HomeOnline Training ProgramlongislandbootcampSuccess StoriesBlogServicesFAQAbout UsContact
 DreamBodies BLOG 

This BLOG raffles off one FREE 2LB Tub of Whey Protein weekly!  All you need to do to be included in the raffle is post your comments.  You can post as often as you like, but your name can only be put into the raffle for a maximum of seven times per week.  This would require posting at least once daily.  To post a comment, just scroll down to the bottom of the post and click on the "comments" link.  Then Scroll down after the others, and add yours.  Be sure to include your email address so that we can contact you if you are the WINNER! Also, please include last name "initial" for Blog Raffle purposes.

Monday, 03 May 2010

How about some awesome belly fat, want some?  Anybody want some jelly-looking fat to store around their gut region?  Belly fat going once...belly fat going twice...belly fat gone! 

I wonder why I didn't have any takers.  A few rolls of belly fat can be so attractive and sexy.  What?  No?  Well, maybe for some.  But most of us want to lose it and exchange it for that nice six pack.

Believe it or not, there are hormonal situations that can result in unwanted fat being stored "specifically" around the waist and abdominal area. 

For instance, a rise in cortisol can lead to this.  That's precisely why all DreamBodies clients are taking anti-catabolic measures to insure the regulation and needed downgrade of the cortisol hormone--especially after workouts.  In fact, I'm in the process of formulating a Pre/Post workout shake that will be UNLIKE anything on the market and only available to our clients.  More about that much later on.

But for now, let me say that there is something you can do today to help break down some of the fat storage taking place in your belly region.  The direct metabolic implications of these foods are due to the hormonal regulation and optimization that these foods have on your body.

Are you ready to know what these foods are? 

Okay, well, they're vegetables.  Specifically, the following five are the ones that I have been touting for years as genuine "leaning-out" types of foods.  I use them with my Figure models and Bodybuilders in certain proportions to help initiate and achieve that ripped look. 

1. Brussels Sprouts

2. Kale

3. Broccoli

4. Cabbage

5. Cauliflower

Without getting into all of the science, let me just say that these cruciferous vegetables have a potent two-prong impact on your body's hormones.  For one, they have anti-estrogenic properties.  Estrogen can cause fat to be stored in very unwanted places.  Eating these veggies will help to lower your estrogen levels naturally. 

Next, they have some anabolic affects on your body's muscle-building hormones--testosterone for one. Therefore, you can take a strong synergistic approach to burning that belly fat by eating moderate portions of these vegetables.

One last little golden tidbit :)  Be sure to add some healthy fats since studies show that this will help with the assimilation and utilization of these veggies.  Drizzle them with a tablespoon of Flaxseed oil or Udo's choice blend.

Eat up those greens and lean down and out those ABS!

                                           

POSTED BY: Tony AT 10:30 pm   |  Permalink   |  40 Comments  |  E-mail this
Comments:
Good post Tony thanks for the the list. I think though when it comes to brussel sprouts I need some healthy recipe ideas as just oil over the top won't cut it for me:)
Posted by sarah on 05/03/2010 22:12:20
I am excited to hear about the supplements your working on Tony. I don't think I have ever tried Kale. I love the others though!
Posted by YvetteR on 05/04/2010 01:40:42
Thanks, Tony! Can any of these be substituted for any other veggies, any time during the process? I've been somewhat vigilant about my green beans, asparagus, and broccoli... So it will be a welcome change! Would love to know what type of proportions you use these with your models...
Posted by Michael Galvin on 05/04/2010 04:12:57
this is a new one to me...i knew about most but not about brussel sprouts and cauliflower. thanks for the enlightening post!
Posted by Detricia Knight on 05/04/2010 04:35:32
Now THAT'S what I'm talkin about! Love me some cauliflower and broccoli. And you, sir, have motivated me to figure out how the hell to cook cabbage!
Posted by Liimu on 05/04/2010 05:19:41
Glad the post is helpful all. Michael, yes, you actually have a sheet in your start-up packet that lists these veggies as an exchange. But don't worry, I'll send you an email with the specifics on them again. Also, as a male, there are one or two more potent for hormone optimization. I'll get that info out to you. Keep up the great work.
Posted by Tony on 05/04/2010 06:53:00
Guess im going shopping after the gym!...finding it a little hard to lose the belly fat myself...Mike,,,you can blanche the brussell srouts,,boil only for 5 min,,drain,,,cool them down...and they can be seasoned i love old bay,,,u can grill them,,,briol them in the toater,,,add flax seed after,,,cauliflower can also be made to taste like mashed potato's...i've done it! Start cooking!
Posted by DonnaM on 05/04/2010 06:59:35
Donna, excellent suggestions! I love the cauliflower mashed. One of my favs. Michael, just be careful as Donna says to add the Flax oil AFTER you cook the sprouts. You can NOT cook with flaxseed oil. Thanks Donna :)
Posted by Tony on 05/04/2010 07:11:47
That was a very helpful blog! I read these and then forget to post my comments!! Anyway, I'm off to buy a bunch of veggies!!
Posted by Shelley on 05/04/2010 07:47:42
Tony,I was so excited to see this blog post! I wasn't aware of how much hormonal situations affected our bodies....recently got my blood test results back from the D.O.,I'm low in progesterone (so my estrogen levels are higher I believe).The Dr put me on bio identical hormones(now I'm curious to see what changes there will be..hmmm). I love broccoli, and cabbage, just not sure how to prepare the cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and brussel sprouts.. Mashed cauliflower? I would love some more suggestions please! Get to take pics this week as well...!Still fighting to knock this sinus infection off!
Posted by Sarah on 05/04/2010 09:47:10
How do I cook the brussel sprouts again? You said something about peeling them and then something else, can't remember. Anyways... I'm willing to try the brussel sprouts. I do notice that the more veggies I eat, the leaner I get. It's awesome!
Posted by Lydia on 05/04/2010 10:20:43
Now i know why they were all on my food plan. I like brussel sprouts much more than asparagus-- and they are good with mashed yams!!yum. sometimes i mix all the veggies in broth( i put my chicken with water in the crock pot and make home-made stock)(take out the chicken and shred it)-- cook the veggied in the stock then blend them up and make a cream soup(no cream added)i also add garlic,onion and spices. and just add my shredded chicken-- it is amazingly filling and tasty.
Posted by Lori R on 05/04/2010 11:07:47
Good to know! Already eat most of these on a very regular basis (haven't gotten around to getting brussels or kale to taste yummy yet) - hopefully my six pack will peek through soon!
Posted by Kelly on 05/04/2010 12:21:34
SO excited about the Brussel Sprouts! I just tried them for the first time in my life, and I love them! They're on my menu at least twice a week. The trick is to roast them. Clean the sprouts, trim the ends. Place in cake pan. Heat oven to 400F. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top, and roast in oven for 30 minutes. They're AMAZING!
Posted by Cami K on 05/04/2010 14:09:31
Lori, YES on the crock pot!! Love to use it. Good suggestions and you too Cami. Sounds nice :) Sarah, I will email you a link to a good mashed cauliflower recipe.
Posted by Tony on 05/04/2010 14:11:57
Don't these veggies also have an ammonia-clearing effect in the body? Aren't they called sulfur veggies or something like that? Much needed: BRUSSEL SPROUT recipes - ugh :O)
Posted by JulieMF on 05/04/2010 14:32:40
LOL...Yup, I feel you on the BSprouts Julie. Definitely an acquired taste. Good thing I eat for fuel and not pleasure most of the time :) Let's get some recipes going up here.
Posted by Tony on 05/04/2010 14:57:59
Amazing recipes and tips here guys, and Tony amazing blog. I would love to eat bsprouts but it makes me super bloated, any quick fix for that?
Posted by Karina on 05/04/2010 18:06:51
Thanks Donna! Those are great suggestions. I'm always looking for good new ideas to spice up my diet! Gonna go get cooking!
Posted by Michael G on 05/04/2010 21:25:53
Great to know Tony. Going to try the brussel sprouts roasted-- thanks Cami.
Posted by Katalin on 05/04/2010 22:56:46
Thanks Tony... looking forward to testing these recipes out!!!! Took my 8 wk pics today.... emailed them to you. Have a great day everyone. Remember, eat clean, train hard, and dream BIG!!!
Posted by Sarah on 05/05/2010 10:02:02
Tony, you are talking to me...I have to go shopping so this will be on my list :)
Posted by Dawn on 05/05/2010 11:50:31
Thanks for the great post Tony. Sometimes I get in a rut and eat the same 4 or 5 veggies all the time, your list reminded me of a few that I love but have'nt eaten in a while. Cami, thanks for the instructions for roast brussel sprouts. Yum. does anyone have a good, healthy coleslaw recipe?
Posted by Dawnalyn Edgar on 05/05/2010 12:57:14
So, it turns out cauliflower is DELICIOUS roasted as well!! Chop it up into bite size pieces and place in roasting pan. Drizzle 1 Tbsp olive oil over the top, season with Mrs. Dash and a couple finely chopped cloves of garlic, stir around a little bit. Pop it in the oven, heated to 375F, and roast for 30 minutes, or until tender. Very delicious!
Posted by Cami K on 05/05/2010 13:12:26
Julie, I noticed I missed your question...sorry. Yes, there's very healthy detox with many green veggies (spinach,string beans, asparagus). But you can also achieve the same with blueberries, parsley and even ginger. the cleansing also helps the kidneys to control healthy levels of phosphates, sodium and sulfur. Plus...drink your water :)
Posted by Tony on 05/05/2010 14:10:13
Cami, keep the great ideas coming :) Sarah, I got the pics. I was only able to catch a glimpse this morning before I left the office, but WOW, you're looking great! I SEE the six pack coming :)
Posted by Tony on 05/05/2010 14:16:22
First off, the chocolate marshmallow SciFit protein powder ROCKS! Just wanted you all to know in case you win :) Second, when in doubt cooking, roast veggies @ 425 for 20-25 minutes. Works everytime with every veggie i've tried :)
Posted by April J on 05/05/2010 18:36:54
Tony, Thanks for the recipe... looking forward to more on this blog. Have a great day everyone. Remember, live each day like you mean it!!!! Let's rock!
Posted by Sarah on 05/06/2010 08:35:45
Great article T, after competing for 3 years most would think I would be sick of veggies...but what was written above makes me love them even more! Bring on those fibrous carbs! :) PS...Just have to say DREAMBODIES is the BEST!!!!!!
Posted by Cori on 05/06/2010 11:21:26
April, sent you a text. Thanks for the email forward. Thanks Cor :)
Posted by Tony on 05/06/2010 12:46:24
When I roast my brussel sprouts I use a balsamic vinegar glaze to dip them in. I pour just a little in a cup and add some water to thin it out. Then instead of pouring it on the BS. I use it as a dip. Very good this way.
Posted by samadhi40 on 05/06/2010 16:45:23
I love this post! Anyone have any good suggestions for kale? Particularly interested in some way to cook it, so I could portion it out and freeze it... The more things I've got in the freezer, the easier all this becomes! PS, Tony, it would be awesome if there were a dreambodies recipe forum somewhere where we could post favorite recipes for proteins, veggies, powders, etc, to help each other with some inspiration.
Posted by Michael G on 05/06/2010 17:43:28
Samadhi40, exactly what I do too and I love it. Particularly with asapragus tips. It also works well to use as a marinade before barbecue on veggies and chicken. Michael, very nice idea and one I have thought about for a while now. Just not sure if it should be an OPEN forum dealing with ALL aspects of health and nutrition...not just recipes. hmmmmmmm
Posted by Tony on 05/07/2010 05:32:04
Great post as always Tony. For those of us who get bloated or gas from cabbage and the like, BEANO is the solution. The liquid works for me. Just add 5 teeny drops to your cooked food and enjoy. Those around you will love you for it LOL! if you catch my drift.
Posted by jacqueline P on 05/07/2010 05:44:08
Jacquie, thanks for the tip. I know many can use it. Michael, Kale can be turned into GREAT crispy little treats. Place the Kale leaves on a baking sheet, spray with olive oil and srpinkle salt. Bake until crispy. Delicious! Chime in if you've tried this :)
Posted by Tony on 05/07/2010 06:45:41
As far as the cabbage goes, I have very little problems w/gas and bloating when I use purple cabbage instead of the green. It works for me. I like to put a little olive oil in a huge pot, and throw in onions (med high on the burner), a little sea salt, then throw in lean ground turkey, wait til it browns, then throw in about 2 heads of purple cabbage chopped up (the ones I use are smaller than the green cabbage). Give it about 15-20 min and it's good. Add whatever spices you like. Yummy! :)
Posted by Sarah on 05/07/2010 10:01:35
I'm going shopping... looking forward to trying these 5 'lean out' foods and the creative recipes/ideas/tips you've all shared. Thank you!!! Have a great weekend everyone! :)
Posted by Sarah on 05/08/2010 18:43:34
Just resurrected a cabbage recipe a roommate used to make with ground beef. Delicious! Chop one head cabbage, let sit in boiling water 10 min, and drain. Brown an onion, and extra lean ground turkey, add cabbage, spices, a can of organic tomato sauce, some water, and pre-cooked brown rice. Let pot simmer till done... With a few calculations, you can preserve the proportions of turkey to cabbage to brown rice... In russian its called "lazy pigeons", or just lazy stuffed cabbage. Freezes great too!
Posted by Michael G on 05/09/2010 11:46:46
Thanks Michael! The recipe sounds very yummy... looking forward to trying it out (only I'm not able to have brown rice yet.... Hopefully, soon! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Sarah M on 05/09/2010 21:55:49
Sounds very interesting Michael. Talk with you later.
Posted by Tony on 05/10/2010 06:07:55

Post comment:
Name:
 *
Email Address:

Message: (max 750 characters)
*
Verify image below:
*
* Required Fields
Note: All comments are subject to approval. Your comment will not appear until it has been approved.