Monday, February 24, 2014

Muscle Milk: The Better Choice For Weight Gainers


Muscle Milk is a lactose-free protein brand produced by Cytosports. It is a popular alternative over whey protein when trying to gain weight for several reasons. It is a blend of casein, which is a slow digesting protein, and whey protein which is digested faster. The blend will provide the user with a good supply of amino acids for building muscles. It also contains right amounts of glutamine peptides that helps decrease muscle recovery time. Other nutrients included in Muscle Milk are vitamins and minerals—like vit A, B, C, D, zinc, iodine, magnesium, copper, zinc, etc.—for a healthy weight gain experience. The high levels of nutrients (carbohydrates, calories, fat, etc.) in the blend set it apart from whey protein that only has one main ingredient. In a way it has lesser protein and this is not an ideal choice for bodybuilders who want to increase their muscle mass. This is marketed more for bodybuilders who are focusing more on gaining weight. But the most important feature of Muscle Milk which a lot of athletes really like is the taste. It tastes amazing compared to any other protein blend out in the market. The banana crème flavor is said to be the best-tasting one among the bunch.

Muscle Milk is best taken before going to sleep at night and a couple of hours before working out since it is not as fast digesting as whey protein. It contains more calories so you have more energy during your workout sessions. It also contains MCT oil which will be digested and used for energy. Because it contains small amounts of both saturated fat and unsaturated fat, it will help weight gainers put on their desired weight. This is especially beneficial for those hard gainers who struggle to put on weight and build overall body mass.

Other health benefits of Muscle Milk include treatment of certain illnesses that require increased protein in their diets. For patients who do not need to build mass and workout, Muscle Milks is beneficial and a more practical choice because of its higher nutritional content.

However, supplements should not replace a well-balanced meal. Good diet and the proper workout program will get you the body you want faster.  Supplements should only be used when you feel like the protein intake from your food sources is not enough for your active lifestyle.

On a last note, always check the ingredients for their safety and effectiveness that will be in line with your fitness goals. Consult your physician before using any pharmaceuticals, even supplements.


Thursday, February 20, 2014

Shape-Shifting Techniques: Workout Nutrition Tips for Every Body Builder

Photo credit: Greatist (flickr.com)
Working your way to a fit and toned body does not only involve spending hours at the gym to get your dream physique. More than the exercise itself, it's also essential to be mindful of what you consume so you can maximize the effectiveness of your workouts. Here's a short workout nutrition guide that every body builder or fitness junkie should know.

Keep yourself hydrated.
Your body produces a lot of sweat when you work out, hence the need to keep yourself hydrated to replenish the lost body fluid. Water should always be the primary source of fluid, but sports drinks can also help, especially if you are training for several hours every day. Different energy drinks can help replenish lost electrolytes that's typical when one's sweating or working out a lot.

Know what works for your pre workout meal.
There is really no strict formula when it comes to pre-workout meals. Pre-workout nutrition can depend on 3 things: 1) the amount of serving, 2) the types of food or drinks you consume, and 3) the particular time when you decide to take your snacks or meals. The type of food, timing, and amount of serving would likely be affected by the particular goals you want to achieve. Are you aiming to lose weight? Or maybe you're probably working on losing some fat, or maximizing your energy when you work out. Whatever it is you're striving so hard to achieve, it's best to experiment on your food choices so you'll have an idea how to gauge what's best for your needs and goals.

Photo credit: socialhealthservices (flickr.com)

Keep a workout diary.
Keeping a workout diary may seem tedious at first, but this can certainly help you track your progress and know what works or not. What are the supplements you're taking and their effects on your overall health and workout performance? Have you tried specific food and drink choices that helped you maximize your training? How is your body taking the timing and amount of food serving you follow on your diet plan right now? Basically, it will be a record of your routines and food choices so you can look back and take advantage what’s working for you.

Go for smart supplementation
Even if you like to eat all the food you need to get your dream physique, sometimes regular meals are not just enough. You can go for smart supplementation to maximize training and athletic performance without sacrificing the right amount of nutrition that your body needs. Look for supplements that are beneficial for the types of fitness goals you're eyeing and ask your doctor or a nutritionist for advice on what's safe to take or not.              

Remember, exercise and proper nutrition go hand in hand to achieve your fitness goals. Make sure you create a balance on your diet and workout plans so you can work on getting your dream body without sacrificing your nutritional needs.

Here are other articles you might find interesting:

Acai berry and other specialized supplements for workout nutrition: How to Be in Your Best Shape as an Athlete