There's a glutton of info. on the web so I'm having difficulty discerning the wheat from the chaff. I know a lot of you are knowledgeable in this area. I've begun working again (lifting) and would like some suggestions on products that would benefit a 45 yr. old. I have no interest in bulking up/bodybuilding. I just want to "feed" my muscles as my workouts are quite intense. Just wanna be able to increase my strength and stay lean, but not deprive my body of the extra requirements it may need. I realize with weight lifting that I will put on muscle mass, but like I said, I'm not interested in bodybuilding per se. Also what's a good workout energy booster? Back in the day it was Mini Thins for me, but I can't find'um. Probably something better out now anyways.
1. eat coconut oil http://www.muscle-health-fitness.com/coconut-oil-benefits-4.html 2. and coconut water 3. maca root for better hormone balance 4. pumpkin seeds - good absorption of protein, a lot of zinc for testosterone production. 5. avocados. contain good oils and vitamin B6
Maybe that's why Samoans are so big? They use coconut in many phases of their meals. But then again, so do Thai people... There's been an explosion of retail marketed coconut water lately... hmmm.
As a pick-me-up? Omega u crazy! No substitute for 16 oz. T-Bone however. No matter what our resident leaf eating, bighair band listening, nut job says.
Thing is, at the grocery store you can get for 16 bucks a steak that if you take it home and cook it yourself is a 45 dollar steak at Mortons or Smith and Wollensky in Chicago. Not dry aged but still good as hell.
Actually, Smith and Wollensky is all over may be one near you; only been to the one in Chicago myself. http://www.smithandwollensky.com/
Technically if your workouts are "intense" your body will shut your stomach down and you will not want to eat anything. But very few reach that level of intensity. However, your muscles should be fed 8-10 hours ahead of a workout with a full meal consisting of protein, complex carbs, veggies, and fat. This gives time for your body to store the energy in and near your muscles so that it can readily be used when needed. My personal favorites are a large breast of chicken or steak , pasta with some sort of cheese sauce. Hands down it is an apple. The sweeter the better. My personal favorite is the Golden Delicious and Galas. You may laugh but trust me, a good apple can make you work miracles.