Long-time subscribers of Applied Metabolics know that I've written about bodybuilding peaking techniques a few times. This has involved various bodybuilding competitions ranging from elite professional bodybuilding competitors to the newer categories, such as Men's physique … [Read more...]
Bulking and Cutting: Vegans vs.Omnivores by Jerry Brainum 6/24
In the past, vegetarianism was considered a type of fad style of eating, relegated to those who were considered "weirdos." But more recently, vegan diets have come into vogue because of various health benefits attributed to vegan eating styles. This notion is bolstered by … [Read more...]
Why Do Some Supplements Work While Others Don’t? by Jerry Brainum 3/24
If you were to ask most doctors about food supplements, they would suggest avoiding them. Instead, they say you should only obtain all essential nutrients from food sources. And the best way to do that is by consuming what's known as a "balanced diet." The major … [Read more...]
Metabolic Flexibility: Why It’s Important by Jerry Brainum 8/23
Metabolic Flexibility in simple terms refers to an ability to switch to different fuel sources as needed. Having a high degree of metabolic flexibility (MF) provides the advantage of being able to maintain maximal energy during either caloric restriction or excess and also … [Read more...]
The King Of Poisons Is in Your Chicken and Rice by Jerry Brainum 5/23
Many people assume because something is "natural" that is must be safe and beneficial for you. But the truth is that countless natural substances are anything but safe and beneficial. A good example of this is arsenic, a well-known poison that has played a significant role in … [Read more...]
Optimizing Beta Alanine: Is it Worth It? by Jerry Brainum 5/23
The food supplement industry is a billion-dollar business, and in an effort to increase profits, companies that sell various food supplements are always looking for the latest and greatest new supplement or supplement ingredient. Indeed, the growth of the sports supplement … [Read more...]
Food Versus Supplements by Jerry Brainum 12/22
Food supplements are a big business. Billions are made every year on the sale of various food supplements. Yet many health authorities downplay the value of food supplements, saying that they are either not necessary or can be dangerous due to possible toxic effects. That, of … [Read more...]
Can You Build Muscle After 40 as a Vegan? by Jerry Brainum 10/22
Why is it that most successful bodybuilders have not been vegans? Is there something inherent in vegan nutrition that interferes with the acquisition of massive muscles or strength? In truth, some notably successful bodybuilders have been vegetarians, though not necessarily … [Read more...]
Do Branched-Chain Amino Acids Help You Build Muscle? by Jerry Brainum 8/21
While it's no secret that you need to ingest protein to help develop larger muscles, what is really needed are the elemental building blocks of protein known as amino acids. The body uses 22 of these amino acids, but only nine are deemed essential. What that means is that … [Read more...]
Fake Meat: How Healthy Is It? by Jerry Brainum 1/21
"Here try this burger, Jerry." I was at an outdoor barbecue on July 4, with all in attendance maintaining the social distancing required in this age of Covid-19. I peered at my friend with eyes above my suitably placed face mask. "No thanks, Bob. I stopped eating beef over two … [Read more...]