Revamp

As I recently stated on the prominent venue that is Facebook, I have decided to give this blog a slight shift in focus. When I created this blog I intended to write exclusively on diet and nutrition plans along with exercise routines.

I will still update on any new developments in my own nutritional plan or post updates that might aid in the nutrition of others, but I now intend to keep a tally of my own progress in and out of the gym. It's not all about exercise anymore, though. I plan on writing about all the events regarding my pre-medical/biochemical pursuits.

I hope this restructuring serves as a way of periodically solidifying my thoughts and agenda and also to somehow helping those who read it.

Not a lot has changed with my nutritional plan. I still stay far away from red meat, and almost all dairy products. There is, however, quite a bit of chicken and turkey being consumed these days.

My gym exploits have improved dramatically since the last time I updated this blog. Just the other day I maxed out at 260 pound on the flat bench press. My squats have increased up to 315 pounds as well.

I've been pushing myself very hard in the gym during the summer months. I'm trying to reach and maintain a total body weight of 190 pounds. At the end of the spring semester I was at 8% total body fat and I am now approaching 6%. I'm trying to reach 5% by the end of the summer.

Thanks for reading. If anyone has questions regarding fitness, nutrition or if anyone wants to share their own personal goals or experiences I would love to hear them.

Long Overdue

That's right. I'm back. It's been far too long and for that I apologize. It's been about 5 months since I have really had the time to write anything.

That's not a problem, though, because I have had a lot happen to me in the last 5 months.

I had decided to try a full vegan diet just to see how it effected my energy level, metabolism, body fat, and sports performance. The diet wasn't that complicated. I cut out all animal products of any kind. (honey was an exception from time to time) Dairy, eggs, and meat are the primary focus of elimination. In general, I'd have to say the vegan diet was very beneficial. I felt more energetic and I was able to improve my cardio over smaller amounts of time. I definitely saw more tone in my physique, but I also saw a decrease in muscle restoration. I was able to maintain a good weight training regime, but the progress was slower.

I did a few trial tests to see how dairy, and meat would effect my health by introducing them back into my diet in controlled doses.

I had a very negative reaction to dairy and beef. I felt heavy, sluggish, and sick to my stomach every time I ate them. I have been eating chicken again for the past 2 weeks now. It seems that if the chicken is not fried or poor quality it has no ill effect on me. It's a nice source of protein that is low in carbs. Although a large quantity of carbs is crucial after a good workout I found myself eating far too many just trying to get the protein I needed. I think I've reached a healthy medium by including chicken into a mostly vegan diet.

I believe I initially lost some more body fat during the vegan diet, but I also believe I gained a little back near the end due to overzealous carb consumption for weight training.

I feel confident that I can get down again with a combination of chicken protein, more veggies and complex carbohydrates.

There's a quick rundown on the great vegan experiment. I have so much more to post regarding some pretty exciting new cardio developments I've been working on. More posts soon to come.