-
Muscle Brownie or Reese Cups which is the healthier option?
I recently received an email from a well meaning, newer client. She was trying hard to find a good option for a meal replacement on a day when she had left home without her protein shake. She was very excited about a Muscle Brownie she had found - not only did it have 20 g of protein, it actually tasted good and was wrapped in a neat little package she could pop right in her purse.
Sounds fabulous, right?!? Well, not so much. Upon closer examination of the nutrition info the 'Muscle' brownie turns out to be closer to a candy bar than a protein shake.
The macronutrients are not very good... 1/2 a bar has 170 calories, 6 g of fat, 19 g of carbs (12 of which are sugar) and 10 g of protein. If you eat the whole brownie (which seriously, who wouldn't!) you jump the calories to 340 with 24 g of sugar! For reference, 2 Reese Cups have 232 calories with 21 g of sugar. See the nutrition facts below for the Reese cups.
My point is - be very careful when you see a product that claims to be healthy. While it may taste good, I have to give Muscle Brownies a thumbs down as a meal replacement. If you want a splurge, plan for it and eat what you actually want. I do have to say, Muscle Brownies are a bit better than regular brownies so if you have a serious craving for a brownie, this could be a slightly better option.
-
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss Protein Shake Recipe
With warmer weather ahead, I have taken a liking to my cold shakes again. I like to incorporate healthy protein shake recipes as way to have my chocolate without the guilt. These taste so good, it will make sticking to your diet a snap.
Here is one of my favorite! More to come soon...
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss
12 oz. water
ice cubes
1 teaspoon heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon natural peanut butter
1.5 scoops chocolate Ultimate Muscle Protein
Mix together in a blender and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 285
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 9g
Fat: 13gJulie Lohre
IFBB Fitness Pro and Cover Model
http://www.JulieLohre.com 
-
Check out Jenna Dunham's inspiring story in Beverly International's No Nonsense Newsletter!
Jenna Dunham – Tragedy into Triumph
By: Jenna Dunham, 1st Place, 2009 KY Muscle Figure Class B
No Nonsense Magazine Volume 15 # issue 1
If you asked me a year ago whether I thought I would ever be standing in the 1st place spot on stage in a Figure competition I would respond "No way, not me!" . Yet here I am, just days after taking first place in a huge class at the 2009 NPC Kentucky Muscle!
One year ago I was five months pregnant when I had premature labor that resulted in a tragic stillbirth of my son. I was devastated, depressed, and just not sure what to do next. I was 30 pounds too heavy and very out of shape due to the enforced bed rest. After going through a serious bout of grieving and deep depression, I snapped myself out of it, and contacted IFBB Pro Julie Lohre to help me lose the pregnancy weight.
I joined her FitBody Spring Contest Prep team so I could have the support of the other girls and benefit from the discipline of the contest prep program. I initially did not intend to compete, but after the first couple meetings, I changed my mind. Why not? So, I set a date for my first show and made it happen! I lost over 15% body fat and ended up placing first in Novice Figure and fifth in the Open Figure at the NPC Indianapolis in early June. I was ecstatic! I now had the desire to do another show and come in even better! I decided to continue with the Team FitBody Fall Team and shoot for the KY Muscle on November 14.
![]()
-
NPC Kentucky Overall Champ, Iryna McGraw heads to the Arnold
Name: Iryna McGraw
Hometown: Madisonville, KY
Years Competing/# of shows:
I have competed since 2004. I did one show in Covengton, KY. Place 6. And three in Louisville, KY. Take 3, 2 and last November I take home first place in my figure class and then OVERALL title.
Division for this show: Figure class 5.4 and up.
What has been the most difficult thing for you during your preparation for the Arnold? Hm.. Bronhites. Doctor say stay in bed... But I'm to exited about compite at Arnold classics so, this time I have to push myself over sickness and weakness. But I so thankful to my husband and my dearest friends who help me go thru dificult time. What are you most looking forward to in Ohio?Compete first time in Arnold classics and meet my trainer Mike Davise!
Are you nervous? And if so, about what? ... It's more like excitement for me...I need that andrenalin in my blood! I am now officially hooked. Lol
What are you excited about? Compete in same stage with so many great athletes. Meet my friends and have great time together!
What will you do after the competition? Take few days off! And than start prepaid my self for National show in Chicago. I love my "ON" seasons. I approach my daily workouts with much enthusiasm. Always look forward to that time during the day when I can relieve stress, sharpen my focus and discipline and continually challenge and improve myself. Staying healthy and fit is necessary for me to have the energy to balance my busy life. As...
-
Autumn Edwards looks for top spot at the 2010 Arnold Sports Festival!
Name: Autumn Edwards
Hometown: Somerset, KY
Years Competing/# of shows: 3 shows
Division for this show: (Figure/Fitness/Bikini and height class expected...) Fitness Medium
What has been the most difficult thing for you during your preperation for the Arnold? The loss of both of my mammaws.
What are you most looking forward to in Ohio? Arnold and all the other fitness celebrities!
Are you nervous? And if so, about what? Not really. I was able to familiarize myself at last year's show and will be coming with confidence!
What are you excited about? The crowd!
What will you do after the competition? EAT!Julie Lohre
IFBB Fitness Pro and Cover Model
http://www.JulieLohre.com 
-
Clothing designer, Joelle Miller ready for the 2010 Arnold!
Joelle Miller has been competing in Figure successfully for several years and is now ready to take her incredible physique to the next level of competition at this year's Arnold Sports Festival. Joelle has been working very hard to balance her strong physique and is sure to impress in Columbus. Be sure to check out this clothing designers site for some workout wear that will make you feel great about training! www.FitnessWearByJoelle.com
Joelle Miller
Hometown:Madison, Indiana
Company: http://www.FitnessWearByJoelle.com/
Years Competing/# of shows:3 years, 6 shows
Division for this show: Figure, class D
What has been the most difficult thing for you during your preparation for the Arnold?
I`ve had so many new challenges in my training and diet over the last 6 months, it`s like I`m doing this for the first time, you never know what to expect. The bigger the challenge the more drive it gives me, although I still have my down times, I won`t stay there for long!
What are you most looking forward to in Ohio? I love going to the Arnold, my husband and I go every year, so to be going as a competitor is really exciting.
Are you nervous? And if so, about what? no, I don`t get nervous until it`s time to walk on stage.
What are you excited about? I`m excited about hanging out back stage with my friends, the girls I have met thru competing are incredibly strong and positive women.
What will you do after the competition? I will jump right back into training preparing for the Northern.Julie Lohre
IFBB Fitness Pro and Cover Model
http://www.JulieLohre.com 
-
Rachel Fazzalaro ready for Arnold BIKINI!
Rachel Fazzalaro can quickly put to rest any question about how hard Bikini Competitors work. This incredible woman has used heavy weight training and a strict nutrition plan to add muscle, define her body and give her an ideal FitBody for Bikini! Rachel is a featured model in Julie Lohre's Ultimate Bikini Guide! Look for this bombshell to rock the stage on Columbus!
Good Luck Rachel!
Name: Rachel Fazzalaro
Hometown: Bellevue, KY
Years Competing/# of shows: I've been competing since Oct 2009 and the Arnold will be my third show.
Division for this show: Bikini Short Class
What has been the most difficult thing for you during your preperation for the Arnold?
Surprisingly preparation for this show has been easier so far than my other shows! I think I am so busy working, going to school and juggling other daily life things that the diet and training have just become a part of it all! I haven't had much time to think about being hungry or have any cravings like I did last time, which has worked to my advantage. I would have to say fitting in cardio twice a day has probably been the biggest challenge though. I train in the mornings so I can check it off of my list first thing. So during the intense cardio weeks, when I come home and owe myself another round of cardio I have to remind myself that I'm not finished yet! I always manage to get it in, even if it is right before my 10pm bedtime!
What are you...
-
Bethany Reul set for the Arnold Sports Festival 2010
Bethany Reul
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Years Competing/# of shows: I have been competing since August 2009 and so far I have participated in 3 shows.
Division for this show: Figure Class F
What has been the most difficult thing for you during your preparation for the Arnold? Staying on track with training and meal planning. I am a full-time personal trainer and you can easily be consumed with work and forget about your own goals.
What are you most looking forward to in Ohio? To see how I compare with the other girls competing. This will be the most competitive show I do all year and I want to see what I need to work on for the upcoming year in order to be the best I can be.
Are you nervous? And if so, about what? I am always nervous about something falling out or tripping in my heels. But that
comes with the territory :)
What are you excited about? I am most excited about seeing my friends and the progress they have made from the last show. This show is going to be amazing with all its different events and vendors. I am so lucky to be a part of it !!
What will you do after the competition? I go and indulge in some type of meal where I am not counting carbs, proteins, or fats and then I sleep into the next day.Julie Lohre
IFBB Fitness Pro and Cover Model
http://www.JulieLohre.com 
-
Michelle Yeager heads to the Arnold!
Fitness competitor, Michelle Yeager has been making a consistently positive impact on the National stage and is primed and ready to jump in feet first at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH this March. Given her incredible physique and jaw dropping skills, Michelle will be one to watch on the Fitness stage!
Good Luck!
Name: Michelle Yeager
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Years Competing/# of shows: 2 years (10 shows)
Division for this show: Fitness, short class
What has been the most difficult thing for you during your preperation for the Arnold? Training around the holidays was tough. I actually started my training earlier this year in order to be able to enjoy Christmas through New Years Eve
What are you most looking forward to in Ohio? The Arnold has amazing energy! Both the actual competition and the expo surround with people from a plethora of cultures. Although we may not speak the same language, we all have a passion for health and wellness!
Are you nervous? And if so, about what? Not nervous yet (that usually doesn't happen until about 15 minutes before I get on the stage!)
What are you excited about? I love performing my fitness routine on stage!
What will you do after the competition? Eat! (of course), I will take a couple of weeks off and then get ready to start training for Jr Nationals - aiming for that Pro card this year!Julie Lohre
IFBB Fitness Pro and Cover Model
http://www.JulieLohre.com 
-
Kim Cory at home on the Arnold Stage!
She may not have to travel far to compete in her hometown of Columbus, OH at the Arnold Fitness Festival this March, but she has certainly gone on a journey to get there. Kim has made incredible changes over the last few years and will step on the Figure stage at Veteran's Memorial Hall with the pride and confidence that comes from putting forth everything you have and working with all of you heart towards your goals. Look for Kim in the D class for Figure.
Good Luck!
Years Competing/# of shows: 2yrs. The Arnold will be my 7th show.
Division for this show: Figure Class D
What has been the most difficult thing for you during your preparation for the Arnold?
I love spinning classes and luckily a gym I belong to offers classes at 5:45am, but many times I have not been able to get a bike! The class is always so packed and you have to arrive at least 20min early or you will miss out. It's like being a kid and your Mom telling you NO to something, it only makes you frustrated and you want to do it more! It was difficult to not let it affect my workouts and move on.
What are you most looking forward to in Ohio?
Columbus, OH is my hometown, so I don't have to go very far. I am looking forward in not having to travel with the endless amount of stuff you have to pack and being able to sleep in my own bed!
Are you nervous? And if so, about...
|
