Relying on Shakes/Protein Supplements Instead of Whole Food

A bodybuilder relying on multiple shakes per day in place of whole food will have a very different physique from one who eats more whole food. The natural digestion process is important and you can only get that with whole foods. Protein powders are broken down so much that they do not digest and get absorbed like food. It is better to add specific amino acid supplements to a meal than to replace a meal with a shake. However, we do not live in a perfect world and because of work or family obligations we may end up missing meals. In such situations, shakes can be used. But when you are dieting, would you rather have a protein shake made with water or a grilled chicken breast and sweet potato?

Sweet and Spicy Green Juice

Mean green smoothie.

Preparation: 5 minutes
Serves: 4 servings
Energy: 108 calories per serving

Ingredients:
– 1 tbsp honey
– 2 tsps ground cinnamon
– 1/10 hot chilli peppers
– ¼ tbsp ground nutmeg
– 3 medium bananas
– 1½ cups kale, chopped
– 2 cups spinach
– 1 cup water

Method:
1) Mix all ingredients in a high power blender for about 5 minutes.
2) Either chill in the fridge or add some ice, blend again and enjoy.

Note: The chilli peppers gives it a little kick, start with a little and add more to taste.

Thyroid Juice Remedy

Your thyroid is a set of multiple glands that work to keep your body running smoothly. They deliver messages (hormones) between themselves and other body parts so that all of those tiny cells are regulated and functioning at the proper levels. The hormones produced by the thyroid (T3 and T4) are essential for life and have many effects on metabolism, growth and development.

Thyroid health is important, because if your thyroid isn’t functioning properly it can lead to developmental defects or weight gain. Food is our medicine, so consuming the proper foods will help support your thyroid to ensure it remains in tip top shape. Carrots contain ample amounts of beta-carotene which is the precursor for vitamin A in the body. If you are low on vitamin A, your ability to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is limited. This vitamin is required by the body to convert T4 to T3.

B-complex vitamins are required for good thyroid function. Cucumbers contain B vitamins, so they are a good choice when trying to nourish the thyroid glands. Without B vitamins the thyroid and adrenal glands fail to secrete their hormones, and won’t be able to utilize its iodine raw material efficiently to make hormones. B vitamins are especially useful in individuals with an overactive thyroid.

Ingredients:
– 1 cucumber
– 5 stalks celery
– 5 carrots
– 1 cup young thai coconut water
– 1 lemon

Juice the above ingredients, and add coconut water last.

Drink once every day.

Post-Workout Shake/Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but in the bodybuilding world the period immediately after training is just as crucial. After your weights session, your body needs two main nutrients, proteins and carbohydrates and fast. The protein is required by muscle tissue that has been broken down during your workout. The carbs act as a shuttle for the protein. Fast-digesting carbs cause a spike in insulin, which ferries amino acids into muscle cells. Insulin also refills stores of glycogen or stored carbohydrates, helping to ready your body for its next session at the gym. The post-workout window is the one time of the day when you can make friends with sugary carbs and still benefit.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Serves: 1

Energy: 487 calories

Ingredients:

– 1 cup water

– 2 scoops whey protein powder

– 1 cup low fat milk

– 1 ½ cups frosted flakes cereal

Method:

1)      Place all the ingredients in a blender and mix until combined.

Frosted Flakes Cereal

Don’t feel guilty including this in the shake. Your body needs fast-digesting carbs post-workout, to boost insulin level, jump starting recover and topping up glycogen levels.

Whey Protein Powder

Whey is the go to protein for post-workout shakes because it digests quickly, rushing to muscle tissues to begin repair and promote growth.

Low Fat Milk

Milk makes a mice, creamy blend in shakes, and milk has also been shown to rehydrate the body after workouts more effectively than water. Furthermore, research indicates casein, which makes up 80% of milk’s protein content, improves muscle gains when taken post-workout with whey.