Beans – perhaps because of their gassy reputation – don’t always get a lot of love. The truth is, beans are healthy, delicious and incredible inexpensive. As a complex carbohydrate, beans fall into the “good carb” category. Moreover, they’re a great source of fiber, antioxidants and protein. They truly are a powerhouse food. But it doesn’t stop there. Researchers at [...]

A few days ago, I shared my New Year’s resolution. In 2012, I’ll limit my red meat consumption to two meals (or fewer) per week. I received a lot of interesting emails from blog buddies – mostly asking, “What’s so bad about red meat?” In short, nothing. Lean cuts of red meat, when eaten in moderation, can certainly be part [...]

Most Americans get more than enough protein – and eating too much protein isn’t a good thing. But for those of us who hit the gym frequently and maintain high levels of muscle mass, it’s not always easy to get your daily requirement. I, for example, need about 140 grams of protein a day. That’s a tall order! The easiest [...]

People often ask me about the differences between whey and casein protein – and which is better. The truth is, both offer certain advantages and disadvantages. First things first, both whey and casein are derived from milk. Whey makes up 20% of the protein content found in milk; casein is the other 80%. The big difference between whey and casein [...]

No one likes to talk about it, but flatulence (i.e., farting) is a common side effect of protein shakes and powders. More than just stinky, it can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. So what can be done about it? First and foremost, protein (depending on it’s source, quality, etc.) can be harder for your body to break down and digest. [...]

You know that proteins are the building blocks for your body’s muscles – but did you know that they may help you lose weight, too? Danish scientists discovered that if you eat 25% of your daily calories from protein, you’re twice as likely to lose weight – and to keep losing weight. If your recommended caloric intake is 2,000, for [...]

Ask anyone what the tastiest part of a chicken is and their answer will undoubtedly be the skin. Crispy chicken skin is rich in flavor and practically melts in your mouth, but we’ve been taught and told to remove it due to it’s negative nutritional content. But is it true? No. Turns out, chicken skin isn’t so bad. A 12-ounce [...]

Not getting enough protein is one of the reasons why a muscle building workout isn’t building muscle. Getting your required protein intake is crucial – but what happens if you take too much? Protein isn’t particularly dangerous, but an over-consumption of protein may be associated with: Weight gain. Excess calories from excess protein may be stored as body fat. Intestinal [...]

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: There’s so much misinformation when it comes to health, nutrition and fitness. Today, let’s bust a few of the most common and most pervasive myths. Myth #1: Soda is bad for you – so drink fruit juice instead It’s true that soda is bad for you, but fruit juice [...]

I love fats. Eating healthy and essential fats is an important part of any diet. But there is one part of the day, in particular, where consuming these fats should be avoided. And that time of the day is just after your workout. We know that it’s important to consume both protein and carbohydrates after you complete your workout. And [...]