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Fish Oil to Aid Recovery and Soreness April 8, 2009

Posted by multisport man in Diet, Health, Sports Nutrition, Supplements.
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I had heard a number of reasons to take fish oil supplements or eat cold water fatty fish like Alaskan wild red salmon. And I do eat salmon sometimes. And on rare occasion I’ll get anchovies on my pizza.

But I never seriously considered fish oil until reading about how Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. I realized this after reading about Recoup90 at CoachLevi.com. This is a new, highly-concentrated Omega 3 pill.

It seems overpriced so I probably won’t buy it. But if fish oil can reduce inflammation and therefore speed my msucles’ recovery, I’m all over it. I might get a good brand like Carlson’s that’s not too expensive but still good quality.

Woo hoo, I’ll be able to workout every single day and not get sore!! Not really, but that would be cool.

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My top 10 favorite energy bars, gels, and drinks October 16, 2008

Posted by multisport man in Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Supplements.
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As an amateur triathlete, I’m not stuck with one brand of sponsor’s energy bar, so I get to try whatever I want, and drink as I please. No one asked, but what the heck – here are some of my fave foods and drinks – energy bars, energy gels, sports drinks, whatever.

10. PowerBar

No list is complete without the original energy bar. This is a great bar for racing of all sorts, with a decent taste and plenty of carbs for quick energy. It’s not the healthiest, best tasting, or most glamorous bar, but the ads say Lance Armstrong and Michael Phelps are both Powerbar users, so you can’t go wrong with these. (Powerbar review.)

9. Lara Bar

I don’t use these while racing or training since I prefer to savor the flavor – but they’re so good I couldn’t leave them off the list. Based on dates and nuts (with no added sugar or artificial ingredients,) Lara bars taste great and are as healthy as you can get from an energy bar. (Lara bar review.)

8. Accelerade

I’m not sure if I believe the hype about consuming carbs and protein in a 4:1 ratio while training will make a big difference, but at the very least, Accelerade is a good way to get a ton of calories, easy. The taste isn’t very good, mainly due to the thick, yucky texture, but you get used to it. The blue raspberry and orange flavors aren’t bad though. (Accelerade review.)

7. Endurolytes

I usually don’t need these, but these electrolyte pills from Hammer Nutrition are a God send on hot days. If I swallow a few of these before an intense tri in mid-summer heat, cramps magically disappear. (Endurolytes review.)

6. Hammer Gel

Also from Hammer is a sweet energy gel. Hammer gel packs are big and bulky, but they fit in a bento box, and they have so many good flavors, it’s worth it. Pick out a neat flavor and try it! (Hammer gel review.)

5. Endurox R4

When it comes to recovery, Endurox R4 is the #1 choice. I use plain whey protein powder more often, and chocolate milk is rumored to be just as good, but this is neat stuff. Try it if you need a convenient recovery drink. (Endurox R4 review.)

4. Solo GI Bar

The best energy bar these days is the Solo bar. It tastes great, is pretty healthy, and is used by quite a few pro triathletes. Did I mention it tastes great? (SoLo GI bar review.)

3. Gatorade Endurance

There’s one simple reason to drink Gatorade endurance – it’s the drink of choice to be served along the race course (at big events.) Might as well get used to it. It tastes pretty good though, and it has the necessary electrolytes to keep you going strong. (Gatorade Endurance drink review.)

2. GU Energy Gel

Slightly more convenient than Hammer gel (and still pretty good tasting) is GU gel. It’s probably the most widely known gel, and makes my top-priority list of race food. Carry one for that extra little boost at the end of a sprint tri. (GU gel review.)

1. Clif Shot Bloks

Coolest thing out there – Clif shot bloks, which are like an energy gel but taste like a gummy candy. Easily the best tasting and most fun to eat supplement in stores! I’m addicted to these and probably use them on all my training rides and runs. (Clif shot bloks review.)

Swedish Weight Loss Secret August 21, 2008

Posted by multisport man in Exercise, Health, Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Training.
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By: Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS of http://www.TurbulenceTraining.com

For years I’ve been yelling and screaming about the importance of online social support (i.e. having Internet weight loss buddies).

And finally, after all these years, the Swedes have proven this weight loss secret (and no, it’s not just “eat fewer Swedish meatballs”).

Researchers at the world famous Karolinska Institute wanted to find out why some men and women succeed at weight loss while others don’t.

They studied many men and women using an Internet Weight Loss Club, and found that the people who used the site the MOST also LOST the most weight.

That means that going online for social support in your weight loss program is one of the most IMPORTANT things you can do.

You might not have the perfect home life, office environment, or workout buddies, but chances are you will find someone to help you on an Internet weight loss forum.

And the truth is, you won’t find another Internet Weight Loss Club as positive and helpful as you’ll find in the Turbulence Training Member’s area. Just listen to what this Turbulence Training member has to say…

“I have been using Turbulence Training for about 3 months now and am ecstatic with the results. The workouts require minimal equipment, you get great nutrition information and you get access to the online forum which is invaluable. Being able to actually communicate on almost a daily basis with the person who created the program is one of the best parts of TT, and there are plenty of other people on the site with tons of useful information who may have gone through similar experiences.

Since starting the TT program I have dropped 15 lbs, more than 5% bodyfat and over 3″ from my waist. I feel great and my energy levels are through the roof. I even feel this extra energy spilling over into other aspects of my life and making them better as well. All I can say is thanks CB not just for the fitness change but a great lifestyle change.”
Derek Kendig

We’re there to help you lose weight and inches. Stay strong with our help at TurbulenceTraining.com!

About the Author
Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit www.TurbulenceTraining.com

___________

Note from multisportman: I think this is the same thing Coach was talking about with the bodyweight 1000 workout.

Best Weight Gain Supplements July 10, 2008

Posted by multisport man in Exercise, Sports Nutrition, Supplements, Training, weight gain.
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Many skinny guys undoubtedly wish to build up weight in the form of muscles and not fat. For those wanting to gain weight and muscle use weight gain supplements to accomplish their goal. Supplements come in different varieties and flavours which includes tablets, syrups and powders etc. All these supplements commonly consist of protein but of different types and in different ways. Proteins are mostly preferred for body building because they consist of amino acids.

Protein is most popular among all the weight gainers because the body absorbs it very fast. Therefore people get results before too long. Egg protein is also very popular for weight gaining because it is easily consumed and is completely dairy-free. Apart from this protein family some other weight gain supplements are also available which can be mixed with bananas and milk for some tasty weight gainer.

The most nutritious among all these supplements is Glutamine. It generally comes in powder flavour which is mixed with water or pored in the form of shakes for easy drinking.

Creatine is another weight gainer supplement commonly used by most bodybuilders as it has scientifically been proven to be effective in muscle development. It is a natural productive acid which resides inside our body and provides us with more energy. Therefore consuming it in large amount provides a huge amount of energy and stamina which helps for those heavy workouts. It also helps for mental fitness and makes brain functioning more finely tuned.

Some meal replacement products are also available which helps for quick weight gain. Normally these supplements are in liquid or tablet forms which can be taken easily. Meal replacement products generally consist of vitamins and nutrition’s and a large amount of antioxidants which makes blood circulation faster and is helpful for those who lack the time to consume the necessary caloric intake for each day.

It is necessary to have these weight gain supplements on the doctor’s advice only as they may create some unexpected side effects. It’s a good idea to collect information about what supplements you are taking and any differences they are making so you can track progress.

Exercise and Dehydration – he almost got it right June 28, 2008

Posted by multisport man in Cycling, Health, Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Training.
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In most health and fitness articles on major news sites, the author usually gives some generic advice, getting it wrong half the time when it comes to practicality.

Along those same lines, most articles bash sports drinks and energy bars for having too many calories or for containing carbs (which happen to be essential energy, for doctors who don’t get it.)

Luckily I was able to read a real article about sports drinks and hydration at MSN.com, which does a decent job getting good content.

Two main points, right on the money:

– Low intensity exercise under 1 hour, just stick with water to stay hydrated. That’s all you need.

– For high intensity exercise like serious running and cycling, get a real sports drink with carbohydrates and electrolytes.

Although he goes a little overboard with this guideline:

“During exercise: Drink 7 to 10 oz of water or sports drink every 15 minutes while engaged in the activity.”

Holy crap, that’s 40 ounces per hour! Two water bottles full!

And then he mentions water intoxication and hyponatremia. Well duh, if you consume 40 oz water every hour, you better believe it! (Not to mention pee breaks!)

I’d say more like 4-8 ounces of sports drink (such as Gatorade Rain) every fifteen minutes, depending on the weather. 4 ounces of sports drink every 15 minutes, or 16 oz per hour, should be plenty in most circumstances.

32oz in one hour on a 120 degree day, perhaps.

FRS Health Energy June 16, 2008

Posted by multisport man in Health, Nutrition, Sports Nutrition.
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What is a good energy drink? The FRS Health Energy drink is pretty good. But do you want an energy drink?

I think the coolest thing is the FRS health chews. Antioxidant health chews according to the review.

However, they could just as easily be called “energy chews” because they do give you energy.

Carry a few on your bike so you can get energy mid-race.

Can You Put On Weight with Weight Gain Drinks? March 27, 2008

Posted by multisport man in Exercise, fitness, Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, workout.
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In today’s world where many are trying to gain weight and many others are trying to lose it, there are several questions revolving around these processes. People trying to increase their weight are constantly on the watch for anything on the market claiming to help people increase weight. The truth regarding such products is that most of them are not healthy for your body and may even lead to various health problems. With this said, it is always advisable to take the counsel of an expert in the field before you set out on the path to increase your weight.

Weight gain powders, advertised as weight enhancers, are popular in the market. The truth surrounding these powders, which have to be mixed in water before being consumed, is that most of them contain a large amount of sugar. According to many doctors, gaining calories through the intake of extra sugar is not good for the body and may even cause adverse effects for your body. By spending money on these powders, a person is overpaying for cheap carbohydrates. Consuming protein powder oftentimes results in a person gaining fat instead of muscles. If gaining quality muscles while keeping your body fat under control is your aim, then it is mandatory to take in proper quantities carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

A widely unknown fact is that if your diet is lacking in calories, then any amount of weight gain drinks are not going to be of any use to you. Making sure that you are taking in enough calories daily is essential to increase your weight. The best drinks to have while you are trying to put on weight are those which are very light and can be easily absorbed and quickly digested. Such drinks are best when prepared at home using natural food items. Fruits and vegetables are the best options for homemade drinks, as they are treasure troves of proteins. Soups, fresh juices and vegetable broths also help a person gain weight. If you have the proper knowledge about nutrients, you can even make your own recipes.

Cyclo-Club Membership Club for Cyclists February 15, 2008

Posted by multisport man in Bicycling, Cycling, Cyclo-Core, Nutrition, Racing, Sports Nutrition, Training.
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One of my favorite cycling training bloggers – Coach Levi – has the latest scoop on this Cyclo-Club launch.

Graeme Street (the guy behind the killer Cyclo-Core workout) has briefly mentioned it in his emails but has not gone in-depth. All I know is that if you want access to special reports, recorded teleseminars, and some new videos, you’ll have to sign-up for this.

It sounds decent though, so I’m just waiting on the price tag.

Update: Cyclo-Club has arrived! See it at http://www.Cyclo-Club.com.

Energy Bar That Tastes Like a Candy Bar? January 3, 2008

Posted by multisport man in Diet, Exercise, Health, Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Supplements.
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I can’t report on these yet, but I was reading CoachLevi.com earlier today and there’s a test of Detour energy bars on there.

They supposedly taste like candy bars, so I’ll be looking for some!! 😀

Perhaps I can find more info in the various weight loss forums I visit.

Are liquid vitamins the right choice? February 4, 2007

Posted by multisport man in Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Supplements.
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I was not so sure if I should write this, but solid pills don’t work for me. As in, they go in one end and out the other!

It’s a problem because I can’t get an easy dose of vitamins (or painkillers!) They have to dissolve to start working…

Luckily I found they are making liquid vitamins. This liquid vitamin guide gives you some advice on them, and assured me I’m not the only one with problems.

Now’s the time to try liquid vitamins if you want them for a strong season.