Assess for Success...

So we are almost at the end of the first month of 2008. For those of us who decided 23 days ago to change some aspect of our life, we must perform an "assessment" ourselves and address the things that are keeping us from being successful and highlight those things that we are doing that are taking us one step closer to our goal. NO MATTER how little these things are we must remember that "every big goal is made up of many little events".
In fact at the end of each day you should do an assessment of all of your events and activities to ensure that you are spending time, energy, and even money on things that are going to help you reach those goals. This will keep you motivated and cause you to hold yourself accountable when you find yourself repeating those habits that only result in failure. So remember to "Assess for Success".

The "PROS" for Protein

Known mostly for their muscles building properties, Proteins are also responsible for the production of hormones and enzymes, supporting immune system functions, and another source of energy for the body. Made from Amino Acids, proteins are bonded together in various orders and shapes to form specific proteins throughout the body. There are 20 different Amino Acids. There are 9 Essential Amino Acids which we must ingest in our daily nutrition. All animal proteins are called Complete Proteins because they contain all of the Essential Amino Acids. Most plant sources of proteins are lacking in one or more of the 9 essential Amino Acids and for this reason are called Incomplete Proteins.
When considering the ingestion of protein, it is important to understand the “All or None Principle”. Simply put, all 9 essential Amino Acids must be present in order for the body to synthesize protein. If even one is absent, no synthesis can occur. This causes the body to “break-down” muscle to produce the protein needed for other bodily functions resulting in the lost of lean muscle mass and a reduction of overall metabolism.
This situation most be taken into special consideration by those on vegetarian diets. Adequate steps must be taken when arranging meals to guarantee the proper mixture of foods with complementary Amino Acids to lessen the possibility of reduction for lean muscle mass.

2008 is GREAT!

Its been a while since I did some actual cardio, as I was trying to "bulk up" during the off-season. This week I actually got on the treadmill 3 times. It felt as if I had been gone for years. Of course I attempted to do the same intensity as I did when I was in contest shape back in October. And of course I failed miserably, so it is back to the basics. This time around I feel as though it won't be so hard to get back to where I was.
Hopefully all of you are enjoying 2008, and are keeping those resolutions that you made. Remember you have to do something consistantly for at least 120 days before it can become a habit. It at any time you stop or take a break, that 120 days starts all over. So this goes for changing your eating habits and working out. Plan to stick with it for at least 4 months and then it will be all "downhill". But still take it DAY by DAY, HOUR by HOUR, and even MINUTE by MINUTE and all of those goals would be achieved in no time.

All Over Again in 2008....

Happy New Year for all of us at 12weeksfitness.blogspot.com, this year is promising to be amazing. I personally will be competing in my first Professional bodybuilding competition in April. Also planning about 3 more shows throughout the year. The diet began today and we will be going until the 28th of April, about 16 weeks.
Also in July 2008, along with the experts from NsaneTraining.com we will be competing in a Fitness Challenge. This is like a "strong-man" competition only along with strength, there will be events focusing on speed, endurance, agility, and etc.
Best of wishes in 2008, continue to log in and check on the new updates which will be occurring a lot more often this year.