April 1, 2013

Funk’s Top 5 Power Foods For Fat Loss (Article)

Today I want to get you back on track with 5 of my Top 30 Power Foods you need to include in your diet and nutrition if you want fat loss. You know what I always say, “You can’t out train a bad diet”, so get your nutrition in check. If you look into my fridge, freezer and pantry at any time, you will always find the same 30 foods. Through years of competing as a professional athlete, becoming a certified trainer, preparing top-level MMA and sports athletes for competition, studying the best foods for fat loss, research and working with nutritionist and professional trainers, I found the same foods always coming up. My Power 30 food list is paramount when it comes to health and nutrition. These are the foods that will help you build more muscle, increase strength, reduce inflammation (thus help to prevent injury), improve your metabolism and best of all burn off unwanted fat to help you look lean, muscular and ripped. It’s no wonder at 44 years old I feel like I’m 20. These are the foods that should be in your kitchen at all times. Here are 5 of my favourite Power Foods to help you Burn Fat while feeding your muscles. Greek Yogurt This is a weekly staple in the Roberts household. There isn’t day goes by that we don’t eat Greek yogurt. This is a perfect source of protein with 0% fat. If you are have regular yogurt, fat free yogurt, whatever, GET RID OF IT NOW and head out to the grocery store to pick up some Plain Greek Yogurt. Most contain too many sweeteners, whether sugar, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners. And most other yogurts are produced to appease the overly aggressive sweet taste bud and contain too much sugar to be considered healthy. Stick to plain Greek yogurt, It’s loaded with a lot more protein and healthy bacteria. 
Just watch for hidden sugars and stick to the “plain” 
flavors. Chicken Breasts Lean cuts of chicken breast provide your body with the nutrients, vitamins and proteins your body needs. Chicken is considered a lean meat and contain a high amount
of good quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. Chicken also contains the vitamin niacin that is essential for converting macronutrients into energy. Bananas High in potassium and vitamins. Bananas are a top source
 of potassium, a mineral and electrolyte. Consuming too 
little potassium can cause muscle weakness and cramps, fatigue and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythms and muscular paralysis. As intense exercise and perspiration causes potassium loss, ramping up your potassium intake, particularly following physical activity is critical. Bananas also supply valuable amounts of carbohydrates, which is the top fuel source for your body and muscles. Greens – Spinach and Kale Green leafy vegetables contain a ton of nutrients including vitamin K, which help to build strong bones. Spinach is a
good source of many phytochemicals that are important for muscle growth and strength. It has one of the richest sources
of 20-beta-ecdysterone – a phytochemical that have anabolic properties. Spinach is rich in glutamine, the amino acid that prevents muscle breakdown. Spinach also contains octacosanol, a compound that has the ability to increase muscle strength. Kale, Swiss chard and collards are also excellent choices. Both are a great source of Carbohydrates. Almonds Almonds are high in protein, high in monounsaturated fat and are very filling. A quarter cup of almonds provides you with 8 grams of protein, which is more than an egg. They assist in blood sugar control and hence weight loss. Nuts are a great source of l-arginine as it converts to nitric oxide (NO) and this helps to improve blood circulation. Nitric oxide is a very popular supplement used in muscle strength and growth. BONUS POWER FOOD Water Stop drinking Juice, Pop, Diet soda, alcohol and Energy Drinks, that help tp make you super FAT…This is the most important food/drink on this list bar none. Since our bodies are made up of 70-80% water and you are training at high intensity, you must drink water to stay hydrated. Water is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption and chemical reactions. Water is essential for proper circulation in the body. The levels of oxygen in the bloodstream are greater when the body is well-hydrated. The more oxygen the body has readily available, the more fat it will burn to use for energy. Without the presence of oxygen, the body cannot properly use your body’s stored fat for energy. Not only will the body burn more fat when it’s well-hydrated it also increases oxygen levels; which means you will also have more energy. Water helps remove toxins from the body, in particular from the digestive tract. THIS IS A MUST!!!! That’s it! Talk about Powerful stuff, right? Let Power Foods lead you to fat loss and lean muscle growth!

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