“Is cardio your best, fat-burning friend or your worst, muscle-eating enemy? Read on and become enlightened with the truth, along with both pros and cons of all things cardio.
Back in the 70′s and even the early 80′s, virtually no physique competitor did cardio in preparation for a contest. By the 90′s, cardio had become a staple for those wanting to get lean, with some doing two or even three hours per day in an effort to get super ripped.
It seems that the proverbial pendulum is swinging once again. An increasing number of coaches are urging people not to do cardio, primarily to avoid its’ purported catabolic, muscle-burning effects.
Let’s take a closer look at the cardio facts.”
by Dr. Clay Hyght, DC, CSCS, CISSN
Read More….
It’s the end of week two of my Metagenics Integrated Detoxification Program and I’m loving it! Who’d thought! I went into this knowing I had to do it and for health reasons and although I was looking forward to coming out the other side totally expected it to test my every sense of being. The detox makes a comp diet look like an a-la-carte dining experience but alas this style of eating really agrees with me and with my system. So much so I’m seriously considering continuing it once I’ve finished detoxing. Eating an organic paleo diet isn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, quite the contrary actually. It’s made me research more about different options, made me try more different varieties and made me get back into the kitchen more. So it’s a win win situation from where I stand. Of course I’ll customise it to suit my and my bodies needs so it won’t be the all or nothing continuum. 75% of the time it’ll be paleo diet with a few editions added in but all organic of course. There’s no turning back now irrespective of the cost. I’m no longer settling for second best food, only the best for this body.
Monday for the first time in a long time I woke up not feeling tired. I also felt reasonably good during the day and then that evening started to get tired. Now this may sound relatively normal to you but with my cortisol levels being back to front I was the exact opposite. I would wake up feeling exhausted, push through the day grinning and bearing it because I thought this was normal and then the evening I would get my second wind and end up staying up way too late. So you could imagine how excited I was to start to feel noticeable change followed by the train of thought that maybe, just maybe this detox will change my life and for the better.
If this is how I’m feeling after two weeks detox imagine how amazing I’ll be feeling after six weeks detox. Boy I can’t wait! *woot woot*
Here’s where I’m at:
Stage 1: Remove – this stage treats the digestive system first and foremost and acts to remove bad bacteria and waste fro your digestive system.
Stage 2: Renew – this stage focuses on your digestive system and kidneys, and also work on alkalising your body. This stage you will be renewing and rebuilding your digestive lining, as well as replacing the bad bacteria with healthy ones and improving your digestive function.
Stage 3: Release - the final stage of the Metagenics Integrated Detoxification Program focuses on supporting your liver and helping your body release toxins more effectively.
One stage down and two stages to go. 
Lia xxx
“Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhiliration of victory.”
~ George S. Patton
Our new Editor, Lindy Olsen is so excited about Australian Workout Publications very first issue of Oxygen Magazine Australia Issue # 35. The good news is, its finally on sale so look out for it at your nearest newsstand tomorrow. “We are so excited about the latest issue and can’t wait to hear what you all think. I have really tried hard to include more Australian content and feature more Australian Athletes than ever before. Our team of contributors have really made this issue the biggest and best issue to date.”
There’s more of what you love, more aussie athletes, more inspiring stories of triumph, great recipes and so much more. To top it all off, we have a special six part series on how to stay sane in the off-season, we tackle off season nutrition, the how, the when and the why… So…if you have any suggestions or simply want to let us know what you think, we’d love to hear from you! After all, it’s your mag. You can leave feedback but sending us an email at admin@oxygenmag.com.au
The Team @ Oxygen Magazine
Tomorrow’s the big day! I’m going back to see both my doctor and nurse about removing my compression garment and boy am I ready. This one hasn’t been as comfortable as the last one and isn’t ideal for photographs either hence the no post-surgery pictures. Then in three weeks time I’ll go back for my after photos. Because of the lack of clothing you have to wear for the before and after photos I can’t post them up here, sorry ladies. But I can take some photos here at home in my posing costume after my official after photos are taken.
Of course there’s still the numbness and sensations I’ve had to go through all again but that was all expected. My arms have almost got all feeling back, about 95%. Just a couple of sensitive spots but that’s about it. I don’t really notice to tell you the truth. It’s like anything else in life, you get used to it and that’s it really. My upper outer thighs are great but my flanks and lower back were and are the slowest area to heal. The swelling is getting better and better and my clothes are getting loser by the day. Of course my detox is also a contributing factor to this but a positive one none the less.
I go back in a fortnight for my first IPL. Currently my complexion feels and looks great so the next laser will help with any of the leftover pigmentation and make it appear even better. It’s also round two for armpits. Daniel’s coming along as I’ll be drugged up on valium and pretty much won’t feel a thing. Now that’s what I’m talking about.
Yesterday I was forever having to pull up my compression garment. The same thing happened the last time in the last week too. Once the swelling subsides and with weight falling off me due to my dotox it’s not wonder I’m not fitting into it anymore and that’s a good thing. Still have a way to go though yet but I’m getting there, this detox is certainly helping though.
So I’ll continue to take all my supplements for healing until they run out, it certainly won’t hurt. Other than that every thing’s going according to plan. All is good and I’m happy with the results so far.
Learn how to roast meat to perfection.
Step 1: Trim roast (we used a leg of lamb). Weigh and calculate cooking time – for lamb allow 25 to 30 minutes per 500g. Place on a trivet (roasting rack) in a baking dish. This allows the meat juices to drain form the roast. Use these juices to make gravy.
Step 2: Add flavourings – such as small incisions in the skin for pieces of garlic and rosemary sprigs. Or use lemon, honey, chilli, balsamic, mustard and other flavourings. If desired, add liquid stock or water to the dish for added tenderness. You can use this liquid to make gravy.
Step 3: Brush with oil and sprinkle with seasonings. Bake in a moderate oven (180°C) for calculated cooking time. Remove from oven. Cover with foil. Rest for 10 to 15 minutes to settle juices (to prevent loss of juices when carved). Carve with a sharp knife across the grain.
Source: Super Food Ideas – December 2002, Page 23 & Taste.com.au
