Drink light beer?

Light beers account for $50,000,000,000 in U.S. sales per year.

chill, drink Select 55

Alcohol = Weight loss??

Keep in mind that alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, whereas protein only contains 4 calories per gram. This means that calories from alcohol adds up a lot faster.

With Americans fighting the battle of the bulge, our beer companies have obliged to demand by producing lighter and lighter beers for heavier and heavier people.

Your low calorie beer options

1. Miller Genuine Draft 64 contains (you guessed it) 64 calories with… 2.8% alcohol. You would need to drink two of these to equal one ‘standard drink.’

2. Anheuser-Busch Select 55 has its calorie count in the name as well, with a whopping 2.4% alcohol.

So far, responses to the beers have been positive in terms of popularity and revenue. We’re talking millions of dollars in sales, for beers that people say, “tastes kind of watery.

This blogger would like to take a moment and state the obvious, that at 2.4% alcohol, it is almost entirely water!

Alcohol is NOT weight loss friendly

With high caloric and toxic effects on the body, alcohol will never promote (safe) weight loss. We all know that alcohol in excess harms the body, so keep it in moderation.

Pick your poison, then drink to friends and good times.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion

How Much Protein?

Latest research says excess protein may be wasted.

This guy eats more than 20 grams of protein at a time

This guy eats more than 20 grams protein per meal

Recent studies indicate that 20 grams of protein at a time is all you need for optimal muscle synthesis.

But…this doesn’t tell the whole story.

Why More than 30 Grams Protein at a time is a Good Thing:

  1. Protein requires more energy for the body to digest — therefore protein is more Fat-Burning!
  2. If you don’t get those extra calories from protein, then you have to make up for it in carbs or fats. Either way, high protein diets build leaner bodies.
  3. More benefits including metabolism, growth hormone, cardiovascular health, increased performance, and lean body composition.

For more, check out John Berardi’s excellent protein article at Precision Nutrition.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion

“Diet and Exercise Doesn’t Work”

Stylish, but displaying a visible lapse in body image, a young woman looked to supplements for a guaranteed way to lose weight.

"Maybe I should just...try again."

Her: “What will make me lose weight for sure?”

Me: “Diet and Exercise”

Her: (Smile) “I tried that already, didn’t work.”

First time dieters and exercisers have it the hardest

The first time is ALWAYS the hardest. This is why so many people recruit specialized Personal Trainers and Nutritionists for their knowledge and support system.

But change is hard. You all know how hard change can be.

If you did everything right, you could lose 10 pounds of fat per month, but without the experience — how could you possibly do everything right?

Good news: Dieting gets easier and easier each time you succeed

The trick is to gauge success not by the ultimate goal (ex. “I want to lose 20 lbs by next month”), instead you should view each healthy choice as a success in itself.

Did you have broccoli today? This is a success, a victory, and an ACCOMPLISHMENT!

Success tends to grow upon itself, leading to more and more victories. Define “winning” as reaching daily goals, and not letting yourself get down for slipping up.

Winners are happier about their bodies no matter if they lost that 20 lbs or not.

You already are a winner — it may just be a matter of realizing it.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion

Old Tyra WAS fat, HOW she LOST 30 Pounds!

She says ‘Women should be proud of their bodies at any size’, but even Tyra feels pressure to be slim.

This is the OLD Tyra

Tyra Banks has gained support from women everywhere by promoting positive body image at any weight. Yet, she has recently lost 30 lbs and critics say her new slim frame doesn’t match the message of Tyra.

Let’s be clear with one thing — being lean is sexy. All women are sensitive to this. But, it’s not so much about sexual appeal as it is the cause behind the appeal: being lean is an indicator of health.

Lean people also feel better about… nearly everything. It’s not because they are lean — instead it’s because their bodies are being nourished on a daily basis by healthy food and lifestyle.

How Tyra LOST 30 lbs

Today’s Tyra show will apparently reveal the secrets. Since I’m not a viewer, I’ll just come out and say how she did it, because this is how every celeb does it:

1. Eat healthy, whole foods, with plenty of protein and fiber.

2. Exercise on a regular basis.

3. Support system from friends, family, Personal Trainer, and Nutritionist.

Now That’s sexy…health.

Healthy is sexy. Tyra shouldn’t let critics sway her from maintaining low body fat levels. Yes, we need to appreciate each other for the challenges we face, but make no excuses for Health and Wellness.

Tyra is most happy about…

The NEW Tyra

…NOT having anymore stomachaches from eating poorly. Imagine that, she is happier about having a positive digestive system than losing 30 lbs.

Health first, and then physical appeal comes naturally.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion

Physique Bible: The Law of Carbs

Good carbs, always welcome.

Delicious source of energy, fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants

Like apples, I eat most of my carbs in the morning and daytime for energy, and I’m leaner than ever.

The Law of Carbs

1. At least 90% of daily Carbs must be from Whole Foods.

Bad things happen when you don’t eat enough whole foods…

McDonalds: Clearly NOT a whole food

McDonalds: Clearly NOT a whole food

Fruit is a whole food. Mcdonalds is not.

Brown rice is a whole food, White rice is not.

Whole foods benefit the body because these foods are more nutrient dense.

Whole foods leave you full longer, feeling more satisfied, promoting brain health, and a lean physique. Mcdonalds does not.


2. Carbs must be slow digesting carbs, except around bouts of intense physical activity

Slow burning carbs usually contain…

  • Protein, slow digestion, essential for muscular and immune system.
  • Fiber, aids in digestion, promotes healthy blood sugar levels, and a happy colon.

In general, protein and fiber slow digestion, so your body can efficiently absorb the energy from food instead of wasted on abdominal fat.

If the choice is between white rice and brown rice, always go brown. White rice has been stripped of nutrients and fiber, and unless you are physically active within one hour of eating white rice — the insulin boosting white rice goes to rest on your belly.

TIP: Before, during, and after intense physical activity, your body can more readily uptake Simple Carbohydrates for muscle glycogen. This is why basketball players can drink endless Gatorade and not get fat — they actually use the energy.

3. If lacking in protein, carbs must make up for it in Antioxidants and other Nutrients.

Vital to our body’s cells — and therefore your physique…

  • Antioxidants, keep skin looking young, along with rest of body.
  • Nutrients, vital to life, includes everything from vitamins and minerals to probiotics and enzymes.

Delicious road to fitness

Antioxidants: Fruits and Veggies.

Enzymes: Raw foods, living foods.

Probiotics: Yogurt, Kefir

Vitamins & Minerals: Balanced diet

TIP: Diversify the colors of your fruits and vegetables — color does matter when it comes to anti-oxidants. For example, both Carrots and Pumpkin are high in Vitamin A Beta-Carotene, so diversify with broccoli next time.

4. Limit total Sugars to less than 50 grams per day

Aside from the cardiovascular benefits, reducing sugar in your diet will have a significant impact on every physique goal.

You could get all that sugar from one 16oz Coca Cola, but then you’d be missing out on apples, oranges, yogurts, and other healthy foods.

TIP: Cut the soda, and Reap the benefits.

5. Grains, seeds, and oats during the day, Vegetables in the evening

Morning: Body can efficiently utilize carbs for energy, and therefore less is available for body fat storage

Evening: Unless energy deprived, some carbs may be wasted at night — leading to body fat storage.

Both legumes and vegetables are vital to healthy life, but for the optimal physique, it’s best to save the higher energy carbs for the daytime when you actually need it. High energy carbs in the day and vegetables in the evening is a POWERFUL physique transforming combination.

TIP: To take it to the next level, consume massively nutrient dense vegetables as low-cal dinner carbs.

Carbs are a powerful source of energy for the body, best when used wisely.

You can get lean without worrying about how many carbs you eat.

Respect the power of carbs, and enjoy quality carbs at appropriate times.

Oatmeal in the morning, fruit for snack, split pea soup for lunch, carrots for second snack, mixed greens with dinner, and yogurt before bed. Voila.

Abide by My Law, and Yee Shall Receive

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion