3rd Place finish in Masters 45+ Bikini Class B at Masters Nationals in July. I adore Lizzy!

I am rooting for this incredible woman and dear friend to get that Pro Card! She took a 3rd Place finish in Masters 45+ Bikini B Class at Masters Nationals in July. I adore Lizzy!

Janet West IFBB Pro always looks amazing!

Janet West IFBB Pro always looks amazing! Here she is at Tampa Pro from last weekend.

Mary Dent earned her IFBB Pro Card at Masters Nationals in July by taking a 1st place finish in Masters 45+ Bikini B Class. Awesome!

Mary Dent earned her IFBB Pro Card at Masters Nationals in July by taking a 1st place finish in Masters 45+ Bikini B Class. Awesome!

What Will YOU Do With A Pro Card?

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Ah yes, the Pro Card. The International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) awards Pro Status to hardworking bodybuilding athletes everywhere. Plenty of individuals who are enchanted by the idea of chasing after Pro Status in the bodybuilding world are under the erroneous impression that their lives will change dramatically upon winning a Pro card. While it is certainly a privilege and an honor to achieve Pro status, don’t think for a second that fame and fortune will suddenly descend upon the new Pro. The majority of new IFBB Pros still have to hustle to get sponsorships lined up, and they still have to figure out how finance upcoming competitions. With the slump in print magazine readership it has become more difficult than ever to secure a cover or a feature article, even as a Pro.

It is far more important to showcase your particular talents and strengths and build your career and your brand well BEFORE even attaining Pro status. Every single thing I have done since I started competing in 2009 was done as an amateur and was fueled by my desire to increase branding and exposure. So for those of you who hunger for that Pro card, don’t forget about what you are doing right now. The path you are walking in that race for the Pro card is your foundation for a great future in fitness and bodybuilding. Don’t risk messing up that foundation by forgetting about all the details which will get you to the Pro ranks.

One final note: I am aware of a large number of people who have jumped ship and joined other federations in their quest for Pro status. While some have made the switch in a diplomatic way, others have been so dazzled by the Pro status prize that they opted for an easier route. If switching federations is a better fit for you, then fine. But if you just want a Pro title so badly that this is the ONLY reason for switching, you might shift your focus on building your brand instead and hang up your competition hat. Remember, competing should be FUN. When you stop enjoying it, you need to retire from the stage.

That Ever Elusive Pro Card

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(Original post can be found at
http://www.rxmuscle.com/blogs/the-life-inspiration-and-dedication/8988-that-ever-elusive-pro-card.html)

There have been many occasions in which I have heard a freshly nationally ranked NPC competitor declare that he or she will hit the national stage and easily snap up an IFBB Pro Card. While I applaud the competitor’s enthusiasm and drive, I cannot help but snicker to myself when I hear such a statement. Honestly, if it were THAT easy to earn a Pro Card, there would be Pros populating the country in droves. Alas, there is only a finite number of Pro Cards to be given out each year, and the competition for them is fierce to say the least.

I will often see competitors who have made such a declaration months later who are shocked that they have not yet achieved Pro status. They mention being stunned, frustrated and dejected, and often will state that they are considering leaving the sport altogether. Let me tell you something: I stepped on the national stage FOURTEEN TIMES before I earned my Pro Card. There certainly were times that I was discouraged, and there were moments during which I had pondered the possibility of walking away from the sport. Yet I kept getting back on the stage, improving my game each time and proving to myself that I was strong enough to overcome the roadblocks that kept Pro status at bay. Thankfully, all of my dedication and stubbornness finally paid off, but it was a long and arduous journey.

I think it is very important to bear in mind how competitive national NPC bodybuilding contests are. There are over 100 national qualifying NPC local contests across the nation each year, with some events in large metropolitan areas bringing in more than 100 competitors in each of the most popular divisions (men’s physique, figure and bikini). Since only the top five competitors in these divisions are given national qualification, such contests can be brutally competitive. These nationally qualified competitors then hit the national stage, usually competing against an average of thirty other competitors (there were a record 72 competitors in one men’s physique class in 2011) who are considered the best in the nation. So what makes you think you can easily snap up a Pro Card? You may prove me wrong, but it is foolish to boast that you will easily get one from your first foray into a national NPC contest.

By no means am I trying to discourage anyone from competing. What I hope to do is to encourage competitors to be realistic yet unrelenting in their pursuit of personal excellence as they reach for Pro status. It is always a good idea to talk to the judges after a contest to obtain valuable feedback. It is also important to look at your contest photos, especially the comparison photos. If there are changes which need to be made, make them before you hit the stage again. Most importantly, do NOT get discouraged. Good things come to those who persevere!