In A Bicep Rut? Try These Two Moves From Bodybuilder Michael Ferencsik

Finding the right bicep moves can be a challenge, especially when we are in a workout rut- how many preacher curls can one do over and over again? Smart bodybuilders know they must maintain a healthy diet rich with essential amino acids like the ones found in Eggology egg whites and add a new range of motion to challenge their muscles to break free from a workout rut. Essential amino acids are proteins that are necessary for good health yet are not naturally produced by the body and are therefore only accessible through diet.

I came across some excellent work out videos from Pro Fitness Trainer and INBA Forever Natural Universe Champion Michael Ferencsik on his site, Ripped Natural Body Building. Michael shares his training expertise in a series of videos designed to help bodybuilders of all levels achieve their goals. This video demonstrates 2 contrasting moves that will challenge and define your biceps and help you break free from “bicep blues”. Try these moves and tell us what you think on Twitter or in our Facebook!





Photo Credit: fitsugar.com

Protein - Timing is Everything!

Body builders know that protein equals muscle growth. While what you eat is very important, the timing of that is equally a factor in muscle growth. As we mentioned last week, you should consume 1 to 1.5 times your body weight in grams of protein. There is a great protein calculator on bodybuilding.com so you can easily calculate how much protein you should consume. Now that you know HOW MUCH you need, let's take a look at WHEN you should consume your protein.

To maximize muscle growth it is crucial that you eat first thing in the morning, since your body has been in a state of starvation. While you sleep, your body burns your muscle for energy since your glycogen store is low. It's also necessary to consume protein, such as Eggology Egg Whites, between regularly scheduled meals so that your muscles are constantly being fed.

Before a workout, you need to feed your muscles with a protein source and follow up your workout with more protein to repair your muscle cells from your strenuous workout. Don't forget to eat a slow acting protein prior to going to bed too! Muscles experience maximum growth at night, by eating casein proteins , such as an egg white scramble, you encourage them to grow!

Prepare your body for maximum muscle growth by consuming the right protein at the right time!

What is your favorite protein source? Share your favorite combinations!

Eggology Egg Whites and Other Eggcellent Sources of Protein

When you are building muscle, it's important to ensure that you eat plenty of protein. Without protein your muscles just can't grow-it's that plain and simple! Typically you should consume 1 to 1.5 times your body weight in grams of protein. The rule of thumb is that you need between 1 and 1.5 times your body weight (if you are overweight, then substitute your target body weight) in grams of protein. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be eating between 150 and 225 grams of protein per day if you want to consistently gain muscle. Full time bodybuilders can eat sometimes two to three times their body weight in grams of protein, and sometimes more, but for most of us that would be overkill.

Of course we love using Eggology Egg Whites as our primary source of protein. But even we have to admit that it is necessary to vary your sources of protein so that you maintain a well balanced diet. So, what do we recommend, outside of the normal chicken and tuna realm?

1. Raw Nuts - These provide a great source of protein PLUS they are a great source of healthy fats, minerals and antioxidants. I make huge batches of trail mix-just be sure that you use two-thirds cup of nuts to every one-third cup of dried fruit! Use them in stir-fries or eat them plain...any way you crack it-they are wonderful!
2. Beans - Most beans contain 20% protein and high in carbohydrates which provides long lasting energy. Pair beans with rice to make a great, protein packed meal! (On a side note, check out this awesome blog post on nutritiondata.com to find out why you may not be getting a complete protein by combining these two products!)
3. Milk - It does a body good! There has been talk that soy milk is a better source of protein, but check out this study to see what researchers at McMaster University are saying-their studies "clearly show that milk proteins are a superior source of protein in producing muscle mass gains in response to weightlifting."
4. Quinoa - It is called a "supergrain" because of the wonderful nutrition it offers. It contains more iron than other grains, has high levels of potassium, riboflavin, magnesium, zinc, copper, and folacin. It is a great source of protein. Unlike other grains it contains plenty of the amino acid lysine, as well as the other essential amino acids, so it provides complete protein.
5. Oats - Whole grains provide muscle-friendly protein, along with fiber and other nutrients. For an amazing and healthy and protein packed breakfast, check out this Banana Oat Protein Breakfast Pancakes recipe!

Happy Eating and send us your suggestions for variety in protein sources and recipes that you find help build muscle!

Great Pre-Workout Snacks - Eggology Egg Whites!

As I was heading into the gym this morning, I started chatting with a friend about what is best to eat before a workout. My friend, who is new to the gym scene asked me why body builders add extra protein to their diet and marathon runners add more carbs. This was a great question! I thought I would share my answer here, so we can all benefit from the question!

When you are training for a marathon, it is normal to load up on carbs, because you want the fuel to help get you through the race or a difficult long, training day. MarathonPal.com gives a great breakdown of WHY you need carbs and you can check it out in full, but the short version is this: "The goal of carbohydrate loading is to super load muscles with glycogen to delay fatigue and enable your to maintain high intensity exercise for longer. When competing for over 90 minutes normal glycogen stores will not be enough to maintain exercise. Carbohydrate loading is a method of increasing stored glycogen by 200-300%, thereby allowing the athlete to delay fatigue and maintain high intensity exercise for longer. Carbohydrate loading is of no benefit for sports of short duration, and is undesirable in sports with strict weight criteria."

The last line answers my friends question! Most bodybuilders are not doing high intensity exercise. Ideally, the amino acids from a pre-workout meal that's high in protein will be hitting the muscle cells at the conclusion of your workout, thus providing ample resources for muscle growth and repair. You'll also feel stronger in the gym, since protein and fat remain in your stomach longer. That being said, you can't totally skip the carbs either! Protein and unsaturated fat may be "king" when it comes to building muscle, but complex carbs have an important supporting role. By eating my breakfast of Eggology On-the-Go (which provides 4 scrambled egg whites in 95 seconds) and combining that with one slice of whole wheat toast, 45 to 90 minutes before hitting the gym, I'm ready for a great workout. And if you don't believe that this works, check out Ronnie Coleman - who uses Eggology Egg Whites as part of his daily diet routine! I think a picture is worth a thousand words!

Purchase Eggology Egg Whites online or at a store near you!

Ask the Eggology Eggspert: Can You Gain Muscle and Lose Fat at the Same Time?

Eggology's blog is dedicated to recipes and information about our fresh, pure, liquid egg whites as well as information about health, nutrition, body building and more. From time to time we also feature Ask the Eggspert where we answer your questions! Below isn't a question that anyone submitted to us, but it is a question that many personal trainers hear time and time again so we thought we'd discuss it. If you have question for Ask the Eggspert, whether it be about egg whites or weight training, email us and we will be sure to feature it!

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I recently opened a discussion on Eggology's Facebook page and in Twitter where I pose this question to bodybuilders- Is it possible to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time? I hear mixed answers when I ask this question. Some experts say yes- and some say no.

Some bodybuilders put themselves through cycles where they spend several months concentrating their efforts on gaining muscle by intense strength training and increasing their daily caloric intake- this is known as the "bulking up phase". Their goal is to increase muscle mass, weight and size. This is often done during the winter or the colder months so the extra weight can easily be concealed. A typical diet during this phase is still healthy and low in fat, but higher in calories, carbs and protein.

The next cycle is putting the body through a period known as "the cutting down phase" where they will change their diet and reduce the amount of carbohydrates and calories- but maintain the same level of protein. They will still do their workouts- but to maintain their strength; not to gain. In addition to strength training they will add in more cardio during their workouts to lose more fat.

What do you think? Please leave your ideas in the comments section and better yet, add to the discussion in Facebook and Twitter!
Photo Credit: hillcountry.hyatt.com

Eat Eggology Egg Whites to Build Muscle

I am always on the look out for great ways to integrate egg whites into healthy recipes as I continue to strive towards always being fit and eating healthy. At the end of a long day, I often find myself online looking for new ways to eat right and in turn, increase muscle mass. Tonight I stumbled across an oldie, but goodie post on bodybuilding.com that was discussing "Eggs-actly What You Need to Build Muscle" by Scott Diedrichs.

Scott does an eggcellent job eggsplaining all the benefits of making egg whites a daily part of your work out repertoire. He points out the importance of protein-without it you simply can't build muscle! Egg whites are easily digested and absorbed and are extremely useful in ensuring a balanced diet for bodybuilders.

Not only does Mr. Diedrichs break down the benefits of adding eggs into your diet, but he also discusses all the different ways to cook eggs. For those of you that are looking at moving into culinary adventures with your egg cookery, he lists six ways-can you name them all?

Take a minute to check out Scott's great post, learn more about the benefits of eggs in your diet and in your muscle gain and while you are at it, why don't you let Eggology hear your success stories! We never get eggsausted hearing those!

Still trying to figure out the six ways to cook an egg white? I won't keep you guessing any longer! You've got microwaved egg whites, scrambled egg whites, boiled eggs, broiled egg whites, fried egg whites, baked egg whites and last but not least (drumroll please) steamed egg whites!

ENJOY Eggology Egg Whites six different ways!
Purchase them online or at a store near you!

Ernestine Shepherd Knows How to Eggcite Her Eggcercisers!

A few months ago, we shined the spotlight on one of our own long-time devoted customers, Ernestine Shepherd. We caught up with her recently to learn what she's been up to lately. True to form, Ernestine Shepherd has been busy inspiring senior citizens in Baltimore, Maryland to participate in weekly bodybuilding exercises at the local church.

Ernestine's rigorous exercise routine has been a source of inspiration for other senior citizens who wish to be more fit and look more toned. "Some people feel that they can't come into the exercise class because they fear that someone will laugh at them. I reach out to these people to let them know that they too, can exercise" Ernestine says of her students.

"This is how Michelle Obama gets her biceps looking good." Ernestine urges her class of eager exercisers as she coaches them through a set of bicep curls.

At 72, Ernestine Sheperd runs 80 miles a week and lifts weights daily. She has won multiple awards and even first place at a bodybuilding competition. To stay in shape, Ernestine has been faithfully ordering Eggology Egg Whites for the past 7 years--incorporating them into her diet three times every day. "I swear by Eggology Egg Whites!" Ernestine says.

"When you look at her, and you look at yourself...you are inspired to work a little harder!" one of Ernestine's student exclaims.

It may not be possible for everyone to be able to look like Ernestine Shepherd, especially at age 72. But Ernestine's spirit and welcoming attitude definitely inspires me to get off the couch and go out for a jog, maybe even a 5k! It does not hurt to eat healthy and organic either.

To see Ernestine Shepherd's inspiration in action, click here.

The How-To's of Body Building, Along with the Why's!

Anytime you talk about body building, you will almost always hear "if you want this, you have to do that" but if you start inquiring a little deeper, you'll find that most people don't know the WHY of what they are telling you. I am super inquisitive by nature and I don't like people to tell me the should's without telling me the whys, so as I was investigating some of the tips that I heard floating around the gym today, I stumbled across a very interesting article on bodybuilding.com that talks about the Top 10 Secrets to Amplify Your Fat Loss Potential.

I really liked the article because it gave you not only WHAT you should do, but WHY you should do it. In an egg shell, these are the top 10 Secrets they discuss:

1. Consume 5 to 6 meals a day
2. Consume protein rich food sources at each meal to boost your metabolism
3. Eat carbs with a low glycemic index
4. Limit the consumption of fructose-rich foods to the morning
5. Perform high intensity weight training to lose fat
6. Perform aerobics in the morning on an empty stomach
7. Take a powerful fat burner before your aerobic session
8. Drink plenty of water during the day to boost your metabolism
9. Supplement your diet with calcium
10. Get a good and restful nights sleep to trim down

Speaking of sleep, I'm going to do my part to "trim down" and sign off for the night! The article is worth reading through, as it offers some really interesting insight and science behind the tips, along with some cool tools to track your progress!

For high protein foods, buy Eggology egg whites online or find a store near you!

Looking for a Leaner Body? Advice for Beginners Looking for Weightloss

In southern California, where I am located, the motivation to stay lean and fit is present everywhere! All I have to do is look around. When I take my child to school or when I am at the beach or out to dinner, I just have to look around to stay motivated to keep up with my own fitness program because almost everyone looks great! We are a beach town with mild weather year round and mountains nearby with great hiking trails which encourages people to get out and exercise (even if it is as simple as a leisurely walk after dinner).

And, of course, even in this town, there are people who are less motivated - or who have fallen into a rut and cannot seem to pull themselves out of it. Well, I am here to offer help!

One of my favorite go-to sites for all things having to do with fitness is Bodybuilding.com. Bodybuilding.com states that their mission is: "To help our visitors reach their health, fitness and appearance goals through information, motivation and supplementation." Bodybuilding.com features over 25,000 pages of fitness information, has a community of over 230,000 members to support you and keep you motivated, and has a store with 8,500 products (and super fast shipping!). If you haven't been there - then you need to go!

Wait! Before you start surfing Bodybuilding.com's site, keep reading for tips on beginning your own weight loss program. This is from Bodybuilding.com's article Beginner's Fatloss Program!

A simple program that's easy to follow! Here is a synopsis of their tips:

• Set your goal!


• Find what motivates you.
  
• Re-evaluate your nutrition program! I love that they suggest starting slow - not going straight to chicken breasts, Eggology egg whites and protein shakes. Keep track of your calories and become more aware of your caloric intake and the quality of food (read the ingredients!).


• After about two weeks, educate yourself on carbs, dietary proteins and fats!


• Research supplements. Do you take a multivitamin? Interested in protein powder or fish oil? Are these for you and how will the benefit your body?


• Don't forget the part about working out! Full body workout three days per week plus another two to three days of cardio and strength training.


• Don't let your cardio stagnate. After a few weeks look into intervals and more!


• After about three months - Congratulations! You are on it! Now take your training to the next level!

Read the whole article here, including cool videos and two full body workout programs! Thanks Bodybuilding.com!