Category: Nutrition (Page 37 of 45)

Did You Know…7/16/2008

In his latest edition of Did You Know…Bullz-Eye.com Fitness Editor Mike Furci tackles the history of the American Vegetarian Society, ways to make your calves grow and whether or not testosterone levels are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Q&A with Mike Furci: Weight Training vs. Cardio

In his latest Q&A session, Bullz-Eye.com Fitness Editor Mike Furci discusses high protein diets, weight training vs. cardio, and chest workouts.

Q: Mike,
I just finished reading your article on Fitness Myth Busters. Although I agree with pretty much everything you said I do have a couple of comments on some things you wrote.

1. “Screw cardio!”

Are you serious? I think it’s a known AND proven fact that a good mix of cardio and weight training will provide a better fat loss program than just weight or cardio training alone. ESPECIALLY if we consider HIT cardio training.

A: It is true, HIT cardio (I assume you’re referring to interval training) is the best way to go if you’re going to put the time in. However, sorry to inform you, it is not a “proven fact” that a mix of cardio and weight training is the best way to go. Show me the evidence of long term success. There is NONE. Visit any gym and you’ll see what I mean. The majority of people who perform cardio regularly don’t make permanent gains. Cardio is vastly overrated as a means of losing body fat. In fact, if a person who is overweight embarks on a cardio program and doesn’t change their eating habits, they are doomed to failure. Adding muscle is the key, combined with a diet lower in refined foods, especially carbs.

Muscle Foods

There are “muscle foods” that taste great and are high protein substitutes for the same old chicken and beef?

  1. Clams – Loaded with iron and are one of the few meats high in vitamin C.

Prep: toss on the grill and cook until they pop open.

  1. Lobster – Lower in fat than pork or beef with a higher dose of calcium.

Prep: Cut in half and brush with olive oil or butter.? Place cut side down very hot grill or 3 minutes.? Flip and grill for another 4 – 5 minutes.

  1. Venison – Fewer calories than chicken breast and twice as much iron as beef.

Prep:? Marinate in red wine or olive oil.? Grill to medium rare over high heat.

  1. Ostrich – Lean with a large amount of iron.

Prep:? Marinate in olive oil.? Lean meats need added fat to stay moist.? Grill over high heat.

  1. Swordfish – Same calories as chicken or beef but higher in omega-3 fats.

Prep:? Brush with olive oil and a squirt of lemon juice.? Grill over high heat.
(Men’s Fitness June/July 2008)

Watermelon the new Viagra?

woman holding watermelon

Looking for a natural sex boost, gentlemen? Skip the pills and head straight for the fruit section at your local grocery store, because according to THE HUFFINGTON POST, watermelon is the new Viagra.

In watermelons, these include lycopene, beta carotene and the rising star among its phyto-nutrients – citrulline – whose beneficial functions are now being unraveled. Among them is the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does.

Scientists know that when watermelon is consumed, citrulline is converted to arginine through certain enzymes. Arginine is an amino acid that works wonders on the heart and circulation system and maintains a good immune system, Patil said.

“The citrulline-arginine relationship helps heart health, the immune system and may prove to be very helpful for those who suffer from obesity and type 2 diabetes,” said Patil. “Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.”

While there are many psychological and physiological problems that can cause impotence, extra nitric oxide could help those who need increased blood flow, which would also help treat angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

“Watermelon may not be as organ specific as Viagra,” Patil said, “but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects.”

I’ve also read that blueberries contain a lot of the same health benefits as watermelon because of the amount of antioxidants that come packed in the fruit. It’s recommended to pop a handful of blueberries a day to keep your ticker running strong and your Johnson pointing north.?

Surprise Muscle Foods

MensFitness.com has low down on some surprise foods that can help you build muscle. MF also fills you in on how to prep the muscle foods, as well as properly cook them.

1. CLAMS
Why they’re good for you: Clams are loaded with iron and are one of the few meats high in vitamin C — one serving contains nearly half of your recommended daily intake.
Prep: None needed. Just toss the shells on the grill.
How to cook ’em: Grill over high heat until they pop open.

2. LOBSTER
Why it’s good for you: In or out of the shell, lobster meat is significantly lower in fat than pork and beef, with a healthy dose of calcium.
Prep: While the lobster is still alive, cut it in half lengthwise, drain and reserve the juices, and brush with olive oil or butter.
How to cook it: Place the cut side down on a very hot grill for 3 minutes, then flip and pour the juice over the top; grill for another 4-5 minutes. The heat caramelizes the meat, giving it more flavor.

3. VENISON
Why it’s good for you: Deer meat has fewer calories than chicken breast and twice as much iron as beef.
Prep: Marinate in red wine or olive oil before grilling.
How to cook it: Lean meats are best cooked to medium rare, so 3 to 4 minutes per side over high heat.

4. OSTRICH
Why it’s good for you: This long-necked beast is very lean and contains a large amount of iron.
Prep: Drizzle with or marinate in olive oil. Since the meat is lean like venison, it needs added fat to stay moist.
How to cook it: Grill over high heat, allowing the meat to cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side.

5. SWORDFISH
Why it’s good for you: Besides being the ultimate sailing trophy, swordfish has virtually the same number of calories per serving as chicken or beef, and it’s loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fats.
Prep: Brush with olive oil and top with a squirt of fresh lemon juice.
How to cook it: Just like ostrich. Grill over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side.

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