Mr. Lion’s Nutrition

Mr. Lion’s Nutrition Plan

Carbohydrates: Gasoline for your body.

Complex carbohydrates are more difficult to breakdown in the body and absorb into the bloodstream causing the body to use more energy (calories) for digestion.

Complex include whole grains, wheat, oats, brown rice, beans (such as pinto, kidney, and lentils), corn vegetables,corn tortillas, potatoes (including sweet potatoes), and any food item that has not been processed through a machine. These types of carbohydrates contain little or no sugar and contain the essential nutrients needed by the body (like fiber). Simple carbohydrates are easily digested by the body, meaning they use less energy to break down in the body leading to rapid absorption in the bloodstream.

When combined with a protein and a fat, the absorption into the bloodstream is slowed and blood sugar levels are stabilized for a longer period of time. Simple carbohydrates include any form of sugar such as refined products including white flour, syrup, honey, alcoholic beverages, soda, juices, pasta, pizza, bagels, flour tortillas, white bread, pretzels, chips, cookies, and cakes. Remember carbohydrates do not make you fat; eating more calories than your body can metabolize does.

Vegetables are free, eat as many as you like with the exception of carrots, peas, and corn. Raw vegetables are better than cooked because they have nutrients that get lost in cooking.

Protein: The main builder of your body’s tissues, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

It is also important for the synthesis of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies, as well as for fluid transport and energy.

It is not a primary source of energy (like cal. and fats).

Proteins are only used as an energy source when an individual fails to ingest enough calories from carbohydrates and fats (primarily carbohydrates).

This causes protein to be stripped away from the muscle causing a depletion of muscle and an increase in body fat.

Fat: The most highly concentrated source of energy for your body

It is the most concentrated source of food energy and supplies more than twice as many calories as protein or carbohydrates.

Fat provides essential fatty acids (good fat) and is necessary for proper functioning of cell membranes, skin, hormones, and transporting protein to the muscle, and fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K).

Two types of fat are saturated and unsaturated. The more hydrogen in a fat, the more density and saturation it contains. The easiest way to discern between a saturated and unsaturated fat is by checking the density.

For example, when comparing butter versus margarine, butter is thicker.

This means butter contains more saturated fat than margarine.

Well how much food should I eat?!

OK first let’s find out about the concept: The concept of this fuel intake recommendation is called “zig zagging”.

A car that is driving a short distance or sitting idle in a parking lot does not require as much fuel as a car driving through the mountains constantly changing gears. Therefore, the only time you should be eating a meal or snack that is high in calories is before a high activity period.

Fuel not only impacts how your body forms, but it also impacts the type of thoughts you have. If you have constant low blood sugar throughout the day, your ability to keep a positive mindset will be challenged and your mind and body will battle each other.

If your body is deficient in nutrients it will battle your mind for attention and your daily tasks will become a challenge. If you eat only twice a day, keep in mind that sumo wrestling coaches have their athletes (they are athletes) eat only 2 times a day becuse that is the most efficient way to store fat and gain weight.

In order to feel satisfied and maintain stable blood sugar levels, we have provided you with the proper nutrient ratio of Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fats.

Remember carbohydrates do not make you fat; eating more calories than your body can metabolize does.

Click on the link below for an excel document that is going to tell you exactly how much you should be eating to get lean. Make sure you type in your weight in the shaded box at the top when you get there.