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Whey Protein FAQ (Common questions and answers)

Whey Protein Frequently Asked Questions.

Whey protein is one of the densest sources of proteins available and can be a powerful tool in your physique toolbox. But there are still many misconceptions around, hopefully this post will clear some up.

1. Should I take protein before my workout?

Yes and no. Should you take some protein before your workout? Yes.

Should you take only protein before your workout? No.

The goal of consuming protein prior to your workout is simply to prevent excessive muscle loss. This helps boost recovery, which can promote good energy levels after your workout and benefit your lean muscle. But, you generally don’t need to consume very much protein to get this effect.

The ideal pre-workout will consist of 60%+ carbohydrates and 30% (or less) protein.

Food example: Yogurt + Banana

Supplement example: 2:1:1 Recovery mix (specialty supplement drink with two-to-one ratio of carbs:protein.)

Carbohydrates give your body the glucose energy to fuel your workout, while protein prevents breakdown of muscle tissue. All in all, this results in improved performance and more potential for fat loss. Good deal, mate.

2. Will Whey Protein make me fat if I don’t workout?

Will chicken make you fat if you don’t workout? Understand that Whey Protein, while a supplement (and not a whole food), should still be considered as a food. Whey, itself, will typically contain 75% or more protein, with a minor amount of carbohydrates and fat.

Since protein requires more energy for your body to digest, and since protein is the building block of muscle, the answer is that NO, whey protein will NOT make you fat.

Individual considerations…

If you already consume 100+ grams of protein per day, or if you consume more than 40+ grams of protein in one sitting, it is possible that some of the protein will be stored as fat. This is highly unlikely though. There is a much greater chance of carbohydrates being stored as body fat, than there is of whey protein.

For people who do not consume enough protein (less than 60 grams per day), then Whey Protein is a great way to boost up protein levels. Since your body needs a certain amount of protein each day, you will utilize the protein and not get fat from it.

On the other hand, if you DO workout, then the whey protein will boost muscle recovery and help you get lean and sculpted.

3. When is the best time to take Whey Protein?

Whey Protein should supplement a healthy, balanced diet.

But you can supercharge that healthy, balanced diet by taking whey protein at two key times:

a. Breakfeast

b. Immediately after your workout

Of course, some people consume Whey Protein all day long to meet protein requirements, and you may do so if you wish. However, I encourage you to consume more whole foods if you really want to reach physique goals.

Back to our key times…

Breakfast is a time in the morning in which your body is ready to uptake a glorious amount of nutrients. This is the time when you can fuel your body and prepare it for the rest of the day.

For example, Oatmeal + Whey Protein in the morning will pretty much guarantee that you’ll get closer to your physique goals (build muscle, burn fat).

As for taking protein after your workout, the idea is simple…

Following an intense workout, your muscles are highly responsive to amino acids (protein) in the diet. Therefore, you can attain a greater anabolic muscle growth stimulus. Remember, even if you are female, having a certain amount of muscle on your body will raise your metabolism — helping you burn more fat. Think: Jessica Biel booty.

4. Whats the difference between Whey Protein concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate?

The difference between Whey Protein (specifically called Whey Protein Concentrate) and Whey Protein Isolate has to do with the amount of protein compared to lactose and fat. Whey Protein Concentrate, the most popular protein supplement, will contain between 75-85% protein — the remainder will be carbohydrates (lactose) and fat.

On the other hand, Whey Protein Isolate (WPI), has greater biological value in that it is usually 95% or greater protein — often it is completely lactose free. WPI is more absorbable and therefore more expensive as well. You pay for what you get, WPI is generally superior, but costs more.

5. How about Whey Protein versus Plant based protein?

Now, moving on to plant based proteins…the most common are Soy, pea, rice, hemp, and combinations. The key is to look at the amino acid ratios. Certain essential amino acids, including the Branched Chain Amino Acids, are more responsible for muscle growth and recovery. Athletes love whey protein because the amino acid profile is fantastic, whereas some plant based proteins may be lacking in the essential amino acids.

To solve the amino acid dilemma, some producers utilize special extraction techniques or combine Pea, Rice, and Hemp protein together to create a solid amino acid profile.

More thoughts to consider…

  • Whey protein tastes better than most plant based proteins
  • Soy Protein contains phyto-estrogens, which may or may not be good for men. (Note: General consensus is that Soy is good in moderation, but preferably from whole food sources, and not necessarily from supplement form)
  • Make sure your plant protein specifically states that it does NOT come from GMO source — if it is cheap, it might be GMO based.

6. How do you usually take your Whey Protein?

I appreciate that you value my physique accomplishments and am enthusiastic to share personal experiences. Truthfully, I would much rather consume whole foods than bombard my system with whey protein. While whey protein is a great source of amino acids, you should know by now that I am all about the most bang-for-the-buck.

My biggest success with Whey Protein have been from…

  • Oatmeal + Whey Protein. I must have consumed this combination hundreds of times. Great for energy levels, muscle growth, and fat loss. PS I love eggs, but they take longer to prepare
  • Whey protein immediately following my workout. This is a money period and I ensure my muscles are loaded with the building blocks required to gain strength.
  • In my smoothies. Mixed frozen berries + whey protein = delicious, nutritious smoothie.

Overall, whey protein is a good supplement, but you have to figure out how to make it work in your lifestyle.

Physical Fitness by Dre Weightloss Now
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Actress Brittany Murphy sudden death, was it preventable?

On Dec. 20, actress Brittany Murphy dies sudden death at age 32.

Brittany Murphy looking very skinny

Drugs. Anorexia. Stress.

I really don’t know what caused it.

But, during her impressive career, she captivated audiences with a unique style and talent. Her role on King of the Hill as Luanne even opened my eyes up to the possibilities of southern gals.

Most importantly, her sudden departure raises awareness for the rest of us — what is it that can be gained from this loss?

Was she already predicting her demise?

In one of her last interviews, just days before her sudden death, she gave us clues into her inner state. Aside from seeming somewhat disconnected, her closing remarks raised red flags.

A young, blonde interviewer was in the closing stages of the interview by complimenting Brittany Murphy, saying, “You are gorgeous.”

Murphy's last public appearance

Murphy responds, “You are! Thank you. Can I have your (beautiful blonde) hair in my next life…please?”

The interviewer says, “Oh my god, are you kidding me?”

Murphy’s quick retort, “NO!”

The young blonde interviewer jokingly asks, “Can I be you in my next life?”

And Murphy says, “No problem…”

(See Brittany Murphy’s last interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JXTZKGOyps)

What was she trying to tell us?

Society plays tricks on our brains

Brittany Murphy, a stunning beauty, was far from immune from the constant image bombardment of younger, even more beautiful women. Open any woman’s magazine, and prepare to face the burden of decreased self esteem from the impossible beauty standards of models selling your favorite products.

With Brittany in the public eye, her butt and boobs constantly seen on 30 foot movie screens, it is difficult to have a solid social support system. The best way to live a healthy lifestyle is to be immersed in positive social support — it’s called having good friends and not exposing yourself to the negative gossip.

Poor nutrition may be fully responsible for Murphy’s loss.

I stand by these words: Healthy nutrition can cure, prevent, or improve any disease known to man. The peer pressures of the “perfect weight” and “model figures” are social diseases which can be solved from within by a healthy lifestyle involving variety of foods.

Had Murphy consumed three balanced meals per day, plus snacks, in the form of whole foods, she could still be expressing her beautiful talent to the world.

It is very hard to recognize social disease within us, because they are so blinding. We rationalize, we deny, and we ignore. The solution begins with an awareness that leads to a personalized journey embracing healthy habits and positive social support.

May Brittany Murphy rest in peace, with contributions that shall forever live on through the expressions of her craft.

Celebrity's & Weight Loss Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion
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Can you Smell me now? The Scent of Health, Disease, and Attraction

What does your body odor say about you?

Body Odor Research, how do I smell?

On a comfortable night, I lifted my arm behind my head and noticed my female companion’s eyes dilate, expressing pure emotion. She told me that one of the most attractive qualities a guy can have is his personal scent. Researchers tell us that the body odor of men with symmetrical features, high testosterone, and unique immune systems will smell sexy to women, while the opposite can be repulsive. Have you experienced this?

Think back to a moment when you felt undeniable attraction to another person. Your bodies are within inches of each other and may even be touching, you don’t need to know why or how — but you feel the draw like gravity pulling you closer. This is attraction, biological and irresistible.

Our scents are biological markers, little bits of information.

What is the reason for avoiding people with bad breath? Simple, it smells bad. But beyond the simple reasons, we know that a person with bad breath can help his cause by brushing his teeth, while the real cure is in the diet.

True, the foods we eat can make or break our breath.

This is because the actual state of health in our bodies will manifest through scents and body odors. For example, people with weakened immune systems or those that currently have influenza will just not smell attractive. They are sick, they need to be taken care of and treated…they do not need to be romanced.

My encounter with a seductive cancer

At around 5 PM, I heard the door open to Super Supplements and positioned myself warmly to greet my next customer. A pretty woman wearing professional attire, styled blonde hair at shoulder length approached me with a smile. I said hi and cocked my head with genuine interest as she asked for help on finding a multivitamin. It was her first time visiting Super Supplements. Instantly, our warm personalities connected and I knew this would not be a typical customer encounter.

Of course it would be my pleasure to help you find a good multivitamin. Before even pulling any products off the shelf, her eyes zeroed in on the “Immune Multivitamin.”

We were already in rapport, I don’t know how, but people often feel very comfortable around me. As we examined the Immune Multi, our sides touching each other, I found this woman to be youthful, exuberant, and beautiful. Yet the smell was penetrating…

Emotionally, I was drawn to her because of her vibrant personality, and her physical appeal was there, yet my sense of smell detected the scent…of sickness.

She is now in her third week of Chemotherapy.

After she purchased a hundred dollars of supplements, I carried her box of water out to her car. We stood outside the store together and she said that she loved the store and would definitely return for another encounter. With our personal connection established, I expressed my appreciation for her warm patronage and optimistic sense of being.

In a way only two people can experience, we shared ourselves through a moment of profound empathy. I know… that she will make it through.

Can you smell me now?

This blog post was inspired by the woman I met today, whom I would have never encountered if I didn’t work at a health store. I feel enriched by the experience, and am confident she will work diligently on her nutrition in order to save her life.

For the rest of us who are fortunate to claim good condition, healthy foods boost your immune system and make you smell better to others.  An apple a day could keep disease away. And that smells good to me.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion
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High Fructose Corn Syrup STOPS Body’s Ability to Burn Fat

Not all calories are created equal.

Drink yourself fat? New York PSA with serious shock value

Are you drinking yourself fat?

If your product contains High Fructose Corn Syrup — watch out!

High fructose corn syrup imbalances the hormone called leptin, which regulates metabolism and fat burning.

The moment you consume high fructose corn syrup, your brain instantly communicates with leptin and stops burning fat. If you are in fat-burning mode, and then you drink Coca-cola, your body ceases all fat burning and induces fat storage.

Carbohydrates from high fructose corn syrup are always bad.

On the other hand, carbohydrates from natural foods still help you burn tons of body fat.

Not all calories are created equal.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion Weightloss Now
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The Hangover: Have I lost my mind?

If you’re like most people, you enjoy a good drink — but not the next morning.

In the 2009 comedy, The Hangover, a group of Bachelor party guys wake up in a wrecked hotel room with no recollection of the previous night. Many of us can relate to that first moment, waking up, and making sense of the last night. In the film, not only do they feel horrible, to add misery to headaches — they have no idea where their ‘about-to-get-hitched’ friend has disappeared to!

There are a variety of reasons for the dreaded hangover, but one stands above the rest. Research to be published in the March 2010 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, finds that — get this — the amount of alcohol consumed is the greatest predictor of hangover regardless of light versus dark alcoholic beverages. But how does this really affect us the next day?

How the Hangover Reduces Your Ability

Whatever you’re able to do normally, science now confirms that the hangover decreases that ability.

What this means: While reaction times and concentration seem to improve within a few hours, the immune system remains weakened for a whole entire day following the hangover.

Operating machinery is probably not a good idea while hungover, and neither is hanging around sick people.

How to Prevent the Hangover

In college, I witnessed the miraculous student who could drink all night and go to class in the morning…rinse and repeat! This was a lifestyle I tried to emulate, but was far too elusive to ever attain. In other words, drinking makes me feel like I’m a lesser version of me in the morning, and now I definitely limit my drinking.

For me, three drinks seems to be the money spot, I can feel a buzz but still be good in the morning. Even better, sometimes I’d even prefer to take stimulants like energy drinks to get my energy high and enjoy the party without the hangover. I’m not saying thats healthy, but alcohol seems to be particularly toxic.

If you want to feel good in the morning, don’t drink.

If you want to feel great in the morning, don’t drink and DO go to the gym for a nice workout.

Ah, it was worth a shot.

Good luck partiers.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion