FEEDING THE BEAST!!!!

What is going on Team Manimal!!!!!!

Many things have gone on since the last time we have spoken, life has a funny way of going up and down. But the one thing that stays the same in my life, is the IRON.

No matter who comes in and out of our lives the IRON is always there. Henry Rollins (yes the musician and actor) has a great quote in relation to the iron:

"The Iron never lies to you. You can walk outside and listen to all kinds of talk, get told that you're a god or a total bastard. The Iron will always kick you the real deal. The Iron is the great reference point, the all-knowing perspective giver. Always there like a beacon in the pitch black. I have found the Iron to be my greatest friend. It never freaks out on me, never runs. Friends may come and go. But two hundred pounds is always two hundred pounds."


And that right there is the TRUTH. The IRON is always there. But that is not what this topic is about. Today's wonderful entry in the MANIMAL ZONE is about nutrition, and the proper ways one must feed their inner beasts in order to get a full benefit from what is done in the gym.

The first thing that I want to get across to everyone. No matter if you are losing weight or gaining mass and trying to get to MANIMAL STATUS. Is that you NEED TO EAT. You want to grow big, EAT. You want to lose weight, guess what EAT. Right now, you are going how does that make sense. Should I starve myself? Should I make myself not eat food in order to look good...WRONG. 


You need to feed the beast within yourself, in order to get what you want out of your system. But I am not saying go out and eat McDonalds if you want to put on size, and do not just eat celery and tuna if you want to lose weight.


What everyone needs to do is have a proper amount: PROTEIN, FATS and CARBS within their diets. But also, you need to listen to your own body. When your body is hungry, feed it. When you feel like you are going to throw up...SLOW DOWN.

Any proper bodybuilding or fitness regimented diet should be broken down between 4 to 7 meals a day, and I am not talking about HUGE thanksgiving day feasts. But meals that satisfy the cravings your muscles have and metabolism needs in order for YOU to get your body to do what it needs to do. You also need to break down those meals and eat them within 2 to 3 hours of the last one.


In the beginning it is very difficult to do. But hey, being healthy and a bodybuilder is not an easy task. Its basically like a second job. An each meal should have a form of protein in it; whether it be chicken, lean cuts of beef, eggs (mostly the whites), fish, and even a protein shake. Depending on your overall goals, each meal should have a combination of fats and or carbs. 


I for one am not a huge fan of carbs (in the offseason or even contest time), but I do feel carbs do have there places for some and certain individuals. But again, you need to listen to your body. If your body wants carbs, then give it carbs. But if you feel better on a protein and fat meal, then have that

Now, I know all of you are going, but Manimal, what do I have to eat in order to get to Manimal Status, what should I do to feed my beast. Well, you are in luck, I am going to give you a list of foods you should eat, and foods that you should stay away from. That way, if you are having any trouble figuring out what do eat, then you the list for you.


Protein:
-Chicken, Fish, Lean Cuts of Beef, Tuna, Egg and Egg Whites, Protein Powder, Greek Yogurt, Peanut Butter, Turkey, Pork (give or take is ok to have once and a while)


Carbs:
-Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Potatoes (Does not have to be sweet, try each and every kind out there and see how your body reacts; my body does not digest Sweet Potatoes very well, but then I switched to a white potato and I saw tremendous growth), Whole Wheat Bread, Quinoa (very high in protein as well), 


Fats:
-Peanuts, Peanut Butter, Almonds, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mac Nut Oil, Fish Oils, 


Other foods you can eat:
-Veggies (Fresh or Frozen does not matter). I myself am a fan of spinach, peppers, broccoli, etc. Green veggies are the best in my book.  


Foods not to eat:
-Anything out of a box, anything "man mad" (condensed soups, boxed meals), fast food, junk foods (like candy, chips), soda.


If you eat crap, you are going to look like crap:

Think of it this way. Your body is a temple. Would you want to build and support your temple with the best materials out there, or would you want to put it together with crazy glue and Styrofoam. This is the world of health and fitness, if you want to grow EAT, and if you want to lose weight, what do you do....EAT.


No matter where you go, you can find healthy options to eat, even at a fast food joint such as McDonalds. Just stick to your gut feelings when it comes to food, see how your body reacts and always think positive.




"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman


Now, remember. Dieting, like Rome, doesn't happen over night. It is a process. Remember it takes time, and you just need to stay positive. Always use the mirror, because they will never lie to you. Take your time, think positive, and eat clean. This is how you get to MANIMAL STATUS!!!




Until next time!!!!!