Popcorn at the Movies Packs on the Pounds

Have you ever went to a movie with your girlfriend and shared a big tub of buttery popcorn?  I have more times than I can even count!  I have always been a health conscientious kind of person, but the occasional splurge of popcorn at the movies is a MUST.  Well, until I recently found out some shocking nutritional information. 

I don't remember the last time I thought about how unhealthy popcorn could be for your body.  Truthfully, I always thought it was decently okay for you if you subtracted the butter and salt out of the equation.  I was absolutely wrong.  A large tub of popcorn at the movies is roughly 1,460 calories, which is equivalent to three Big Macs!  Talk about a freaking heart attack waiting to happen.  This was extremely frightening to me, because I never knew I was consuming this amount of calories in one sitting.  No wonder why my stomach is upset after the movies. 

This was very beneficial to me to be able to read this article.  I honestly can say I will either grab a smaller size of popcorn at the next movie I attend, or just make sure I have a nice dinner before hand.




This is a video that was taken from CBS to show exactly how unhealthy popcorn can be at the movies.  You'll be very shocked.  There is a little variation in between the study on Men's Health and CBS, but the concept is still the same. 

If you are interested in reading more about this study, check out the artile on Men's Health.

Product Review: Muscle Fuel by AdvoCare

A big factor in working out is getting that extra boost you need after a long hard day of work.  You feel tired, you're not motivated, and you'd rather go watch TV.  A simple solution to this problem is taking a pre-workout in order to get the energy you need to get through your workouts.  The one pre-workout that I found that worked best for me was AdvoCare's Muscle Fuel.

Price:  $41.95 for 10 pouches


I started using Muscle Fuel in my junior off-season of football.  I couldn't believe how much more energy I brought into my workouts.  The gains I was making while taking this product were phenomenal.  I was squatting 465 LBS., benching 315 LBS., power cleaning 265 LBS., and snatching around 185 LBS.  This was the most weight that I have ever done while I was playing football.  I felt practically unstoppable when I was on the product.  In reality, it just felt like I had the energy needed to do every set and then some.  There are many benefits besides energy that come from using AdvoCare's Muscle Fuel.  Here's what the product entails.

KEY BENEFITS:

• Maximizes your workout*
• Supports multiple muscle metabolic processes*
• Helps enhance physical performance and endurance*
• Supports electrolyte balance*
• Facilitates muscle recovery*

THE SOLUTION: AdvoCare® Muscle Fuel
AdvoCare® Muscle Fuel drink is a unique, single-product solution that provides a powerful blend of 28 vitamins, minerals, botanicals and other energy-producing intermediates.* The synergistic effect of these nutrients supports multiple muscle metabolic processes as well as helps maintain and restore energy supplies during and after physical activity.* As a  consequence, physical performance and endurance are enhanced.* The AdvoCare Muscle Fuel formula also supplies essential components for muscle gain during and after physical activity.* AdvoCare Muscle Fuel helps reduce oxidative stress, facilitates recovery, maximizes the benefits of training, and helps individuals take their workout capacity to greater levels.* This same great formula also provides nutrients needed to fight muscle atrophy as a function of age.*

Some key points about AdvoCare Muscle Fuel drink are that the ingredients in this product  facilitate and enhance energy production at multiple points in several energy-generating processes such as metabolism of sugars, fats and carbs for energy; energy cycles used at the cellular level by mitochondria, the energy sources or “engines” of the cell; production and utilization of enzymes essential to production; and continued refreshment of energy levels.* It's all about generating energy for the body's systems in general, and muscles in particular.* This energy generation occurs in numerous metabolic processes that create energy, and speeds up and sustains the process longer.* In addition to ingredients that facilitate energy production, there are also ingredients to maintain normal electrolyte balances, support cardiovascular systems, build muscles and support recovery – a comprehensive solution all in one product.*

If you are interested in learning more about AdvoCare's Muscle Fuel check out their website.  The price is a little steep, but it definitely does the job.

Activities that Burn Calories

Do you ever wonder which activities burn the most calories?  Well, I most certainly do!  I am always looking for different ways to get my cardio in for the day whether it be sports related or using an elliptical.

The one thing that bores me about doing cardio machines is that you are stationary for the majority of the time, which tends to get boring fast.  I already have difficulty staying on a bike, or stair master for more than 15 minutes at a time.  Here are just a few activities that may spark your interest, and may actually burn more than the traditional machines.  

Racquetball

One Hour of Activity

155 LBS = 492 calories
190 LBS= 603 calories


Squash



One Hour of Activity

155 LBS= 834 calories
190 LBS= 979 calories


Kickboxing



One Hour of Activity

155 LBS= 703 calories
190 LBS= 862 calories

Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Stew

One of the hardest things to do when I am deiting is finding meals that fulfill all my requirements.  It can be very repetitive to eat the exact same thing everyday.  I literally probably eat close to 40 chicken breats in a week.  I'm surprised I haven't turned into a chicken!  My diet mainly consists of 6 meals per day.  The typical meals looks a little something like this.  The only meal that really varies is breakfast, so you can only imagine how old it gets. 

Meal 1

6 oz. chicken, fish, or lean sirloin
1 c. broccolli, green beans, or corn
2 tbsp. peanut butter, or 18 almonds

42g protein, 10g carbohydrates, 15g fat

As you can see it can become very boring eating the same thing almost every single day.  I am a perosn that loves to eat non-stop, but I need some variety in my life.  I began searching all over for meals that could incorporate everything into one great dish.  The big thing about my diet is meeting the required protein, carb, and fat requirements, which in my case I needed something close to the above measurements.  I came across one of the most intresting, but yet healthy meals I have seen in a long time.  Here's the recipee along with the nutritional content.  The protein content is the only thing that is lacking, but this can be fixed by adding additional buffalo ground to the stew.  I thought to myself I can gain a little extra on the carbs, and lose a little on the fat with this recipe.  Regardless of whether or not you are dieting, this is still a great meal for everyone to enjoy.

 

Multiple benefits in one meal.

North American bison provided nourishment for the Native American population for centuries, until the late 1800s when the herds became nearly extinct. Today, thanks to careful breeding programs and cooperation between government and ranchers, the bison has made a strong comeback and its meat is now appearing on dinner tables. Unlike cattle, bison aren’t subjected to antibiotics in their feed or growth hormones. The result? More flavor and richness, not to mention a multitude of health benefits (such as high levels of CLA, a fatty acid that may favorably affect body composition).

Although it’s similar to beef, buffalo must be handled and cooked differently. Since it’s very low in fat, be careful not to overcook it or let the meat dry out; it’s better to cook buffalo “low and slow.” Cook the meat to the same doneness you prefer in beef; however, I recommend medium to avoid overcooking.

Prepare It: Spray a skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Brown buffalo meat in the skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Place in a slow cooker along with all other ingredients. Turn cooker on high and simmer for 6-8 hours.

Makes six servings

1 lb. ground buffalo meat
1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can stewed tomatoes)
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp. paprika
1 tsp. black pepper
1 cup red wine
1 (14-oz.) can low-sodium beef broth Nonstick cooking spray

Nutrition facts (per serving): 247 calories, 17 g protein, 14 g carbohydrate, 13 g fat, 2 g fiber-

Recipe brought to you by:  Muscle and Fitness Magazine

Under Armour Clothing

I think one of crucial things about workng out is feeling comfortable.  I know I have a very hard time working out in clothes that don't allow my body to breathe properly.  I tend to get overheated, or too cold, or a combination of both.  Different extremes require different preparation on your part. 

The one thing that I never workout without is Under Armour.  There are multiple comfort levels that one may choose from, and the best thing about the material is that whicks up the perspiration.  Under Armour has designed their material around just about every sport known in the world.  They have clothes for baseball, basketball, lacrosse, track, running, volleyball, football, fishing, golf, hunting, and much more.  Another unique thing that they offer are shoes.  You can find clothing for all ages, and there are numerous colors that you may choose from when selecting your product.  I definitely reccomend checking out their website if you are interested in finding clothing that you can perform your best in.  A few things tend to be a little pricy but it's worth every penny.  You can be the judge. 




This video discusses the origin of Under Armour and the science behind the material. 

Try Zumba and Burn Calories Now

For those of you that don't know what Zumba is it's a Latin -inspired dance -fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that burns calories.





This is an excellent way to have fun and get in shape.  There are multiple classes available for all different kinds of people.  You can choose from Zumba, Zumba Gold (baby boomers), Zumba Toning, Zumba Aqua, Zumbatomic (Ages 4-12), and Zumba in the Circuit.  These kind of classes can be found all over the U.S.  If you are interested in finding a location nearby just continue to the main website and enter your address.

This is especially a great opportunity for women and men if they are interested in becoming better dancers, or touching up on skills that haven't been used in years.   My girlfriend has been dancing for a very long time, and has not had the opportunity to continue her passion in college.  This is a great way to keep doing what she loves while getting in the best shape of her life.  On average, you can burn anywhere from 500-800 calories in one hour session of Zumba.

Low-Calorie Snacks with Greek Yogurt

What is Greek Yogurt you might ask?  Well, it's one of best things that you can possibly put into your body.  Packing a whopping 12 grams of protein with only 130 calories per serving.






I recently discovered this kind of yogurt from hearing about it from a bunch of friends that do bodybuilding.  They kept telling me to pick some up at the store, because it's an extremely nutritional treat.  It is definitely a great snack for someone that is looking for a yogurt that packs in the protein, but minimizes on the fat content.  The best thing about this yogurt is that it can come in multiple brands and flavors.  There are a wide variety of choices such as plain, honey, blueberry, strawberry, vanilla, and much more.

The most unique thing about this yogurt is that it can be utilized to create all kinds of different snacks.  Here are just a few examples of things you can do with Greek Yogurt.

Frozen Sorbet

Blend fresh or frozen peach slices and a bit of sweetener until the peaches are finely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of yogurt, a dash of OJ, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until blended. Scoop into 1-cup serving dishes and freeze.

Bonus: Leaner than ice cream with twice your daily allotment of vitamin C, each serving also supplies a healthy shot of potassium and fiber.

Spinach Dip

Mix 2 cups yogurt, 1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon salt, and 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach (thawed and well drained). For extra crunch, add an 8-ounce can of water chestnuts (drained and chopped).

Bonus: It has less fat and calories than premade dip, plus loads of carotenoids for healthy eyes and vitamin K for strong bones.

Instant Parfait

Mix a bit of sweetener into a cup of yogurt. Then, in a tall glass, layer yogurt with your favorite whole-grain cereal and banana slices.

Bonus: Whole grains help to keep you feeling full and supply ample B vitamins to keep you energized.


Smoothie

Mix a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries with 1/2 cup of OJ, 1/2 cup of yogurt, and some ice, and blend until frothy.

Bonus:  The drink has fewer calories than a milk shake and is packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamins to help ease post-workout muscle soreness.




I will have to say I must thank Men's Fitness for supplying these amazing snack foods.  I never realized there were all of these great recipes that I could do with this kind of yogurt.  

Rock Hard Challenge Month 1

One of the hardest things I deal with when lifting weights is finding a good routine.  It can be very difficult to choose one that best fits your type of body.  I tend to jump from workout to workout just to keep things fresh.  I can become very bored when I continually do the same lifts day in and day out.

 I recently just started a new workout that has been amazing.  The thing I like the most about it is that it switches each body part daily, and it also incorporates a variety of different lifts and machines to use for each day.  The workout came from Muscle and Fitness magazine, and it originally was introduced as a contest.  The whole idea behind the contest is that Muscle and Fitness gives you the basic guidelines to follow such as diet, supplements, and of course the workout.  All you have to do is follow it, and then track your bodies progress through a 3 month period.  There are of course some stipulations to the contest.  You are required to send in a before and after shot.  The winner is then decided based on how good you look at the end of the program, and also you receive a $2500 cash prize.  I definitely would have to say that's enough to motivate me to try the program.  

If you are interested in getting this workout you can print a copy of it off by visiting Muscle and Fitness. The only bad thing is that if you wanted to do the contest the registration is past due.  On a brighter note, they have already released the Rock Hard Month 2 Workout, so don't waste anytime and get a head start.    I am not promising you will love this workout, but you will see a noticeable difference when you look into the mirror.  This is especially a great workout for beginners, due to the fact those people are the ones that will see results quickly from resistance training.  

The Spartaucs Workout 2.0

Have you ever seen the hit TV series on HBO, Spartacus? Well, for those who haven't seen any episodes here's a short synopsis.

Synopsis:  Torn from his homeland and separated from the woman he loves, Spartacus is forced into slavery and condemned to the bloody gladiator's arena in Rome. As he navigates the violent and brutal world he realizes that not all battles are fought in the arena, and that he must overcome treachery and temptation to survive. This retelling of the story of Spartacus is rife with blood, violence and sex, set to the sounds of jarring guitars. Definitely not for the younger crowd.





The reason I enjoy this TV show so much is that every cast member has to be in great physical shape.  There isn't one person in the show that doesn't have an amazing physique.  It is incredible to see the grueling workouts that they have set in order to portray a gladiator's body.  They are so demanding and taxing on the body, but the end result is a fat burning experience.

Here's a look at the training camp that the gladiator's are put through in order to transform their bodies.





Think you have what it takes?  Try it out, and see the pounds drop.  I am planning on adding this routine as part of my cardio day.  I will keep you updated on how it goes!  Here's the workout:  The Spartacus Workout 2.0

Need Motivation? Watch This!

It can be hard while your in college to get motivated to work out.  There are a few things that help me get pumped up to go in the gym and get things done.  I like to watch inspirational videos that show people overcoming huge deficits.  I recently have been out of my normal routine and been stressed to the max.  I have been so focused on my school work, searching for a job, and my internship that I have hardly any time to get in the gym and do work.  I knew I needed to do something to get myself back in the grove of things, so I began searching for something that might kick start my motivation.  I found just the thing...

Ever heard of one athlete tackling 30 sports in 30 days in 30 cities?  Well, I just found one that decided to take on that challenge.  If this doesn't get you revved up and excited to go push your self to the limit, then I don't know what will.  Take a look.



If you want to see more on Sam Tickle's journey check out the Facebook page:  The Unstoppable Tour