Bodybuilding Diet

[GoingRAW]

I hope that no one minds that I started a new thread for bodybuilding foods.
I am interested to know what those of you that lift weights eat to maintain muscle. What percentage of raw you are and possibly what you eat on a normal day?
Thanks so much,
GR :D

[tglasco4]

Hello GoingRaW,

I use weights, but not nearly as heavily as others who are into serious bodybuilding. I just use dumbells for both curls, lunges and squats. Pushups and chin ups are my main upper body exercises. I weigh 191lbs now (I have lost 20lbs since May of this year). I am fairly solid. I eat mostly fruit and nuts. I am finding my nut intake has increased since the weather started turning colder. It was much lower in the summer. I eat veggies, but fruit is the staple for sure. I guess what a raw bodybuilder would eat would depend on their body-type and genetics. If the person was naturally slim already or carried alot of bodyfat. I have learned the hard way that strict form is very important. What is your bodytype and what do you eat?

Todd


I hope that no one minds that I started a new thread for bodybuilding foods.
I am interested to know what those of you that lift weights eat to maintain muscle. What percentage of raw you are and possibly what you eat on a normal day?
Thanks so much,
GR :D

[GoingRAW]

Hi Todd,
Thanks for replying. I currently eat about 5 times a day. I usually mix my fruits w/ some kind of soaked nuts b/c I have blood sugar issues and I am trying to lose fat, but also maintain muscle.

Today's intake is similar to what I usually eat.

banana
1/4 c almonds

Rice Protein
Golden Flax Seeds (ground)
lettuce

apples
5 brazil nuts

lettuce
spinach
sprouts
1/2 avocado

LaraBar (raw food bar)

The only thing keeping me from being 100% is the rice protein, even though it is vegan and is processed under 90 degrees. I would like to start using the Nutiva Hemp Protein, but was waiting until I finished my rice protein.
I used to be able to maintain my weight, but like I said I have blood sugar issues (hypoglycemia) and I also have hypothyroid, which lead me to gain a significant amount. I have stopped the meds for that and am hoping that my raw lifestyle will even that out.
What do you think?
Thanks,
Laughty

[tglasco4]

Well Raw,

I fasted yesterday. I always fast on Mondays. So all I had was:

32oz of water/32oz of hot water with the juice of one squeezed lemon and raw honey.

for exercise:

4mile walk with 7x40 lunges/3x20 chins.

Peace.

[Curtis]

Todd do you fast one day a week? I think Paul Bragg did that all his life.

[tglasco4]

Hiya Brother Curtis,

Yes, I do a 40 hour water fast once per week. I am thinking about doing it even during my juice fast which I hope to begin Sunday for 7 Days (It will be a short one).

Todd


Todd do you fast one day a week? I think Paul Bragg did that all his life.

[Curtis]

Okay thanks have been giving some serious thought to water fasting one day a week as the digestive system seems to be the one part of us that don't get to rest. :)

[GoingRAW]

Hi Todd,
I imagine that since your body is accustomed to regular fasts that you don't have problems w/ energy and your workouts?? I am not a regular faster.
I would like to start focusing on incorperating(sp?) more body weight exercises...I am currently a huge dumbbell/barbell fan. Maybe when I do fasts, it would be easier to work on them??
Just a thought,
L

[tglasco4]

Hi Raw,

Well, most of the time, no I don't have energy problems but for short periods. Sometimes though I do have to push myself to workout during a water fast, but I won't push too hard. If I only do half a workout, thats fine with me. I wouldnt expect to be able to do that if I was on a water fast for more then a few days though. A juice fast is different. It provides vitamins and nutrients so that you really don't lose any energy after the first 3 days. Actually my energy level rose after that. I used to do alot of dumbells and barbells also. The mistake I made was (in trying to get "huge" and muscular) my form was off, I lifted way too heavy and I didn't have a good long term plan. Also, I wasn't patient enough. If I may make a recommendation, use weights that you can handle with excellent form. Increase the poundages very moderately each month. If you are eating raw, eat plenty of fresh fruit and nuts (don't go too crazy with the nuts though). Fresh vegetables and not too many grains. If you do this, give yourself a 2 year window. You will see marvelous developement.

Todd


Hi Todd,
I imagine that since your body is accustomed to regular fasts that you don't have problems w/ energy and your workouts?? I am not a regular faster.
I would like to start focusing on incorperating(sp?) more body weight exercises...I am currently a huge dumbbell/barbell fan. Maybe when I do fasts, it would be easier to work on them??
Just a thought,
L

[GoingRAW]

Todd,
LOL... I hate to be stereotypical, but this is common for the guys that I know at the gym.



I used to do alot of dumbells and barbells also. The mistake I made was (in trying to get "huge" and muscular) my form was off, I lifted way too heavy and I didn't have a good long term plan. Also, I wasn't patient enough.


Thanks for the advice, I think that I have my workouts down. I am actually going through personal training school right now and so I work out about 2 times a day. My problem is diet. Your plan for that seems like a reasonable goal. I need to work on eating more. Like I said, I have only been raw for 3 months and so I need to be patient in order to see the maximum benefits.
Thanks,
GR
[/QUOTE]If I may make a recommendation, use weights that you can handle with excellent form. Increase the poundages very moderately each month. If you are eating raw, eat plenty of fresh fruit and nuts (don't go too crazy with the nuts though). Fresh vegetables and not too many grains. If you do this, give yourself a 2 year window. You will see marvelous developement.

[/QUOTE]

[tglasco4]

LOL Raw,

Yes of course you are correct. I used to read those bodybuilding mags and think "if they could do it, so can I". I didn't want to believe they were using steriods or other performance drugs. As I did more study on it I found that many, if not most top bodybuilders use drugs and whether they use drugs or not, they eat an inordinate amount of calories in order to produce muscle mass. Neither of those options is healthy. That struck me as ironic. When Joe Weider founded his empire, I think it was to help people get healthy, but it seems he has made alot of money helping people use drugs. I also lost that focus. After damaging my shoulders for a few years I think I have gotten back to just trying to create higher levels of fitness and true health.

Todd

[GoingRAW]

Hi Todd,
It is so true. I used to follow women's fitness and figure quite a bit (as well as men's). And I found out the same thing, they are supposed to represent the picture of health and fitness, but how healthy can you be w/ all that unnatural stuff in your body??
I am not sure if you follow it these days, but Ronnie Coleman (6 time Mr. Olympia) and Jay Cutler are the top contestants. They are both weighing in at mid 300's. and they are pure steroid injected muscle. I had a conversation w/ a friend about this the other day. I hate to say it, but how long will these guys really live w/ such abuse on their bodies?
The fact that you and I know this is a good thing, but what about the young body builders that only see big muscles and want to be just like them??
Sorry.. I am rambling, but it is surprising how few people see it this way!
Take care,
GR

[tglasco4]

Hi GW,

When one sees all the glamore thrown on ultra-muscle men and perfectly put together women (not mentioning the drugs, tucks, implants and other things that go into it), its easy to see how people can be decieved. I have learned not to always trust what I see at face value in these situations. I look at people like Jack Lalanne, Bill Pearl and people like that who have high levels of fitness. I am looking forward that, if I should be on this earth that long, I will be in my 80s and looking pretty much like I do now (or better). Sound health principles (including the raw diet) will outlast all the fake stuff in the long run and produce much greater happiness as well.

Todd

[GoingRAW]

I hear what you are saying Todd! I know for myself that I feel 100% better when I am high raw then when I am trying to follow a so called clean bodybuilder diet and workout. I definitely feel that the raw lifestyle will lead me to a much higher level of health than anything else can. You are definitely an inspiration. How long have you been raw?

[tglasco4]

Thanks alot GW,

I went raw at the end of last April, so I have just completed 6 months. I want to stress that I am not 100% raw. I still use zwieback (twice-baked) bread with my veggies. But other than that I am 100% raw. Right now I am on day one of a 7 day juice fast. Day one is going good so far, its usually the toughest day. You say that you are doing a course in personal training? Thats great! It will be nice to have a personal trainer that understands the value of raw foods.

Peace.

Todd

[corky]

Was just reading this thread and found it very informative--thanks guys! Also, want to say it is great to see an upcoming fitness person who is incorporating the raw diet into his lifestyle. You will have such wonderful impacts on so many people--not enough of us around! I try and do sit ups and push ups when i can--with a 3 and 5 yr old--well just excuses!! Lunges hurt my knees so i need something else to do for that area--any thoughts?
Thanks again for all the great info.!

[tglasco4]

Hi Corky,

I had bad knees at one time. What I did to work around them then was a combination of leg machines (i.e. leg press, leg extensions at a local gym). Partial squats with moderate weight and biking (mostly road, but off-road as well). Also, if you are overweight, I wouldn't be concerned with even the above-mentioned exercises until a decent reduction in body weight. Which means the raw diet (of course!), periodic fasting and lots of walking.

Peace.

Todd


Was just reading this thread and found it very informative--thanks guys! Also, want to say it is great to see an upcoming fitness person who is incorporating the raw diet into his lifestyle. You will have such wonderful impacts on so many people--not enough of us around! I try and do sit ups and push ups when i can--with a 3 and 5 yr old--well just excuses!! Lunges hurt my knees so i need something else to do for that area--any thoughts?
Thanks again for all the great info.!

[GoingRAW]

Todd,
I understand not being 100%. I have tried both, granted not for a very long time, but sometimes you know that your body needs something. I am working on 100%. Funds are limited and protein can be expensive. I know that a lot of raw foodist say that you don't need that much protein, but w/out it I lost a lot of muscle mass when I first went raw. Ideally, I would like to get to 100%, I have added in cooked rice for the time being, but as soon as I can, I will get my calories the raw way. I can't wait to see what the hemp protein does for me :D
Yes, I am taking a personal training course. It is a 500 hour/6 month course and it is really extensive. I am loving it so far, it is exciting to be doing it as a raw fooder.
Take care,
GR


Thanks alot GW,

I went raw at the end of last April, so I have just completed 6 months. I want to stress that I am not 100% raw. I still use zwieback (twice-baked) bread with my veggies. But other than that I am 100% raw. Right now I am on day one of a 7 day juice fast. Day one is going good so far, its usually the toughest day. You say that you are doing a course in personal training? Thats great! It will be nice to have a personal trainer that understands the value of raw foods.

Peace.

Todd

[GoingRAW]

Thanks Corky!
Like Todd said, machine exercises are good, b/c they help guide you through the range of motion. I just wanted to ask if you plan on exercising at home or at a gym?


Was just reading this thread and found it very informative--thanks guys! Also, want to say it is great to see an upcoming fitness person who is incorporating the raw diet into his lifestyle. You will have such wonderful impacts on so many people--not enough of us around! I try and do sit ups and push ups when i can--with a 3 and 5 yr old--well just excuses!! Lunges hurt my knees so i need something else to do for that area--any thoughts?
Thanks again for all the great info.!

[corky]

At home as i just never seem to make it to the gym and none have childcare here. And Todd is right about cycling--i used to cycle tour and i had the legs back then!! And it was fun too! I weigh about 135 now so only about 10lbs overweight--just no muscle except in my arms from my push ups. How about the bowflex machine--any comments on that? Thought it might be good to build muscle at home--although, i know hand weights used right could do the same thing.

[tglasco4]

Hi Corky,

The bowflex would be ideal. You could do the leg exercises on that. I believe it would actually be better than the gym (I am one that prefers to workout at home) and give you just as good a workout. It will be of great benefit to your knees. Just don't overdo it on the the resistance level, be patient and progress slowly. Yes the road biking would be great, but as we are coming into winter it may not be accessible (unless you live in a warm place).

Peace.

Todd


At home as i just never seem to make it to the gym and none have childcare here. And Todd is right about cycling--i used to cycle tour and i had the legs back then!! And it was fun too! I weigh about 135 now so only about 10lbs overweight--just no muscle except in my arms from my push ups. How about the bowflex machine--any comments on that? Thought it might be good to build muscle at home--although, i know hand weights used right could do the same thing.

[GoingRAW]

Hey Corky,
What about using the bowflex and getting a couple sets of free weights? You don't have to buy a lot, that way when you need heavier weights you can buy a couple more at a time. Just a thought. Also, I found that strengthening the quadriceps really alleviates a lot of stress on the knees. You can even use your kids as resistance :D For example, sit in a chair and have one of them sit on your feet w/ their legs wrapped around your legs facing you. And kick your legs out until they are parallel to the floor. (Did you understand that description?) Let me know. Good luck, GR

[tryingtoberaw100%]

[FONT=Arial]
Hi
I use a rebounder for exercise which is better for the immune system and body. Less wear and tear on the body, a rebounder is fun and easy to do. With shoes or socking feet, you will be bouncing up and down. :) Sometimes I rebound even in my bare feet. The rebounder has two springs from the stand to the center for support at a point. I started out with 5 minutes a day then worked up to an hour. I can even rebound now while watching a 90 minute video. I started to use a rebounder two years ago. Vegan bodybuilders use the rebounder for 40 minutes a day part of their workout. :cool: Becareful when buying one that it is a rebounder some sport stores mistake a mini tampolina for a rebounder. A mini tampolina has only one spring from the stand to the center for support. Rebounders are also sold online,too.

[tglasco4]

Thanks tryingtoberaw,

I have been thinking about buying one for quite awhile. I am looking for an indoor aerobic activity plus some more spring in my legs. Do you own a specific brand that you would recommend?

Peace.

Todd

[ehartmanf]

Todd, I have a Needak rebounder and I believe it's the best brand out there. Here's where I got mine: http://www.greenlivingoasis.com The service was very good and I received it quickly.

[tryingtoberaw100%]

Thanks tryingtoberaw,

I have been thinking about buying one for quite awhile. I am looking for an indoor aerobic activity plus some more spring in my legs. Do you own a specific brand that you would recommend?

Peace.

Todd
I do not know the brand but I got it at my doctor's office. There are several brands out there some at sport stores and online. Just look for the lowest price. Some companies starting out will start out low and go up in price due to demand. the lowest price is $250.00 to $500.00 for one. They look the same so compare the price. And make sure it is a rebounder with two springs for support instead of one spring at a sport store. There was one on TV ad call urbanrebounder at urbanrebounder.com I have not seen them on TV for a while and mixed regular exercise on the rebounder with basic rebounding. NASA use the rebounder for the astronauts.

[tryingtoberaw100%]

Ok I went off and returned after checking thewebsite urbanrebounding.com. the site is still on the web and the full package is $340.00. You may not feel that you will need everything like the stablizing bar instead I use a back of a chair. The home verison folds for traveling which is most common for rebounders. From the television info commerical the trainer mixes regular exercises with rebounding exercises, he shows how some regular exercises can be done on the rebounder. Instead of getting a massage, I rebound for 30 minutes and feel great. There is a book entitle "Jumping For Health" which shows what can be done on the rebounder and selling for $14.95. I have walked , done the basic bounce for health and more of greater bounce on the rebounder. From the tape, I have seen at my doctor's office, a person can jogged on the rebounder without much strees to the knees in their socking feet. I have even done something which I learned from my doctor's office. I rebound with my eyes closed for 5 minutes to improved my vision since I wear glasses. At frist I need the back of a chair and now I can do it with no support.

[tglasco4]

Say Edda, Thanks abunch!!

Thanks for the info Tryingtoberaw!! I appreciate it.


Todd


Todd, I have a Needak rebounder and I believe it's the best brand out there. Here's where I got mine: http://www.greenlivingoasis.com The service was very good and I received it quickly.