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A Really Good Source for Vegan Recipes

As a sports nutritionist, the subject of vegetarianism is quite controversial.  Validated as an alternative therapy to treat forms of inflammation, heart disease and even cancer, various degrees of vegetarianism have been shown to be effective.  Viewed as extreme by some, especially those meat lovers, vegetarians have their place among environmentalists and alternative practitioners.

My question is:  Can someone maintain optimal performance or body composition on a vegan diet?  Is it possible to maintain or even increase skeletal muscle mass without animal protein in the diet?  As a practicing master sports nutritionist, I have found it to be challenging to write menus that stay within targeted macronutrient and calorie ranges without foods that are mostly protein.

None the less, in a back-to-the basics interview with one of my mentors, the grandfather of fitness, the late, great Jack LaLane, I was asked by Jack, "Do you eat the recommended 3-5 services of vegetables a day?"  I did not.  In the latest NASN Personal Training textbook it recommends replacing meat, including fish and chicken with fruits, veggies and whole grains as main dishes.  So even for fitness and performance, it is now becoming widely accepted that  the meat on your plate should be more like a side than the main dish.

So the question remains:  how do we get all these veggies in and make them delicious.  Steamed broccoli every night just does not sound like a good time.

Problem solved.  My good friend and colleague, Liz Eddy has created a great contemporary website of vegan recipes that gets updated regularly with new ideas from her juice to her desserts, I'm sure you'll find something you like, I know I did. 

Check it out: http://fitfoods.com

and whether your vegan or not, Eat your veggies!

Avoid All Sugar!?

Watch this Compelling Newscast from 60-Minutes.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7403942n&tag=api&fb_ref=belowVideo&fb_source=home_multiline

There has been more and more research showing how excess sugar consumption has contributed to several health dilemmas in the United States.  I am well acquainted with the research, last year I worked with MET-Rx on their latest project, MET-Rx 180, I wrote in their nutrition guide about how the history of sports nutrition shifted in the 1980's to a low fat diet that gave way to a high carbohydrate and thus, more sugar content in processed foods

What is my opinion on all this anti-sugar sediment?

Sugar can be strategically placed in and athlete's diet to enhance performance and recovery.  Naturally occurring sugar in fruits, veggies and starches do not negate the value of those foods.  Eating them excessively or in a highly processed or condensed state will have a negative effect if done regularly.  So sugar during, and around exercise, is here to stay for athletes.  In meals away from exercise and competition, Jack LaLane said it best,"If man made it, don't eat it."

Jeff Kotterman