Muscle Building / Enhancing foods. Part 1

BLUEBERRY NUTRITION -MUSCLE BUILDING/ PERFORMANCE ENHANCING FOODS. Part 1

 
When it comes to packing on muscle and improving athletic performance, we all know protein is where it’s at right? But are all protein sources made equal? Should you stick to one source? Should you mix it up? And what about carbs and fats?!
Here is the first part of a comprehensive list of some of the best foods around that can contribute to helping you achieve your goals.

 
CHICKEN

surprised-chickenVersatile, inexpensive and packed with a host of health improving properties – Chicken should be a mainstay on your shopping list, whether you’re burning fat or looking to get stacked, get it on your plate.

High in protein and lean to boot, chicken is high in the amino acid Tryptophan which increases the serotonin levels in your brain, enhancing your mood and blasting stress. Homocysteine is another amino acid that can cause cardiovascular disease when levels get too high in the body. The consumption of chicken can supress and control Homocysteine levels

 

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION / 100g
Protein 21g
Carbohydrates 0g
Fats 9g
Energy in Kcals 172Kcal
Chicken also contains the Vitamins:

A, B2, B3, B6, B12, K, as well as iron, Magnesium and Zinc

 

 

Pineapple Chicken Curry recipe

• 2 chicken breasts diced or cut into strips
• Corn flour
• Flour
• Curry powder
• Green pepper
• Red pepper
• Tin of pineapples 500g

Place juice from tinned pineapple into a sauce pan; add 1 Tbsp. of corn flour and 1 tbsp. of curry powder. Heat until mixture thickens. Put to the side to be used later. Cut chicken into strips or dice and coat in flour. Place flour covered chicken into frying pan with 1 tbsp. of oil. Brown the chicken and add sliced red and green pepper. When chicken is cooked and peppers are browned add the thickened mixture from sauce pan to frying pan and the pineapples too. Stir all ingredients and mix thouroulgy. Serve

 

AVOCADO

avocado-cut-in-half-ftrIf you do not already eat avocado on a regular basis then trust us you really should. A true nutritional powerhouse -these fruits, which are often mistaken for vegetables are able to boast over 20 nutrients that contribute to a better you.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION / 100g
Protein 2g
Carbohydrates 9g
Fats 15g
Energy in Kcals 160Kcal

Avocado also contains the vitamins:

B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, K and also (but not only) Omega 3, 6and 9 fatty acids, calcium, iodine and potassium

Although Avocados have a high calorific content it is a very nutrient dense content. The fats contained inside this popular fruit are the very healthy Omega 3 fatty acids which help to prevent wrinkles. Rich in the amino acid tryptophan and accompanied with B vitamin complex (and folic acid) avocados help with the production of the bodies ‘feel good’ chemical serotonin.

Avocados are able to reduce blood pressure due to their potassium content; coupled with oleic acid and Omega 3 the effects are increased.

 

Avocado butter substitute

• 1 Avocado
• Olive oil 1 tsp.
• Sea salt -pinch
• Pepper – pinch
• Lemon juice 1tsp
Mash up the avocado in a bowl. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix. Spread onto fresh seeded wholemeal bread. Enjoy.

 

SALMON

salmon 1

 

The combination of a potent protein hit and healthy fats make salmon a regular on the Blueberry/Bodyfire menu. The protein in salmon is easy to digest and absorb -thus making it ideal when packing on lean muscle.

Salmon aids in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol due to its omega 3 content, as it does this it also elevates HDL (good) cholesterol. It also reduces blood pressure and prevents hardening of the arteries and which reduces the risk of a heart attack.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION / 100g
Protein 20g
Carbohydrates 0g
Fats 13g
Energy in Kcals 208Kcal

Salmon also contains the vitamins:

A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, D, E, K, as well as but not limited too – Zinc, selenium, and iron
The Omega 3 fatty acids in the forms of eciosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenioc acid (DHA) have a wealth of benefits including the reduction of post exercise joint stiffness

This fish has a high antioxidant content including Vitamin A – which is integral to a healthy nervous system.

 

Salmon ginger parcels recipe

• Salmon fillets
• Tin foil
• Fresh ginger
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce

Place salmon fillet on sheet of tin foil. Wrap foil around the salmon, leaving top exposed. Grate ginger onto salmon pour on a little soy sauce and olive oil. Bake in oven for around 25 mins at around 180 – 200°C. Remove from foil. Serve

 

 

COCONUT WATER

 

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Coconut water has gained in popularity in recent times. It is the water found inside of a coconut and contains natural sugars and important vitamins and minerals.

Dubbed by some as ‘mother nature’s sports drink’ due to its electrolyte content. Making it a good choice to hydrate you after a bout of intense exercise.

Most unflavoured coconut water contains approx… 200mg potassium/100ml. and 20mg sodium. /100ml making it a very favourable combination when it comes to electrolyte content.

A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise shows that coconut water replenishes body fluids as well as a sports drink and better than water but the athletes preferred the taste of the sports drinks.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION / 100ml
Protein 0.5g
Carbohydrates 4g
Fats 0.1g
Energy in Kcals 22 Kcal

 

 

Ben Crook

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Nutrition Perspectives with Monkey Nutrition

Everyone has an opinion on nutrition these days but rather than fighting about who’s right, it’s far more important for us to find out what is right. What’s right for one person may also be wrong for another as we increasingly understand just how individual we are when it comes to nourishing our bodies.

With that said, keep an open mind and be prepared to venture on a nutrition odyssey, as we ask four different panellists involved professionally in nutrition, eleven fundamental questions.

Will they agree or will their answers vary wildly? First up, meet the participants:
Chris Simon

The founder of the Monkey Nutrition movement, Chris has been the driving force behind the high standard of Monkey Nutrition supplements, never accepting anything less than exceptional. Many athletes and customers have benefitted hugely from Chris’ invaluable knowledge since Monkey’s inception in 2011.
Keith Robinson

A qualified microbiologist, Keith was called to work as a shaman the night his wife died. He now combines science with spirit to awaken and heal people. His practice has a meticulous focus on nutrition as a source of medicine for the human body.

For more information visit YoutubeShaman
Ben Crook

Founder of Blueberry Nutrition, Ben holds a masters degree in Nutritional Biochemistry and works with a range of celebrities and sports people including One Direction and James Haskell.

For more information visit Blueberry Nutrition
Anna Dale

Ayurvedic practitioner, Anna Dale, has over thirteen years training in holistic and Ayurvedic therapies. Anna completed her Masters degree in Ayurvedic Medicine at Middlesex University. Anna’s expertise and insight into Ayurvedic Medicine has been further enhanced by her clinical internship spent at Indian clinics and hospitals.

Anna’s role as a practitioner is to facilitate and promote the body’s own healing process by using natural therapies that do not harm the body.

For more information visit Natural Ayurveda
1. What’s the biggest mistake people make regarding their nutrition?

Chris

Underestimating its importance. This often leads to people taking drastic cuts in calorie intake, replacing real food with poorly processed meal replacements (MRPs) and generally eating incorrectly for their body’s chemistry.

Keith

The biggest mistake with nutrition is not listening to the body. When it asks for a food it’s needed in some way. If you are in alignment then what it asks for will assist it.

Habitual sugar consumption dulls the judgement and it becomes unclear what the body requires. This marks the beginning of problems with nutrition.

Anna

The primary problem which is seen in different nutritional approaches is that they are not orientated towards the individual using them. Modern nutrition uses a ‘one size fits all’ approach to people of all different sizes, shapes and cultures.

The Ayurvedic approach to nutrition is very simple. Food should be consumed according to our basic constitution, which can be determined by observing certain physiological and behavioural patterns.

Ben

One of the biggest misconceptions that I see on a regular basis is the belief that many people carry – thinking that being slim means that you are healthy. This does not mean that it is desirable to be overweight or obese as we know this can lead to many health complications, however looking good on the outside in no way means everything is working well on the inside.

When people focus on ‘being slim’ they tend to not consume enough calories, by not eating the optimum amount of macro-nutrients for your body there is a tendency to be deficient in one or several micro-nutrients (usually more) which over a period of time can lead to undesirable conditions. It is very feasible to be slim and still contract diabetes (type2) or suffer a stroke or heart attack.
2. If you were to remove one food or substance that people regularly consume or are exposed to, what would it be and why?

Keith

Sugar, refined. It destroys intuitive judgement as to what’s right to eat. Depletes the body of essential minerals, and it weakens the constitution.

Chris

There are many, but if I had to choose, then I suppose it would be refined sugar. Without going too much into this, refined sugar offers you no nutrition whatsoever! It has been so highly processed, any life force it once had is no longer, and what is left over, is pure refined carb, which the body cannot utilise because the elements required to do so have been depleted. The resulting poor metabolism of this little nasty, results in the production of toxic metabolites, which then take a hold of the cells and literally choke them out! Needless to say, over time, the cells die and degenerative disease sets in. Oh, and did I mention sugar stimulates the same reward centres in the brain as certain class A’s?!!!

Ben

If it were possible to remove fizzy drinks from the market place it would be a step in the right direction on addressing the nation’s health. A 500ml bottle of Coke contains 210Kcals and 53g of sugar, that’s over thirteen teaspoons of sugar per bottle! I am a great believer that we should eat our calories and not drink them, a 500ml bottle of water contains (you’ve guessed it) 0Kcals and 0g of sugar. Diet fizzy drinks are no better as they are commonly sweetened with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. Artificial sweeteners can trigger insulin, which sends your body into fat storage mode and can lead to weight gain.

Drinking one diet drink daily has been shown to be associated with a 40% increased risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes ‘ University of Minnesota ‘

I have friends that drink between 1 -2 litres of Coke daily and complain that they are not shifting their gut…. I despair sometimes I really do.

Anna

According to Ayurveda, no food is intrinsically good or bad, but each individual will have different reaction to various types of food according to her / his mind-body constitution (prakruti).

If I was to remove a substance which people regularly consume it would be tobacco. According to Ayurveda Pragnya Aparadham means ‘crime against wisdom’ and is considered as one of the triggers of diseases. Smoking is a classic example of that. We are committing a crime (aparadham), despite our wisdom (pragnya), which tells us not to do so.
3. Everything has a toxicity level but looking at the population as a whole, what do people need much more of?

Chris

Clean air and clean water.

Keith

Water first. Over 70% of the population is chronically dehydrated. The water needs to be of the highest quality. Water rich in calcium, filtered naturally through limestone, is best. Acidic waters are hard to drink enough of. A freshly harvested limestone filtered water is so delicious it’s easy to be well hydrated. Tap water drinking is an invitation to dehydration, as it usually tastes so unpalatable. Good air through breathing exercises and being in wild nature second. Magnesium third.

Anna

Indeed, everything has a toxicity level. For example a chemical element, Arsenic, is naturally found in soil and water, it is absorbed by plants regardless of whether they are grown under conventional or organic farming practices.

In Ayurvedic medicine there is special branch called Panchakarma, which has been in practice for thousands of years for the purpose of enhancing health by removal of toxic materials and strengthening and balancing all the bodies’ major tissues and organs using a wide spectrum of therapeutic measures.

Even though people might maintain good eating habits and engage themselves in correct lifestyle activities it is inevitable that toxins will gradually build up over a period of time. It is important for people to undertake annual purification to rid bodies from unwanted materials.

Ben

One food group that we could all eat more of (no matter how fit or healthy you are) are vegetables – in particular fibrous leafy variety

It has been reported that our nation’s teenagers in particular are deficient in various nutrients including Vitamin A, riboflavin, calcium and magnesium. This can be easily addressed by eating foods that are rich in the nutrients that one may be lacking in. The problem is that foods that are the best for us (vegetables and fruit) just aren’t that desirable and are not heavily marketed. Teenagers (not all) can be very impressionable and tend to spend their money in places like McDonalds when out with friends as opposed to hanging out at the green grocer.
4. Can you describe your ideal day of nutrition?

Ben

Your ideal day of nutrition should at the very least be tailored to enable you to:

Wake easily

Be energised all day (without any dips in energy)

Exercise at an optimum level

Wind down and be ready for rest (bed)

Sleep soundly , ready to do it all again

Reach any goals set – eg.Fat loss , increase muscle mass,

In energy terms if you start your day with an influx of calories and you continue this on until lunch time you reduce the chance of ‘energy slumps’. As the day progresses you need to ensure you are consuming the optimum amount of protein (to retain lean muscle mass) so when it comes to your days last main meal (dinner) I feel your Carbs should be sourced less from starch sources and more from fibrous vegetables.

There is a well know saying by Adelle Davis that I feel fits well (depending on lifestyle) –

‘Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper’

Chris

Obviously this is me personally and my daily nutrition wouldn’t necessarily suit others. I usually start the day with a pint of water, followed by a small bowl of organic porridge oats (cooked in organic almond milk), banana, blueberries, blackberries (organic where poss), a little organic, unadulterated honey and cool milled organic nut butter.

I follow this with either a couple of boiled eggs (free range, organic locally sourced), or if i don’t have the time, I have a Primal26 PRO shake (shameless plug). I take various supps too, including fish oil and vitamin D3 and digestive enzymes. Between breakfast and lunch, I may eat the odd handful of raw nuts and then at lunch, I tend to favour quinoa, greens, peppers, carrot and a piece of fish.

In between lunch and dinner, I’m pretty partial to snacking on a little goat cheese/organic halloumi (made from 100% sheep milk) with hummus – halloumi pan fried with some cumin is delish!. My dinner usually consists of red meat/game/chicken/lamb (organic and locally sourced of course!), greens ( organic – I switch these around regularly), onion, loads of garlic, herbs and spices (depending on what I’m making), brown rice and/or sweet potato. If I’m being honest, my fave meat is lamb – I love a good fatty cutlet!

Keith

Listening to the body, enjoying an alkaline based diet of fruit and veg, some self-made chocolate to keep up magnesium levels and to love the body, plus whatever else the body requests.

Anna

In Ayurvedic medicine a creation of menu is done according to one’s mind/body type and medical indications.

Vata is balanced through warm, cooked foods prepared with ghee, oil. The meals should be easy to digest and mixed with pungent spices, because they stimulate the digestive power. Sweet, sour or salty foods are particularly good for this type.

Pitta is balanced by cooling diet and tastes such as sweet, bitter and astringent. Suitable foods are sweet fruits, most vegetables, as well as light dahl dishes.

For people who have dominant Kapha dosha the diet should mainly be warm, light, easy-to-digest and in small quantities. The best tastes are pungent, bitter, and astringent. Kapha types should minimise sweet, sour and salty tastes. Suitable choices are spiced pungent and bitter vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, chicory or asparagus.
5. Is going vegan or vegetarian a good move for people?

Anna

Charaka Samhita, one of the greatest authorities on Ayurveda, provides guidelines for eating both vegetable and animal products. It states that meat can be nutritious for the alleviation of certain diseases and when a person is dehydrated, emaciated or weak. The text also mentions that meat is ‘unwholesome’ when it comes from an animal that has been raised in a habitat that is not its natural environment or in an area that it is not native to. Animal meat is toxic if the animal has eaten food that does not form part of its natural diet.

It is evident that meat, which we have today, does not meet the above guidelines for healthy eating. Also meat is very difficult to digest and leads to putrification and formation of toxins. As such, biologically, human beings are more suited to a predominantly vegetarian diet.

My personal choice will be a plant-based diet with seldom use of meat if the need arises.

Keith

Vegetarian is a good move for all except those who are blood group O, who require animal food to be in balance. Dairy is usually insufficient for them. Vegan suits some people….some group A and some AB do well on vegan diets. Listening carefully to the body will reveal whether a vegan diet is appropriate. Voracious hunger and cravings for non vegan food are most revealing. Some people can make this work for many years then, suddenly, the body takes charge and meat is required.

Ben

Many people think that vegetarians and vegans are a healthy bunch …. In theory they should be if all that they eat are a wide variety of fruit and veg, in reality many vegetarians eat the same as meat eaters but with meat being substituted for meat analogues such as Quorn or tofu. I know a great deal of vegetarians that live on cheese (vegetarian cheese) beans and jacket potatoes and very little else. Just because you make the decision to not eat animal products doesn’t mean that your nutritional decisions are wise ones. Whether you are a vegetarian, meat eater or vegan it is imperative that you are conscious of what is going on your plate to ensure you are eating the correct nutrition for your body.

Chris

Hmmmm….you’re talking to a big meat eater here, but yes, I think this can be a good move for some people. Personally, I think everyone should try going vegan 1-2 days a week (I try, but it’s not easy with my appetite for meat!). It may be beneficial for people to be veggie on days involving intense exercise and then eat meat the day after – I’m a big proponent of the whole “Flesh for flesh” idea. Regarding the vegan/vegetarian debate as a whole, I think as long as you respect the animal you’re eating, are grateful of the nutrition it’s about to provide you with and it’s from a clean, organic source, then there’s no problem.
6. We know the nutritional needs of individuals can vary wildly, what important things should a person consider when trying to tailor their own nutrition?

Chris

There are many things to consider in my opinion. Stress levels, digestion, allergies, intolerance, infections (parasites, fungus), activity levels, sleep patterns, work patterns and of course, goals.

Ben

When looking to tailor your nutrition it is very important to remember that you are looking to improve YOUR NUTRITION and not anyone else’s. What I mean by that is too many people are concerned with what their friends are eating or what the athlete in the magazine is eating. Nutrition is a very personal thing that encompasses many factors including:

Amount of calories needed daily

With your Calories worked out you need to work out macro-nutrient intake (protein, fat, carbs.)

Personal preferences and tastes (you may love chicken while someone else may hate it)

Personal goals – e.g. Fat loss, increase lean muscle mass

Lifestyle – Work commitments, exercise etc.

Anna

Once you have determined your mind-body constitution (dosha), your next stop to health is to incorporate the right foods into your diet. The specific food guidelines for Vata, Pitta and Kapha are provided by Ayurvedic classical books. An Ayurvedic practitioner will help you pick different foods suited to your physiology, your current health state and the season.
7. How important is it to source organic food?

Chris

In my opinion, very important. Non-organic, conventionally grown foods are full of nasty farming chemicals and aren’t as nutritionally complete as organic foods. Organically grown vegetables for example, are rich in important secondary phytonutrients, and benefit from the interaction of living microorganisms present in the chemical free soil. Once cooked, conventionally grown veg will harbour even more toxic chemical compounds, as heat from cooking alters the molecular structure of existing chemicals, and thus produces new ones… what you now have is a chemical shit storm, which whilst not having a drastic immediate impact, it is my belief this will have a negative impact over time.

Anna

Many factors influence the decision to choose organic food. Some people choose organic food because they prefer the taste. Yet others opt for organic because of concerns such as, pesticides, food additives, environment etc.

Whether you go totally organic or opt to mix conventional and organic foods, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Buy fruits and vegetables in season when possible.

Read food labels carefully.

Wash and scrub fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running warm water.

Ben

Organic food is a better choice where possible. I myself am a keen juicer and from experience if I were to juice a bunch of organically grown carrots the resultant juice would be a richer orange colour when compared to non-organic carrots. The difference in taste is very noticeable, this could be due to the fact that organic produce has a higher nutrient content (as shown in numerous studies) than non –organic. Organic produce is (as far as I know) free from neuro-toxins which are compounds found in organophosphates – a class of pesticides that can damage brain and nerve function which is never a good thing.

Keith

It’s best to make organic food your mainstay. If you travel away from home it’s important to eat some non organic food so your body can cope with detoxing it.
8. What’s the best way to pin point an allergy or intolerance?

Chris

These days there are various different testing methods, which can be carried out by dietitians and in some cases GPs, although efficacy of these tests may be dubious and therefore unreliable.

If you don’t want to pay for these tests, then you could always try a food rotation diet, keeping a food and reaction diary to help you eliminate any potential allergens – in my opinion, this is the best option.

Keith

A consistent reaction by the body to detox the allergen, which may be as gentle as a runny nose (my response to margarine) or as severe as anaphylactic shock.

Ben

There are a few tried and tested ways to elucidate intolerance to food or an allergy these include:

Keep a food diary – documenting your food intake over a period of say 2 weeks can be useful. With your food diary you can see if a particular food (or foods) could possibly be associated with causing discomfort. Write down EVERYTHING you eat – be sure to look at all ingredients that may be in a particular product , this could help a great deal

Elimination diet – upon reviewing your food diary you can look at your list of foods and decide which to cut from your diet entirely (for a short period of time) Record your diet over this time (and symptoms) if your symptoms have alleviated or disappeared add in one food back into your diet and record reactions

Keep a track on foods that you think may be causing a reaction and see how you fare upon introduction

Anna

Allergies or intolerances take place when immune system reacts to a substance. In some people it is hereditary, but one can also develop an allergy or intolerance at any time in his or her life. Any substance ie foods, chemicals in foods, medicines, environmental factors, parasites, dust, animal hair, chemical toxins and many others can all cause allergic reactions anywhere in the body.

Ayurveda sees ama (toxins) and impaired immunity as the primary causes of most allergies. Toxins can lodge at the digestive level or in the various tissues, with different symptoms at each level. Ama toxicity aggravates blood and Pitta, or it can aggravate Kapha, with different symptoms such as respiratory, digestive, skin allergies etc.

The recommended line of management for allergies and intolerances are PanchaKarma procedures, which methodically remove toxins from the deep tissues and safely expel them from the body.
9. Are there any supplements that you feel are universal and every person should use?

Keith

The supplements I prefer are pomegranate, wheatgrass, an Epsom salts bath and magnesium spray.

Ben

When I was at University I asked my professor who is a leading authority on coronary heart disease ‘what supplements (if any) you would recommend? He told me and I have to agree with him – The daily intake of fish oil namely DHA and EPA is very advantageous to health.

EPA and DHA stand for eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid respectively. DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye. Both EPA and DHA are pre-cursors to prostaglandins which regulate cell activity and promote healthy cardiovascular function.

I must also add that if you engage in regular exercise then a protein powder is a wise choice to help maintain and promote lean muscle mass.

Chris

Yes, Fish Oil, D3 and digestive enzymes. Personally, I also use herbal adaptogens such as maca and also switch between whey protein and vegan powder sources.

Anna

I believe, it’s important to ensure people consume a diverse, nutrient-dense, plant-based diet with additional herbal supplements, spices and phytochemicals to attain optimum health and piece of mind.
10. How important is managing stress in the order of things and what nutrition protocols would you use to help manage stress?

Anna

According to Ayurveda, the important factor in a person’s sensitivity to stress is a substance, which is called ojas and is found within all cellular tissues and the mind. Ojas is the vital essence, which plays a direct role in our energy, strong immunity, vitality etc. It is extracted from food that has been properly digested. It circulates throughout the bodily tissues, sustaining good health and provides the mind with stability and happiness. Long term problems with digestion deplete the body of ojas leading to increased sensitivity to stress.

It is important to protect ojas which can be done through diet as per one’s constitution, yoga, massage, mineral substances, natural supplements, aromas, herbal medicine, detoxification and meditation. Ayurvedic practitioners slowly guide their patients back to living in harmony with their true nature using all these modalities.

Chris

Managing stress is absolutely paramount to health and well being! It is the first port of call in my opinion, this and digestion. It pains me to see so many people out there under tremendous stress and spending their evenings in what they perceive to be “beast mode” at the gym. If you are wanting to indulge in intense exercise, you must first manage your stress levels and then manage your time better, in order that you may exercise during the day, and not late in the evening, otherwise, you will be fatiguing your adrenal glands and perpetuating a negative loop, which will eventually lead to total burnout.

Of course, exercise is recommended to help combat stress, but training in the evening and stimulating a release of adrenaline just before bed, is counterproductive! Cutting out stimulants (medical & recreational drugs, tobacco, alcohol, sugar, caffeine and even your iPhone and X-Box, i’m afraid) as well as avoiding foods high in chemical additives and toxic metals (processed foods) will help to strengthen your adrenal glands and bring balance back into your life.

Drink plenty of water (lemon water is always a good idea), eat nutrient dense foods, up your protein and fat intake (fats build hormones and protein is involved in every metabolic process in your body), consider supplementing with adaptogens (in small amounts to start with), as well as zinc, magnesium, vit C, vit D3 (or possibly a good quality multivit), fish oil, digestive enzymes and maybe a probiotic…oh and take up meditation!

Keith

Very important. Stress can toxify the body. This is why it is essential to pay attention to the three principles:

A) diet: Eat a balanced pH diet, with sufficient alkaline forming foods.

B) activity: exercise daily.

C) attitude: cultivate the attitude of gratitude for your life, your environment, your food, air and water, for wild nature, for your friends and family. Gratitude and hydration are the great stress busters. If the need arises, the green medicine is very efficacious for those who struggle managing stress.

Also, drink more water during stressful periods. Ensure sufficient magnesium is present. It appears that it is absorbed more readily through the skin.

Ben

I am a great believer that if you can get the ‘magic 3 ‘ right then everything in life is made that much easier – the magic 3 being

Nutrition

Exercise

Rest /sleep

One great weapon in the arsenal against stress and anxiety is juicing. If you prepare yourself a fresh juice each day then you know that you are taking on board a healthy brace of nutrients and all other portions of fruit and vegetables are a bonus and contribute to getting you back on track (if that makes sense).
11. Finally, what markers or indicators tell you the state of someone’s health?

Ben

In my humble opinion by casting your gaze over someone you can quickly tell if they have something majorly wrong with them – you can tell just by looking if an individual is overweight, has jaundice (for instance) has teeth missing (though diet and not being knocked out) Looking at a person’s eyes is another indicator of health – a healthy person has nice white eyes with deep coloured iris and pupils.

However, looking at someone is not a true indicator of say cardiovascular health or if a person has an elevated cholesterol level so more stringent testing would be needed such as blood testing and VO2 max.

Chris

The skin is usually the best indicator – after all, this is the biggest detoxification organ in your body; if it looks like shit, then it’s doing way too much detoxifying and becoming clogged up (just like your dishwasher filter) as a result of a lifestyle of excess….other indicators are hair, nails and of course body composition….don’t be fooled by someone who is extremely lean though, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are healthy! “As above, so below” does not always apply here!

Keith

A person’s state of health is easily seen in the quality of the skin, the brightness of the eyes, the desire to be active, to engage with the world. A strong sense of gratitude is evinced.

Anna

According to Ayurveda some of the indicators of good health are:

Good appetite

Normal functioning of sense organs

Good digestion

Daily bowel movement and normal urine output

Sound sleep

Lightness of body

Good mental faculties

Radiant appearance

There you have it! An incredible collection of nutrition information that hopefully allows you to tailor your own nutrition and lifestyle according to your needs

Monkey Nutrition – APE Review

Monkey Nutrition – APE review

I was very interested in getting the opportunity to trial ‘Monkey Nutrition’s’ APE’ as I had heard a great deal of very favourable comments regarding this Testosterone booster. Over time I have given most supplements a trial run to see if (at all) they could improve my results spent training and of course compliment my daily nutrition. However the majority have fallen by the wayside and only the truly worthy have ever made it into my regular supplementation arsenal.

As with most people using a testosterone booster the most ideal and desirable result that I was looking for was an increase in lean muscle mass (no matter how small) and/or an increase in motivation and maybe even an added lift in the bedroom (not that I needed that lol) So I gave APE a go for 30 days and here is what I thought …..

Packaging

APE comes in a handy tub filled with ones month’s supply (30 packs). Each days pack comes in an easy to grab wrapper that contains 8 different tablets that are actually in the form of –

• 4 Capsules
• 2 Tablets
• 2 Soft gels

The one apprehension I had when it came to APE was the amount of tablets you needed to consume daily, however this was soon forgotten on the initial day after I had washed them down with my first glass of water while accompanying breakfast. They actually went down very easy indeed.

Training

I’d be lying if I were to say ‘as soon as APE hit my stomach I felt it working’ I didn’t – but it didn’t actually take that long until I felt it take effect. My training schedule is basically comprised of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday spent weight training and Wednesday Saturday and maybe one other day spent with cardiovascular training.

The first couple of days on APE I didn’t really notice much but the fourth day I did notice I felt a bit more GGGGGRRRRRR – Now I know that’s not a scientific term but if you have taken APE then you may be able to empathise with me. What I mean by that is by the end of the 1st week I felt a lot more alert and really ready for my workouts.

By the end of week 2 I noticed that my time spent in-between sets has decreased and my muscle had started to fill a little fuller – now this could be due to several other variables but at the end of week 3 I had increased my bench press from 165Kg to 175Kg, and my Deadlift from 220Kg to 235Kg. I had also seen increases in all other exercises but these two were my yardstick.

By the time I had completed day 30 on APE not only my muscles felt stronger and fuller but my connective tissue (tendons etc.) felt stronger and able to cope with a lot more stress.

My Bench at the end of day 30 on APE had risen to 180Kg and my deadlift to 255Kg,

 

Formulation

Checking out the ingredients of APE you can see it boasts a wealth of top quality ingredients you would expect within a testosterone booster -such as tribulus terrestris and Fenugreek seed extract. There are also compounds you may not expect to see such as the Essential fatty acid matrix which a great addition considering testosterone itself is indeed fat soluble.

The oestrogen inhibitor blend is indicative of a supplement that has quality stamped upon it and contributes to thumbs up in my book.

Verdict

I could write an essay on many aspects of this supplement but as this is a review I have kept it short and sweet.

This is the best testosterone booster that I have tried, I know this a very sweeping statement however the results speak for themselves. My weight increased significantly on the exercises that I had chosen to use as a measurement- my bench increased by 15Kg and my deadlift increased by 35Kg.

I felt great throughout the use of APE and my workouts seemed to be a lot easier. I always enjoy working out but I did notice I felt slightly more elevated (is the best way I can describe it) during my time spent in the gym with the added bonus of not feeling any detrimental effects such as feeling a bit drab or ‘drugged up’ as with how you can feel with certain supplements or brands.

I have certainly added APE to my supplement cupboard and will be using it throughout the months when my workouts need a little boost. One other area that was pleasantly welcomed was the bedroom; my libido was given a little boost so I have to add in a little thank you from my girlfriend too.

In short this testosterone booster did exactly what it said it would –

• It increased my motivation
• I saw an increase in Lean muscle mass
• Increase in libido

 

When a supplement does exactly what it sets out to do it’s always a good thing in my book, however APE didn’t just live up to expectations – it surpassed my expectations and the results were more than impressive.

So if you are looking for a testosterone booster then look no further APE is for you

 

Follow link below to try APE for yourself

http://www.monkeynutrition.com/products/ape-testosterone-booster

 

Ben Crook BSc hons. RNutr

Blueberry Nutrition
Consultant Nutritionist

 

58 Harley Street

We are proud to announce we have partnered with 58 Harley St.

 

Our Lead Nutritionist Ben can now see clients at the practice at 58 Harley St

Sport 360 Article

 

 

 

Sport 360 Aticle

Too Much Or Not Enough

To Much Or Not Enough. by Mark Jarvis


How often should you train? Once a week, twice, more?
How long should each session last? 20 minutes, an hour, two hours?!
To be honest it’s a trick question. There are many factors to take into account. Such as…
Are you training for weight loss, weight gain, an event or just a healthier lifestyle?

Blueberry Training Clients

 

Government guidelines suggest a minimum of three, 20 minute sessions a week. Obviously, the fitter you are the more you can do but even though it doesn’t sound like much if the sessions are effective then you will see impressive benefits. It is all about quality rather than quantity when if comes to working out.

If you spend hours in the gym it doesn’t mean your training like a Spartan! Resting to long in between exercises & sets, talking to your training partner (about non training related subjects!) or texting your mates on your phone. It all burns time, not calories.

Calories

If you can hit the gym hard 3 to 4 times a week & train for 30 to 45 minutes efficiently then your body is getting more than enough exercise.
Incorporate body weight & functional movements to keep your body working correctly. Drop sets, super sets & Tabatas are a great way to keep your body under pressure but not spend hours in the gym.

Blueberry Training Head Trainer - Mark Jarvis

On rest days or for something different add an active leisure session into your programme.
Active leisure is a way of exercising but not actually being classed as a workout session. Long country walks, family bike rides or swimming are a great calorie burner but enjoyable & easier to work into a family lifestyle.

Train smarter, eat clean, stay hydrated & get plenty of rest & thousands of years of evolution will do the rest.

Exeter Golf and Country Club

We are proud to announce that we have partnered with one of the most prestigious venues in Devon – Exeter Golf and Country Club.

 

Exeter Golf and Country Club

The club is just minutes from the city centre, M5, A30 and A38, so one of the most convenient locations in the South West. The Club boasts one of the best 18 hole golf courses in the South West with year-round play and pristine greens. Alongside the stunning surroundings the club offers six tennis courts, some of the best squash courts in the south west, a well-equipped and friendly gym and fitness studio, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools and of course the newly opened Wear Park Spa.

We are now able to offer face to face consultations with our lead nutritionist Ben for members and non – members of the club. Each consultation is accompanied with a 28 day individually tailored nutrition plan. We have 3 programmes specific for the club

· Fat loss

· Size Building / Lean mass/ Sport specific

· Lifestyle

These plans are not set in stone and during the consultation if you have any particular requests we will work with you to formulate a nutrition plan that will see you achieve amazing results

If you live in the area or are visiting come down and take advantage of the receiving the countries best nutritional advice in one of the best surroundings.

 

   

 

 

Preparing for the Indian Ocean row . Part 1

Preparing for the Indian Ocean Row Part 1…

 

 

 

We were extremely proud to be asked to work with Ashley Wilson and James Ketchell as they prepare to undertake the mammoth task of rowing the Indian Ocean later this year.

They will be embarking 3600 miles across the Indian Ocean from Geraldton, Western Australia to Port Louis, Mauritius. Only 38 attempts have ever been made to cross the Indian Ocean with only 16 actually being successful.
The intrepid pair is aiming to break the current world record which stands at 82 days 2 hours and 5 minutes.

 

The route the pair will be taking

Where Blueberry Nutrition comes in is we were given the task of increasing Ashley’s weight to combat the weight loss that will occur during the crossing. As you can appreciate rowing over 3000 miles needs a considerable amount of energy and a great deal of preparation.
For a ‘normal ‘person this is a very daunting undertaking but when you take into consideration the fact Ashley has had epilepsy since the age of 7 and at the age of 20 he was also diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system) which means he fits around once or twice a week – preparing Ashley for the row was made that little more difficult

 

Ashley and James

Ashley and James

 

 

Nutrition
When preparing for any physical activity your diet is integral for performance.

Optimum nutrition = Optimum performance

When we first met Ashley he was around a slender 40Kg and we were looking to pack on as much weight as possible. With that in mind we were looking to put on the right kind of weight not just body fat (although body fat will be a plus)
Muscle
The row will be very taxing on Ashley’ s muscles as they will be in almost constant use (rowing 2 hours on and 2 hours off constantly for over 3 months) So we looked at increasing Ashley’s muscle mass over a period of time.
Due to Ashley’s condition packing on muscle and mass in general was a slower process than a person of ‘normal’ standing due to his health complications
Currently Ashley’s weight is 56Kg so there has been an increase of approximately 30% which of course is very positive indeed! We are still aiming to hit the 60Kg mark and over if possible.
Whilst rowing both James and Ashley will aim to be consuming enough calories to fuel their row each day. However as time progresses it is a certainty that body weight will decrease as not enough calories will be taken on- board over time , so it important to have an excess of body mass to combat this as much as possible.
This concept of having excess body mass doesn’t just mean carrying an extra couple of Kgs or stone in body fat and hoping that your body can use that energy when needed. Both Ashley and James have trained (and are still in training) within many fields that include

• Rowing (obviously ) both indoor and out
• Strength & conditioning
• Being mentally prepared
• Resistance training
• Cardiovascular

 

 

Ashley on the Water

Ashley on the Water

 

They are in simple terms building up and strengthening their bodies and minds to as high a degree as possible as what lies ahead of them is going to test them physically and mentally and certainly break them down physically
The pair is aware that as body mass decreases it will be a combination of fluids, muscle mass and body fat (as well as other tissues) that are lost during the journey.
Increasing muscle mass is not just about being able to factor in losing muscle over time – the muscle also has to be functional. So as much as it is inevitable body weight will decrease, the muscle that is making up the pairs bodies has to be able to propel them through the seas. An increase in muscle tissue accompanied with training means that they will be able to store more glycogen making more glucose available for necessary energy levels which in turn means they can (in theory ) row the necessary 2 hour on , 2 hours off

 

Ashley in the Gym

 

Look at it this way……..
If Ashley starts the row at 60Kg and it took them 85 days to make the trip then;
Each day Ashly could afford to lose 0.2Kg of body weight daily which will be a combination of muscle, fat , fluids and possibly even bone mass – in Ashley’s case the majority will be lean muscle

 

Muscle wastage

 

 

Ashley will be aiming to consume 6000Kcals each day, made up of the following

 

  • 1x Freeze dried breakfast 1000 Kcal’s
  • 2x Freeze dried Main meal 800 – 1000 Kcal’s each
  • 1x Freeze dried Dessert 800 Kcal’s
  • 2x Ultra Fuel (Liquid Food) 500 Kcal’s each
  • The rest 2x Choc chip flap jacks and a Cliff bar everyday.
  • We will also have 2x Whey Sachets everyday to top up our protein and try to help stop too much muscle wastage.
  • Preparing for the Indian Ocean Row Part 2 will be our soon…

 

 

Check the website

http://www.nothings-impossible.co.uk/

The pair are rowing in aid of charities…….

Elifar

Elifar

 

 

Young Epilepsy

Young Epilepsy

 

Scouts association

 

 

Mark Jarvis’s Blog #1 Tour Fit!

I’m back on the road again!

 

As exciting as touring is, it can be challenging to keep fit & disciplined. Jet-lag, late nights & hotel food can take there toll so I try to keep it simple.

 

Mark Jarvis hard at work

Most of the hotels have a fitness centre or spa but failing that I always pack a TRX, skipping rope & resistance bands, it’s amazing how hard you can train with limited equipment & a little know how. I personally stick to a six on, one off split. I also need to be aware of how long I spend training. My clients train when they want too or there schedule allows so I can’t spend hours in the gym.

I aim to keep my sessions 45-60 minutes long & are a mixture of H.I.T (High Intensity Training) & functional training. My typical week is…

Mon. Upper body.
Tue. Lower body.
Wed. C.V.
Thu. Upper body.
Fri. Lower body.
Sat. C.V.
Sun. Rest day

Mark Jarvis working the bag

I incorporate giant-sets, super-sets & drop-sets to fatigue each muscle group. I personally find this the best way for me to train & my body responds well to this format.

 

Mark woking a client hard

My cardio training is mainly boxing circuits or an hour on a cross trainer.
I keep my food intake as clean & again as simple as possible. I stick to a high protein diet with plenty of raw fruits & vegetables. I subsidise my diet with supplements such as protein shakes, multivitamins & minerals & make sure I’m hydrated.