Tag health
Pack Your Meals!
Anyone who knows me well is aware of the fact that I am consistent about packing clean meals and toting them around with me throughout the day. It can be cumbersome to pack food, especially when I know I will be out of the house for most of the day, but by doing so I have peace of mind knowing that I will be able to stay on track with my meal plan no matter what. Competitors and fitness professionals practice this habit and can attest to the power of clean eating in maintaining a sculpted, muscular physique.
However, I realize that many of you who do not compete or have an involvement in fitness may be wondering if there is any point to packing meals if you are an average person. There are a multitude of benefits to be gained from packing meals for the day:
• Portion Control – If you measure and weigh your portions before placing them into containers, you will have full control over your intake.
• Cooking Method – Steaming, baking, boiling, grilling and poaching are easy cooking methods which also enable you to prepare food without adding unnecessary fat.
• Save Money – By purchasing food at the grocery store and preparing it yourself, you will save a significant amount of money.
• Maintain A Low Sodium Diet – Restaurants often add significant amounts of sodium to enhance the flavor of their dishes. If you are trying to keep your sodium intake low, you are better off preparing your own food.
• Accommodate Medical Dietary Restrictions And Food Allergies – Restaurant meals may add ingredients which are forbidden from your meal plan due to medical conditions or food allergies. Instead of taking a risk, you are better off preparing your meals and packing them with you.
I always recommend tempered glass storage containers over plastic, since heating up ingredients in most plastic containers carries a risk of deranging the plastic and releasing harmful chemicals into the food. An exception is BPA-free containers with locking lids.
The BEST meal packing system out there is made by Six Pack Bags:
https://www.sixpackbags.com/bags.html
By adopting the habit of packing your meals, you will be on the road to better health!
Mineral Oil Sensitivity
Mineral oil is a petroleum product which is used in many cosmetics (including foundations and face powder) as well as ointments to soothe allergic reactions. Ironically, mineral oil can incite allergic reactions which can be severe enough to send one to the emergency room. I always find it alarming how the oil typically used to moisturize babies’ skin is mineral oil, but since it is cheap and hypoallergenic, it continues to be used on infants who may develop reactions to it.
I was compelled to write about mineral oil after I had to use it on my midsection yesterday at a photo shoot. Despite a long history of severe reactions to mineral oil, I reluctantly applied the oil and just hoped that I would not react this time. By the time I got home from the photo shoot I was itchy EVERYWHERE, especially on my arms and legs where I had NOT applied oil. This was a deep, unrelenting itch, one that was not relieved by scratching, and I broke out in a rash on both arms. I was so uncomfortable that I took a shower to soothe my skin. Even with the shower I hardly slept last night because of the itching. I could have calmed the reaction down with Benadryl but did not want to be groggy so I opted not to take it.
Please be aware of mineral oil sensitivity and if you suspect that you might be susceptible, make sure to avoid any products that contain mineral oil. Women who have had regular skin reactions to foundations or face powders should be especially aware of this potential reaction. I NEVER recommend mineral oil to any of my patients and am especially against the use of mineral oil on babies.
As an alternative, you can use almond oil, olive oil, or sesame oil, unless you have allergies to any of those substances.
No Equipment Workout Video Superset 7 – Power Leg Blast
Note: These were compiled prior to me attaining IFBB Pro Status
No Equipment Workouts Superset 6 – Planks and Pike Pushups
Note: These were compiled prior to me attaining IFBB Pro Status
No Equipment Workout Video Superset 5 – Another Leg Blast
Note: These were compiled prior to me attaining IFBB Pro Status
My Yummy Shake And Bake Sweet Potato Recipe
I prefer the texture of yams to sweet potatoes, but you can use either one for this clean an delicious recipe! I make a very large batch which is reflected in this recipe and which is perfect for those who do their food prep ahead of time. I don’t peel the potatoes beforehand but you can certainly do so if you wish.
DR. NAITO’S SHAKE AND BAKE SWEET POTATOES
Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
INGREDIENTS:
5 pounds sweet potatoes or yams, washed and cut into one-inch sections
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Place cut sweet potato sections into a clean kitchen trash bag. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl, then pour into bag. Twist bag closed and shake mixture so that it coats the potatoes evenly. Place coated potato segments in a large baking dish which has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until slightly tender.
No Equipment Supersets Video Superset 4 – Power Trio
Note: These were compiled prior to me attaining IFBB Pro Status
Fitness California Style TV Pilot
http://www.smhollywood.com/#/fitness/4577129820
I am pleased and honored to be one of the cast members in this fantastic TV pilot!
Abs Are Made In The Kitchen, Not The Gym
People ask me all the time how they can get their abs to look as defined as mine, assuming that I will give them an abdominal exercise regimen which will deliver guaranteed abs of steel. Instead, I tell them that what they eat is the key to whether their midsections look like washboards or more like barrels. While it is true that some abdominal muscle development is necessary for that chiseled look, I will never advocate ridiculous amounts of abdominal crunches, especially for the average person, nor will I overlook the importance of diet.
I admit that I am a bit of a genetic freak in the abdominal department, and have even forgone training my abs for many months at a time in an effort to get those crosscuts to flatten out a bit. It is also a rare thing for me to blast my abs with an extensive routine. But I also know that if I eat a lot of bad foods over the span of several days, my abs will go into hiding and all those deep cross cuts will disappear. So when I say that diet is key, and that abs are made in the kitchen, I know first hand that this is the truth.
What are the foods one must avoid in order to maintain good abdominal definition? Here is a list of some of the worst offenders:
SUGAR and all sugary foods
Saturated fat in general
Cheese
Processed meats
Any foods with a high salt content
Breads and wraps made with white enriched flour
Alcohol
I can guarantee that if you are eating these foods regularly, you will never see chiseled abs pop to the surface, no matter how many abdominal crunches you do. If you stick to clean foods, you will have a much better chance of coaxing that abdominal definition to come out. Stick to lean meats, fresh vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado, and make sure to drink plenty of water.
