Small accomplishments count for a lot!!!
journal, personal opinion, lifestyle
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Most people base an accomplishment on something HUGE. Do you accomplish something when you win a race? When all the laundry is finally done? When the car is fixed? When you can bench your body weight? What defines a true accomplishment?
What is a true success for one, is just a regular day for another. For me to run for 45 minutes is no strange feat. However, if you just started jogging recently, when you hit minute # 45 it is an amazing accomplishment.
My favorite successes are in small form. Yes, it was great to get my company off the ground, but that small letter from a client thanking me was worth so much more. Yes, becoming a certified trainer was great, but helping somebody out was way more awesome.
Yesterday we had to go shopping. As a typical 2 year old, my son out grew his shoes, so we needed to go buy a new pair. At the same time, my girlfriend stepped into a wonderful store to buy a dress she needs for our friends wedding. I saw a beautiful pair of jeans, and they were on sale (bonus after you pay to much to buy tiny Nike Shox). I tried them on and my typical 34 were huge on me. I am back to a size 32. I knew all my pants were too big, but I figured 32 would be too small... I was wrong.
I decided to wear them out last night as I was going to watch wrestling with 2 good friends of mine. To keep in mind that I was probably going to have a beer, I decided to walk instead of accept a lift. It was a beautiful sunny day, and the walk is a 30 minute mostly uphill trek. I enjoyed every second of it.
Remember, sometimes it is the smallest, seemingly insignifigant things in life that make you feel great!
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yesterday
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5.7
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Waste of time and money
cardio, personal opinion, journal, weight loss
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As a few of you may know, I have been trying the Hip Hop Abs for a few days now. I have come to my conclussion... it is not a useful program.
Here are my issues with Hip Hop Abs;
1) It is very hard to follow what he is doing. There is no explanation to the moves, so you have no clue if you are doing them correctly or not.
2) When you get the DVDs, there is a basic meal guide you should follow. Anybody following that meal plan, even without exercising will lose weight. If you take all red meat, dairy and sugars away, of course you will lose weight quickly, especially in the 1st week.
3) The music is not as great as it seems on the infomercial. Everybody talks about how the music kept them motivated and whatnot... it did nothing for me.
This is not a horrible plan, and may help some people. I am very athletic, I am very active. I would rather be in the gym than at home following a guy that is hard to follow.
My personal opinion is this is just another gimmick and is a waste of time and money. I sincerely hope many people try this and disagree with me. I really hope it helps millions of other people trying to get in shape. I, however, will be giving these to a friend, and will never try them again.
I believe that if it were more descriptive toi what we should be doing, how to be doing it, and where we should be feeling it, I may have given it more time. I followed 2 different workouts 4 times each... so far, not impressed... sorry BeachBody, but I will not be ordering anything else from you.
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on 8/6/2008
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10
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Is this the same industry?
courses, journal, personal opinion
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As many of you know, I recently became certified as a trainer throught the AFPA. I am now taking 2 courses through the ISSA. One is performance nutrition, which I love and relates to my BSC courses in dietetics. The other course is also a certified fitness trainer course.
I knew that the trainer and fitness courses would be very different. I must admit, I thought the 2 courses that certify me to be fitness trainer would be similar. THEY ARE NOTHING ALIKE.
The AFPA course was informative, described the industry, how it got started, how I can get started etc... It had a small book about exercise form and pictures were needed.
The ISSA does not require pictures, but describes what muscles are being used in most exercises and how to compliment muscle groups etc...
It is almost as though I am being certified for 2 seperate industries. Hopefully finishing these three courses, along with my BSC and then a course through the YMCA, added to my personal experience, and I will be knowledgeable and ablr to help people transform their bodies and lives.
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on 8/3/2008
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0 |
7.5
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Flax
flax seed, omega-3, eating habits, personal opinion, article
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I am a huge fan of flaxseed bread. I always buy the same organic 14 grain with flax bread, and I love it. I am not a huge bread eater, but I NEED my peanut butter sandwiches.
For a few years people have been talking about the benefits of flax, how it contains Omega-3 and certian anti-oxidants. There is no doubt that flax seed is good for you.
What are the real benefits of flaxseed in bread though. I would venture to say that the benefits are minimal at best.
Here is a link to a great article about a study being done in Manitoba, Canada. It is quite informative, and hopefully this study will help us better understand the true benefits of flax, and what the long term benefits really are.
http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca/channel_health_news_details.asp?news_id=15765&news_channel_id=151&channel_id=151
I would love to know what you think about this article!
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on 7/15/2008
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1.7
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Sometimes cheating is good
eating habits, diet, cravings, proper eating, personal opinion
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Cheating is school is wrong. Cheating on a loved one is not recommended. Every now and then, cheating on your diet is necessary.
I do not like Oprah, and Dr Phil is ok, but I can live without him. The one thing I have heard both of them say is that if you are making a life change in the way you eat, and you are seriously craving a donut, go have it. Just don't do it often.
In this month's Muscle & Fitness magazine there is an article about just that. When is it ok to cheat, and with what...
In my own experience, I find this to be the best answer;
When I am seriously craving pizza, I go have 1 slice. Otherwise I will try to replace that with healthy foods, but in the end, I will eat more... I will nibble on carrots, then a yogurt, maybe a protein bar, then some milk and who knows what. I would be consuming less calories with 1 slice of pizza.
I also find that if you do not eat unhealthy foods, when you do indulge, they tatse all that much better. Ice cream once a week is good. When you allow yourself ice cream once every month, it tatses all that much better!
I know many people who set aside either a cheat meal per week, and some even a cheat day every 2 weeks. For me, I enjoy knowing that I eat healthy. When I do crave the rare item, I enjoy it. I know that I burn enough calories to make it not count, and I enjoy them so rarely that when I do cheat, it tastes all that much better.
There is no point in denying yourself something that you want. Just make sure it is not too often, and when you do crave it, have a moderate amount.
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on 6/30/2008
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0 |
9.2
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Its raining, its pouring, Oz was snoring....
personal opinion, journal, sleep
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So here we are, lovely Montreal, July right around the corner. It is the 28th of June, and it is pouring. Dark grey sky, wet and humid. Not a great day weather-wise.
I slept great last night. Both Thursday and Friday night's workouts were very intense. I was really tired last night. I slept 9 full hours.
As usuall on Saturdays, we went to my parents house for lunch. It was too big as usual, and when we left is was really rainy and I guess we can say yucky outside.
When we got home I put Rory, my 2 year old, for a nap... then I went to take a nap too. I slept a solid 2+ hours, as did Rory.
Today is one of those perfect days to take it easy and stay in bed and relax. My body needed a day off, and I am sure the sleep was well needed too. Lets just hope tomorrow leads to nicer weather!
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on 6/28/2008
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0 |
18.3
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Gym = Therapy
personal opinion, journal, lifestyle, stress
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With Father's Day and my father's birthday quickly approaching, my mom and I went shopping for him last night. It was too late to go to the gym when we were done, but I went for a very intense 1 1/2 hour bike ride. I am very happy with my father's gifts, and the ride was great!
Today, so far, has been hell. What a crappy and overly busy day at the office. Payments not in on time, customer's checks bouncing... files missing... I have had enough.
Thankfully, I am meeting Todd at the gym tonight at 6:30 and we are gonna have a killer workout. I am now focusing on that rather than my office duties. I know the second I get to the gym I will feel much better and today's stresses will fade away.
I also noticed that I am not a happy camper today, but I am not stressed and aggravated like I would have been had I npt been keeping a healthy lifestyle. 3 years ago I would be flipping out. Now I am just dealing with what I have to, and focusing on the positive.
I hope you all had better days than I am having, and have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Father's Day to all you fellow dads out there!
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on 6/13/2008
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0 |
3.3
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Extra Day Off
journal, personal opinion, weather, biking
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I am not sure how many of you live in Montreal, but yesterday, this city was a mess. The last few days have been very hot and extremely humid. At around 2 or 2:30 yesterday, we gotr a crazy insane thunder storm with high winds and tons of rain.
Traffic was a mess due to a few overturned trucks, and then the regular accidents that happen in any metroplitain city during rush hour.
I got home to bbq a great supper, cleaned up and rushed to the gym to find out that the gym had no power, and was obviously closed. It was supposed to be bicep/tricep day, but instead I went home and biked for about an hour, and when I got back, I decided it was time to install the A/C.
I managed a great 8+ hour sleep and feel like a million bucks today. Perhaps my body needed a lighter cardio only workout yesterday.
I was really upset that the gym was closed at first, but now I am kinda happy that my body got an extra day off.
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on 6/11/2008
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0 |
5.5
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Thank you Floyd!!!
boxing, personal opinion
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So its official... Floyd "Money" Mayweather, the undeafeted boxing champion announced his retirement on Friday. In my opinion, he has kept the sport of boxing popular, and is perhaps pound for pound the best boxer there is right now, perhaps ever.
Although him showing up at Wrestlemania was obviously a publicity stunt, I think Floyd Mayweather was a great ambassador for the sport of boxing. I am a fan of Mike Tyson the boxer, but we all know what he turned into. Floyd Mayweather was a respectable opponent in the ring, and seemed like a genuine nice guy outside of the ring.
The sport of boxing will miss you Floyd!
Shane Moseley, the future of boxing is now in your shoulders....
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on 6/7/2008
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0 |
5
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new workout time
gym schedule, personal opinion, fitness training
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For the longest time, I would leave work, get my kids, go home and have supper with the family. I would help clean up and get the kids bathed and in bed, and then off to the gym I would go. Tonight, and for the rest of the summer, I will be leaving work 20 minutes later than usual, and going right to the gym.
I am not really all that picky about when I go, as long as I go, but I think that I will have more energy to do a great workout.
I love morning workouts on the weekend, but that just isn't possible during the week.
I will let you all know if I see any difference in my workout intensity.
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on 6/2/2008
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0 |
5.2
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My 2 cents on Memorial Day
personal opinion
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Ok, so a Canadian is writting a blog about Memorial Day... but trust me, it is worth the read. I promise.
I have many cousins in the Detroit area that are active members of the National Reserve. One of my cousins is retired Marine Corp, and I have family serving in the Israeli army. Memorial Day, like Candian Veteran's Day is a tribute to those who have fought for our freedom, our rights, and the rights and freedom of others. It is this day that we remember those who did not make it home, those who made the ultimate sacrifice for a cause they believed in, and a country they wanted to serve.
I hear many people mumble over the war in Iraq and the number of troops in the mid-east currently. This is not about whether we agree with the war... this is a memorial to those who have fought for our countries bravely. Let us give thanks to them and their families.
My brother, comedian Joey Elias travelled to Afgahnistan twice to entertain the troops. He has also entertanined troops in Haiti, numerous Canadian bases and in Rwanda. I have great respect for him (not cause he is my brother) but because he has gone to help destress a group of young men and women who are miles and often hundreds of miles from home.
I want to take this moment to thank all those serving our countries presently. My sincerest condolences to the families of those who have lost siblings, husbands, wives, parents and childen. I wish safety to all troops serving, no matter where they may be. I thank all the troops who served in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and any other battle I may have forgotten. I thank you all for your bravery and your sacrifice, and wish you health, happiness, and a wonderful future.
If anybody has a relative serving anywhere, I wish them a safe return, and godspeed!
On another note, the weather here in Montreal is be... read entire entry
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on 5/25/2008
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0 |
5.6
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The Ozzie Ocean Diet
diet, eating habits, weight loss, active lifestyle, personal opinion
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I don't want to brag, but I created this diet to lose weight and be able to get good muscle definition. Yes, most of my success is due to the effort I put into my workouts, however, I have shared my diet with others and they are doing quite well too.
I know this is not revolutionary, and I am sure many of you eat similar to this anyways, but I figured I should share this.
For breakfast, I always eat oatmeal with either 2 eggs whites, or multi grain toast with peanut butter. I enjoy a small glass of skim milk and 1/2 mug of black coffee.
About 3 hours later I enjoy a low fat yogurt and a fruit, usually an apple.
For lunch, I have a huge bowl of salad, no dressing with either a can of tuna or salmon.
My afternoon snack is a protein bar and either fruits or veggies.
For supper I also have a bowl of mostly lettuce with either chicken breasts, fresh fish, lean turley or lean pork chops. I either have 1/4 cup brown rice or a few whole wheat noodles.
After my workout I either have fat free yogurt with fresh berries or a smoothie with protein.
It is not a bad diet, it keeps me full, and I eat every 3 hours or so. I try my very best not to eat late at night,and I also try to get 7 1/2 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
Try it out and let me know how it works for you!
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on 5/21/2008
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0 |
14.8
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Rocky Balboa
motivation, rocky balboa, personal opinion
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Yes, I am writting a blog about a fictional character, but I promise there is meaning to it.
I recently bumped into my cousin on a jog. I was jogging in 1 direction, he was jogging in another and we crossed pathes. We spoke for a few brief seconds and both continued on our respective paths. My cousin is a former army man, former kick boxer, and used to be extremely well built. He was my age when I met him, and he aquired the nickname Rambo due to his size and hair style.
I called him a few days ago to see how his training was doing, and he told me he was losing motivation. I told him to come to the gym with me, or find a partner to go with... I find working out with somebody is always an asset. He told me time was very tight, and he will 100% join me after the summer, but he runs the entire kitchen at a well respected private summer camp. He currently has very little time available for anything.
I recommended to him to rewatch the origional Rocky movie, and perhaps all 6 if he was able to find the time. I think the Rocky series is the best motivational movie in the world. Best of all, we must remember what Rocky truly wanted. Never does he say he wants to win in the origional Rocky. He just wanted to "go the distance" and last the entire match. He relives that in Rocky Balboa (Rocky VI) when he fights the current champ. He just wants to last the entire match.
Although the movies themselves are very unrealistic, and Rocky is a fictional character, we can learn alot about dedication and motivation from them. If the theme of trying your best, and proving you can overcome all odds doesn't motivate you, the soundtrack just might.
Next time you start to lack motivation, watch the origional Rocky, and slowly sift through all 6 of them. Let me know if it helps!
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on 5/20/2008
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11.1
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Rare treats taste better
personal opinion, nutrition, eating habits, calories, diet
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Ok, ok, its true... I have a soft spot for chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. There... now you know.
I think that the way we eat counts for so much in our lives. If we eat healthy, we feel good, energized, focused and there are hundreds of other benefits. When we eat crappy foods we often get indigestion, stomach aches, the "why did i eat that" feeling. So for me eating healthy is a no brainer.
I have kids. Kids like snacks. When they get a snack from me it is usually apples, carrots, yogurt or something of that nature. I am not one to give high sugar or salt snacks to kids... mine or anybody else's.
I do treat them, and myslef to a "good" naughty treat from time to time. As I said, I adore ice cream. And on a hot day, if we areplaying in the park, running around having fun, there is nothing wrong with a nice cone of ice cream.
I find that the less often I eat junk food, the better I enjoy it when I get it. Lets face it. If you treat yourself to ice cream every few days, it tastes good and you enjoy it... but if you only have that once every few weeks, or every other month, it tastes all that much better. It is truly a treat.
I find for me personally, eating healthy 95% of the time is necessary. I enjoy eating stuff that is good for me. I do let myslef enjoy treats from time to time, but since it is rare, I appreciate them all that much more, and I never feel guilty about eating them.
I find my kids appreciate it more too since it is not an everyday event that they get ice cream or pudding (and i buy the low cal version ..... shhhhh, our little secret ;) ). They are learning to eat healthy, and when you give them a treat, it is truly enjoyed.
Try it out, I am sure you will see what I mean. Take something you really like, and allow it once every 6 weeks... see how much bet... read entire entry
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on 5/9/2008
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0 |
17.1
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True benefits of a workout partner
personal opinion, proper eating, workout friends, gym
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I always enjoy working out with other people. I enjoy spotting other people, and I really love getting new tips and advise from people. I am very open minded to new ideas when it comes to fitness and nutrition.
Growing up I had a friend who was always in better shape than I was. He did martial arts. He played tennis, basketball, and soccer. He played sports during our high school lunch break. We went biking together, and he was one of the 1st rollerbladers I knew.
Needless to say, he os no longer in good shape... in fact he is 30 pounds overweight and it is all hanging off his belly. He looks about 7 or 8 months pregnant.
We started training together. I set him up with a healthy diet plan, and a very intense mostly cardio routine. He is following the cardio routine, tries had with the weights, and although his eating habits are not the best, they are MUCH better than they were.
I realize now that there is no greater asset than a true workout partner. Somebody who you can motivate and guide, and somebody that does the same for you. I trust him and feel comfortable when he is spotting me. I know he appreciates my advise, and I take his as well.
In 3 weeks working together, although he does only cardio by himself 2 days a week at another gym, both of us have been able to increase intensity in our workouts. With his help I am lifting more and doing more cardio. With my help, he is running longer and at a steadier pace.
No matter what your goals are, a good workout buddy is irreplaceable!
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on 5/9/2008
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0 |
7.3
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wtf!?!?!?
personal opinion, steroids, children, fitness training, television
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So I was watching the news last night, and happened to be watching a station out of Mass. I saw a story that I felt I needed to watch. I watched it and it really PISSED ME OFF!
Apparently, coaches and PARENTS are forcing their kids to use steroids if they are on High School sports teams. They showed a 14 year old basketball star who was basically forced by his dad and coach to use steroids. So now he is using steroids, he is bulking up and seems fit. He is an excellent player no doubt. Here is the catch. He knows it is not good for him, and he does not want to be using roids, but he also does not want to quit, because he is scared to lose the muscle and strength he has gained.
There was a similar article in Sports Illustrated a few months back about a father that was put in prison for forcing his 15 year old son to use steroids. COME ON!!! We are supposed to guide our children, and be examples for them.
I am not naive, I know alot of people use steroids, and I even think they can be used safely... under a doctors care. I do not know much about roids, I have never used them. I do know this though... steroids create a physical dependance, because the user does not want to lose what they have gained. I am not sure if they create a physcological dependance, but I know steroids fuck with your mood and personality.
I have had my battles with addiction and I have come out the victor. I will never EVER go down that road again, and hopefully I can guide my kids to stay clear of that path. I have never been an addict to steroids, or any supplements for that matter.
I fully think that competing and trying your best and winning, because YOU did it, is like climbing Mount Everest. I have won a few local karate tournaments when I was younger, and those few seconds when you are exhausted, in pain and realise YOU just won... that... read entire entry
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on 5/2/2008
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0 |
5.6
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Gatorade or Powerade
energy drinks, personal opinion, cardio, calories
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I must confess... I like Gatorade. As mentioned in a previous blog, I do drink Propel before some of my workouts. I find it really makes a difference.
I usually enjoy a nice protein shake with fresh fruits after my workout, but on days where I do only cardio, I treat myself to a Gatorade (I really like the grape flavor).
Last night was one of those 95% cardio nights, and it was quite a good workout. I left the gym and went to the store across the street to buy my gatorade... BUT THEY WERE SOLD OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I went and picked up a Powerade.
I must say they taste almost identical. I am sure if it were a blind test, that I would have no clue which was which. However, I did notice that Powerade has less calories and less grams of sugar.
I am curious to know what other people prefer and their thoughts and opinions of these or other similar drinks.
I also noticed that Powerade has a 'Powerade Option" which is a calorie reduced version of their brand. Does Gatorade have something similar?
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on 5/1/2008
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13.7
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The Subway "Myth"
diet, nutrition, weight loss, proper eating, personal opinion
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We have all seen Jared and how much weight he has lost and kept off. And good for him fo rdoing it and keeping a healthy lifestyle. His food choices led him to not only lose weight and feel great but it also led to him becoming an unknown spokesperson for one of the world's biggets fast food franchises and made him a millionaire.
We see ads for Subway on shows like The Biggest Loser, they advertise in Muscle & Fitness. Subways is owned by a company called Doctor's and Associates. They have well over 21000 locations in North America. They are for sure healthier than some of the alternatives. But here is the catch... you have to choose wisely.
I recently went to lunch with my sister and we decided to have Subway. It was close buy, and I like that I get to "design" my meal.
She ordered a 6 inch turkey sub, on white bread with herbs and cheese, added extra cheddar to the sub, and then had it drowining in subway sauce.
My order was 6 inch turkey on whole wheat, no cheese, with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and hot peppers. No salt and pepper, no sauce. I am no expert, but I am 110% positive, although we both had turkey, my sub was way lower in calories, and had the same amount of nutrients and protein.
Here are some tricks I try to stick with. Always have whole wheat. Stick with 6 inch subs, they are generally enough, especially if you eat every 3 hours or so.
Stay away from the regular mayo and subway sauce... they do have a great chipotle sauce and a low fat mayo. Stick to turkey, or grilled chicken, some of the other stuff is too fatty, and thier tuna is more mayo with tuna in it, than tuna with mayo in it.
Subway is a great choice for a meal on the go, but it is not necessarily always the healthiest. Keeping it healthy is very easy, but you have to know that. Their steak and cheese sub with extra cheese bacon and mayo is no better tha... read entire entry
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on 4/18/2008
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2 |
21.3
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