Diet Tips for a Healthy Life Blog 2: Low Carbohydrate Diets for Losing Weight

Most people these days want to be lean and shredded and your diet is the best way in order to achieve this want. In this blog I will show you the most effective way in order to lose fat while at the same time ensure you keep your lean muscle mass. This is through the "Low Carbohydrate Diet". This diet comes in many shapes and forms you may have heard about such as the Atkins Diet or South Beach Diet, however some of these can be unsafe and even unhealthy. I will show you the best way to undertake a low carb diet.

The basic principle of the low carb diet is to significantly reduce your carbohydrate intake to reduce the amount of glycogen that your body recieves in your blood. Remember, glycogen is what carbohydrates break down to in the blood and is your bodies preferred energy source. Basically, when your body is depleted of glycogen it will look other forms of energy such as fats. This is where you can lose those stored kilos on your body! However, the problem with many low carb diets is they reduce carbs way too much and  do not include enough emphasis on nutrition. My low carb diet plan ensures carbs aren't reduced to dangerous levels (after all your body does need them) and vitamins and minerals are not sacrificed.

Breakfast

• 4 eggs cooked to your liking with olive oil (scrambles, fried, boiled etc.)
• 1/8 medium melon, such as rockmelon or 50g of blueberries
• 30 grams almonds – either slivered on cereal, or whole – can save as a mid-morning snack if preferred

Lunch

• Throw It Together Salad: Bag of salad greens – about 6.5 oz or 4 cups, tossed together with half a sliced avocado, 2 Tablespoons sunflower seeds, 150g of whatever protein you like (I used deli turkey for the analysis, but egg, beef, chicken, fish, or tofu would be fine), and 2 Tablespoons of balsamic dressing and olive oil.

Snack

• Swiss and Ham Roll-Up: 50g sliced ham and 25g sliced Swiss cheese, with sugar-free mustard if desired, rolled around a medium dill pickle 

Dinner

• Basil Chicken with Vegetables
• Dessert: ½ cup ricotta cheese with desired flavorings, such as Sugar Free falvoured syrpus, coffee and sweetener, unsweetened cocoa and sweetener (check carbs), or mixed berries

Nutritional Analysis: This menu provides 49 grams effective carbohydrate plus 36 grams fiber, 101 grams protein, and 1569 calories. It contains at least the minimum requirements of all essential vitamins and minerals.

Following a plan like the one above is the perfect way to lose those extra kilos while at the same time remaining healthy and storing that lean muscle.

James Hallab

Supplements Blog 2 - Pre-Workouts

Pre-workout Supplements were introduced into the fitness and bodybuiding world not too long ago. Since then, it has started to gain popularity beneficial to anyone, no matter what their training goals are, propelling each workout

Pre-workout supplementation are designed for several purposes including :

• Improved performance, energy and focus
• Increase strength & endurance

• Increase protein synthesis 

• Increase metabolic rate

• Improve nutrient delivery & assimilation

pre-workout supplementation can help you get the most out of your session at the gym

Due to the inclusion of a number of ingredients including caffeine, guarana, amino acids, & many more, pre workouts have a strong stimulant effect which puts you in the zone when entering the gym, the zone that replaces an average workout to an optimum workout 

The Top Five Pre-workouts Include: 

1.) USPLABS Jack3d

Without a doubt, Jack3d is one of the top pre workout supplements for making 2013 fitness goals become a reality. Though it certainly isn’t the newest offering on the market, it is undoubtedly the most effective. Customers will appreciate the energy formulation of UPSLABS’ Jack3d, as well as the Beta alanine, creatine, and other ingredients that increase endurance, boost pumps, and produce seriously amazing results.

2.) MusclePharm Assault

MusclePharm Assault is not just typical pre-workout supplement, featuring a full dose of creatine, energy derived from caffeine and other natural sources, and Beta-alanine that is designed to increase pumps and endurance in those who use the powder. It is enhanced, however, by the latest scientific research and delivery mechanisms. That makes Assault more effective and results-driven than many competing options.

3.) Cellucor C4 Extreme

When it comes to pre-workout supplementation, few on the market approach the effectiveness of the Cellucor C4 Extreme offering. There is more caffeine per serving in this product than in many others currently sold to consumers, and it offers supplements that can give the brain added focus during workouts. With plenty of energy and proven ingredients, Cellucor C4 Extreme is a solid choice for traditionalists in the gym.

4.) Driven Sports Craze

One of the best ways to promote muscle growth is through the use of creatine as a workout supplement, and Driven Sports Craze offers more creatine per serving than many of its nearest competitors on the market. The pre-workout supplement is also one of the newest leading the charge against the inclusion of Arginine in its formulation, as the creators of the supplement prefer to use other agents when producing big pumps. That end, Driven Sports Craze 45 is notable for using citrulline and ascorbic acid to produce real results in the gym.

5.) BPI 1 M.R: One More Rep

The goal of BPI’s 1 M.R. pre-workout supplement is to increase the pump experienced by its customers through the use of Beta-alanine and NO2. It accomplishes those goals soundly, providing one of the best workout experiences of any product on the list. As an added value, the energy supplements used in 1 M.R. are specifically designed to give a rush of energy at the gym and then let the customer down easy, subjecting them to no “crash” that other products might require. 

Andrew De Silva

Body Transformation Blog 1: Lara from the Biggest Loser

Lara

Over the next few weeks I will be blogging about body transformations with pictures of people who have made amazing progress towards achieving their goal physique, this can include both losing weight or putting on muscle.  This is the first of four instalments, I hope you all enjoy.

This is a before and after photo of Lara from the biggest loser. She has made an amazing transformation from starting weight of 107.1kg to 70.4kg, that's over 35kgs! Lara is an inspiration to all who aspire to lose a some weight, Lara is looking amazing at the moments and probably feels better than she has ever felt before. Her dedication and hard work has definitely paid off and her body looks great. Lara had to overcome some adversities throughout the show but she was able to overcome them through perseverance and hard work. The biggest and most well known issue was her well publicised break up with Leigh, her boyfriend and teammate on the biggest loser who she spoke about marrying and were planning on getting engaged at the end of the show, after (rumours say he cheated on her after he got evicted) they broke up she didn't give up and just pig out on food like she used to she only worked harder to lose more weight and it has definately shown. I applaud Lara and all others who aspire to lose weight and become healther and wish her the best with the rest of her life which I'm sure will be a full and exciting one.

Patrick Jabbour.