Carbohydrates: Your Diet's Fuel

 Many fad diets give carbohydrates a bad rap, leading you to believe that they're the cause of unwanted weight gain. But carbs are an essential part of a healthy diet.

 

    What Are the Types of Carbohydrates? 

 There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Complex carbohydrates, which should make up most of your carbohydrate intake, require more work and take longer for your body to break down.

"It's a slower process," says Meyerowitz. But that’s a good thing — while simple carbohydrates are broken down more quickly, they don't do much for your body. Because complex carbohydrates are broken down slowly, they give your bloodstream a more consistent level of energy, so you avoid the "highs and lows" that simple carbohydrates can give you, explains Meyerowitz.

       
   What's the Best Source of Carbs?

    You need to get between 50 and 60 percent of your daily calories from carbohydrates, according to Meyerowitz. Most should be whole grains and other complex carbohydrates, but the fiber in fruits and vegetables make them a good simple carbohydrate choice. If you don't get enough carbohydrates, you run the risk of depriving your body of the calories and nutrients it needs, or of replacing healthy carbs with unhealthy fats.
To get the carbs you need, fill your plate with the best carbohydrate sources for your body:

• Whole grains like barley, bulgur, buckwheat, quinoa, and oats
• Whole-wheat and other whole-grain breads
• Brown rice
• Whole-wheat pasta
• Fruits and vegetables
• Beans, lentils, and dried peas
• Whole-grain cereals like 100 percent bran

This doesn't mean that you're never allowed to have a sweet treat for dessert, a bowl of white rice, or a baked potato. It just means that those should be the exceptions instead of everyday carbohydrate selections.
At the same time, you should also avoid loading up on complex carbohydrates or making them your primary source of calories. A diet too rich in even complex carbohydrates — or in any food — packs more calories into your body, which eventually leads to weight gain.
Complex carbohydrates are good for you, so don't look at a bowl of hearty whole-wheat pasta or brown rice as a bad thing or a big diet no-no. Instead, consider it a source of healthy fuel that your body needs to maintain consistent energy.

 

Probiotics & Your Health

Are you familiar with probiotics? You might have heard of one strain-acidophilus-which is added to some brands of dairy milk. According to the Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) joint report, probiotics are “live microorganisms in foods and supplements that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”1 In other words, probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that help to improve the balance of your intestinal microflora.

Probiotics actually have an ancient, multicultural history, as people across the globe have consumed fermented, probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir and miso for centuries. Fermentation modifies the original food, enhancing the flavor, texture, and nutrient content, while also helping to preserve it.

Unlike many other cultures, Americans have not traditionally embraced probiotic-rich natural foods. In fact, yogurt is virtually the only mass consumed staple in the U.S. that contains these friendly bacteria. Sadly, the countless sugary yogurt options on grocery shelves captivate the general public more than the 100% natural, unsweetened plain or Greek versions. Unfortunately, since sugar diminishes the healthy intestinal flora probiotics encourage, highly sweetened commercial yogurts largely defeat the purpose.

However, seeking out these friendly bacteria will reward you from a wellness standpoint. Probiotics have been shown to enhance immune function, improve colon health, decrease incidence/duration of intestinal infections, and improve digestion and elimination.2 Clinical studies indicate that probiotics can also minimize diarrhea associated with antibiotics and travel. And these intestinal health allies may be useful in controlling inflammatory diseases, combating allergic diseases, preventing cancer and stimulating the immune system.3 Rather impressive for humble bacteria, no?

If you eat unsweetened plain, natural yogurt daily-or miso soup with every meal, as in Japan-you may be reasonably well protected where probiotics are concerned. However, not only do most Americans fall short on probiotic-enhanced foods, it turns out that-adding insult to injury-common dietary habits like consuming refined sugars, alcohol, and coffee, not to mention antibiotics, vastly diminish healthy intestinal flora.

Many of us have good intentions, but if you’re not ready just yet to overhaul your diet, supplementing these highly beneficial bacteria makes sense. The EnergyFirst Double Strength Probiotic Complex with Acidophilus, which utilizes freeze dried cultures and is shelf stable, is a powerful ally in your wellness.

References:
1 Minerva Pediatr. 2010 Jun;62(3 Suppl 1):105-7
2 J Am Diet Assoc. 2008 Mar;108(3):510-21
3 Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Jun;73(6):1152S-1155S

6 Supplements You Need

  To be the best you must take every advantage you can, and nowhere does this precept hold truer then in the uncompromisingly tough sport of bodybuilding. As each year progresses, it can become harder to gain the competitive edge.
Age, an adjustment and acclimation to training that causes slower progress and the general complexity of life with its many demands and issues can all conspire to thwart our training efforts.
While training intensity can be accomplished trough a targeted training program and an ability to adequately stimulate our muscles is something the motivated and determined bodybuilder often has no problem doing, muscle recovery is another issue. It is especially important at a time of the year when social demands and incorrect eating combine to stifle our progress.
This is why it is particularly important to fill any nutritional gaps with quality supplementation, a practice that can be done all year round for maximal results in muscle size and strength. 

 

It Is Especially Important At A Time Of The Year When Social Demands

                                  And Incorrect Eating Combine To Stifle Our Progress.

 
The misconception that supplementation is not really necessary (that they are, after all, only to be used to supplement a nutritionally deficient diet) has persisted for quite some time.
In recent times, however, it has become clear with advancements in supplement quality, purity, and what they can offer, that whole food nutrition simply cannot cover everything. Rather than being an optional extra to boost bodybuilding success, supplement use is a crucial aspect for fat loss, muscle building and performance.
As we all know by now, it is of primary importance to ensure that correct nutrition is in place ahead of training. After all, missing the occasional training session may even be productive for much needed recovery, but neglecting nutrition means a breakdown in the healing process.
Once training is resumed under these conditions, there may be little in the way of caloric support to ensure that protein synthesis and muscle growth occurs. Muscle may even begin to cannibalize itself as the body enters into a catabolic state. Even with the best of diets this can sometimes happen if training demands override the nutritional balance or imbalance.
To be extra sure this does not happen, supplementation has become a must for those serious about ongoing results.
In the following article I will outline the supplements that have helped me to add a massive 10 kilograms (22lbs) of solid muscle to my physique over the past year - taking my body weight from 80 kilograms (176lbs) to 90 kilograms (198lbs) - and explain how these have helped me to improve my performance and enhance my size as a natural bodybuilder, aged 35.
A plan is included to be used by those wanting to achieve similar results. Supplements are listed in order of priority. 

1. Whey Protein

As a foundation for muscle gains, quality protein supplementation is without equal. And the best absorbed form - often used specifically post-workout, and with meals to round out one's protein balance - is whey protein. Whey protein has a high biological value and is extremely convenient to take. While protein obtained from food sources can provide more sustained protein levels (especially prior to bed to offset the fasting period that usually occurs during sleep), whey is rapidly shuttled into the muscles where it can exert its powerful anabolic effects.

                                                    As A Foundation For Muscle Gains,
                                        Quality Protein Supplementation Is Without Equal.

I usually use whey protein twice a day - directly after training and first thing in the morning upon rising before breakfast to ensure a rapid uptake of protein to restore the drop in nitrogen levels from the previous night's sleeping/fasting state. It is worth noting here that to fully preclude this 8-10 hour fast one would need to wake once or twice throughout the night to consume protein. Thus, taking protein immediately upon waking is essential, and whey is, in my experience, the best form to take at this time. Optimum and MuscleTech are brands I have found to be effective. 

2. Branch Chain Amino Acids 

Since taking Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) regularly I have witnessed a noticeable improvement in muscle density and my recovery rate has also increased exponentially. As essential aminos, the BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine and valine) must be taken through the foods we eat. As the only three aminos metabolized directly by muscle tissue they are especially important for the immediate recovery of muscle tissue. They are used to build new proteins after hard training. As a primary muscle-building insurance policy, BCAAs should be on the top of anyone's supplement list. Universal and Dymatize are brands I have found to be effective

 3. L-Glutamine 

Considered a conditionally essential amino acid, L-glutamine comprises up to 60 percent of free-from amino acids circulating in muscle tissue and is critical for muscle recovery. When other tissues need L-glutamine (for immune purposes, for example, of which L-glutamine is essential) they will often leach this amino from muscle stores, so supplementing it makes sense. If the muscles and the rest of the bodily systems have an abundant supply of L-glutamine, muscle tissue will be less likely depleted under conditions of stress. After a hard training session L-glutamine levels will be reduced throughout the body by as much as 50 percent. I have found the best way to supplement L-glutamine is to take 5 grams 3-4 times per day so the body has a constant supply. Adding it to protein shakes is an excellent way to include it in one's  diet. 
 
 When Other Tissues Need L-Glutamine They Will Often Leach This Amino From Muscle Stores, So Supplementing It Makes Sense. 

4. Creatine  

When creatine hit the shelves in the early '90s, it quickly became the supplement of choice for athletes the world over. A supplement that can support increases in size and strength - as attested to by countless scientific studies - creatine (monohydrate, the version that, despite many new revolutionary forms, still seems to work best in the long run) will, for most, boost lean muscle mass and amplify strength gains. I have personally found that when I'm not taking it my muscles become much flatter and energy levels tend to plummet. Creatine's major benefits - among many - are twofold. It increases muscle energy, allowing one to train harder and to reap the results. And secondly, it hydrates muscle tissue, which, over time, causes them to become bigger and stronger. Naturally produced in the kidneys, pancreas and liver, creatine is transported to muscle tissue where it is transformed into creatine phosphate, from which the energy molecule ATP is produced to regenerate the muscles' ability to contract and generate power during short-burst (anaerobic) activity. This translates to more productive workouts and faster muscle growth. Though produced in the body, these levels are sufficient only for ongoing cellular function, not massive muscle growth, which in itself is not at all conducive for survival purposes. And relying on nutrition to significantly boost creatine is futile in that many pounds of raw meat would need to be eaten to extract five grams of creatine, the quantity provided in one teaspoon of creatine monohydrate powder. So supplementation is necessary to realize creatine's full benefits. 
 
 Naturally Produced In The Kidneys, Pancreas And Liver, Creatine Is Transported To Muscle Tissue Where It Is Transformed Into Creatine Phosphate.

5. Omega-3 Fish Oil 

The many health benefits to be derived from eating fatty, cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel are well documented. However, due to various contaminants, purity and quantity of essential fatty acids supplied, availability and price, gaining valuable Omega-3 fatty acids from these sources is often not ideal. Fish oil in supplemental form, on the other hand, provides the perfect ratio of these Omega-3's in the purest and most concentrated way possible. To improve performance and build muscle a healthy physical state must first be attained as muscle can only grow when the right conditions are in place to do so. Omega-3 fatty acids may support blood circulation to allow nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates to reach muscle and exert their effects. Omega-3s may also assist fat loss through maximizing metabolic rate and helping to form a foundation from which thermogenesis can occur. Joint lubrication and cardiovascular health are also major benefits to be derived from Omega-3 supplementation. 

6. Vitamin/Mineral Supplement

 A multivitamin and mineral supplement is not purely a bodybuilding supplement in terms of directly targeting muscle growth the way creatine and L-glutamine do. Taking a high potency and high quality vitamin/mineral product is a fundamental way in which to support the cellular conditions under which performance and muscle growth can occur.

Though certain compounds like vitamin-C (comprising, along with A and E, the so called antioxidants) are thought to be of greater importance for immune function, it is the synergistic effect of all key vitamins and minerals taken in a specific ratio that will support the best results in health and subsequent tissue growth and function.
So-called doctors and nutritionists might tell us that the perfect ratio of vitamins and minerals can be achieved through eating a diet rich in certain fruits and vegetables. However, today's soil conditions, various pollutants, and the over processing of foods make it all but impossible to achieve such a perfect ratio.
Even those who eat strictly "organic" do not get what they should as far as nutritional potency and quality is concerned. AST and Beverly International are multivitamin/mineral brands I have found to be effective.
Supplement program to boost bodybuilding progress: This daily supplement plan should support your daily balanced diet.
Upon Rising (First Thing In The Morning):

• 30g Serving of Whey Protein
• 5g of Creatine
• 1 Serving of BCAAs

With Breakfast:

1 Multivitamin Tablet

5g Serving of L-Glutamine

1 tsp (or Serving) of Fish Oil

With Lunch:

1 tsp (or Serving) of Fish Oil

Before Training:

5g of Creatine

5g of L-Glutamine

Directly After Training:

5g of L-Glutamine

30g of Whey Protein

Before Bed:

30g of Whey Protein

5g of Glutamine

1 Serving of BCAAs

 To Improve Performance And Build Muscle A Healthy Physical State Must First Be Attained As Muscle Can Only Grow When The Right Conditions Are In Place To Do So.

Conclusion 

Supplementation could today be regarded as a necessity rather than optional to supplement a balanced diet. Since the conditions under which muscle growth occurs demand precision as far as the nutritional status we achieve is concerned, a good diet, regardless of how well balanced it is, simply cannot fulfill this function.
Creatine, L-glutamine and whey protein - as the big three bodybuilding supplements - can only be obtained in sufficient amounts in supplemental form.
Sufficient quantities of fish oil, from which to extract Omega-3 fatty acids, key vitamins and minerals, and Branch Chain Amino Acids also are found lacking in the foods we eat.
Gaining the athletic edge has, since the '90s, been a process of consuming the right nutrients in the correct ratios.
Simply put: with correct supplementation the process of building muscle, losing fat and amplifying performance is made significantly easier. And, as opposed to less than natural means, the results are lasting.
Try this little exercise some time: follow the supplement plan provided above for at least three months. Then quit all supplement use for a further three months and watch what happens. Sure, most supplement marketing involves hype and some companies make laughably outrageous claims, but there is no secret as to why the supplement industry is booming. Supplements work.
 

 

MuscleTech Hydroxycut Hardcore Pro Series Product Guide

LOSE WEIGHT! GET RIPPED!
Scientifically formulated with a clinically researched key complex, Hydroxycut Hardcore™ Pro Series™ has been designed to support weight-loss efforts to help you get ripped!* As a leader, the Hydroxycut™ Hardcore Pro Series™ key ingredients are backed by 2 clinical studies suggesting its ability to deliver real results.*

Clinically RESEARCHED IN 2 STUDIES!
The key complex in Hydroxycut™ Hardcore Pro Series™ was researched in two clinical studies! Hydroxycut™ Hardcore Pro Series™ has two separate studies to support its key complex.*

Study One: In one twelve-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial, 29 test subjects were given the key complex HydroxyPro™ (Alchemilla vulgaris extract, Olea europaea extract, Cuminum cyminum extract, Mentha longifolia extract) contained in Hydroxycut™ Hardcore Pro Series™ or they were given a placebo. Subjects using this key complex lost an average of 20.94 lbs. vs. those using the placebo, who lost an average of 1.70 lbs.* Both groups
followed a calorie-reduced diet.

Study Two: A separate eight-week clinical research trial on 61 human subjects, funded by the makers of Hydroxycut™ Hardcore Pro Series™, demonstrated that those who used the same key complex contained in Hydroxycut™ Hardcore Pro Series™ lost an average of 16.50 lbs. vs. those using the placebo, who lost an average of 1.73 lbs.* Both groups followed a calorie-reduced diet.

Test Subjects Lost 7 Times More Weight Than Placebo!*
Data analysis of the results from both clinical trials on the key ingredients in Hydroxycut™Hardcore Pro Series™ suggested that there is statistical significance for test subjects losing 7 times more weight than placebo subjects.*

Supports Extreme Energy For Hardcore Intensity!*
Hydroxycut™ Hardcore Pro Series™ also contains an ingredient (caffeine[1,3,7-trimethylxanthine]) that's been suggested to support increased energy.*

Backed By Clinical Research Studies
Backed by two clinical studies on its powerful weight-loss support complex, Hydroxycut™Hardcore Pro Series™ is dedicated to uncompromising quality, efficacy and results.* If you train hard, eat with precision and are looking for a hardcore weight-loss formula that will help get you lean and ripped, you need to get on Hydroxycut™ Hardcore Pro Series™.*

Price And Products : 1st of April 2011

1st of April 2011 - To all customers of BBN - BigBody Nutritions new stock will be arrived next week and the price`s will be re-adjustment getting more cheaper!!! thanks

For Bulk Order Prices Will Be Adjustable

Optimum Nutrition
100% Casein Protein, 4lbs - rm 215
100% Casein Protein, 8lbs – rm 390
100% Whey Protein Gold Standard, 10lbs – rm325
Nitro-Core 24, 6lbs – rm 198
Pro Complex, 4.6lbs – rm 265
Serious Mass, 12lbs – rm195

BSN 
Cell Mass, 640G – rm 180
NO-Xplode, 2.25lbs – rm 180
Syntha-6, 5lbs – rm 190
True-Mass, 5.75lbs – rm 200

MuscleTech 
Anabolic Halo Hardcore Pro Series, 2Lbs – rm 215
Cell-Tech Hardcore Pro Series, 6.6lbs – rm 235
Intravol 2.11lbs – rm 185
Nano Vapor Hardcore Pro Series, 2.4lbs – rm 200
Nitro-Tech Hardcore Pro Series, 4lbs – rm 220
Nitro-Tech NOP-47 Hardcore Pro Series, - rm 120
Hydroxycut Pro 120cap - rm 180
Masstech 5 lbs - Rm 200

Gaspari Nutrition 
Myofusion, 5lbs – rm 198
PlasmaJet, 30 Day Supply Kit – rm 190
Real Mass, 5.95lbs – rm 190
SizeOn Maximum Performance, 3.49lbs – rm 215
Super Pump250, 800g – rm 175

Universal Nutrition 
Animal Flex, 44 Paks – rm 150
Animal M - Stak, 21 Paks – rm 180
Animal Stak, 21 Paks – rm 165
Animal Nitro, 44 Packs – rm 180
Animal Pak, 44 Paks - rm 155
Animal PM, 30 Paks – rm 160
Animal Pump, 30 Packs – rm 182
BCAA Stack, 250g – rm 130
Real Gains, 6.85lbs – rm 182
Ultra Whey Pro, 5lbs – rm 195
Animal Cut - Rm 175

Ultimate Nutrition
Creatine Monohydrate, 1000g – rm 145
Muscle Juice 2544, 10.45lbs – rm 170
Xtreme Amino 1500mg, 330 tabs – rm 130

Dymatize Nutrition
Elite Whey, 5lbs – rm 210
ISO-100, 5LBS – rm 235
Super Amino 4800, 450 caps – rm 125
Super Mass Gainer, 12lbs – rm 200
Dymatize Expend - rm 180