Protein Obsession: What Happens When We Eat Too Much?

Protein Obsession: What Happens When We Eat Too Much?

Most people know that the three primary macronutrients are carbohydrates, fat, and protein. When asked which of the three is most commonly consumed grossly over the recommended amount in the typical American diet, the vast majority of people will answer either carbs or fat.  I am not surprised by this, as Americans have been bombarded with marketing demonizing both carbs and fat for several decades. In reality, the most commonly over consumed macronutrient in America is protein. Americans are protein obsessed. Given that our protein consumption is so high, it is helpful to know how our bodies process protein, what happens to the excess protein we eat, and the resulting consequences.

Are You Just Sore or Are You Injured?

Are You Just Sore or Are You Injured?

Feeling soreness after a hitting the gym is a natural part of any workout routine. Injury, on the other hand, is far more serious and may require attention/treatment from a medical professional. Usually if you tried a new workout that your body was not familiar with, it’s likely that you will experience some level of soreness even if you’re physically fit. Pain however, doesn’t always lead to gains—and pain definitely isn’t needed in order to see gains. Either way, sometimes that pain can mean you’re actually injured. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle for the long haul.

All About Foam Rolling

All About Foam Rolling

Foam rolling is a form of SMR, or self-myofascial release.  SMR is a fancy technical term for the act of self-massaging muscles to release muscle tension.  It has become the go-to for gym goers across the country as a way to increase flexibility, prevent muscle soreness, increase athletic performance, decrease back pain, and even cure cellulite. These claims all sound incredible, but what exactly is happening when you foam roll and what benefits can you actually expect to see?  

How to Interpret Food Marketing Jargon

How to Interpret Food Marketing Jargon

It’s easy to be misled by food marketing terms, with their vague definitions and easily misinterpreted wording.  It can be difficult for shoppers to know when the claims made by food labels actually mean what they appear to, or when they are purposefully misleading to draw in health conscious consumers.  Listed below are just a few of the most common food marketing terms defined and debunked.

Should I Drink Sports Drinks When Exercising?

Should I Drink Sports Drinks When Exercising?

Despite declining sales in sugary beverages such as soda and juice over the last decade, the US sports drink market is safe and here to stay.  The sports drink market of $852.0 million in 2017 is projected to grow to $1,135.2 million by the end of 2023 at a CAGR of 4.3%. The market is overwhelmingly dominated by Gatorade, having 77% market share, with PowerAde in second with only 20% share.  The millennial generation seems to drive the sports drink market exponentially with their interest in fitness and willingness to pay for health products. On the surface, sports drinks seem to provide the optimal method of quenching thirst with their convenient capacity to both re-hydrate and replenish electrolytes lost through sweat during a tough workout, however, a question lies in whether Gatorade’s clever marketing schemes demonizing thirst provide an accurate picture of when sports drinks are helpful in optimizing health and performance, and when they are just a waste of money.

Exercise Induced Hypoglycemia

Exercise Induced Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the term used to describe a low blood glucose.  A blood glucose level below 70mg/dL is considered hypoglycemia, and often manifests as symptoms including:

  • Fatigue

  • Pale skin

  • Tremors

  • Irritability

  • Tingling Sensation Around the Mouth

  • Dizziness

  • Sweating

What Should I Eat After I Workout?

What Should I Eat After I Workout?

After a tough workout, you’ll most likely have blown through your stored muscle glycogen and torn up your muscles.  Therefore, the goal of post workout meals are recovery. The American College of Sports Medicine and the International Society for Sports Medicine recommend your post workout fuel consist of three main components: