Recently, I pointed out that many individuals of the testosterone-fueled persuasion balk at the thought of eating a salad as a meal. This phenomenon, which I call “spinach resistance”, is so deeply ingrained in certain individuals that trying to argue otherwise is just an exercise in time wasting.
That being said, I’m loathe to accept that someone just “doesn’t eat vegetables”. Let’s be clear: you might not like all vegetables, you may not like vegetables prepared a certain way or paired with certain foods, but 100% vegetable avoidance? Even the most ardent vegetable-phobe has no problem consuming the diced peppers and olives found atop a mountain of nachos. Clearly the issue is not with the vegetables per se but rather with the delivery vehicle.
Thankfully, there seems to be at least one meal that works equally well for both the pro- and anti-veggie crowd: chili. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version or a chili loaded with ground beef, sausage and extra habanero; chili is a dish that appeals to the masses. For some reason, pairing vegetables with ground meat, beans and pasta sauce just works; go figure.
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Today we are going to delve into sex psychology. Specifically, sex differences as they relate to food counselling.
As someone who coaches people through implementing dietary change, I never cease to be amazed at how drastic sex differences can be with our relationship to food. You really come to appreciate the need for using entirely different language depending on whether you are dealing with a male or a female client.
For example, when I suggest to my female clients that one of the keys to getting lean is avoiding sugar, I get dirtier looks than if I tell them to shave their heads. Whereas telling a guy to cut out sweets is generally met with little more than, “makes sense”. Conversely, discussing the importance of beer avoidance with some of my male clients can be more painful than having a “birds and the bees” talk with my grandmother.
Needless to say, there are certain stereotypes that hold a remarkable amount of truth to them. And one of the toughest stereotypes to overcome is that idea that vegetables are only a side dish.
Well, let me refine this last comment somewhat. One of the toughest stereotypes to overcome, IN MEN, is that vegetables are only a side dish.
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30 Things I’ve Learned by 30
This past week, I turned the big 3-0. Now I don’t know what the big fear is in turning 30… personally, my goal is to improve myself each and every year so this is just another step forward as far as I am concerned. However, turning 30 does make you reflect back on where you have come from. To honour this occasion, I’ve decided to look back upon 30 of the most imporatnt body transformation lessons I’ve learned to date.
Without any further ado, here we go!
1. The only way to lose body fat is through diet.
Before anyone argues that their 3rd cousin twice removed once lost 50 lbs strictly from walking 30 minutes a day… realize that when you are academically inclined, you tend to disregard exceptions and follow the rule.
Sure a couple of lucky individuals can get lean just by exercising, but for the vast majority of individuals, making significant dietary changes is the only way to go.
2. Squats are the best exercise for body recomposition.
Learning to squat properly is the most important training investment you can make. Really bad squatting form leads to injuries, good form leads to spectacular gains.
Squats may be hard, but the world’s best bodies are built on a foundation of squats and lots of ‘em.
3. The bench press is the most overrated exercise there is.
Don’t get me wrong, I love bench press as much as the next guy. However, the bench press just isn’t that great for body composition. If you want to build a great chest, use dumbbells.
4. If you are training 3 of fewer times per week, steady state cardio will not improve your physique.
At low volumes of training, the intensity needs to be high. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
5. Sleep is the most underrated component of body transformation.
Once you get passed the age of 25, trying to build muscle or lose fat with poor sleep habits is as counterproductive as trying to empty the Atlantic ocean with a spoon.
Continue Reading >
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