EggplantWizard

The routine I've been following called for an off day yesterday. I went to the gym for cardio only. Workout Log 40 minutes on the elliptical on interval. Meal Log 1- Oatmeal, Banana 2- Steamed Edamame w/ Braggs Aminos 3- Tofurkey and Spinach on Flatbread, Orange 4- While Grain Spaghetti w/ "meat" sauce, Spinach salad 5- Protein Smoothie

Workout Log 25 minutes of elliptical on interval. 1- Bicep Flyes 8, 10, 12 2- Lat Pulldowns8, 10, 12 3- Leg Extensions 8, 10, 12 4- Tricep Pulldowns 8, 10, 12 5- Rows 8, 10, 12 Meal Log 1- Whole Grain Waffle, Banana, Blueberries 2- Protein Bar 3- Flatbread Pizza w/ Spinach, Roasted Garlic, Onions, Olives, Daiya Cheese 4- Bean Burritos Today felt great at the gym, I like the new routine I've started.

I switched up my normal routine today for something new I read on this forum. I worked all muscle groups, one set each. I'll check results in a few weeks of two days on, one day off. Cardio every day of course. Workout Log 30 minutes on the elliptical on interval setting. 1- Arm Curls 70 lbs, 08, 10, 12 2- Shoulder Press 90 lbs 8, 10, 12 3- Leg Sled 250 lbs 10, 15, 15 4- Tricep Pulldowns 70 lbs 8, 10, 12 5- Back Pulldowns 110 lbs 8, 10, 12 6- Calf Push 90 lbs 10, 12, 15 I felt great after this workout, I'll see how it goes. If anyone's reading any input would be greatly appreciated. Meal Log 1- Whole Wheat Waffles, Blueberries, and a touch of (V) Semi Sweet Chocolate (for the kids, come on!) 2- Spicy Garlic Tofu, Rice 3- Protein Drink blended with 1/2 banana, 1 cup spinach, 20 blueberries, 2 strawberries, and 6 blackberries 4- Pad See Ew with Tofu and Vegetables I'm not sure if I'm eating enough. I don't feel unsatisfied, and I have a (quite) a bit of weight to lose, so while muscle building is a goal of mine, shedding the pounds is the main goal. Any nutritional insight would also be most helpful. I'm a pro chef, not a nutritionist. I'm reading as much as I can on nutrition, but my college degree is in Culinary Arts. We took nutrition classes but they were of course tainted by our government's responsibility to push the meat and dairy agenda.

Today I had to make it a quick one, work ran late and I had to pick my kids up early. Workout Log 25 minutes on the elliptical on interval Back: 1- Rows 8, 10, 12, 10 2- Pulldowns 8, 10, 12, 10 3- Extensions 12, 14, 18 Meal Log 1- Oatmeal with Maple, Banana 2- Grape Leaves and Olives 3- Tofurkey Sandwich with "Cheese" Whiz and Tapanade. Spinach Salad. Orange 4- Peanuts and Water 5- Flatbread Pizza with Spinach, Artichoke Hearts, Olives, Caramelized Onions, and Daiya Shreds.

Yesterday I worked out my chest a little after a longer than usual cardio session (for me) Workout Log 40 minutes on the elliptical on interval. I increased resistance from all precious days. Chest: 1- Press. Up to 110 lbs. 10, 12, 13 2- Flyes 10, 10, 12 Meal Log 1- Granola with soy milk and blueberries 2- Grape Leaves, Orange 3- Tofurkey and Artichoke sandwich, spinach salad 4- Protein Bar 5- Chana Saag and Rice

It felt like a cardio day yesterday. Between jobs I had time to hit the elliptical for 50 minutes. I've noticed that I've been able to run harder and keep my heart rate lower than I had been able to when I first started. That makes me really happy! I'll work two muscle groups tonight. Update coming later. Meal Log 1- Oatmeal with Banana and Maple Syrup 2- Mac and "Cheese" (tofu, braggs aminos, nutritional yeast and more) with raw spinach 3- Protein Bar 4- Two slices of whole grain pizza loaded with veggies, no cheese of course! 5- Fruit Salad with a little v chocolate mouse.

Yesterday I got back to it after a needed rest on Sunday. Workout Log 25 Minutes on the elliptical on interval Arms: 1- Bicep Curls, 8, 10, 12, 8 (70 lbs) 2- Tricep Pulldowns 8, 10, 12, 10 (45lbs) 3- Tricep Pushdowns 8, 10, 12, 8 (50lbs) Meal Log 1- Banana, Orange, Whole Grain Bread Slice 2- Orange, Kiwi 3- Spinach & Tofu Lasagna 4- Mac & "Cheese" Sauce with Salad 5- Fruit Salad

Oh man I missed yesterdays posting, my girlfriend took the computer out. Please don't penalize me! haha Anyway, yesterdays results: Workout Log 30 Minutes on the Elliptical on interval Back (I've upped the weight from 90 to 110 lbs on the Pulldowns and Rows, up to 200 on the Extensions) 1- Pulldowns 8, 10, 14, 12 2- Rows 8, 10, 12, 8 3 Extensions 12, 18, 20 Meal Log 1- Oatmeal with maple, blueberries and almond milk, orange 2- Lentil and Brown Rice with Kale and Cashew Whiz 3- Orange, Low Oil Popcorn 4- Veggie Loaf Sandwich, Raw Cabbage, Arugula, Tomato tossed in Baba My main goal, weight loss is being achieved! I'm down to 273 from the 289 I was at the beginning of the year!!

Oh yeah for sure I am all about taste! Thanks Dylan! I still haven't yet posted a recipe, I need to get on that! I wish I had some extra $$ to fly to Portland and do some research, it's on my top list of cities I NEED to visit. Yesterday I worked chest and legs. Workout Log 30 Minutes on the Elliptical on interval setting 1- Leg Press 8, 10, 12, 14 2- Leg Extension 10, 12, 14 3- Leg Curl 10, 12, 14 4- Calf Raises 12, 14, Failure 5- Chest Press 8, 10, 12, 10 6- Chest Flyes 8, 10, 12, 10 Meal Log 1- Oatmeal, Banana 2- Stuffed Grape Leaves, Orange 3- Vegan Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli with V Whiz 4- Orange, Pistachios 5- Japanese Pan Noodles with Vegetables and Tofu I'll log today's workout and meals later!

Thanks for the encouragement Matt! Workout Log 55 minutes on the elliptical on interval setting. All four exercises in sets of 8, 10, 12, 10 1- Shoulder Machine Press 2- Rear Flys 3- Front Raises 4- Side Lateral Raises Meal Log 1- Granola with Blueberries 2- Stuffed Grape Leaves, Kiwi 3- Curried Brown Rice and Lentils with Kale, Orange, Banana 4- Salad w Arugula, Cucumber, Carrot, Tomato, Avocado, Whole Grain Croutons, Blueberry Orange Vin (Oil Free!) 5- Protein Smoothie

I took yesterday off, I had my kids all day and played with them instead of going to the gym. They start swim lessons there soon, they'll make friends, then I get even more time at the gym when they are begging me to go haha! Back to it today. Workout Log 30 Minutes on the Elliptical on Interval Back 1- Pulldowns 8, 10, 12, 10 2- Rows 8, 10, 12, 10 3- Extensions 3 Sets to Failure Arms 1- Arm Curls 8, 10, 12, 10 2- Tricep Pressdown 8, 10, 12, 10 3- Tricep Extension 8, 10, 12, 10 Meal Log 1- Banana, Pear, Whole Grain Bread 2- Three Bean Chili, Potato, Whole Grain Bread 3- Protein Drink 4- Chick Pea Curry, Bread 5- Protein Bar See you tomorrow!

Sunday's gym day started my cycle over, back to chest. I did one more set on each exercise than usual. Workout Log 25 Minutes on the elliptical in interval setting 1- Chest Press 4 sets: 8, 10, 12, 8 2- Chest Fly 4 sets: 8, 10, 12, 8 I finished off with three sets of situps to failure Meal Log 1- Orange, Whole Grain Toast, and a few Pistachios 2- Vegetable Udon, Sweet Potato Sushi 3- Protein Bar 4- Tofu and Broccoli in Thai Peanut Sauce with Brown Rice

Saturday I headed back to the gym. Still sore from running in place with my kids and the Wii, I did my cardio anyway haha. 25 Minutes on the Elliptical. Then it was shoulder day: Workout Log 1- Shoulder Press 3 Sets 2- Rear Delt Machine 3 Sets 3- Front Raises 3 Sets 4- Side Lateral Raises 3 Sets Meal Log 1- Whole Wheat Pecan and Blueberry Waffles with Ohio (The Best!) Maple Syrup 2- Whole Grain Spaghetti with my "Hummus Sauce" tossed with peas and broccoli 3- An orange and protein drink 4- Chaana Sag (spinach and chick peas) and Baingan Bhartha (eggplant with onion and tomato) with Paratha (whole wheat bread) 5- Slice of Whole Grain Pizza with many many veggies I know Saturday wasn't filled with fruits like most of my days are, I'll make up for it Sunday. I'm already down nine pounds in a week! Yay!

My favorite meal of the new year has to be the meal my five year old children (boy-girl twins) helped me make on New Year's Day. It was a "stew" with black eyed peas, carrots, celery, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and spices. I served it over brown rice and sauteed kale. I gave it a smokey flavor, and was kind of going for the traditional southern US new year's meal (Dad's from North Carolina) but without the pork of course. OK honestly I did most of the prep work and cooking, but I always let my kids throw veggies into the pan to cook, they love to help.

Today was a rest day for me. This was the first time in a couple years that I hit the gym this hard on consecutive days. I got some cardio playing Active Life Adventure with my five year old son and daughter (twins) on the Wii, I just ate less than I would if I was lifting. 1- One slice whole grain bread, orange 2- Three stuffed grape leaves, kiwi, chai tea 3- Home made Vegan burger, oven potatoes, small salad 4- Whole grain spaghetti, chunky marinara, parsley salad 5- Banana smoothie with dark chocolate I'll be well rested to hit the gym hard tomorrow!

I had another great day at the gym today. I started with 25 minutes on the elliptical on interval. Then I hit the weights. I'm resting tomorrow so I hit arms and legs today, again, using Gaia's advice. Workout Log 1- Bicep Curls 3 Sets 2- Tricep Extensions 3 Sets 3- Tricep Rope Pulldowns 3 Sets 4- Leg Press 3 Sets 5- Leg Extensions 3 Sets 6- Leg Curls 3 Sets Meal Log 1- Oatmeal, Banana, Tangerine 2- Three Stuffed Grape Leaves, Berry Smoothie 3- Sushi w/ Avocado, Cucumber, and Carrot 4- Vegan Protein Bar, Tangerine 5- Falafel, Baba, and Jerusalem Salad 6- Berry Smoothie with Seaweed

Thanks Haylee! Today was the most successful day at the gym do far. I started with 45 minutes on the elliptical on an interval setting. Back Day: 3 Sets of Pulldowns 3 Sets of Cable Rows 3 Sets of Hyperextentions Thanks to Gaia for the tips on where to start! Thanks! Meals: 1- Two Bananas and Tea 2- Three Stuffed Grape Leaves and a Green Smoothie 3- Veggie Sub 4- Two Black Bean, Brown Rice and Kale Wraps 5- Vegan Bar and Water 6- Spicy Garlic Tofu

Awesome! I'll keep you posted on my truck. Yeah Pattycake rocks, one of my good friends is a baker there. About Dragonfly, they closed their doors for a few weeks after New Years Day brunch and are reopening as (I'm pretty sure this is the right name) Till Dynamic Fare. They will still focus on great seed to table cuisine but will also start serving local dairy and I've heard meat as well. Their Facebook page would be more informative than I could be.

During work this morning I got on my bodybuidling.com app on the phone and tried to throw together a routine. I read some forums here and there and decided to dedicate today to chest. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical (which is pretty much my standard pre weights routine). Then I moved on to the machines. I still don't feel as comfortable as I'd like with the free weights, not totally sure about motions, what I should be doing, so machines it was today. I did 3 sets each of bench, incline, and decline press, cable butterflies, and pinchers. I really need to have a written routine to follow as I often look lost and unsure of myself. As a pro chef, here is where I am sure of myself, my eating log 1: Banana, Apple, Almond Milk smoothie with seaweed, banana, and raw oats 2: Hummus and Pita, Baby carrots, Green Smoothie, Tangerine, water 3: Brown Rice and Kale Sautee with Kidney Beans, water 4: Assorted in shell nuts (having to crack each one keeps me to eating six to eight, rather than a few rather large hand fulls) 5: Black Bean and Rice Bowl with Tomato, Onion, Avocado, and quick pickled cabbage 6: Soymilk Smoothie with berries and banana. Time to jump on the forums and ask questions! I need help with my routine!

Awesome, I envy you! You have a great day too!

Thanks! I actually forgot to mention I had the pleasure of making two meals for Robert Cheeke when he was in Columbus for the Arnold in 2010. He came into the restaurant i was Sous Chef at at the time: Dragonfly Neo V. Super cool down to earth guy, it was awesome to meet him!

Hi, I'm Rich and I've been cooking professionally for ten years, cooking vegan professionally for about four. I've not followed all the advice I give others, but no more excuses now. I've recommitted to the vegan lifestyle and building muscle mass is going to be a part of that. I plan on starting a vegan food truck in my city and I'd like to look more the part of a healthy chef looking to improve the well being of others than I do right now. I've joined one of the nicest gyms in Columbus and I plan on going five times a week for strength training and will do cardio six to seven times. I'm not very experienced when it comes to working out with a plan, I've always just kind of gone in and done whatever, so I will be reading here and other sources from now on to some up with routines. I have a pretty extensive knowledge of vegan cookery, so I know I'll be able to eat properly. I love to share ideas and give cooking tips and advice. So while I'm not a source to come to for bodybuilding and fitness questions, I have the knowledge to give advice on cooking techniques. Hit me up! I look forward to talking to you all!

Went to my new gym for the first time today. Unfortunately I went without a real plan. I did my standard 45 of cardio doing the interval setting on the elliptical. Then I hit the machines to hit all my muscle groups. I figured since it was my first time working out for a while I shouldn't focus on one muscle too much so I don't hurt myself. I'll research tonight and come up with a plan for tomorrow. Breakfast was a smoothie with raw oats, banana, berries, with an almond mild base. Lunch was a bean and rice bowl with sautéed and raw peppers. Just had hummus and carrots for a snack. Dinner will be a baked falafel I'm working on with quick pickled veggies and home made whole grain pita.

I woke up around ten after my goodbye to partying for a while. New years eve was a great time to end that. I went to Alana's Food and Wine for new years dinner. She runs one of Columbus's best restaurants, and she always has vegan options. I had Tomato and Dal soup with Tamarind Chutney and Jerked Pumpkin with Pigeon Peas and Rice. This morning I did the stretches in Rip's E2 Book. My gym is closed today but it's comfortable enough outside that I rode my bike for 45 minutes and did some mild strength training, also out of the E2 book. Breakfast was tofu scramble with roasted rosemary and smoked paprika potatoes in a whole grain wrap.

I just joined a new gym yesterday. It's the best one in Columbus in my opinion. It's close to my house, right behind where I work, and has awesome hours. It will be easier than ever to stick with a plan. I can't wait to see the results. I'm a professional chef, looking to start a vegan food truck. I feel I need to look the part and have a fit body if I'm selling food to heal with compassion. I've had a few life changing events in the last few years that have taken priority over my fitness. Though they aren't good excuses, they really affected how I looked at my life. I'd like to go from overweight chef to bodybuilding healer by cuisine and I now have the drive and will to make it happen!