Powder And Pills - Sports Nutrition Blog

Body Fortress Protopure Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Body Fortress has a wide range of supplements covering most areas of sport and fitness. In these harsh economic times many athletes are eager to find out whether these products are a value for money purchase. Body Fortress Protopure is not the most expensive MRP but it does compare well with some of the high end products it competes with.

If it is used as a post-workout shake it is reasonably effective. It contains an adequate amount of protein and it is a quality whey protein source. Cross Flow Micro filtered Whey Protein is widely acknowledged as a superior protein source. The carbohydrates are courtesy of maltodextrin which is useful for replenishing glycogen stores after intense exercise and driving the protein to your muscles quickly. It also contains a selection of vitamins and minerals and only 2 grams of fat.

When these products are on offer which seems to be quite often you will struggle to find a better value purchase. It might not be the best weight gainer or meal replacement on the market. But when it is being sold at half price or in some cases better than half price my advice is purchase as much as you can carry.

If you do use it then make sure that you use it with water. Apart from the obvious reasons of it being digested faster than milk, it also seems to taste much better although the opposite is usually the case with many protein shakes. There does not seem to be any problems with the different flavours so go with your personal preference.

This is a no-thrills meal replacement but that should not be a discouragement. If you are looking for some serious muscle gains, there are better performing products out there. For those who are looking for a cost effective MRP this will meet all if not most of your needs. If the primary aim is to maintain muscle, and make small mass gains this will do the job.

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/

Myprotein Ultra Fine Scottish Oats Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:05:00 +0000

Where food sources are concerned carbohydrates can be a real problem when you are not bulking up. Eventually the time will come when you want to diet down and jettison a few pounds of excess fat that has been accumulated. Choosing a good source of carbohydrate can make the process a lot simpler. Ultra fine Scottish rolled oats are widely accepted as one of the best carbohydrates for any bodybuilder or athlete.

The reason for their popularity is the fact they are a slow release energy food source. There is no massive spike in blood sugar and insulin levels prompted by a serving of starchy carbohydrate. Rolled oats will give your body a gradual supply of energy over a period of time. This food is tailor made for our nutritional requirements and is exactly how the body needs to refuelled.

Both Myprotein and Bulk Powders ultra fine Scottish rolled oats were tested over the course of a two month period. There is not really much difference between the actual products in terms of the nutritional value. The only noticeable difference is the packaging both products come in. The rolled oats from Myprotein come in a re-sealable plastic sack while Bulk Powders sends their product in an airtight plastic container. This is reflected in the price with Myprotein being the value for money option.

Ultra fine rolled oats should be a food source that any athlete or bodybuilder has in constant supply. Whether you are making a bowl of porridge, mixing up some oatmeal or adding it to your protein drink oats are probably one of the best clean carbohydrate sources available. Ultra fine oats are more like a powder in terms of consistency and they mix well with liquids.

Prices for this product are very similar although there are usually discounts for bulk purchase as well as occasional special offers so check out their websites for the best deal on offer.
http://www.myprotein.co.uk/

Muscletech Hydroxycut Hardcore Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:24:00 +0000

A good fat loss product is invaluable for any bodybuilder. Even power lifters can sometimes find themselves in a situation where they have unwittingly accumulated a few extra pounds of unwanted fat. In this scenario, a good fat burner can really pay dividends when used alongside your other supplements.

After bulking up for a period of time I wanted to try one of the leading fat loss supplements. There are a handful of products in the sports nutrition industry that have a good reputation when it comes to dieting down. I decided to use Hydroxycut Hardcore which is produced by Muscletech. This is a well known company whose products I trust implicitly. Hardcore is the latest version of the original Hydroxycut product and promises to be even more potent.

Hydroxycut is a product that has generated intense debate from within the bodybuilding community. I used it for a period of two months and it certainly delivered in terms of fat loss. When taking any kind of weight loss supplement the best indicator as to the effectiveness of the product is your abs. While taking Hydroxycut my abdominal muscles were more clearly defined.

Elsewhere on the body I also noticed a visible reduction in fat especially on the upper arms and neck area. Muscle tissue all over my physique was there to see instead of being covered by water or fat. If used correctly, Hydroxycut Hardcore will lead to a visible reduction in your body fat levels. It is not a case of will the product work but more by how much it will work. You only have to examine the ingredients to realise how potent this stuff is.

The product comes in liquid capsules which are easy to swallow with water. Recommended serving size is three capsules taken with a glass of water twice a day before mealtimes or workouts. Water intake should be at least 80 oz per day. The important thing to remember is not to do what I did and take your second serving too late in the day. There is some caffeine in the product which may prevent you from sleeping. Do not take it within five hours of bedtime and you should have no problems.

If you are looking for a powerful fat loss supplement to help you get into the best possible shape then this definitely fits, the bill. Hydroxycut Hardcore is a product that will get you shredded in a short space of time.

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LA Muscle Norateen Heavyweight II Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:13:00 +0000

LA Muscle has been producing sports nutrition supplements for years and has built a reputation for delivering quality products. They claim Norateen Heavyweight II is the strongest muscle building supplement available on the market today. There is no question it is Europe's best selling muscle and strength product and the sales record speaks for itself.

Heavyweight II contains some of the original ingredients, but it also contains more testosterone and growth hormone boosters. These are in the form of mucuna prureins which is scientifically proven to increase testosterone levels, growth hormone levels. It also deposits more protein in muscle tissue, increases strength and promotes lean muscle mass.

This supplement might be considered too strong to be sold on the open market indefinitely. Some people have compared the effects of Norateen to that of the mild steroid Dianobol. In some respects, it is actually stronger than Dianobol. The estrogen factor is covered by the inclusion of diindolymethane (DIM) which is scientifically shown to be the best anti-estrogen in the world today.

There is nothing like Norateen Heavyweight II the sales literature claims that it has the ability to put up to 25 lbs of muscle in just a few weeks. That may be hard to believe but this is a measure of how well it works. The first time I took this product I could not believe the gains It delivered. My strength levels went through the roof and I was suddenly breaking personal records where bench press and curling were concerned for both reps and weight.

Norateen Heavyweight II will not just increase your strength it will put on muscle mass as sure as the sun comes up in the morning. If you are considering taking the plunge with this supplement you should be warned that it could disappear off the shelves without much warning. This has happened in the past with LA Muscle supplements that were considered to be too strong for the general public. This alone tells you all you need to know about the effectiveness of this particular brand of supplements.

If you have hit a plateau or you consider your self to be a hard gainer then get yourself on a 2 month cycle of this supplement. In 8 weeks time you will notice a visible difference in muscle mass provided of course, you have trained. Overall this is a fantastic supplement for hard gainers.

For more details please visit the LA Muscle website: http://www.lamuscle.com

Buying Supplements In Bulk

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:37:00 +0000

Because of concerns over the economy now is a great time to buy sports nutrition supplements in bulk and take advantage of some huge savings. Supplement manufacturers and many retailers all have special offers on many of their products. In the current climate, those offers may be a little more generous than usual as companies try to encourage consumer spending.

There are occasions when you might be reluctant to buy several units of a particular supplement for example if you are using it for the first time. There is nothing worse than purchasing half a dozen tubs of protein powder only to discover that it tastes more like chalk dust and has a poor quality protein source.

Buying supplements in bulk can be ideal for those products that you have already used before and know without doubt work well for you. Protein supplements are probably consumed more than any other product. You can use this to your advantage by snapping up some good deals on your favourite protein.

Special offers tend to be in the form of either a discount on your purchase price or an extra supplement at no cost after you have purchased a certain number. Most users of sport supplements prefer the buy three and get one free offer rather than receiving 20% off your total order value.

In general, some of the best offers can be obtained directly from the supplement manufacturers although some independent retailers have equally tempting offers. If you are considering buying supplements in bulk then the best advice is to shop around and do some comparisons to get the best possible deal.

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Prolab N Large 2 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:26:00 +0000

The weight gain supplement N Large 2 by Prolab Nutrition has been around for years and is an old favourite among many old school bodybuilders. This product continues to be a best seller today and the main reason for this continued popularity is the effectiveness at increasing quality muscle mass quickly.

A notable factor in the success of this product is the large whey protein content in each serving size. A generous 52 grams per serving should ensure that anyone who uses N Large 2 will certainly not be going short in the protein intake department.

The last thing you need in a weight gainer is a truck load of carbs leaving you drowsy and lethargic so only a sensible number of carbohydrates are contained in each serving which is just enough to fuel your training sessions and replenishes depleted glycogen stores.

Some weight gainers go too far in avoiding fat content altogether but this supplement does include a small amount. Fat tends to get a bad press but in moderation is a highly concentrated energy source. Extensive research suggests that a small amount of fat may actually help muscle growth.

There are no problems with the mixing of the powder and it mixes well with just a shaker for those that prefer to use them. As far as flavours go it comes in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla which all taste great. There are plenty of weight gain supplements that contain so much sugar they taste sickly sweet but this product tastes the same as your average whey protein shake.

This is one of my all time favourite supplements and whenever I have used it regardless of the duration, stack or cycle it has always delivered fantastic muscle gains. It contains all the ingredients you need to help the muscle building process and includes 600 calories per serving.

Because it is so effective at putting on mass, it is a product that any hard gainer would benefit from taking. If your goal is bulking up then this supplement is highly recommended and provides tremendous value for money.

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Maximuscle Progain Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:15:00 +0000

Progain is the Maximuscle weight gainer and has been on the shelves for a number of years now although it should not be confused with the more recent arrival of Promax Extreme which contains additional ingredients.

I have recently finished two months supply of Progain as whenever I finish a Creatine cycle I find that a quick blast on a quality weight gainer lessens the effects on the body of a sudden lack of Creatine.

What is noticeable about Progain is the size of the 2kg tub although if you initially think the product will last a good while once you open it and see the size of the scoop that theory quickly goes out of the window nevertheless each daily serving of 120g which comprises 2 scoops gives you 32.4g of protein, 64.8g of carbohydrates and 10.2g of fat

As with most Maximuscle products the mixing is fine although the product does state quite clearly that for best results it is recommended to mix it with 500ml of water only as opposed to milk or juice.

As far as taste goes I used both Strawberry and Chocolate and both flavours seemed fine and although the consistency may at first suggest a watered down milkshake the actual taste does not support that train of thought at all and certainly ticks all the taste boxes.

I did make moderate gains with this product although my daily servings varied between one (two scoops 120g) and two (four scoops 240g) that said even if I had just stuck to the one daily serving I am pretty confident that the gains would have still been fairly consistent.

For optimum energy levels and recovery Maximuscle themselves recommend taking half a scoop around 45 minutes before training and 1 scoop immediately after and although I did try this out I felt that a full 2 scoops i.e. 1 scoop in 250ml water before training and 1 after worked significantly better for me personally.

There are lots of weight gain supplements on the market that are overloaded with sugar simply just to bump up the calories as well as having hardly any quality protein content but Progain contains the same Biomax whey protein that goes into its sister product Promax so the protein source is a very good one.

This is not my all time favourite weight gainer by any means but it is a supplement that I have a lot of respect for and intend using again but I would where possible advise anyone considering a purchase to buy in multiple quantities as there are savings to be had this way indeed at the time of writing you can take advantage of a buy 3 and get 1 free offer direct from Maximuscle although this is a temporary offer replacing their normal discounts.

For more details and the latest special offers relating to Progain please visit: http://www.maximuscle.com

Myprotein True Whey Protein Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:48:00 +0000

Myprotein is a UK based company that has emerged on the sports nutrition scene in recent years and they have built up a fine reputation for producing high quality sports supplements at reasonable prices.

After previously trying some of their protein supplements and being pleased with the results I was eager to sample their new MP Max True Whey Supplement which is said to be a major improvement on the the old MP Max Whey Protein.

The first thing that strikes you about this product is just how well it mixes even with water and a fork this tastes like an ice cream milkshake you might pick up in a cafe, nice and creamy with no froth or lumps and if you mix it with milk it seems to be even better.

There are no issues with taste either the product is not overloaded with sweeteners and the like and it comes in numerous flavours such as milk chocolate, chocolate orange, chocolate mint, raspberry ripple, strawberry delight, banana cream and velvet vanilla.

The actual protein source seems to be a very high quality one and an impressive part of this product is the addition of ingredients that are said to aid digestion notably digestive enzymes and probiotics which from experience I have found to be beneficial in terms of helping the body absorb protein and other nutrients.

I do not really have a bad word to say about this supplement it certainly ticks all the boxes not least in terms of price as in this case you are getting a product that many other companies would charge a significantly higher price for.

To see detailed analysis on MP Max True Whey and the full range of Myprotein sports nutrition supplements please visit: http://www.myprotein.co.uk

Body Fortress Whey Protein Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:19:00 +0000

For those those of us who consume lots of whey protein it sometimes pays to shop around and try some of the less expensive brands this is especially true if you are on a budget or looking to cut your supplement expenditure.

Body fortress whey protein is not the most expensive product on the market so I was expecting a no thrills protein supplement it comes in all the usual flavours such as Strawberry, Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana and Natural.

I chose the Chocolate flavour and the taste is great just like a regular chocolate milkshake with no chalky aftertaste and it mixes reasonably well with just a fork although I used it with milk rather than with water.

I had heard from one source that this product gave wind problems and slight stomach upsets but I have used this at least twice a day and sometimes three times a day for a full two months with absolutely no side effects whatsoever.

Each 25g serving provides 17.6g protein, 1.9g carbohydrate and 2.2g fat as well as a wide range of amino acids although I actually increased the serving size to something like 40g which worked well for me for maintainence purposes so whether you are looking to diet down, bulk up or just maintain muscle mass this product is a cost effective way of doing just that.

It comes in two sizes a large 2608g and a smaller 908g version and for those who are UK based Holland & Barrett do regular half price special offers with the 908g size although this can sometimes differ from their online offers via their website so check with your local store.

So if are looking for a low cost protein supplement Body Fortress whey protein is one you should definitely consider trying.
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/

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Benefits Of Weight Gain Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:57:00 +0000

Weight gain supplements are an effective way of switching over from a normal diet to a weight gain diet. For those who very often skip the morning breakfast, weight gain supplements can be used to add more calories. One type of weight gain supplement is weight gain shakes which provide adequate amounts of protein in a very tasty manner. Several websites provide people with information regarding protein shake recipes which are both delicious and nutritious. One of the reasons weight gain shakes have gained in popularity is because of their convenience. Weight gain shakes are regarded as the best way of starting the daily food consumption requirements in addition to eating high calorie foods.

It is widely accepted that normal whole foods are not adequate for providing you with adequate nutrients and calories, particularly for hardgainers who don’t generally eat much and burn calories easily. Thus weight gain shakes can be taken to provide the body with the required calories to gain weight and build muscle. Weight gain shakes are also considered to be very safe as long as you stick to the recommended protein daily intake, they can be used daily without any fear. While weight gain shakes are very helpful, still it is advised that you try to get most of your calories and nutrition from whole foods. It should be remembered that weight gain shakes are only meant to provide you with adequate amount of protein and should not be substituted in place of actual food.

Weight gain shakes not only build the percentage of lean muscles but also increase the muscle mass of the person when used in conjunction with a good training program. They help in faster muscle recovery after workouts, help in maintaining a fit and healthy body, lower injury risks during workouts and restrict bone loss. It is good to take the weight gain drink mix along with milk in the morning or in between meals. Keep in mind that weight gain shakes on their own will not help you gain weight. Stick to a solid weight training and nutrition program and you will be well on your way to putting on more pounds.

Uncovering The Abdominal Muscles

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:07:00 +0000

The abdominal muscles are an area of the body that many people focus on regardless of whether they are athletes or not and there has been much debate over how best to train this muscle group or if it should be trained at all.

In theory you could achieve visible abs simply by nutrition alone which is the route outlined in the book Abs Without Exercise and while this method does work it requires discipline which means that cheating for one meal once per week should be strictly limited to exactly that.

In bodybuilding terms I have always been reluctant to train the abs anyway as the one thing you do not want is to develop what is known as a 'roid gut' where the abdominal muscle has been worked to such an extent that it ends up protruding which can be mistaken for fat and this can spoil an otherwise amazing physique.

In the end if you can uncover your abs by diet and nutrition instead of working them then you are obviously embarking on a healthier lifestyle which will bring about its own benefits and can only help you to achieve success where your other fitness goals are concerned.

For more information on Abs Without Exercise please visit: http://www.abswithoutexercise.com/

Peanut Butter Day

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:47:00 +0000

The hardest thing about sticking to a disciplined diet is not being able to just open the refrigerator and help yourself to whatever takes your fancy.

We have all heard about cheat days and how they can help to keep you sane but I have had some success with a peanut butter day yes that is correct I eat nothing but peanut butter well that is not strictly true there are other ingredients of course but peanut butter is the main ingredient nevertheless.

Breakfast - Peanut butter and banana protein shake.
Morning snack - Peanut butter on wholemeal toast.
Lunch - Peanut butter and salad sandwich.
Afternoon snack - Peanut butter on ryvita.
Dinner - Ham and peanut butter sandwich.
Evening snack - Peanut butter and banana protein shake.
Supper - Peanut butter on ryvita.

It is surprisingly enjoyable but I am not sure if I could keep this up for a full week but for anyone that likes peanut butter I would urge you to give it a try.

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Creatine Cycle Variations

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:51:00 +0000

Most people are aware of the different stages of creatine cycling i.e. the loading stage the maintenance stage and finally the rest stage before repeating and so on now this is all well and good but the constant repetition of this cycle can reduce its effectiveness long term in my opinion even taking into account the rest period where you are not taking any creatine at all.

I recommend the following variations which I personally use myself.

Loading Stage

Cycle 1 - 20g Creatine per day (1 week only)
Cycle 2 - 25g Creatine per day (1 week only)

Maintenance Stage

Cycle 1 - 10g Creatine per day (5 weeks only)
Cycle 2 - 15g Creatine per day (4 weeks only)

Rest Stage

Cycle 1 - No Creatine for 3 weeks
Cycle 2 - No Creatine for 4 weeks

These variations will help keep the body guessing when it comes to your creatine consumption and should ensure that whatever brand or form of creatine you are using you will enjoy maximum effectiveness.

Browse Sports Nutrition Supplements At The Creatine Store

Whey Protein Supplements Have Come A Long Way

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:21:00 +0000

This week I was chatting with a former colleague about just how much sports nutrition has changed over the years compared to what the supplement industry was like for us years ago.

This is especially true of whey protein supplements I can remember when protein powders (and there were not many of them) tasted like dishwater and were terrible in terms of how well they mixed with water or indeed milk these days that has all changed and now I probably consume more protein from sports nutrition supplements than I do protein from normal foods.

A quality protein powder supplement will mix easily with water, juice or milk with just a fork or shaker and no blender plus we are spoilt for choice with the range of flavours they come in these days.

Years ago the only way to maintain a high protein diet was to eat large quantities of tinned tuna and chicken breasts I have to chuckle when I hear people warning of the dangers of tuna from a can and the supposed high levels of mercury they contain because I used to get through at least 4 tins of tuna a day without any problems.

Of course nowadays we have protein snack bars and liquid protein shots as well as the different types of whey protein such as isolates and concentrates so the bodybuilder or athlete has a vast range of products to choose from to meet their high protein requirements with not a single tin of tuna in sight.

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IDS Liquid Whey Protein Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:38:00 +0000

Liquid whey protein shots from IDS (Innovative Delivery Systems)
is a new product that I get asked about all the time so I have been using it and monitoring my training closely to try and establish its worth compared to powdered form protein.

Each shot gives 42 grams of protein with no carbs or fat contained and I have been taking it for the past 5 weeks with an open mind as when you have been taking powdered protein for years as I have you cannot help but be a little sceptical when something that resembles a product from a sweet shop comes along sorry that is my little dig at the colourful packaging out of the way although to be fair the only thing that really matters is the product and each shot gives an impressive 42 grams of protein with no carbs or fat.

I have taken these liquid protein shots in place of my powdered protein the first day or so it felt a little strange not having my protein mixed in the the form of a pint of liquid but apart from that I have honestly felt fine and have not experienced any shortcomings in terms of strength or performance in comparison with my regular protein which if I am being honest I was expecting.

This product is aimed at people with a hectic lifestyle or who work long hours and do not get that quality protein intake every few hours well this product is a solution and now means that no matter how busy you are with your job your nutritional requirements do not have to suffer as a result.

Long term I will probably revert in the main to my favourite powdered protein but I will continue to use this liquid protein on a regular basis and especially post workout when it gives me an instant injection of quality whey protein.

The only rivals to it for sheer convenience are probably protein bars and overall I cannot really fault liquid whey protein the product seems to be competitively priced and is surely a valuable addition to your sports nutrition armoury.

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Vegetarian Sports Nutrition - Can You Achieve A High Level Of Fitness Using a Vegetarian Food Base?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:11:00 +0000

By Vanessa Youngstrom

Vegetarian athletes have special needs to be able to perform at a higher level of energy than those who don’t exert themselves athletically each and every day. Vegetarian sports nutrition and calorie intake are very important to consistently help your body to perform at it’s best.

Most nutritional challenges of vegetarian sports nutrition can be met by planning ahead and having a variety of foods available at home. Variety in your vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds will assure the correct vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids in the diet.

Vegetarian sports nutrition must meet the energy needs of the athlete. Energy sources can simply be your favorite fruits, root vegetables, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.

Proteins needed for repair of tissues, building and repairing muscles, red blood cell production and just running your body, can be received from fruits, green leaves, nuts and root vegetables. Some excellent sources of protein include avocados, dates, bananas and almonds.

Protein requirements are not different for vegetarian athletes than for athletes who don’t eat vegetarian sports nutrition. Athletes should take 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilograms of body weight.

Our bodies also require minerals to repair and replace muscles and hormones. There are several factors that are important to the absorption of minerals and vitamins. How the foods are combined use of microwaves and incorporating the occasional fast all impact how minerals and vitamins are absorbed into the body.

Individual sources of plant protein do not supply all nine essential amino acids that meats and animal proteins do. However eating a variety of vegetables during the day will supply all nine amino acids; what one vegetable is missing another will supply.

Calcium is also essential to nutrition. Vegetarian sports nutrition should plan for sources from plants or add supplements since athletes who are low may have increased risk of bone and stress fractures.

Athletes also are at risk for iron deficiency, especially females. Iron loss is increased during heavy training. Vegetarian sports nutrition should incorporate spinach a good supply of iron, into the diet. Vitamin C also improves iron absorption. The main symptoms of iron deficiency are weakness and rapid fatigue during exercise.

Low zinc levels can also be a problem for vegetarian athletes in heavy training. Zinc sources are pumpkin seeds, pecans, split peas, Brazil nuts, rye, whole wheat, oats, peanuts, walnuts and almonds.

Vegetarian sports nutrition should include appropriate amounts of energy, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals is critical for optimal performance. Athletes who practice a vegetarian lifestyle must do a little planning to ensure the correct balance of nutrition in their diets.

Vanessa Youngstrom a nurse practitioner enjoys writing and educating on health and wellness topics. You’ll find more articles at http://www.YourHealthHere.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Youngstrom
http://EzineArticles.com/?Vegetarian-Sports-Nutrition---Can-You-Achieve-A-High-Level-Of-Fitness-Using-a-Vegetarian-Food-Base?&id=555121

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Weight Lifting Tips - Why Your Muscles Deserve More Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:32:00 +0000

By Jon Cardozo

Are you the kind of person that tries to get away with as little sleep as possible each night? Maybe you feel that you don't need as much sleep as the average person and you seem to get through the day quite easily with plenty of energy. However if you're starting a muscle building program, you may want to think a little harder about sleeping more each night. To understand why we have to remind ourselves how muscle grows to begin with.

I don't mean that we have to get into a technical explanation of how a muscle contracts or how it grows when you lift weights. I'll save that for your anatomy class if you're interested enough. What I do mean is that we have to remember that muscle does not grow in the gym. When you lift weights you stimulate muscle growth. The actual growth occurs after you're lifting weights not during your training session. Your body needs adequate rest and nutrition to rebuild your muscle fibers. Specifically it needs plenty of sleep since this is when growth hormone increases.

For most people 8 hours of sleep is needed. You may have slightly different needs but be honest with yourself. If you find yourself falling asleep during the day you obviously need to get more sleep. If you can try to take naps during the day as these can be helpful as well. The bottom line though is a lack of sleep can really interfere with muscle growth. Be sure to include plenty of sleep along with your diet and training regimens as part of an overall muscle building program.

If you would like to learn more about how to gain muscle naturally, visit Jon Cardozo's Web site at http://maximum-muscle-gain.com Learn the secrets to building a muscular physique and avoid the myths of the bodybuilding industry. Brought to you by Jcardozium.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Cardozo
http://EzineArticles.com/?Weight-Lifting-Tips---Why-Your-Muscles-Deserve-More-Sleep&id=1100256

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A Review Of VPX No Shotgun

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:35:00 +0000

No Shotgun by VPX has been causing quite a stir in the sports nutrition supplement world with favourable reviews and in some cases controversy although sometimes if the science bods start calling for a ban on a particular product then it is safe to assume that the supplement in question will be highly effective.

I have been taking this product pre workout for nearly two weeks now and I have been hugely impressed by the pumps that it gives which are among the best I have known and the general increase in energy levels this is so good that if I had to take ten supplements with me to a desert island then this would be in my list of ten.

This is a product that is worth its weight in gold for any bodybuilder or athlete who may have hit a plateau or whose gains have just dried up because No Shotgun will soon have you up and motivated again in no time at all while taking your intensity levels to new heights.

The only downside is the taste and it is fair to say that it is not the best tasting supplement out there although if you mix it with a little of your favourite dilutable squash (with water) it will be a little easier on the old taste buds in fairness this is only a minor drawback that should not discourage anyone from taking this product because overall this is a highly effective supplement that will bring both muscle gains and performance increase.

If you are thinking of trying No Shotgun just remember not to take it continuously as that will merely allow the body to become tolerant to it and become immune to its effects personally I would recommend a two weeks on and one week off cycle.

Buy VPX No Shotgun from www.BodyBuilding.com.

Have you used this product? Submit a comment!

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Maximuscle Cyclone Review

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:32:00 +0000

Having already used some of the Maximuscle supplements range and being impressed with the results I was eager to try Cyclone their all in one product aimed at athletes and bodybuilders looking for muscle size and strength.

Cyclone is reportedly the best selling all in one formula in the UK and contains 60g of protein per daily serving (with virtually no lactose) 10g of Creatine, 10g of Glutamine Peptides and 3000mg of HMB as well as Nitrogain which is a blend of Aurine, NAC, Chromium Polynicotinate and Orotic acid.

The sales pitch claims that Cyclone is a superb product that delivers results felt within seven days but after trying it myself I can honestly say that on a personal level I felt results after just two days although I was taking four scoops as opposed to the daily dose of three scoops.

Some powders always require the use of a blender but this product mixes really well with just water and a fork and even with a shaker the end result is a creamy shake with no lumps in the bottom.

The protein content of Cyclone is among the highest quality you will find anywhere but the effects of the Creatine it contains was quickly felt with increased muscle hardness and elevated levels of stamina quickly evident.

The glutamine certainly did its job post workout as I did not experience any noticeable muscle soreness which was really surprising after a particularly thorough series of workouts.

After taking this product for two months I did experience visible gains in muscle size and increased strength levels indeed it is the sort of supplement that you can actually feel working and I cannot pay it any higher a compliment than that.

Overall this is a fantastic product that I will definitely be using again especially as a valid alternative to individual Protein and Creatine only supplements.

Click Here To Buy Maximuscle Cyclone!

Cyclone comes in powdered form in tubs and also sachets in Banana, Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry and Orange flavours in addition it is now available in the form of a protein chocolate bar.

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Keeping Your Body Guessing

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:30:00 +0000

We all have our favourite brands and products when it comes to sports nutrition supplementation but there is no doubt that using the same products over and over again can reduce their effectiveness somewhat.

Personally although I have my preferred supplements I will always mix things up by taking products I have not tried before and I find that this not only keeps the body guessing but it ensures the product itself will be much more effective and that is what sports nutrition is all about.

If you use stacks then that gives you a lot of scope for changing the products around so you should never be short of ideas if you are using multiple supplements.

I always try to vary my creatine products although with a typical cycle of two months on and one month off the body never gets too accustomed to the product in the short term at least.

As far as protein goes it is a supplement that people take all year round so that is another reason why using different products will be beneficial there are so many whey protein supplements out there these days that finding an alternative to your usual product will not prove to be difficult at all.

So if you ever find that your sports nutrition supplements are not as effective as they once were then your body may well have become immune to them the solution is really quite simple just mix things up and try a few different products then you should see the benefits relatively quickly.

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Flax Seed Oil - What Can It Really Do For You?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:35:00 +0000

By Jennifer King

Flax seed oil is a health supplement that has gained a large following over recent years. Up until a short while ago most health conscious people got their omega 3's from fish oils. You now have healthy organic alternatives to fish oil and flax seed oil offers other benefits as well as supplying your body with essential fatty acids.

Flax oil naturally contains many vitamins which is an added bonus to your health rather than just providing your body with omega 3 oils. You'll get the benefit of many B vitamins that include.

Vitamin B12 - Necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, this is a vitamin that is deficient in vegetarians as it is found mainly in meat. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anaemia and it can be given to you by your doctor via injection if your levels are too low. Deficiency signs of vitamin B12 include.

Anaemia
Loss of appetite
Hair loss
Mental confusion
Poor growth Fatigue

Vitamin B2 - An essential vitamin that converts carbohydrates into energy. This vitamin will keep you're your mucous membranes healthy and it is also essential for normal tissue respiration. Deficiency signs include.

Cracks in skin at corner of your mouth
Soreness of tongue, mouth and lips
Conjunctivitis and watering of eyes
Increased sensitivity to light

Vitamin B1 - Like vitamin B2, vitamin B1 (Thiamine) also play an important role in converting carbohydrates into energy and vitamin B1 also converts fat into energy. Signs of vitamin B1 deficiency include.

Anorexia nervosa
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Indigestion
Fatigue
Depression
Tender muscles
Nausea & vomiting
Beriberi (in excessive deficiency)
Pins & needles, numbness in legs)

Vitamin B3 - This vitamin (also known as Niacin) helps DNA synthesis, and is also essential for releasing energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein. Deficiency signs of vitamin B3 include.

Mental imbalance
Skin lesions
Loss of appetite
Indigestion
Pellagra (gross deficiency)

As you can see flax oil gives you more than your omega 3 oils, flax seed oil also gives your body some essential vitamins that play an important role in maintaining your good health.

When buying flax seed oil it's important to get one that is of high quality due to the speed in which it can go rancid once it has been opened. Refrigeration after opening will lengthen the shelf life of the bottle. This is important as the bottles are quite large and you only need a couple of teaspoons to a tablespoon of oil a day. On the other hand, you can buy capsules but these work out a bit more expensive, and you don't get as much oil a day in your diet.

For more information on flax seed oil visit Liquid Gold Flax Oil where you can get many oils at discounted prices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_King
http://EzineArticles.com/?Flax-Seed-Oil---What-Can-It-Really-Do-For-You?&id=1035219

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Liquid Creatine

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:43:00 +0000

By Jennifer Bailey

Studies have shown that Creatine serum and Creatine powder provide the same results which have dispelled the misconception that Creatine serum is better than Creatine powder. However, apart from the similar results that both of them provide there are some stark differences between the way Creatine serum is taken as compared to how Creatine powder is taken. These differences are mainly due to the difference in the characteristics of the two types of Creatine supplements. Among these one of the most obvious is that because Creatine serum is in liquid form the way it is taken and its dosage is very different from how Creatine powder is taken. Given this it is then very important that people who have decided to use Creatine serum should be aware of the proper way to use them as this can determine the effectiveness of the Creatine supplement.

Taking Liquid Creatine

One of the biggest differences between taking Creatine powder and Creatine serum is that in taking Creatine serum, there is no need for a loading phase (initial stage in taking Creatine powder characterized by taking large doses of supplement) because serum is absorbed quickly in the blood stream. In addition to this the maintenance phase is also eliminated for the same reason given for why there is no need for a loading phase. This means that people taking Creatine serum only need to take the supplement during the times when they would work out. Another difference is that when people take Creatine serum they do not need to increase their fluid intake because the fluid that is drawn to muscles is not as significant as the amount of fluid that is drawn to the muscles during the loading phase when people take Creatine powder. However, this does not mean that people taking Creatine serum should not adequately hydrate themselves.

Although studies have shown that Creatine powder and Creatine serum provide the same results there are still stark differences between the two which include the way they are taken and their dosages. Given this the option to take Creatine serum should be accompanied with research on how to properly use Creatine serum and on the right dosage that people should take. This is because the right knowledge on these can help people maximize the benefits they can get out of the Creatine serum they are taking.

Creatine provides detailed information on Creatine, Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Supplements, Creatine Benefits and more. Creatine is affiliated with Legal Steroids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bailey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Liquid-Creatine&id=405388

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Glucosamine - An Essential Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 02:42:00 +0000

By Robert S. Bell

With glucosamine shellfish resources are not so selfish at all the very unselfish purpose of glucosamine is to help treat orthoarthritis and function like a special painkiller. A derivative from shellfish those who are allergic may want to steer clear of this. Still it remains to be one of the viable forms of treating orthoarthitis albeit not universally agreed upon to be so.

A highly researched chemical, glucosamine was tested in the chemist shelves of many a research institute since 1960 and tried on humans and animals before it actually became recognized as a form of good body supplement. Originally, glucosamine was produced in injectable form and handled only by laboratory researchers. But now more and more pharmacies are known to have it in their shelves.

To date while there are claims to its therapeutic properties, it remains to be classified by the US Bureau of Food and Drug as a supplement, though other European countries have already elevated its status and reclassified it as a form of alternative medicine.

Glucosamine is a highly debated chemical. Much hype has been ascribed to its ability to take over other phased out drugs that are made to treat orthoarthritis. Orthoarthritis has scarce amounts of treatment options, and to be able to find a maintenance drug that will really be able to treat it is nothing short of fabulous. Various experimentations remain unconcluded with regard to the real effect of glucosamine to the body, especially GAIT or its processed form.

Glucosamine is very adaptive in nature. In itself, it will not really make much of a difference. But if you synergize the main glucosamine ingredient with other chemicals such as glucosamine sulfate and HCl, you will find it to be a potent and effective drug. A typical dosage of glucosamine is around 1500 milligrams per day, and in a month, you will probably be spending about $30-50 to maintain that daily dosage. This is fairly expensive but worth it considering the fact that it is one of the few remaining options for those who suffer from ortharthritis.

It is not just the synergy of glucosamine which affects its performance and quality. The medium from which it is taken also affects its effectivity. The liquid form of glucosamine is much more preffered than its pill or tablet form. For one thing, liquid is known for quicker absorption the moment the chemical hits the stomach area. Aside from this, liquid forms are known to be of higher quality because a huge percentage of the money used to process liquid glucosamine goes to the chemicals itself. Pill or tablet forms of glucosamine are just more expensive in the sense that it will require more processing than if it were presented and packaged in liquid form.

Glucosamine is known to have fewer side effects than a placebo pill, which adds to its appeals. However, more experts strongly advise for a thorough body checkup with a medical expert prior to taking it. While it is one in a few options available for victims of ortharthritis, it is still more apt to be able to make use of it only within the bounds of doctor prescription. Side effects to glucosamine only come in the cases of diabetics, who may be more inclined for insulin fluctuations due to the Hcl and glucosamine combination. Like many other drugs, it is not advised to be tried by pregnant or lactating women for security reasons. There have been no proofs on this yet, but it remains to be prohibited for security reasons.

Anyone who exceeds the normal dosage for glucosamine may be subjected to some digestive problems such as soft stool or diarrhea. Nausea is also a common side effect for excessive use. It is advised to monitor one's dosage regularly to prevent these ill side effects from excessive intake of glucosamine.

Once you decide to purchase glucosamine, do not just get contented with the fact that you see it in the cover of the package. Check the percentage level (it should at least be 30%) and the other ingredients it was formed with. These really spell the vitality of glucosamine since it cannot really exist powerfully apart from other ingredients. A proper knowledge of this will really make your glucosamine work better than your average painkiller.

Read more about weight loss, creatine, hoodia, fish oil, and calcium.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_S._Bell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Glucosamine---An-Essential-Overview&id=510421

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Vitamins And Minerals - An Essential Supplement

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:26:00 +0000

A vitamin and mineral supplement should be a permanent fixture in any bodybuilder or athletes diet a good vitamin supplement is relatively inexpensive considering the benefits that they provide.

Even athletes cannot get all the nutrition they require in particular Vitamins and Minerals from everyday food sources which is why supplementation is essential.

The most important Vitamins for athletes are Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin A, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Iron and taking a supplement will ensure that your body is not lacking any of these vital ingredients on a day to day basis.

If you buy your vitamins from a sports nutrition company you will be purchasing a quality product which is much more potent containing high strength dosages of each vitamin and mineral tailored specifically for the modern athlete compared to the vitamin supplements that are readily available in your local high street or supermarket.

The benefits vitamins provide increase the feel good factor, increase energy levels and assist the body in carrying out its normal everyday functions in short vitamins and minerals are needed for our growth, vitality and well-being so if you are not taking a vitamin and mineral supplement then maybe you should start.

Vitamins and Minerals are one of the better supplement purchases you will ever make and you will never begrudge either the cost or effectiveness of them.

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The Benefits Of Glutamine Supplementation

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:24:00 +0000

Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid (which means the body can produce it) it is stored mainly in the muscles but can also be found in the liver, lungs, brain and blood.

Glutamine is also the most abundant amino acid found in muscle tissue so if you want to build muscle then you really should consider supplementing with glutamine as each weight training session expends tremendous amounts which must be replaced in order to repair and build muscle tissue properly and although glutamine is found in foods it is in very small amounts hence the need to take a glutamine supplement.

Glutamine supplementation has been found to be able to increase levels of growth hormone secretion reduce muscle soreness and aid in muscle growth. Taking extra glutamine has been found to stop the body from breaking down muscle (also known as muscle catabolism) to create glutamine for other parts of the body and improve protein metabolism.

After a strenuous workout or even the day after if you experience muscle soreness or stiffness then your body is glutamine deficient the recommended dose is for approx 12 grams per day taken evenly throughout the day and half of that for women it is probably the most under rated sports nutrition supplement available it is easy to take and not expensive for the benefits and gains it can provide you with.

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