Big D's prep for the 2009 Team Universe-sponsored by Progenex

[quest-x]

Originally Posted by dpd555

I cook basmati rice in bulk with added salt and Turmeric. I pull from this throughout the week and spice it up when reheated...depending on what I'm eating. My girlfriend buys fresh herbs like basil, garlic, rosemary, thyme ....and food does taste better with fresh ingredients. However, I buy the cheaper pre-mixed seasonings in bulk at SAMs and use lots of olive oil and smart balance spread instead of butter and it tastes good too...and it's cheaper and easier than cutting up all those herbs, but soemtimes it's fun to cook like that.
Oh yeah...love tilapia.....had that for dinner tonight, cooked it with garlic, oil and Emeril's seasoning.
Veggies.....I eat a salad with some type of oil olive-based dressing almost every night. Broccoli and asparagus are good with just a little salt and butter flavored Pam sprayed on. If it's frozen bags of mixed veggies I just put some type of garlic herb seasoning and a little olive oil. That's it!!...real simple. I could eat everything plain though and be very happy...because I just love to eat

Your post helped a lot. Thanks!

Won't be using any oil though, as I'm working with Layne and my fats are low (this is VERY novel for me lol). The Pam spray is a good idea.

What kind of pre-mixed seasonings should I look for at the supermarket? Also, what's Emeril's seasoning? As one might be able to tell, I've pretty much lived off of others' cooking (including fast food) for my entire life, lol.

I'm taking advice you previously gave and will cook an entire week's worth of food in advance. Feels really weird to be honest but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

[dpd555]

Yes, I think Layne advocates more carbs/fat ratio in the offseason. Adding healthy fats is convenient for me because the caloric density decreases the total volume of food ...and it's just more convenient. Also, my body runs great off just fats and protein, but I keep carbs up around 250g to fuel my training and cardio. I keep carbs relatively high while dieting and drop my fats...but still keep fats above 80g/day.
With seasoning just look for a "garlic herb" blend...or this stuff...Emeril's Essence!
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...A280_SH20_.jpg
and more...
http://www.google.com/products?q=emeril%27s+seasoning

[Squizzzer]

Do you use a rice cooker? and if so do you throw the seasonings in while its cooking or after?
i haven't been eating much rice lately but i may have to break out the rice cooker after this mini cut

[StoneMac]

Originally Posted by Squizzzer

Do you use a rice cooker? and if so do you throw the seasonings in while its cooking or after?
i haven't been eating much rice lately but i may have to break out the rice cooker after this mini cut

good queston...ditto...

[dpd555]

Originally Posted by Squizzzer

Do you use a rice cooker? and if so do you throw the seasonings in while its cooking or after?
i haven't been eating much rice lately but i may have to break out the rice cooker after this mini cut

I never tried using a rice cooker Adam, but it probably cooks more evenly. I boil water in a big pot...add rice ...turn it down to low heat and then stir in a little salt and a few tablespoons of turmeric. This lasts me all week....~1000 grams of carbs total

[Squizzzer]

Originally Posted by dpd555

I never tried using a rice cooker Adam, but it probably cooks more evenly. I boil water in a big pot...add rice ...turn it down to low heat and then stir in a little salt and a few tablespoons of turmeric. This lasts me all week....~1000 grams of carbs total

ok i was just wondering...i'm lazy and i love buying things with specialized cooking functions...lol....just toss some rice and water in it...push the button and it cooks itself...
plus you can also steam veggies and fish and chicken at the same time(although i've never done that part)

[warbird00]

Originally Posted by dpd555

I never tried using a rice cooker Adam, but it probably cooks more evenly. I boil water in a big pot...add rice ...turn it down to low heat and then stir in a little salt and a few tablespoons of turmeric. This lasts me all week....~1000 grams of carbs total

whenever. I cook rice for a couple days use it always dries up and its kinda ****ty to eat, how do you keep it fresh/moist for a week?

[Squizzzer]

Originally Posted by warbird00

whenever. I cook rice for a couple days use it always dries up and its kinda ****ty to eat, how do you keep it fresh/moist for a week?

don't know about D, but i cover it up and put it in the fridge.
if using a rice cooker you can then put what you want with a little water in it and it will heat and moisten it up some...
if not i'd imagine you could just put a little water in it and microwave it...but i've never done that one

[dpd555]

Originally Posted by Squizzzer

don't know about D, but i cover it up and put it in the fridge.

That works. adding a little oil will prevent it from sticking and clumping so much. Also, don't overcook it or add too much water. I always add a little less water to make it somewhat firm... reheats better that way

[SSK1903]

Hey D.
You once, in relations to discussing your old strength routines linked to:
http://www.exrx.net/WeightTraining/P...gPrograms.html
The top 2 cycles..."Basic Power Cycle" + "Off Season Cycle"
Did you use them both? Or which one/ones did you use?

I was thinking of experimenting with them.

[Prettyboy1]

Originally Posted by dpd555

That works. adding a little oil will prevent it from sticking and clumping so much. Also, don't overcook it or add too much water. I always add a little less water to make it somewhat firm... reheats better that way

Yep! How much oil would you use for 1000 grams?

[homelifter]

Originally Posted by Prettyboy1

Yep! How much oil would you use for 1000 grams?

1-2 tbsps of oil goes a long way when cooking either rice, or pasta.

[daYDreAmErX]

Basmati rice is definitively on my top 5 list for favorite food

[dpd555]

Originally Posted by SSK1903

Hey D.
You once, in relations to discussing your old strength routines linked to:
http://www.exrx.net/WeightTraining/P...gPrograms.html
The top 2 cycles..."Basic Power Cycle" + "Off Season Cycle"
Did you use them both? Or which one/ones did you use?
I was thinking of experimenting with them.

Basic Power Cycle worked very well for me, especially for benching.

Originally Posted by Prettyboy1

Yep! How much oil would you use for 1000 grams?

Originally Posted by homelifter

1-2 tbsps of oil goes a long way when cooking either rice, or pasta.

I don't measure really...just pour a little in from the bottle. probably about 2 tbsps though. I usually don't "measure" anything when cooking. I measure stuff like chemicals and solutions in my lab all day, so I'm pretty good at guestimating weight and volumes. However, when dieting strict (like for a show) I actually measure high calorie stuff like oil or nuts.

Originally Posted by daYDreAmErX

Basmati rice is definitively on my top 5 list for favorite food

it's 3rd on my top 5
1) Meat & Fish
2) Eggs
3) Rice
4) Veggies
5) Fruit

[SSK1903]

Originally Posted by dpd555

Basic Power Cycle worked very well for me, especially for benching.

OK, I will try it on CG bench and on either rackpulls or SLDL.

D, you've probably answered this before...if you have, forgive me, but do you think one should supplement with creatine consistently - or shoud there be breaks? I can't remember the last time I HAVEN'T taken creatine.

[SSK1903]

Originally Posted by dpd555

I don't measure really...just pour a little in from the bottle. probably about 2 tbsps though. I usually don't "measure" anything when cooking. I measure stuff like chemicals and solutions in my lab all day, so I'm pretty good at guestimating weight and volumes. However, when dieting strict (like for a show) I actually measure high calorie stuff like oil or nuts.

you counted calories etc when you were younger though right?
Pardon my ignorance but I remember from your old journal you had some days of (normal?) eating where you were as low as 3500-3800 cals... A guy with your LBM...didn't that cost far too much muscle?

[StoneMac]

Originally Posted by Squizzzer

Do you use a rice cooker? and if so do you throw the seasonings in while its cooking or after?
i haven't been eating much rice lately but i may have to break out the rice cooker after this mini cut

Originally Posted by dpd555

I never tried using a rice cooker Adam, but it probably cooks more evenly. I boil water in a big pot...add rice ...turn it down to low heat and then stir in a little salt and a few tablespoons of turmeric. This lasts me all week....~1000 grams of carbs total

Yeah, so...I tried this today, putting spices in the rice cooker. Didn't work out so well...My rice cooker turned yellow inside...so, I'm gonna start putting it in after...

[warbird00]

Big D,

I know you have said it before, but couldnt find it. Where do you get your omega 3 eggs? Can you get em in bulk? (like 24-48)

[dpd555]

Originally Posted by SSK1903

OK, I will try it on CG bench and on either rackpulls or SLDL.
D, you've probably answered this before...if you have, forgive me, but do you think one should supplement with creatine consistently - or shoud there be breaks? I can't remember the last time I HAVEN'T taken creatine.

I use a low dose...like 2g/day or whatever is in my Vasocharge supplement. I cycled it before by never really noticed a difference in size or strength, probably because my diet supplies a few grams/day.

Originally Posted by SSK1903

you counted calories etc when you were younger though right?
Pardon my ignorance but I remember from your old journal you had some days of (normal?) eating where you were as low as 3500-3800 cals... A guy with your LBM...didn't that cost far too much muscle?

I never really "counted" calories or weighed food....just added stuff up in my head. I remember a couple 10,000 calories days in my late teen years when ver active. Nowadays I expend very little physical energy at my job so 3500 is plenty ...if it's very nutrient dense.

Originally Posted by StoneMac

Yeah, so...I tried this today, putting spices in the rice cooker. Didn't work out so well...My rice cooker turned yellow inside...so, I'm gonna start putting it in after...

maybe try stirring occasionally while it's cooking...if that's even possible with a rice cooker.

[dpd555]

Originally Posted by warbird00

Big D,

I know you have said it before, but couldnt find it. Where do you get your omega 3 eggs? Can you get em in bulk? (like 24-48)

I get them at SAMs Club, but not all SAMs have them. they come 18/carton. Publix is a food chain here in FL that also has them...but they're more pricier

[warbird00]

Originally Posted by dpd555

I get them at SAMs Club, but not all SAMs have them. they come 18/carton. Publix is a food chain done here that also has them...but they're more pricier

i think we got sams here. i saw em at trader joe's but i cant afford them as a poor college student. Never checked costco, doubt they have em tho

[RnR]

Originally Posted by dpd555

I get them at SAMs Club, but not all SAMs have them. they come 18/carton. Publix is a food chain here in FL that also has them...but they're more pricier

god...omega 3 eggs suck

btw, have you ever heard of "Naturally More" PB. this stuff kicks ass

each serv:
11g fat
4.1g omega-3
2g omega-6
4g fiber
10g protein

i get it at wal-mart. currently eating 8 serv per day

[dpd555]

Great back workout Tuesday. High volume...lots of sets and reps. Highlights below

Narrow grip lat pulldowns
Stack (350ish) x 16 PR

Bent Rows
405 x 12 (good form)

Chins, one-arm cable rows, DB rows

Thursday: Chest training with Nate. High Volume again. Highlights below

Incline Bench
315 x 8

Incline DB Press
150 x 8

Comments: Nate is an animal. The guy is one week out from the IronMan, carb depleted and 50lbs lighter than me and he STILL beats me in almost all lifts well...guess that's why HE'S an IFBB Pro

[dpd555]

Originally Posted by warbird00

i think we got sams here. i saw em at trader joe's but i cant afford them as a poor college student. Never checked costco, doubt they have em tho

I think Costco down here has them. buying bulk will always save you $$$

Originally Posted by RnR

god...omega 3 eggs suck

btw, have you ever heard of "Naturally More" PB. this stuff kicks ass

each serv:
11g fat
4.1g omega-3
2g omega-6
4g fiber
10g protein

i get it at wal-mart. currently eating 8 serv per day

That's pretty good. I LOVE PB, but have a slight allergy to it...gives me a mild headache. However, I have eaten an entire jar of Smart Balance PB....and during a pre-contest diet too

[Squizzzer]

Originally Posted by StoneMac

Yeah, so...I tried this today, putting spices in the rice cooker. Didn't work out so well...My rice cooker turned yellow inside...so, I'm gonna start putting it in after...

haha...i'll remember not to do that...thanks for the heads up...

[Squizzzer]

Originally Posted by dpd555

That's pretty good. I LOVE PB, but have a slight allergy to it...gives me a mild headache. However, I have eaten an entire jar of Smart Balance PB....and during a pre-contest diet too

have you ever tried Sunflower butter....
I FREAKIN LOVE this stuff...pretty much same macros as PB
it has Dehydrated Cane Juice in it...i don't know if that is some fancy way of writing sugar...but it tastes good...i don't care if there are a few grams of sugar in it

[SSK1903]

10 000 calories....jesus.

D I was wondering, when you started training seriously. Obviously you were influenced to some extent by the high intensity low volume approach - but your training is somewhat unconventional...but obviously effective. Did you ever have second thoughts as to what was smart and optimal? Obviously you gained size & strength very quickly, so you must've discovered it worked, but were you ever "lured" by other training approaches?

[dpd555]

Originally Posted by Squizzzer

have you ever tried Sunflower butter....

Sunflower butter sounds interesting. I'm going pick that up tonight...along with spirulina. There's a colleague at my university doing research with spirulina...and the stuff clearly reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in aged rats.

Originally Posted by SSK1903

Did you ever have second thoughts as to what was smart and optimal? Obviously you gained size & strength very quickly, so you must've discovered it worked, but were you ever "lured" by other training approaches?

The Mentzer Heavy Duty routine just made sense to me at 18yrs old...after grossly overtraining for years.
My thoughts were... If you take a set (after warm up) to complete and utter failure why do another set of that exercise??... your muscles will not be able to generate the same force and the additional sets are just gonna impair your ability to recover. In retrospect, maybe this technique worked so well because I believed it was THE best way to train. Nowadays I emphasize variety.

[SSK1903]

Originally Posted by dpd555

The Mentzer Heavy Duty routine just made sense to me at 18yrs old...after grossly overtraining for years.
My thoughts were... If you take a set (after warm up) to complete and utter failure why do another set of that exercise??... your muscles will not be able to generate the same force and the additional sets are just gonna impair your ability to recover. In retrospect, maybe this technique worked so well because I believed it was THE best way to train. Nowadays I emphasize variety.

There are a couple of "volume junkies" in my gym that have commented on occassion that I do too little volume etc. and bla bla, which is nonsense.
And funnily, using your system, I'm gaining size and strength much faster than them... and they're older and have been training longer than me! Yet they still comment. Go figure. Kinda reminds me of how 140 lbs guys comment negatively on your 1000 lbs powershrugs... LOL!!!!!

Bottomline: thank you!

[dpd555]

Originally Posted by SSK1903

Bottomline: thank you!

You're welcome....and great journal. I see you're doing sets of incline flies with 100lbs now
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=7016291