"I think it's funny how the article is sure to quote scientists stating the "pressure to approve this stuff with minimal safety approval" came during Pres. Bush's administration, but the USDA has only just now, in 2012 (4th yr of Obama administration), planned to buy 7 million lbs of it for school lunches. But, the article doesn't mention "Obama" anywhere.
Of course our school's shouldn't be serving this stuff if it has no nutritional value and contains dangerous chemicals. But, the article doesn't address those concerns in depth. The information on the "stuff" is very minimal, dubious, and vague. What are the macro-nutrients and the ingredient breakdowns? What exactly is ammonium hydroxide and how often is it used on foods?
I'd consider myself a libertarian, though not extremely political anyway!"
- Valerie Garcia
Ok...so this article is about politics - and who wants to talk about that? I mean it's only our country that's at stake? It's like what's the best protein powder or who to go to get spraytanned... But seriously, out of 20+ people, Valerie was only woman to reply. Thanks for that. And thanks for putting so much thought into your commentary - AS USUAL!
I find it very troubling that America's school children are served a product that's of such low quality, that even fast food turns it down. I too would like to know the nutritional value of this product -- it would have been nice had the journalists included that. I think I'll come back to this story. I wanted to release a great comment and an article that's somewhat interesting from the Huffington Post; however, I plan on doing some more research on this and releasing a full article in the coming weeks. If anyone wants to contribute some info, drop me a line at: Christian@StrengthAddicts.com
Weight-training and intense cardio definitely render some pretty jaw-dropping results, coupled with smart eating and good supplementation. We know all that - more or less (lol). But who ever said that all this training was fun? I could see were lifting (esp. free weights) could get your heart racing, as your imagination was left to its own devices; however, unless you're John Basedow or some p9ox nutjob, I highly doubt you find the treadmill, stairclimber, or any of the other novelty torture devices to be entertaining on their own.
Some people will bring a magazine and play a balancing act, if you step too hard, your reading material will be on the floor. Others like to meditate - till they forget where they're at -- and SPLAT! Others like to watch tv - which unless you have earphones (most that don't), then not only will you be bored, but you'll be annoyed b/c you can't understand a damn thing. (lol).
Finally, an enlightened few take mp3 players (brands & styles vary - based on price, sound quality, disc size, etc).
So anyways, I went ahead and asked the champions, including my friend Valerie Garcia (future Mrs. John Romano), who soon will be a champion (just look at her -- but not for too long), what they listen to when their pumping iron and burning through hundreds of calories!
"It's crucial for me to have some beats in my ear while training, both weights and cardio. There have been times I've left the gym simply to drive back home if I've forgotten my ipod. Something in the music gets me going and keeps me focused. My music drowns out the horrible stuff they play in the gym, the obnoxiously loud girl yakking on her cell on the treadmill next to me, or the greasy guy trying to get my attention (thankfully, I train with my man now so I don't have to worry about that!). It is also a great way to discourage 'Chatty Cathys' from interrupting my workout.
I have my ipod filled with dance, electronic, and some hip-hop & rock. Top ten that never get old:
Reflekt ft. Delline Bass - 'Need to Feel Loved'
Ferry Corsten - 'Black Velvet'
Dinka - 'Elements' (EDX mix)
The Prodigy - 'Breathe'
Hibernate - 'Motion'
Kreayshawn - 'Online Fantasy'
Cerf, Mitiska, & Jaren - 'Beggin You' (Armin Van Buuren mix)
Rick Ross & Drake - 'Aston Martin Music'
Dave Aude & David Garcia - 'Dancin Circles'
The Movement - 'Livest Shit'"
Valerie Garcia
"I absolutely need to have my ipod when I am doing my lifting and night cardio (morning cardio I watch TV at my house). I typically lift with my husband, but we both listen to our music. I think music really helps me focus and it gives me the motivation to push myself. I definitely do not lift/ do cardio as hard when I am not listening to it or when someone is talking to me...the gym is not a place for socializing in my opinion. As far as what I listen to, I would say mostly rock with some hip hop thrown in depending on my mood. My top ten songs are:
Dig- Mudvayne
Warrior- Disturbed
Dragula- Rob Zombie
Show Me What You’ve Got- Powerman 5000
Booty Wurk- T-pain (leg day song) ;)
Numb- Rob Zombie
Shake My- Three 6 Mafia
Monster- Skillet
Tears Don’t Fall- Bullet for my Valentine
Fly- Nicki Minaj and Rihanna
~Sally Lunsford
"Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience."
"Oh wow, what a great question. My song list is too long and varied to name them all. I mostly listen to the heavy stuff while I lift. It really gets the adrenalin goin! Sevendust, Disturbed, Pantera, Godsmack, Ozzy etc. I don't EVER have it off! I listen to it from the moment I step foot on the weight floor to the moment I get into my car. I am focused in the gym and it allows me to work hard and avoid any unnecessary jibber jabber with other people and avoid my muscles cooling off. It's a MUST have for my cardio. I couldn't make it through a session without it. Music is a BIG part of my life. My dad was a guitar player, my mom is a singer, my grandparents were singers, my son is a guitar player and drummer and my husband is a drummer. Needless to say music is in my blood. It's a MUST for me everyday!
My Top 10 songs would be as follows: (in no order)
Face to Face-Sevendust
Bitch-Sevendust
5 Minutes Alone- Pantera
Far Beyond Driven- Pantera
Cryin Like a Bitch-Godsmack
Walk-Pantera
Stupify-Disturbed
Awake-Godsmack
Stranglehold-Ted Nugent
Moonbaby-Godsmack
No Rest For The Wicked-Godsmack
Anything Sammy Hagar (he's my fav and I'll let anything play from him, even slow songs)
Danae Zaitz
(Photographed with her daughter, Natalie (Aug 2011))
"Fat Droppin and Muscles Poppin."
"Listening to music definitely can have an influence on my workout. Lately I've been doing cardio/lifting with my girlfriends Kelly and Lindsey, so I ditch the iPod when I'm with them. However, when I have to do cardio alone, my iPod is an absolute must. One will find a mix of Dance/Electronic remixes, Pop and Latin Pop on my iPod. I choose upbeat, positive music selections for my cardio sessions to keep me moving and feeling strong. I love to go dancing on the weekends with my friends, so I like the tunes that remind me of past fun weekends and weekends yet to come.
My cardio consists of walking so I walk to the beat of my music.
When I lift, I do listen to music, but it's not as necessary to me as having music during cardio.
My Top 10 Songs at the moment are:
1) Glad You Came-The Wanted, BassjackersRemix
2) Turn it Down-Kaskae
3) In the Air-Morgan Page
4) Llove-Kaskade
5) Eyes-Kaskade
6) Levels-Avicii
7) Stereo Love-Edward Maya
8) This is my Life-Edward Maya
9) She Wolf-Shakira
10) On the Floor-J Lo
All of these songs are awesome to me for their fun, catchy beats, and I have many good memories being out with friends having a total blast while listening to them. Number 10 on the list is significant because that is the song I walked out to on stage at my last show. It brings my mind to where it needs to be--thinking about hitting the stage next!
Laura Ridings
I've officially given up on trying to interview Detroit-based, Kyrstyn Niespolo, who was featured last year. It's very unforunate that in an industry full of people looking for good press, that someone would be so excited and grateful to be featured, only to then disappear all together. I was under a very strong impression that Kyrstyn would do an interview, so instead of interviewing others like IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Zoa Linsey (who I asked after Kyrstyn), I worked on questions for the person that was first in line.
Several messages since mid December, and I regretfully give up. I take FigureBikni.com very seriously -- and all the ladies that reply to my polls, get featured, and take the time to participate -- I owe you 100% of my all, because your name appears here. I have messaged this person, simply asking for a two word reply - and nothing. So anyways, THANK YOU to those of you that help this page. Like I always like to thell people -- you DON'T need a card -- to act like - or - be - A PROFESSIONAL. Some people can "go pro," but comport themselves like the biggest amateurs in the world!
On a sidenote, I want to stress how much I admire Team Bombshell, as well as other organizations like Tanji Johnson's Save Fitness. The vast majority of the athletes in these organizations, represent the most gifted, hard working, professional people in the entire industry. However, I do have to be fair, and I can only take so much rudeness - regardless who the athlete is "with." Peace!
Valerie Garcia presents beauty & muscle wrapped into one.
In this edition of FigureBikini.com, I ask some of the top figure and bikini competitors (and future competitors) which protein powder they prefer, including their favorite flavor and how they like to prepare their shakes. Below you'll see some of the most beautiful women to ever grace the stage!
VPX SRO in vanilla, I blend it with ice, water, 1 tbsp natural peanut butter, and a splash of unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
Valerie Garcia
My favorite protein powder right now is MRM Natural Whey in Chocolate. Since I'm dieting right now I prepare mine with just water and ice, but if I'm not I love making a Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake by adding 1 TBSP natural peanut butter, 1/3 banana, and 1 cup unsweetened SoDelicious Coconut Milk!
Allison Moyer
Gaspari Nutrition's Chocolate Peanut Butter, without a doubt. I like to make mine with almond milk and sometimes add a little ice. During off season, I like to use the vanilla and add in 1 heaping spoonful of pumpkin, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, stevia, ice, and blend.
Ashley Lemmons
I use Dymatize Elite XT chocolate. I blend with 1/2c frozen blueberries, 1/2c frozen chopped spinach, a couple pieces of ice, 1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk, and enough water to make it liquid enough.
Amber Shepard Hayes
I love a casein protein shake at night right before bed. My favorite flavor is chocolate peanut butter by Optimum Nutrition. I scoop it into a bowl, add one scoop of glutamine, and add just enough water to make it like a pudding dessert!
Carolina Granados
I love Champion Nutrition's Chocolate PB Whey! I mix one scoop with oats post workout...Mixes easily in a shaker with water and tastes amazing! Sometimes, when I'm feeling creative...I'll mix half a scoop of CN Chocolate PB with a half scoop of CN Cookies and Cream..absolutely DELICIOUS!
Nicole Gray
I LOVE Optimum Nutrition's HydroWhey Supercharged Strawberry! I blend it with just water and ice post-workout to really help with muscle recovery and growth!
Miriam Looney
I would say hands down the best protein powder is Whey protein from Optimum Nutrition. I love Caramel Toffee fudge! I takes care of my chocolate craving! It is best prepared with a little water, ice, cinnamon, and I throw in some yams and blend it all together for a great tasting, fast and easy post-workout meal. The yams make it a little creamy and it's almost like a milkshake!
For the next month or so, whenever you visit FigureBikini.com, you'll see the images of IFBB Figure Pro Karly Woody, IFBB Fitness Pro Danielle Ruban Martin, nationally ranked NPC Figure Star Allison Moyer, and top ranked NPC Bikini Star Carolina Granados. But what if you're wondering about the terms "top ranked" or "star"? Well one look at Carolina's record for 2011 (for example), and you know that my description of these OUTSTANDING athletes, is on point.
NPC San Diego Championships (Mar 2011) - 1st place
NPC Jay Cutler Desert Classic (April 2011) - 5th place
NPC Los Angeles Championships (July 2011) - 5th place
FigureBikini.com has a great deal in store, updating the blog weekly (and sometimes daily!). Be ready for my upcoming interview with Marilena Echohawk, who won her class and an IFBB Pro Card in Women's Physique at the 2011 NPC Team Universe!
But this blog isn't exclusively for women that compete. There are a great many ladies that are in top-top shape, pushing themselves to the limit on a daily basis. I want to include these great athletes as well. StrengthAddicts.com is my baby :), it's where I do all the bodybuilding and powerlifting I can possibly cram in there. But this site is my contribution to the Women. An appropriate name would have been
I'm sure the url is available, but it's kinda long, wouldn't you agree? The reason I chose "figure" and "bikini" (only) for the url is b/c these happen to be the two most popular divisions right now; however, let me reiterate this once again -- this page is for all women's divisions!
Whether you're looking to compete one day (like Valerie Garcia, who I hope will participate on the blog) - or whether you train just because you live the lifestyle and want to be healthy and fit - I want you here. :)
