Vegan Diet Tips for Bodybuilding Competition from Nina Nam

 

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Build Muscle & Lose Fat By Eating Plants

NINA NAM GOES VEGAN TO WIN $80,000

“The reason I wanted to try a vegan diet for this bodybuilding competition is because I read from many sources that it helps with faster recovery and less acidity in the body.”

Name: Nina Nam
Occupation: Actress, Administrative
City/State/Country: Santa Monica, CA, USA
Height: 5’2″
Weight: 115lbs.
Type of Training: Bikini competition
Facebook: facebook.com/theninanam
IG: @nina.nam

Q: Tell us about how you won the Female Grand Prize for the Bodybuilding.com competition.

For years, I used to say to myself, “Psshh, if I could win a lot of money, I would enter a transformation/weight loss contest.”

So one really depressed night, I was browsing through transformation videos on YouTube.

Someone posted a video about this competition, and I was so shocked that the prize was $80,000!

I saw last year’s female winner’s before and after photos and immediately got inspired!

I decided for the first time in my life to lift as heavy as I could for all of my body parts (not just my butt).

“It felt empowering to aim for getting stronger, not skinnier (which is what I used to want).”

I did not know this would be the most physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging feat I had accomplished in my life.

The reason I wanted to try a vegan diet for this bodybuilding competition is because I read from many sources that it helps with faster recovery and less acidity in the body, and I’ve read about successful top athletes and bodybuilders who were vegan and vegetarian.

Thanks to a lot of research and a coach, I made the transition from a heavy meat-based diet. I doubted the diet and/or the workout many times, though.

But the reassuring weekly progress photos kept me going, as well as the support I received from my friends, family, God, and even from fellow competitors. The obstacles they shared really got to me emotionally. I adored their efforts and their honesty. I was continuously inspired by their commitment no matter what got in their way.

Pretty soon, I honestly did not even care about the money. It was so gruelling that I simply wanted to finish the challenge to my best ability and have no regrets. I wanted to say that I gave it my all.

That would be the biggest reward ever because I never committed and completed something so physically and mentally demanding. When I prayed, I knew in my heart that God wanted me to finish this for a reason.

“I will forever remember the time my mom visited me halfway in the 12-week transformation. She looked straight in my eyes and confidently said, ‘You’ve already won.’ I felt her believe in me so much.”

I already had the desire to do my best, but her confidence burned a fire within me that felt so intense.

She told me to make this bodybuilding competition a priority because something great was sure to come out of it.

Another special person who always encouraged me with kind words is a close friend of mine.

When I felt particularly exhausted near the end of the 12 weeks, he accompanied me to the gym and helped train my weakest muscles (abs).

Even till the final day of the challenge, when I took my “after” photos, he was there alongside my loving sister.

It felt like a sprint to the end as I performed jump lunges, squats, crunches, and leg lifts. I jumped up ready for my photos.

Because they were so cued in, we got amazing shots just in time for me to drop off my sister back to the airport!

After I dropped her off, I cried so hard in the car (like an Oscar-award-winning performance kind of cry). I knew I gave it my all, and I felt so grateful to everyone who helped me.

“The most important thing is: never, never, never give up … give it all you got till the very end.”

Q: What did your meal plan (include supplements) look like?

Daily Diet:

• 6 vegan meals* (2-3 protein shakes, lots of asparagus and tempeh).
• 1-2 gallons of water.
• No pre-workout/coffee/caffeine.
• Only four cheat meals early in the 12-week competition.

*A typical meal would be like 4 oz. tempeh, 1/2 cup white rice, and 1 cup asparagus.

Supplements:

• Multivitamin for active women
• Vitamin B12
• BCAAs
• L-Glutamine
• Glucosamine MSM & CMO
• Digestive enzymes
• Probiotics
• Chlorella
• Spirulina.

Q: What did your training look like for the bodybuilding competition?

I would do the same workouts for an entire month before changing it up.

• 6 days of morning fasted cardio (30-50 min on treadmill/spin bike/stairmaster/plyometrics).
• 5-6 days of evening weight lifting.
• For muscles that needed extra love/growth like my shoulders, I hit them 3 times a week.
• For my abs, 6 times a week for the last month when I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted.

“I know hitting the same muscles six times a week goes against what a lot of trainers believe, but after a lot of research, I went with Arnold’s strategy: he trained his calves every day.”

So I strengthened my abs in various ways, and it worked for me. Foam rolled and stretched at least twice on workout days.

Q: What advice would you give that you don’t commonly see in magazines?

You are made PERFECTLY! You may be struggling to accept things about yourself, but only you can be of service to others with your specific set of gifts and weaknesses.

Accept all of yourself.

Work on your struggles from a loving place.

Ask God (or your Higher Power) to show you the way every day, and only surround yourself with friends and family who believe in you 100 percent.

Q: What uncommon activity do you schedule into your daily routine? 

One-hour power-naps. It’s sadly a luxury, especially for busy people.

“I make it a priority because solid naps (not mini 15-minute naps) help me lower stress significantly and maintain my energy without depending on caffeine or pre-workout drinks.”

Q: What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome in your life?

The hardest obstacle has been and may always be: conquering that negative voice, which instills fear, worry, and doubt.

Q: What was your experience at UC Berkeley like? Also, highlight three key things you walked away with.

Getting accepted into Berkeley is one of my proudest accomplishments. A well-respected counsellor in high school told me I wouldn’t get in.

Berkeley was my dream school, and I worked my ass off for it. I had the time of my life:

Found my love for fitness and bodybuilding because of my favourite hilarious dynamic cardio-kickboxing group fitness instructor.

Found my love for acting because of my favourite monotone, yet incredibly inspirational, theatre arts professor.

Blossomed socially by creating diverse friendships, serving as president and social manager of a student cooperative housing, and partying (without drinking!).

Q: What was the hardest part of going plant-based? What helped you overcome the obstacles?

I worried how I would get a lot of protein without eating too much of the same tempeh or tofu. So I researched brands that had the cleanest highest amount of protein without excess calories. That’s how I found amazing stuff like spirulina (6g per tbsp.), chlorella (6g per tbsp.), and tofu skin (a.k.a. yuba, 20g per 3 oz.).

Q: What misconceptions about vegetarianism did you have at first that are now shattered?

Despite seeing photos and reading stories about many strong vegetarian and vegan bodybuilders, I still worried I would become physically weaker.

“But having been a heavy meat-eater, I can now say from personal experience, you can definitely gain muscle and strength on a plant-based diet!”

Q: What are your go-to plant-based protein sources?

I used to get stomach aches from whey protein shakes. But not with the vegan kinds! I enjoy Vega Sport Chocolate. I love certain organic tofu! If you’re worried about insufficient protein on a vegan diet, you will be surprised after you look at the nutrition labels.

Q: What’s next for you after accomplishing such a big goal, what new goals do you have for yourself?

• Empower people by encouraging them to love and believe in themselves through my blog.
• Write an Oscar-award-winning screenplay.
• Be the lead in the biggest action films of all time.
• Be a little nicer to creeps at the gym.

To get more vegan diet tips for bodybuilding competition, watch this video - How To Start a Vegan Diet for Fitness: Foods To Eat + Tips

Author Bio:

Chris Willitts (creator of V3), is the founder and owner of Vegetarian Bodybuilding.

V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System is a mixture of science and author’s advice, providing users with optimal diet and exercise. This system is designed for vegans and vegetarians only.

A lot of research has been put in this program. Furthermore, a lot of professional bodybuilders and athletes tried and tested the program, praising its progressiveness and efficiency.

The program is about taking control of your own body and health according to your potential and needs. And worry not; you’ll get plenty of proteins with this system. It will boost you with energy, and you’ll feel just a strong as any carnivore would (perhaps even stronger, depending on how much you invest in your exercise). It avoids vitamins deficiency and provides you with a lot of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Instead of saying things like “I think a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders,” the V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System claims “I know a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders, and I have results to prove it.”

To find out more, visit the website at V3 Bodybuilding –  Vegan Diet Tips for Bodybuilding Competition

Vegan Meal Tips from Fitness Model, Andrea Guzman

 

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Build Muscle & Lose Fat By Eating Plants

VIBRANT FITNESS MODEL TALKS ABOUT BEING BULLIED

“From all the social and family pressure, constant name-calling, and jokes, I developed an eating disorder.”

Name: Andrea Guzman
Occupation: Personal Trainer, Fitness Model, BCABBA Bikini Competitor
City/State/Country: Vancouver, BC, CANADA.
Age: 28 years old
Height: 5’4’’
Weight: 125-135lbs.
Type of Training: Bikini competition
FB: andrea.guzman.16906715
IG: andreaguzman86
Email: info@andreaguzman.ca

Q: Who had to most positive influence on you growing up as a child and why?

My brother and mom. Since around the age of five, my mom became a single mother. Due to this she had to work 24/7 to provide all the food, education, and a good home for my brother and I.

So my brother became my everything.

He was my dad, mom, brother, best friend, confident, enemy and all the names you can think of. They always worked so hard to keep us happy and safe. They always taught me to work hard for everything I wanted because I could do and be whatever I wanted to be. We always loved each other and we are always a team!

Q: What uncommon activity do you schedule into your daily routine?

I clean my fridge and kitchen all the time, it’s like an addiction for me. I just hate dirty and smelly fridges, microwaves, or stoves.

Q: Do you have a mindfulness practice?

Yes, I practice Yoga seven days per week.

Q: What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome in your life?

The process of becoming a Canadian resident as a Mexican immigrant.

Q: How did you get into competing?

I wanted to become a model-actor-performer but people thought I was crazy, even my family, but I always kept my dreams up.

My obsession and love for fitness started from being bullied for how I looked physically.

In Mexico I was told that I was never going to be a model or a lean person because of my genetics, my “heavy” bones, my curves, and my culture.

From all the social and family pressure, constant name-calling, and jokes, I developed an eating disorder.

After my parents realized I was doing harm to myself, I couldn’t do it anymore so I began to abuse dieting pills and laxatives, working out more than three hours per day.

I never got close to how I wanted to look.

When I decided to move to Canada, my whole life changed. Having to pass through the immigration process and while working for minimum wage, I really wanted to make my dream come true.

So I hired a personal trainer and joined the gym even though I couldn’t really afford it at that time. From there I started to learn so much from my personal trainer and best friend Marie Eve Dube. I started seeing how far I could go, and how nutrition and exercise can be so important and vital for your life.

After three years of training with her I was ready to try it by myself and I wanted more. I kept training from online plans but I always hit a plateau, so I was starting to get desperate.

One day some acquaintances at the local supplement store advised me to try competing, to look for a coach, and to keep following my dream. The first thing that came to my mind was…ME??? Competing? No! They connected me with IFBB Pro Bikini Eboney Chipman for advice.

“It was pretty amazing and fun to see how, with a good plan to follow, you can create the body that you want.”

Figuring this out made my life so much happier and competed for the first time in 2013. It was the best feeling ever because was the first time that I accomplished something that I really wanted apart from getting my permanent residence. I started to create my modelling portfolio and grow as an athlete as well.

I got more involved with practicing yoga everyday, which helped me to love myself more and connect with the “real” me. This is also the time that I became vegan (July 2014). I realized that I have being always like this, but since I was a child my parents told me I couldn’t because I was going to get sick.

I was scared to change because the Internet and society at large, says that we need animal products to be healthy and especially to build muscle as a bodybuilder.

Through all of this I can say that I tried several diets and have followed so many different meal plans with so many coaches. The most important thing I think is to find a coach that respects your core values, believes in you and sees you as a person not a number. More than anything, that they care about your health. Remember, there are millions of trophies, but we only have one body, one soul, one heart, and we have to take care of it.

I love being vegan in bodybuilding competitions, and life in general. Seeing how your body changes and transforms with all the different food is something that I love!

Seeing the look on so many faces when they become aware that you’re vegan and notice all your muscles.

Q: What is the good/bad/ugly behind the scenes that no one talks about?

Good: The opportunity to be able to see yourself succeed in fitness, health, and self-love.

That we can create our own physiques. Also being able to meet so many amazing people and all the opportunities that can come with these events.

I love how you become an inspiration and a role model to so many people.

It’s a great opportunity to market yourself through professional photography and learn about all the modelling industry.

One of the most important things is that regardless of how you place, is that in the process you become the best version of yourself.

Reaching goals and attaining personal and physical transformation.

Plus, it’s super fun to glam yourself up with professional makeup, tanning, amazing bikinis, and heels!

Bad/Ugly: Seeing how many people can harm their bodies just to win a trophy or get in a specific weight that they are willing to do whatever it takes to win (good or bad). The drugs in the industry, which I always stay away from.

“What happens after your show, as some people get Post Show Depression and other negative symptoms that, without correct guidance, can be dangerous and put your health in risk.”

And never forget the horrible smells backstage from tanning, hair product, and body odors.

Q: What was unexpected in your first bikini competition?

This show was pretty good and calm for me, the only thing I can say was unexpected is how expensive it all can be.

“This is a pricey sport, but sometimes we don’t notice it.”

Another unexpected detail I experienced was feeling that I was on top of the hill (competition day) and thinking it was okay to take a long break (not listening to my Coach). After two weeks of letting myself go by eating processed food and not going to the gym like I should, I quickly fell back to the bottom of the hill. I also found myself not loving myself as I did before.

Now, I understand that everything is about balance and always listening to my coach, because she always wants the best for me. I’m learning how to be responsible for my actions instead of playing the victim. This has been a huge lesson and now it’s time to get back up and keep pushing forward, not give excuses anymore and do the work.

“Competing isn’t just about going onstage and looking good, it is a full-time commitment.”

Q: What did your meal plan (include supplements) look like before a show?

• Monday – Carbs pre and post workout only
• Tuesday – Carbs pre and post workout only
• Wednesday – Carbs post workout only
• Thursday – Carbs pre and post workout only
• Friday – Carbs pre and post workout only
• Saturday – Carbs in meal 2 only
• Sunday – Carbs in meal 2 only

Source of carbs: 2-4 oz of yams or 1/2 cup of rice

• Meal 1 – 1 scoop of protein powder, 1tbsp coconut oil
• Meal 2 – 3oz tempeh
• Meal 3 – 3oz of organic tofu
• Meal 4 – 3oz tempeh
• Meal 5 – 3oz of tofu
• Meal 6 – 1 scoop of protein powder

Supplements Two Weeks Before Competing:

• Multivitamin
• Vitamin C
• B Complex
• Enzymes
• Probiotics
• Magnesium
• BCAA
• Glutamine

Supplements One Week Before Competing:

• Vitamin C

Q: Best advice you ever received for fitness?

Your goal is now, food will be always there.

It takes weeks of consistent nutrition and training to get your metabolism going and see results. Don’t Stop! Keep going and it will even out and you will see results.

Consistency, patience, and self -love.

Q: What are your favorite plant-based protein sources?

• Tempeh
• Tofu
• Chickpeas
• Edamame
• Beans
• Protein powder

Q: What’s next for you, what new goals do you have for yourself?

My next show will be on July 25, 2015 in Vancouver BC at the Pro/Amateur show with the BCABBA. I am planning to do the competition the next day as well for the Muscle Insider Model Search. I will be one of many vegan athletes that prove we can compete and have an amazing physique.

To get more vegan meal tips, watch this video - Plant Based Nutrition: What I Eat In A Day (And Why)

Author Bio:

Chris Willitts (creator of V3), is the founder and owner of Vegetarian Bodybuilding.

V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System is a mixture of science and author’s advice, providing users with optimal diet and exercise. This system is designed for vegans and vegetarians only.

A lot of research has been put in this program. Furthermore, a lot of professional bodybuilders and athletes tried and tested the program, praising its progressiveness and efficiency.

The program is about taking control of your own body and health according to your potential and needs. And worry not; you’ll get plenty of proteins with this system. It will boost you with energy, and you’ll feel just a strong as any carnivore would (perhaps even stronger, depending on how much you invest in your exercise). It avoids vitamins deficiency and provides you with a lot of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Instead of saying things like “I think a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders,” the V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System claims “I know a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders, and I have results to prove it.”

To find out more, visit the website at V3 Bodybuilding –  Vegan Meal Tips

Plant-Based Diet Tips from a Professional Arm Wrestler, Rob Bigwood

 

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Build Muscle & Lose Fat By Eating Plants

PROFESSIONAL ARM WRESTLER IS POWERED BY PLANTS

“I’m healthier, lighter, and have better endurance during my workouts. [As a vegan] I’m just as strong on the arm wrestling table and at the gym. My diet is cruelty-free now and that feels gratifying.”

Name: Rob Bigwood
Occupation: Interactive Art Director
City/State/Country: Queens, New York, USA
Age: 32
Height: 5’11”
Type of Competing: Professional Arm Wrestler
Weight: 250 lbs.
Website: www.rbigwood.com
Twitter: twitter.com/rbigwood
IG: instagram.com/rbigwood

Q: What inspired you to start lifting weights as a young man?

My best friend regularly competed in arm wrestling tournaments when I was in high school.

He was a smaller guy that convincingly beat the entire football and wrestling teams combined. He convinced me to start training with him, and after a few months, we decided to travel to North Carolina for a competition.

I ended up taking fifth place, not bad for my very first tournament. The weight training that I do is 100 percent geared towards arm wrestling.

Q: Who is your hero?

I wouldn’t call them heroes, but I do enjoy listening to Bill Maher, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Gary Yourofsky.

Q: What are your personal passions outside of fitness?

I’m pretty good at designing websites and mobile apps. I’ve worked on some big brands, including Comedy Central, Emirates, Scottrade, MSG, and Air National Guard. I’ve also been playing poker in Atlantic City since I was barely 21. I’m really good at binge-watching certain Netflix series, if that counts.

Q: What one thing would you change about yourself?

I could be more patient and understanding with people. I easily get aggravated and automatically expect them to think and feel the same way I do.

Q: Tell us about the path that led you to plant-based fitness.

I first thought about giving up meat back in 2002 when a group of baby pigs caught my attention at the Pennsylvania State Fair.

They looked like puppies playing with each other, and I felt disgusting knowing that I had a bacon and egg sandwich for breakfast that morning.

“All animals have the same feelings and emotions and should also have the same rights and respect.”

A vegan lifestyle is beneficial for our environment, our health, less fortunate people and countries, and especially the millions of innocent animals murdered each and every year.

Q: Daily meal plan?

Unlike a bodybuilder, I honestly don’t have a meal plan. I eat whatever I’m craving.

“The ONLY thing I make myself do is have a protein shake mixed with BCAAs after each workout (usually followed by pasta and veggies).”

Breakfast: I usually make a protein shake with vegan protein, a banana, organic almond or peanut butter, and almond milk. Or I’ll have oatmeal with a variety of nuts and seeds (almond, sunflower, pumpkin), but If I’m hungover, I’ll eat a bagel with tofu veggie spread.

Lunch/Dinner: I honestly have so many options, I mix up. I do organic salads (kale or spinach salad with tofu and quinoa, veggies, nuts, and avocado). I like to eat all sorts of veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, peas, tomatoes, asparagus, etc. I’m also a big fan of quinoa noodles, brown rice, tempeh, and those new Beast Burgers.

Q: What does your training regimen look like as a professional arm wrestler?

Just the basic exercises anyone at the gym would normally do: bench, dips, squat, pull-ups, etc. I do use a fatter grip on my back and bicep day, though, and do more isometric and half-rep type exercises. I have garage springs hooked up to the wall, where I do motions that mimic arm wrestling. I also try to get home every few weeks to train with my brother on the table.

I train heavy static holds that replicate arm wrestling motions with cables, rubber bands, and garage springs once a week. I break up the rest of the week by training chest, shoulders with triceps, and legs on separate days. Back, forearms, and grip have their own day, also.

Q: What tips can you share about training for arm wrestling?

The best way to get started is by hooking up with a group of guys that already practice and compete. Get some table time.

The Northeast Board has a great community of pullers from around the country and even the world. Also, check out the World Arm Wrestling League’s website and their Facebook page for upcoming events.

“It’s REALLY easy to hurt yourself in this sport. Broken bones, snapped muscles, and torn tendons are too common. My best advice is to practice with seasoned professionals.”

Q: If you have to pick only three exercises, what would they be?

Arm Wrestling:

1. Static table locks with rubber band or garage spring
2. Wrist and hammer curls
3. Pull-ups

Bodybuilding:

1. Deadlifts
2. Squats
3. Bench

Q: Could you expand on your philosophy about supplements and the industry?

Steroids are also common in professional arm wrestling, like in bodybuilding. Most of the top guys are taking something (e.g. testosterone, HGH, etc.). It really creates an unfair advantage that’s almost impossible to compete against. Until organizations start regularly testing, athletes will continue to abuse these drugs and not have to pay any consequences.

Sometimes, I’ll take creatine and BCAA with my protein shakes, but I regularly take vitamins D, B, and C complexes.

Q: What ways has transitioning into a vegan diet improved your health?

I used to weigh 290 pounds, felt sluggish/lazy, and would be tired after each meal.

Every meal had to include some type of meat, or it wasn’t a real meal.

Now as a vegan, I’m around 245-250 lbs. and have more energy than ever. I’m healthier, lighter, and have better endurance during my workouts.

[As a vegan] I’m just as strong on the arm wrestling table and at the gym. My diet is cruelty-free now, and that feels gratifying.

A vegan lifestyle is also beneficial for our environment, the less fortunate, and especially the millions of innocent animals murdered each year.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who wants to try a plant-based diet?

“Don’t rush into it, and find out what works best for your body.”

Do some research online, and pick up a few books. It’s honestly a lot easier than people think. There are a variety of mock meat products that mimic the taste of any type of meat you already like.

Q: What are the next big goals you have for yourself?

In a few months, filming starts for a documentary called “The Game Changers,” directed by Louie Psihoyos and executive produced by James Cameron.

I’m also currently gut-renovating a new apartment, which has been fun (insert sarcasm).

To get more plant-based diet tips, watch this video - 10 BEST Plant-Based Protein Sources

Author Bio:

Chris Willitts (creator of V3), is the founder and owner of Vegetarian Bodybuilding.

V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System is a mixture of science and author’s advice, providing users with optimal diet and exercise. This system is designed for vegans and vegetarians only.

A lot of research has been put in this program. Furthermore, a lot of professional bodybuilders and athletes tried and tested the program, praising its progressiveness and efficiency.

The program is about taking control of your own body and health according to your potential and needs. And worry not; you’ll get plenty of proteins with this system. It will boost you with energy, and you’ll feel just a strong as any carnivore would (perhaps even stronger, depending on how much you invest in your exercise). It avoids vitamins deficiency and provides you with a lot of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Instead of saying things like “I think a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders,” the V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System claims “I know a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders, and I have results to prove it.”

To find out more, visit the website at V3 Bodybuilding –  Plant-Based Diet Tips

Why Plant-Based Nutrition Is Getting So Popular?

 

Click HERE to Find Out How You Can Build Muscle & Lose Fat By Eating Plants

PLANT-BASED NUTRITION GOES MAINSTREAM AND FUTURE PREDICTIONS

There has been an explosion of interest, best-selling books, supplements, websites, festivals, and award-winning documentaries in the plant-based nutrition domain.

Even VegetarianBodybuilding.com is on that list, as we launched only 18 months ago.

Vegetarianism has quickly transcended from a fringe new age diet (despite being thousands of years old) to a serious contender in the health and fitness arena. Just walk into Whole Foods and look at their sports supplement section. Vegan protein powder products have nearly as much shelf space as any others.

This has been accelerated partly because several professional athletes have been endorsing the vegetarian lifestyle and demonstrating superior athletic performance while eating plants. Mainstream culture loves anything that seems cool, and dozens of vocal vegan celebrities have made going green the new black.

This article about plant-based nutrition by the Huffington Post has predictions for 2015:

We are lucky to work with a number of nutritionists, doctors, and thought leaders in the vegan community. We asked them for their plant-based predictions for 2015 with regard to the science, awareness, and popularity of the vegan diet. Here’s what they had to say.

“Over the past year, we published three meta-analyses showing that plant-based diets improve body weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar, adding to the huge body of evidence showing the power of plant-based nutrition. Although there is always a lot of “noise” about low-carb diets, etc., the scientific basis for setting aside animal products is now very, very strong, and I expect continued growth in acceptance by the scientific community, doctors in practice, and the public.

Meanwhile, the popularity of plant-based diets has been growing exponentially for years, and now we are at a cultural turning point and a scientific turning point.

Restaurants are steadily increasing vegan and vegetarian menu options — Chipotle added the wildly successful tofu Sofrita. Even Dunkin’ Donuts now carries almond milk. Celebrity chef Jose Andres declared veggies are the new bacon. Popular celebrities — like Ellen DeGeneres, Joaquin Phoenix, and Peter Dinklage — are all very vocal about their healthful diets. —Dr. Neal Barnard

The Next Ten Years

We as a society are waking up.

Recently I read the article “Plant Proteins Poised to Take Third of Market by 2054.” As the title suggests, the market seems to be going in the right direction.

Marketwired reports, “Growth of alternative protein sources is poised to accelerate, potentially claiming up to a third of the protein market by 2054, profoundly affecting agriculture, food technology, and end products, according to Lux Research.”

“Consumer preference, concerns over the planet’s ability to produce sufficient meat, impact of livestock agriculture on the environment, and mounting scientific advances are driving the changing protein demand,” said Camilla Stice, Lux research analyst.

My prediction complements the tone of this article, and it integrates a more nuanced definition/expression of vegetarianism that includes flexitarians.

A flexitarian diet simply means eating mostly vegetarian with occasional meat.

The question some ask is it healthy or unhealthy to be flexitarian, or can it be another beneficial path for plant-based fitness? Allow me to suggest that a flexitarian diet is healthy, plant-based, and misunderstood.

Flexitarians are often confused with omnivores, but omnivores don’t typically care whether they eat meat or plants. Flexitarians strive to eat mostly veggies and fruits, and hardly any meat. The meat they do eat is carefully selected to be produced open-range and antibiotic/hormone free.

Oddly enough, a flexitarian diet can be even more plant-based than a vegan diet.

Are Flexitarians a Type of Vegetarian?

Yes, sort of. A flexitarian/semi-vegetarian is an expression of vegetarianism, but only if you have the willingness to see the world in shades of color, so to speak. It’s funny how some people treat this domain of nutrition like a competition or a VIP club.

Many of my fellow vegetarian bodybuilders do consider semi-vegetarians as part of the family; they don’t feel the need to turn their noses up at someone just because they express their diet a little differently.

I predict that some form of vegetarianism, including part-time vegetarianism, will be adopted by 50 percent of the U.S. population in the next 10 years.

That may not sound like a big deal, but it is nothing short of a revolution on many levels.

It will drastically change the landscape of food production. It will create new business models and jobs, and most importantly, it will help the health of the planet.

In 10 years, plant-based fitness will produce mainstream vegetarian bodybuilding competitions with worldwide recognition.

We will see almost as many plant-eating athletes as meat-eating athletes because of the performance-enhancing effects of a plant-based diet.

How You Can Participate in the Solution

First, it’s important to make the distinction between the act of eating meat versus meat production.

Eating meat that’s produced as nature intended and consumed in moderation can be ethical and healthy (e.g. farming 100-200 years ago). However, some say that the way meat is produced now is flat-out sinister and hazardous to your health and the planet.

The solution is to drive the market towards plant-based products. Remember, the market goes where the money flows.

The solution is generating thoughtful, well-crafted information that compassionately whispers in society’s ear. It isn’t demonizing people who eat meat and yelling in their face about it.

The solution is attraction, not polarization.

The solution is to stop telling folks they have to be 100 percent vegetarian or be in the VIP vegan club to make a difference.

Let’s keep it simple. 

If we all eat more plants and less meat, it will create cascading positive change. Let’s not divide and conquer our brothers and sisters, it’s the system that needs the critical eye.

To get more ideas about plant-based nutrition, watch this video - The Easy Way To Switch To A Plant-Based Diet

Author Bio:

Chris Willitts (creator of V3), is the founder and owner of Vegetarian Bodybuilding.

V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System is a mixture of science and author’s advice, providing users with optimal diet and exercise. This system is designed for vegans and vegetarians only.

A lot of research has been put in this program. Furthermore, a lot of professional bodybuilders and athletes tried and tested the program, praising its progressiveness and efficiency.

The program is about taking control of your own body and health according to your potential and needs. And worry not; you’ll get plenty of proteins with this system. It will boost you with energy, and you’ll feel just a strong as any carnivore would (perhaps even stronger, depending on how much you invest in your exercise). It avoids vitamins deficiency and provides you with a lot of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Instead of saying things like “I think a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders,” the V3 Vegetarian Bodybuilding System claims “I know a plant-based diet is good for athletes and bodybuilders, and I have results to prove it.”

To find out more, visit the website at V3 Bodybuilding –  Plant-Based Nutrition Benefits

What is the Best Way to Completely Heal Erectile Dysfunction Permanently?

 

 Click on Here to Discover How You Can Increase Stamina and Heal Erectile Dysfunction Without Using Drugs

 

Completely Heal Erectile Dysfunction Permanently - How ED Causes Premature Death

It’s been long known that men suffering from ED are at a higher risk of dying younger. And there are two associated risk factors that may explain that:

1) Low testosterone
2) Cardiovascular disease

But which risk factor is it that actually causes men to die so young?

A new study published in the Endocrine Society finally has the answer for this question and a possible way of preventing early death if you suffer from ED.

Two of the most common causes of ED are cardiovascular disease and low testosterone. Men with cardiovascular disease can obviously die early, and some studies also show that men with low testosterone also do.

The researchers wanted to find out how ED, cardiovascular disease, and testosterone levels contribute to early death, and whether it was testosterone or cardiovascular disease that increased men’s risk of dying early.

They identified 1,913 participants in the European Male Ageing Study whose information on hormones and health outcomes were available.

They observed these men for an average of 12.4 years during which 25 percent of them died.

Men with low testosterone, who also exhibited sexual dysfunction, were more likely to die than those with normal testosterone and no sexual dysfunction.

To be more precise, men who had erectile dysfunction, poor morning erections, and a low libido were 1.8 times more likely to die than men who had no sexual dysfunction at all.

Men who had only erectile dysfunction were 1.4 times more likely to die than those who had no sexual dysfunction.

In other words, the more serious the sexual dysfunction, the more likely the men were to die early.

But was the main contributor to this early death low testosterone or cardiovascular disease?

Free testosterone, which is the type of testosterone your body uses most easily, was lower in the men who died.

This suggests low testosterone plays a crucial role in the early deaths.

But when they looked at the men with normal testosterone alone, they still found that sexual dysfunction increased their risk of dying early by 51 percent.

In other words, while low testosterone sometimes is the main cause, sexual dysfunction can easily occur in men with normal testosterone and therefore it increases their risk of premature death, primarily because of cardiovascular disease.

This study shows that ED can be an early indication of cardiovascular disease, regardless of whether men have low testosterone or not.

Thankfully it’s easy to completely heal erectile dysfunction permanently and quickly using simple home exercises explained here…

And if you have cardiovascular disease, it’ important to clear out your heart cholesterol by cutting out this one ingredient explained here…

Completely Heal Erectile Dysfunction Permanently - 5 Misleading ED Myths You Should Have Ditched Years Ago

Because many men are reluctant to talk openly about ED, it’s the kind of subject that is surrounded by numerous myths that seem to get amplified in anonymous online chat rooms or in discussions with confused and uninformed partners at home.

The worst part is that since you can easily cure ED naturally (I’ll tell you how in a second), these myths are blocking millions of men from doing so.

Of all the strange ED-related myths, these are five of the most common ones that you should never believe again.

1. ED is inevitable as you age – you just need to put up with it. While it is true that ED is more common among older men, it is not inevitable. Many conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease that are more common among the elderly may contribute to ED in both older and young men.

Older men are also often stressed about work, family, and financial security during retirement, while younger people often have parents to fall back on when life is at its toughest. Therefore, it is not age that brings about ED, but other factors that are prevalent from your middle age onward.

In addition, an increasing number of studies, such as one published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2013, show that more young men than ever are now seeking help for ED. Of those 26% who reported are now under 40 years of age, and young men are more likely than older men to report severe ED (48 to 40 percent). This is probably caused by the spread of the former age-related diseases to the young, and to their heavy smoking and drug habits.

2. ED is always a psychological problem – you should just get over it. While ED can be caused by anxiety, depression, or lack of confidence, it can also be caused by any physical condition that interferes with your hormonal balance or damages your arteries or nervous system. All these systems cooperate to make an erection possible. In other words, of all purely physical illnesses that exist, very few can be ruled out as unable to contribute to ED.

For example, high cholesterol and blood pressure damage your arteries, including those that need to relax to make an erection possible. Diabetes and most inflammatory conditions, in turn, wreak havoc on your hormones. These are not psychological problems. They are treatable physical diseases.

3. ED is not a serious physical condition – you can just ignore it. ED itself is not life-threatening, but many of the conditions that give rise to it are. You do not want to ignore prostate cancer or cardiovascular disease.

4. ED means you are no longer attracted to your partner. This could be a cause of ED, but it is far more likely that some physical or psychological condition is responsible. Don’t throw your relationship under the bus before you have ruled out the other, more likely causal factors.

5. ED is treatable only via drugs or surgery. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do before these become necessary. You can eat a balanced diet to ensure that you receive all necessary nutrients. You can adopt a daily exercise routine.

You can stack your diet with natural supplements like pomegranate and cranberry juice, Korean red ginseng, yohimbine, and L-Arginine. In fact, most common erectile dysfunction drugs only help 40% of men, while almost everyone suffers some level of side effects.

In fact, the easiest and most effective way to reverse ED, is a simple technique that has been proven almost twice as effective as drugs. Without any side effects. Learn more and try this technique to completely heal erectile dysfunction permanently for yourself here…

Completely Heal Erectile Dysfunction Permanently - Men: Improve Your ED 70% in Just 30 Minutes

More than half the male population over 40 suffer from some level of erectile dysfunction, or ED. And medications help less than 40% (while adding side effects).

But what if you could get better results, in only 30 minutes, without any side effects?

Kind of cool, right?

While it should come as no surprise that a man’s circulatory health determines his ability to produce and maintain an erection, ED affects about half of all U.S. men between the ages of 40 and 70 years – showing age has a part, too.

Since physical exercise is one of the best ways to improve circulation, numerous studies have investigated which categories of men with ED, in terms of age, race, overall health status and other potential contributing factors, might benefit the most from exercise.

Older Men

Men between the ages of 50 and 85 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey wore motion trackers for one week and answered questions about their erectile function.

The study found that those who spent 30 minutes more than the average each day engaged in some kind of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduced their risk for erectile dysfunction by 43%.

Young and Middle-Aged Men

A study that focused on erectile function in young and middle-aged urology outpatients (30-45 years of age) found that sedentary patients scored significantly higher on erectile dysfunction and lower on sexual desire, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall sexual satisfaction.

In a similar study that included urology patients aged 18-40 years, sedentary lifestyle increased erectile dysfunction by 44% and decreased orgasm function by the same amount.

Sedentary participants reported 24% greater reduction in intercourse satisfaction compared to their more active cohorts and 28% lower overall satisfaction. These results are compounded by the fact that sexual desire scores were similar in the two groups.

Post-Heart Attack ED

Exercise can also improve erectile dysfunction in men who’ve had heart attacks, a group for which the condition is quite common, affecting up to 84%.

In one study, participants with a history of myocardial infarction and were at low risk for a second heart attack were asked to participate in a home-based outdoor walking program for 30 days.

By the end of the study period the exercise group reported a 71% decrease in erectile dysfunction while the control group that did not participate in the walking program reported a 9% increase in erectile dysfunction.

Metabolic Syndrome-Related ED

The modern Western lifestyle, characterized by dietary excesses and exercise deficits, can lead to a condition known as metabolic syndrome – a combination of symptoms, including obesity and impaired blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol regulation, that can cause a host of degenerative diseases along with the kind of faulty circulation that puts men at risk for ED.

In one study, men with metabolic syndrome who were concurrently taking Viagra-like drugs for erectile dysfunction participated in an exercise program for 2 months. At the end of the study period the exercise group doubled their score on a functional improvement rating scale.

Racial Disparities

Race is not an issue with regard to the effects of exercise on ED, according to researchers of one clinical trial. The study, which aimed to remedy a lack of research on ED in black men, found that exercising at approximately 18 times the resting metabolic level, considered a highly active level of exercise, yielded the best sexual function scores regardless of race and with no difference between black and white men.

Note that all these studies used physical exercises such as walking to improve the men’s erectile dysfunction, with great results.

To find out how you can completely heal erectile dysfunction permanently, watch this video - The ultimate exercise circuit to improve your sex life

But to completely heal erectile dysfunction permanently, you must use more specific exercises specifically designed to cure ED 100%. Learn more about the erectile dysfunction exercises and try them out for yourself here…

This post is from the Erectile Dysfunction Master Program, which was created by Christian Goodman for men who are looking for the best erectile dysfunction natural remedies.  This is an all-natural system that utilizes the power of exercises to permanently cure erectile dysfunction. By following the techniques in this program, you will be able to get hard fast without pills and maintain stronger erections for hours so you can enjoy sex again. 

Erectile problems can be physical or emotional. If your problem is physical, you need to exercise the muscles around the genital area. If your problem is emotional, then you need to learn relaxation techniques. Erection Master will teach you steps that can help get rid of your erectile dysfunction for good. As long as you're willing to commit 30 minutes of your time, 3 to 7 days a week for 1 to 2 months, they'll work for you. You can practice the steps alone or with your partner. 

These techniques are far more effective than Viagra, Cialis or other drugs for erectile dysfunction. The drugs only help about 40% of men who use them and can also cause very serious side effects. 

To find out more about this program, click on Completely Heal Erectile Dysfunction Permanently

What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Acid Reflux as Soon as Today?

 

Discover How, Five Minutes from NOW, Your Acid Reflux Can Be Totally Gone & You’ll Feel Great Night and Day

 

Get Rid of Acid Reflux as Soon as Today - How Acid Reflux Causes Broken Bones

Acid reflux and broken bones – it’s not an obvious connection.

But a new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition reveals that people taking common acid reflux drugs have a 20% increased risk of bone fracture.

The research found that PPIs could disable children through causing bone fractures.

The team studied children between 6 months of age and 15.5 years of age. All had previously been given PPIs.

The team compared those children that had been given PPIs to those that had not.

They checked which kids had been hospitalized with bone fractures in the following 2 years.

They found the kids who had been prescribed PPIs were 20 percent more likely to experience fractures soon after the PPIs. This was especially true for kids who had been prescribed long-term PPI use.

But it gets worse.

Fractures aren’t uncommon in children. Usually they get fractures in their upper parts of the body, such as their arms, hands, and shoulders. However, the PPI kids were different – they were more likely to suffer from leg and spinal fractures.

In other words, the PPI kids suffered more serious fractures than non-PPI kids.

Therefore, if you have children, who suffer from acid reflux, it is much safer to adjust their lifestyles and diets than to place them on PPIs.

Just in case you thought that this was irrelevant to childless adults, the relationship between PPI use and bone fractures in adults is also the same; however, studies show that hip fractures are more common in adults who have been given PPIs, which increases their risk of premature death by 3 times.

What causes fractures to happen?

PPIs reduce the density of our bones and increase the risk of fractures and breakages.

The good news is that you can get rid of Acid Reflux as soon as today, using the three ingredients explained here…

Get Rid of Acid Reflux as Soon as Today - Date Night Ruined: The Embarrassment of Excess Burping

Most of us have graduated from the season in life where we have to go on dates and worry all the time about impressions, but hopefully most of you still make time to go out from time to time to see the sights, take in a good movie, or to dine on tasty cuisine.

A reader and Acid Reflux client of mine had commented that he and his wife of 45 years go out at least a couple times a month for their regular “date nights,” but lately have been not going as much.

He explained that his wife hadn’t been as interested in going out and was more and more likely to just stay home with a video and some home cooking.

He thought originally it was because she was being a good steward of their finances and trying to keep the entertainment budget down during the recession. He was a little disappointed, though, because he always loved date night and the chance to get out with his “beautiful bride.”

Then he opened up about how she spilled the “beans.” She had been avoiding public dates because of a habit he had developed that was worsening…a lot of post-meal burping and flatulence.

He had noticed it but didn’t think anyone else had, but when he pressed her on why she was suddenly not interested in going out she said she didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but it’s gotten to be too embarrassing.

He was floored. And then came the questions…Why did you wait so long to tell me? Why does this only happen when we go out and not at home? What is causing the problem, anyway?

Like most people who have lived in the same area for most of their lives, they had their favorite restaurants and their favorite dishes at each. They had been pretty loyal to not only the dining establishments but the specific menu items at each place.

Consequently, he didn’t think anything of it when he started having gastrointestinal disruptions after eating the food he’s loved for many years. After all, he’d survived just fine for more than 60 years on his ol’ standbys, so why fix something that isn’t broken?

She sure thought something was broken, though. That’s why she preferred to do the cooking…she had noticed that when he ate certain meals, she was in for a whopper of an embarrassing evening afterwards. So if they stayed home, she could control what went on the plate, and therefore into his mouth.

The culprits? Beans, peppers, potatoes, hamburger buns, and carbonated beverages. Where there used to be a cast-iron stomach before in his younger days now was replaced with a temperamental bag of gas. His favorite foods had become the enemy. She knew it, but was too afraid of hurting his feelings to bring it up.

As we age, our tummy’s ability to squelch the belch weakens along with the sphincter at the end of the esophagus that guards the entrance to the stomach. More air gets in, added to a weaker ability to digest foods that were formerly no problem, and wham! A cacophony of malodorous sound begins. And that’s just the burping part.

From the other end, the carbohydrate-loaded foods were finding it easier and easier with his aging digestion to turn the body’s normal process of digestion into a compressed gas cylinder factory.

His wife had been completely changing his diet at home, and that helped a lot. But when they went out, she had no control over what he would order. She’d make recommendations, sure, but he apparently figured she was just buying into those “organic tree-huggers’ messages” and dismissed it as so much fad nonsense.

His reason for writing was not just to talk about what he could and could not eat anymore. Rather it was to bring some awareness to others in his situation that while a rumbling of gasses might be cute and funny for the grandkids, it’s no laughing matter when you still have a ton of romance left with your one true love and suddenly eruptions come to crash your date like an evil third wheel.

More importantly, he discovered after the gas conversation (which led to an appointment with the doctor) that he had developed Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. So his new diet had taken on even more importance because of the added health consequences.

His comments were in support of the guide and to thank us for helping to save the romance on date night.

Get Rid of Acid Reflux as Soon as Today - If you (or the one you adore) are suffering and you want help to break free of reflux and gas problems, check out our natural guide for controlling Acid Reflux today.

Get Rid of Acid Reflux as Soon as Today - Why Milk and Digestion Problems Don’t Mix

A reader asked me recently about some unsettling assertions about milk that had been getting attention in the news.

Her question was in regard to whether or not milk is bad for you. As with a lot of these questions, the answer is frequently yes and no.

The benefits of including milk in your diet include:

– Good source of calcium
– Fortified products are a good source of Vitamin D
– Healthier to drink than soft drinks
– Doesn’t stain teeth

Another benefit of the 1% and higher varieties is that in order for the body to make use of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, one must first have proper fat stores in the body. Specialists from Pediatricians to Gerontologists stress that too little dietary fat can spell deficiency for these vitamins that are critical for health.

However, there is a large body of evidence to suggest that milk is the cause of a lot of problems for a lot of people, specifically when considering digestive health.

Milk has gotten a bad rap, as many foods will get as they fade in and out of favor with experts. But the problems with milk are not so easily outweighed by its potential nutritive benefits.

People who are lactose intolerant already know what this dietary ‘staple’ can do to a person’s gut. So do people who have an intolerance to cow’s milk that isn’t lactose-specific.

But the biggest stinger is the claim that commercially produced, non-organic cow’s milk contains high levels of synthetic hormones. Some have gone so far as to assert that the hormone overload in milk is what’s causing the younger and younger age trend for pubescent girls.

Studies don’t tend to support that organic milk and commercial milk differ in the hormone content. Both have detectable amounts of testosterone and estrogen.

Some would split hairs over whether or not the hormones are synthetic.

Unfortunately for the resolution of the debate, in the laboratory both milks look exactly the same.

An organic isn’t always what you think. For organic producers to be able to legally claim their product is organic, they simply have to prove their animals are not given SYNTHETIC hormones…they don’t have to show that zero hormones are given.

That doesn’t even take into consideration the pasteurization process required now just to make the milk safe to drink. This breaks down many of the hormones and destroys them- but not all of them

Back to splitting hairs, I guess.

So what is a person to do? Well, humans weren’t originally designed to drink cow’s milk at all. Our ancestors generally stopped drinking mothers’ milk in favor of other liquids found in nature- such as water- once they were weaned. Everything we think we need from milk has always been provided in a balanced diet if care is used in choosing foods.

If you are on a restricted diet because milk aggravates your Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Acid Reflux Disease, Celiac Disease or other conditions, then you will need good options for replacing nutrients that would have been found in the milk, such as calcium, iron, Vitamin D, and protein.

Foods rich in the vitamins and minerals you need that you’ll want to add to your list for the next time you go shopping:

– Salmon

– Spinach
– Sardines
– Broccoli (and cauliflower)
– Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah)

You may not like all these foods (or any of them) but you also may not have had them in dishes that are really tasty. Remember that your food preferences and palette will change over time, and what you may have turned your nose up at as a child might actually be quite yummy now.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with new foods, especially if you are looking for ways to work yourself away from milk.

To find out how you can get rid of acid reflux as soon as today, watch this video - How To Stop Acid Reflux | How To Treat Acid Reflux

For more information on natural methods to improve your digestive health, see my guides for Acid Reflux, Cholesterol, Arthritis, and coming soon, IBS.

This post is from Scott Davis’ Acid Reflux Solution. This program helps you to cure your heartburn and acid reflux by using natural remedies to quickly heal your stomach without dangerous medicine or risky surgeries. It can also help you to remove some disorders of acid reflux such as constipation or IBS.

To find out more about the program, go to Get Rid of Acid Reflux as Soon as Today