Although muscular physiques are usually more associated with men, women can build extensive muscle mass. In my experience of interviewing and writing about countless competitive bodybuilders during my tenure as a magazine writer and editor for major bodybuilding … [Read more...]
Can Vitamins and Minerals Increase Exercise and Sports Performance? by Jerry Brainum 11/24
Most people are reluctant to ingest various food supplements. The common excuse is, "I don't like swallowing pills." Such an attitude is less common among bodybuilders and athletes, who are aware of the importance of optimal nutrition in increasing sports performance … [Read more...]
Another Look at Bodybuilding Peaking Techniques by Jerry Brainum 7/24
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...]