Picture two people going on a diet. One of them is eating a variety of foods (including the occasional treat) while the other one’s eating strictly diet foods. Assuming they’re taking in the same amount of calories and eating equal amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates, who’s going to get better results?
Correct answer: The difference between the two will be negligible.
Now assuming our subjects set out to follow their respective protocols for the next few months (until they’re satisfied with their results). Who do you think is more likely to stick with the program and make lasting changes?
My money’s on the person eating a non-restrictive diet.
Taste matters! Base your nutrition on foods and meals you thoroughly enjoy. As long as your calorie and macronutrient goals are met, you can consume a varied diet without succumbing to “bro foods” and rigid meal plans. Life’s too short to be eating the same shit day in and day out.
“Honey, what’s for dinner?”
Muscle chili
I found this gem of a recipe in a muscle magazine a long time ago and have used it ever since. The Muscle Chili is a mouth-watering, nutrient packed powerhouse that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to put an inch on your biceps.
Ingredients:
- 500 gr ground beef (preferably organic)
- 400 gr canned kidney beans
- 150 gr canned corn
- 400 gr canned tomatoes
- 500 gr salsa sauce
- 2 medium onions
- Salt (to taste)
- Chili seasoning (or dried chilies)
Beef: Regarded as one of the top muscle and performance boosting foods, beef is high in iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and other essential micronutrients. Beef is also a prime source of saturated fatty acids necessary for optimal endocrine function.
Kidney Beans: Beans are high in fiber, protein and cancer- fighting phytonutrients. Just be careful with the amount you consume at any one time. Beans are notorious for causing digestive distress due to their high oligosaccharide (a type of fiber) content.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family. Originally cultivated in Mexico (the things you learn here…) tomatoes are a dietary source of lycopene (an antioxidant) and vitamin C. Regular consumption is associated with improvements in cardiovascular and bone health.
Onions: Onions don’t get much love these days. That’s a shame really as they have profound anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-estrogenic properties.
Onions contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that has shown to support hormonal health. In one particular study, rats consuming onion juice tripled their testosterone levels. Not bad for a dirt cheap addition to your diet.
Preparation:
- Heat up a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan
- Add chopped onions and sautee for 2 minutes
- Add ground beef, tomatoes, salsa sauce, salt, chili seasoning
- Cook for 10 minutes on medium heat
- Add the beans and corn
- Cook for 1 minute and remove from heat
Eat up champ
I recommend you prepare the muscle chili in bulk. Cook up a batch and enjoy a tasty, nutrient dense meal in seconds.
I like to eat it with a slice or two of bread. Baked potatoes, rice or any other starchy carbohydrate source will work too.
Try it and let me know what you think.
Thank you for reading
Victor
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