Archive for May, 2009

Acceleration Diet: Being Accountable

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Ok, so I figured I needed to practice what I preach.  I have been a rather large individual for some time.  I have always played off being a bit chubby by saying that I needed the weight for certain activities and weightlifting was one of them.  I have always loved lifting heavy weights and eating a lot and I have always been able to carry my load while maintaining very athletic movements.

Where is this going?  I have been involved with tons of nutrition research and decided to put ideas and theories to work to see if my philosophy worked in everyday life.  I have tested out my influence on numerous individuals, all who have reaped a lifestyle change toward healthier living and sustainable eating.  I finally decided I must go through with this as well.

Acceleration Diet:  In 28 days, I lowered myself from a bodyweight of 265 to 241 pounds.  I did this by continuing to eat absolutely everything that I wanted.  I just listened to my body and followed the plan I have laid out for proper nutrition.  Essentially, a detailed plan guided me along while I listened to my body and the foods in season.  Below are my pictures.

Ironically, I lost 24 total pounds even while only doing two weeks of leg lifts. I injured my back (goofing around of course) and this prevented me from continuing leg training.  Instead, I only did torso movements and absolutely NO running or conditioning.  I am quite pleased to say for some reason, I got ridiculously strong.  My body is more efficient, has learned how to use less energy while recruiting more muscle.  My lifts went through the roof and I feel as though my lean muscle mass improved dramatically.  Enjoy the images!!!

P.S.  I definitely was bad at taking consistent images, I hope you can see the difference.  If nothing else, you will see further improvement toward optimal health in the future!!!

dane-front1dane-back1dane-side

Community Supported Agriculture

Friday, May 29th, 2009

I have a few clients that live in the Washington, D.C. area.  They work with me specifically on improving nutrition, losing weight and living a life that is much healthier than their previous existence.  Recently, I had been discussing eating well raised vegetables and purchasing these vegetables straight from the farmer.  Well, one client in particular went a step further.  She joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and is going out to the fields to work for about 4 hours and receive her weekly supply of vegetables.  Now that is fresh food!!!

Here is the farm she will be working at: Clagett Farm

I highly recommend looking for a CSA near you and getting involved not only with the local community but also with high quality, sustainable food!!!

Look for a CSA near  you and see if you can work 4 simple hours for some good healthy food.

CSA Finder

Meathead Calculator

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

When training in college, we had our own percentage charts and a program that divied out our projected maximum and working weights onto our training program.  Well, I was never a really big fan of certain percentages, etc…I am a fan of going maximum, be it speed or strength.  However, I just found this calculator online which is a pretty convenient thing.  It takes a projected max and spits out potential numbers for a heavy day of 5 x 5 training.  Obviously, these are just guidelines but a nice a place to start.  Check it out:

Meathead Calculator

New Sand Trap and Workout

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Here are some images of the new sand pit.  It is pretty sweet, especially to throw shot into and do jumps/training.  We started with just grass and then cut it into a sand area.  As the year goes along, I assume the grass will grow into the sand which will allow me to make a uniform edge for the Trap next year.

Below is a workout prescribed by Bryan Clay.  Clay is a decathlete who is managed by my good friend Jesse Roberge.  Jesse forwarded this along, the workouts are simple, fun and very effective.  Clay is a beast and Olympic Champion!!!

Here is a workout he calls, “Helsinki.”  He named it after the city in which he won his first world title.

HELSINKI

Single leg hops; left and right

Bound

LLRR

LLRLL

RRLRR

Steve in front end loader.

Steve in front end loader.

Tarp to keep out grass and weeds.

Tarp to keep out grass and weeds.

After first load of sand.

After first load of sand.

After second load of sand.

After second load of sand.

Knowing Fats…are eggs bad for you?

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

First off, let me answer the egg question with a big fat (no pun) NO!!! Eggs are tremendous for you, especially eggs from pastured hens that eat bugs and worms.  They are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, full of protein, B vitamins, Vitamin A and choline.  Choline is known as a smart drug, it stimulates the brain and gets things moving properly…egg is loaded with it!!!  Eggs also contain Vitamin K2 (m4), which is absolutely necessary for the body to metabolize other fat soluble vitamins.  Not to mention, tyrosine which makes it a great breakfast food.  The morning should always foster foods that provide tremendous mental acuity…Eggs do this.

Quick story about eggs:  The farmer I work for on occasion is 88 years old, still drives and works full time for his sons.  He laughed when he overheard me blabbing to his youngest son about how people think eggs are bad for them.  His quick and witty response was, “Boy, I guess my wife and I shouldn’t have eaten eggs everyday for breakfast for the  past 65 years.”

In regards to fat, please continue to educate yourself on fat and fat intake.  What fats to avoid?  Here is a simple list:

All hydrogenated oils, soy, corn, safflower and canola oil and cottonseed oil…Ok, so what foods have these fats? Processed peanut butter, cake mix, fake icing, margarine, butter substitutes, fast food, french fries, granola bars, white bread…the list can go on and on.

What fats should we consume or cook with?

Butter, beef and lamb tallow, lard, poultry fat, coconut and palm oils, cold pressed olive oil and cold pressed flax oil and of course, any fish oils.  These fats are easy to find and need to be consumed.  They amp up your metabolism, support cell membrane health and keep down inflammation.  Eat your eggs and know your fats!!!

lard