#myfuelup

[nomoexcuses]

Getting an 18M bike ride in to finish this Wednesday up. Have a great night all! #Zwift #Wahoo #Kickr #1DayAtATime #NoExcuses #FujiBikes #WeightLossJourney #MyFuelUp #Night #HappyWednesday https://www.instagram.com/p/CEYbvZPlwbY/?igshid=1jjl2jadlvxnp

[fitletenation]

Sign up for THE NATION during the event at get an awesome perk thanks to @myfuelup ! Set and ready right outside the doors! Stop over & say hello today. #iyca #youthfitness #youthathletics #LTAD #personaltraining #cscs #crossfit #nsca #acsm #acefitness #nasm #strengthcoach #continuingeducation #continuinged #personaltrainer #strengthcoach #nutritionist #fitletenation #fitlete #fitletes http://ift.tt/2oEPC61

[nwil88]

Consideration please

Well I have to say this is a difficult one for me based on the idea alone and what it potentially says for running. I read an article in a magazine recently about someone submitting a false time for better seeding in a big run. This event was and is a premiere event that attracts hundreds of thousands. Based on the quantity of participants there has to be multiple waves based on times. This is where my issue comes in simply that its not fair along with inconsiderate of others. I have ran many runs where they ask you to stage in the group of the time frame you think you might finish. Every time I end up running behind/passing people who started and did not belong up front. Let me state that I fully understand the new wave and idea that everyone is awesome and can do as they please. My issue is I believe in common sense and integrity so if I am running a nine minute mile then thats where I start. Big picture is this (in my personal opinion) everyone's a winner does not mean a twelve min mile runner should hinder the efforts of eight minute mile runner. The idea that we are all out there as equals carries weight to an extent. Yes we all paid and yes we all out there usually really early but did we all travel the same path to get there? The answer is no not everyone did and this shows in the results at the end of the day. So I come to the question of why is fair for A to hinder Bs performance based on the “we are all equal” idea? Personally I do not feel this fair or ethically right I know this is probably just a personal thing for me but Its how I feel so be it. I do not think this will ever change because the idea of everyone being the same or the Dead Freaking Last idea is gaining speed. Again im not bashing anyone's efforts or goals I am just looking for a little more consideration in seeding yourself for a run. If you are running to take pictures and skip along thats fine its your money and your prerogative. Not everyone takes these events lightly a lot of us train extremely hard and want the most bang for buck out our performance. 

[funfearlesslife]

Farmer's Market. Adding in some delicious seasonal and local upgrades to the meal planning menu for the week. Take the opportunity to know your local farmers and learn what produce are best in season. It will inspire your creativity in the kitchen, excite your tastebuds and satisfy the soul with these nutrient goodness from farm to your table. Thank you Alex's Tomato Farm from Carlisle, NY. #localfarmers #mealprep #MyFuelUp #nutrition #realfood #fitness

[mikewootang]

The happy biggest loser weekly weigh in update Day 8 i weighed in at 280.4 lbs. Total lose 9.4 lbs next weigh on Jan 19 at 12:01am #weightloss #healthy #lossinglbs #myfuelup #fitness #vegan #diet

[mikeyv83]

Fueling Up! for El Tour de Tucson – Nov2014

Two weeks ago, I challenged myself to something completely new (for me) – a cycling race. The race, held annually in Tucson, AZ, is called El Tour De Tucson. The event attracts 9,000 cyclists each year, who race around the perimeter of the city. COINCIDENTALLY, a really useful feature of the MyFuelUp app is the ability to determine caloric requirements for fueling cardiovascular activity, and I saw this as a great opportunity to put the method to the test while getting to feel like a different type of BADASS for one day (in orange & blue, of course)! Not to mention, raising money for a good cause and getting a taste of humble pie before Thanksgiving – this sport is not easy!

Many of my friends impress me by participating in half/full marathons and 50-100mi+ cycling events - our own athlete, Mike Boggs, helped me to get my feet wet with it this summer (I had rarely touched a road bike prior). IMPORTANT: these events are NOT designed for weight loss (that’s what an offseason diet & exercise program is for!), and they all require TONS of fuel, as thousands of calories are being burned, sometimes by the hour. And that fuel must be intelligently chosen. You have to think of yourself as a locomotive constantly burning (high-quality) coal as it moves along the tracks!

These events represent EXTREME examples of fueling requirements that exist for cardiovascular activities of more moderate durations, like casual bike rides or even playground basketball. But the app can help to fuel for all of it by assisting with data-driven decisions referencing the Metabolic Equivalent (MET) Database (see https://sites.google.com/site/compendiumofphysicalactivities/). You input the activity and duration, and the app provides a fueling need/recommendation. It’s that simple.

Among race-types, cycling was a good choice for me due to existing neck issues. The fluid motion, with less bouncing, is easier on my joints than running, and powerful shoulders/core help support body positioning for the duration. It’s also more fun, IMO, to go FAST, feel the wind and admire the landscape. BUT, cycling is also a comparatively expensive hobby, and the amount one spends can impact performance. As a beginner, I purchased a basic road bike in May and slowly added a few toys (comfort seat and clipped shoes/pedals). Further, understanding the proper riding techniques and braking/shifting methods (and, for the advanced, even drifting in groups) can make a big difference in energy efficiency. I have plenty to improve upon!

Now, NUTRITION: In the two days leading up to the race, I started to carb up (up to 250g/day) so that my glycogen stores would be maximized. I ate things like pancakes, breaded chicken, pasta, and fruit/juice much more frequently, while cutting back on protein and fat to keep total calories fairly consistent – you can see a few of the meals below:

  For race duration, I initially had my eye on the max distance of 104mi, but ultimately opted for the 75mi route after realizing my preparation was not quite there yet. To do these distances well, it takes many months of dedicated training – something I have newfound respect for! Since my previous max training ride was just over 50mi, and my average speed was 15mph, I reasoned that I could finish 75mi in around 5 hours.

Using the MyFuelUp ‘Fuel My Cardio’ calculator, which considers my height/weight/age, I entered the sport ‘bicycling – 14-15.9 mph, racing’ and duration of 300 minutes, and was informed that I would burn approximately 3172 calories, just DURING the race (see in-app screenshot above). Fueling for cardio should primarily (>75%) consist of fast-digesting carbohydrates that replenish muscle glycogen rapidly, and moderate protein to support muscle repair from fatigue. Avoiding much fat and fiber is also useful when the activity is high intensity – both of these slow digestion. Armed with this data, I planned ahead - purchasing adequate quantities of endurance bars and energy chews/gels that I could easily eat while riding. 

I also rocked BCAAs (branch-chain amino acids), in powder form, in my thermos to ensure a consistent supply of protein as I hydrated. For an event like this, drink, drink, & DRINK some more – water, that is ;) 

As for the event, it was a chilly morning in Tucson, so my arm/knee warmers were crucial, but once the sun came out life was good! I climbed intense hills at minimal speeds (leg burning pumps!), but then was rewarded with gradual declines where one can downshift and cruise at 25-30mph+ for several minutes - FUN. The first 50mi were very productive for me, averaging just under 15.5mph and improving upon my trials. Following the fueling protocols, I split calories evenly over the hours and had little issue with hunger, trying to always eat BEFORE I felt the need.

  Miles 50-75 were new territory, outside any training I had done, and it showed. It was the toughest stretch along the I10 freeway, but I kicked up the hydration, potassium and electrolytes and stayed in a controlled pedaling rhythm to push through. I finished the 75mi in 5hrs and 20 min (although I started late, so it was actually 05:10), not too far off my 5hr projection. Not great by cycling standards (the top folks do over 100mi in 5hrs!), but I’m OK with this for my initiation J AND I was definitely not starving or energy-depleted, so ‘Fuel My Cardio’ did some good!

The best part, I have donated $5 for every mile I completed to the American Diabetes Association, in support of Diabetes Awareness Month! The El Tour event itself also sponsors the Special Olympics. El Tour was an awesome experience and I may just have an itch for this sport, now - I’d like to improve performance while always FUELING UP right! Next year? I hear I will have a few partners to ride with, if I do!

Mike

[beardfuel]

myfuelup, it is time to go full on Keto-licious!

Fantastic article from Time Magazine on the role of saturated fats in our diets. These fats are enormously beneficial nutrient in our diets but unfortunately, have been misrepresented for decades by faulty science. I encourage everyone to go read this article and make healthy changes to their diets.

The largest takeaway here, eat well and eat whole nutritious food. I don't know what I'd do without butter in my kitchen to make meals rich and beard supportive. Your world will change switching from skim milk to whole grass-fed milk!

[wgatesphoto]

Food Photography

Since MyFuelUp asked me to be their company photographer, I have enjoyed being a food photographer. The advantage to taking these shots is I get to eat the food afterwards :)

This shoot was taken at a great Paradise Valley Home. I didn't do the cooking on this shoot, but here is a shot before the chef did his magic.

After the chef did his Magic, it was time to make this final dish look good enough to eat from the website :)

We did have the pleasure of sampling this great food :)

My other client, Pasta Brioni, hired me to provide them with updated pictures of their food and building. Restaurant has been in the same location for a few decades; if you are near Camelback and Miller, bring your appetite and enjoy some amazing food!!!

I need to head back to Pasta Brioni and order this dish. When I was editing the shoot, I started getting hungry, you can see why :)

Until next time, order some great food!!

William

[amandasmith121]

My goal to live a healthier lifestyle through #myfuelup

Hi, my name is Amanda Smith and I’m a full-time working mom to two beautiful children and a wife. My goal is to live a healthy and happy lifestyle. I have always gone up and down in weight throughout my life and always thought it was normal and “just me”….until I found out that because of my diet and weight, if I didn’t fix it, I wouldn’t be able to have children…a life-long dream of mine. Here starts my story.

In December of 2007, I married Richie Smith. I was 165lbs and at my heaviest weight ever…he loved me anyways. We knew that we wanted children and was going to start right away. We tried for three years with no luck. I went to my OB/GYN and told her that it just wasn’t working and that I felt that I needed to see a specialist. After meeting with a specialist and after several tests, I found out that I had Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a condition caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body inappropriately attacks the thyroid gland - as if it was foreign tissue. The underlying cause of the autoimmune process remains unknown. Hashimoto's thyroiditis tends to occur in families. It can be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is 5 to 10 times more common in women than in men and most often starts in adulthood. Since my diagnosis I’ve been prescribed to Levothyroxine, which is closely monitored by my doctor by frequent blood tests and since it’s been in control.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a problem in which a woman's hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS also may cause unwanted changes in the way you look (like weight gain/or trouble losing weight). If it isn't treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. My doctor put me on metformin and advised my to live a healthier lifestyle by eating better and starting an exercise regimen and I should be able to have children once I get everything under control.

After starting to exercise, eat healthier and take my medicine I lost 37lbs and was down to 128lbs. Not only was I looking better, I was feeling better physically and mentally. Six months later I was pregnant with my first child! With each of my pregnancies I was able to get down to my pre-pregnancy weight of 128lbs with lots of dieting and exercise.

Now I’ve pretty much gotten into a routine with balancing work and kids and I’m ready to get even healthier! I’m 5ft 2in and 128lbs with a BMI of 23.4 and even though that is in the “normal” range, I still have a goal of getting my weight down to 120lbs. This goal is for me to feel better about myself and so I can be even healthier for my husband and children.

About a year ago, my husband’s cousin, Michael Vento was at my house for Thanksgiving Dinner and we spoke about living a healthy lifestyle and my goals. He told me that he was starting a website “myfuelup.com” to help people like myself with fitness-oriented diets and meal planning. After that, things got pretty hectic in my life to actually use his site and carry on with my goals. On May 13th, 2014 my PCOS took over my left ovary and left fallopian tube with cysts that were causing me so much pain that I had to have them both removed. Now that I’m fully recovered from surgery I decided to give this a try.

Today, I created my account and the #myfuelup website generated a fitness meal plan for me. Tonight I’m going to the grocery store to get all the items I need and tomorrow with start day 1. I will use this blog to keep you updated and I hope you will follow me through this journey!

If you are interested please go and check out the #myfuelup website at www.myfuelup.com. I will keep you posted on my progress and you can do the same! Let’s do this together!

[nomoexcuses]

Getting some steps in this morning to start the day. Monsoon last night so humid and hot to kick off the day. #1DayAtATime #WeightLossJourney #NoExcuses #HappyThursday #ExploreYourCity #ChandlerAZ #MyFuelUp (at Chandler, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEHgduxFvhf/?igshid=1opxaothunusg

[nomoexcuses]

Getting some miles in this morning to start my Thursday. Have an amazing day all! #1DayAtATime #NoExcuses #FujiBikes #GarminFenix5x #MyFuelUp #WeightLossJourney (at Chandler, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CD1aG_IlxpT/?igshid=37he5q4kmczo

[nomoexcuses]

What to do when you are doing zero carb for 2 weeks and it's your birthday. Hit up #ThePorkShop in #QueenCreek and bought a bunch of goodness...especially bacon. #MyFuelUp #Bacon #Love #HappyBirthday #Meat #Protein (at The Pork Shop)

[nomoexcuses]

Best way to finish our day. Last rides on #guardiansofthegalaxy and #SoarinOverTheWorld both are awesome rides. Even gave fast passes to a lucky team of 3 that hadn't rode Galaxy yet. Made Q and my day. What an awesome time...Happy Birthday Melissa!!! #MyFuelUp #FamilyFunTime #FitFam #FitFluential #Fitsperation #CaliforniaAdventure #DisneyVacation #HappyBirthday

[nomoexcuses]

Q and I at the 13th annual #PatsRun event. Good morning and happy Saturday all! #MyFuelUp #PatsRun #PatTillman #Respect #FitFam #FitFluential #Fitsperation #FatherSon #FamilyFunTime #Freedom #Honor #Run #HappySaturday (at Sun Devil Stadium)

[nomoexcuses]

That's how you finish a round a golf on a beautiful sunny day. #MyFuelUp #Golf #Beer #WesternSkiesGC #FunInTheSun (at Mulligans Grill at Western Skies Golf Club)

[nomoexcuses]

Beef BulGoGi oh how I've missed thee. Had a great lunch with the family today while stopping around town and saying hello to many folks. Thanks for the hospitality #ArirangGarden #MyFuelUp #CheatDay #Korean #Foodie #BoggsTrips #OakHarbor #WashingtonState #FamilyFunTime (at Arirang Garden Korean Restaurant)