Irina Kiselev figure competitor, fitness model

By Will Brink

When people hear the term Unified Theory, some times called the Grand Unified Theory, or even "Theory of Everything," they probably think of it in terms of physics, where a Unified Theory, or single theory capable of defining the nature of the interrelationships among nuclear, electromagnetic, and gravitational forces, would reconcile seemingly incompatible aspects of various field theories to create a single comprehensive set of equations.

Such a theory could potentially unlock all the secrets of nature and the universe itself, or as theoretical physicist Michio Katu, puts it "an equation an inch long that would allow us to read the mind of God." That's how important unified theories can be. However, unified theories don't have to deal with such heady topics as physics or the nature of the universe itself, but can be applied to far more mundane topics, in this case nutrition.

Regardless of the topic, a unified theory, as sated above, seeks to explain seemingly incompatible aspects of various theories. In this article I attempt to unify seemingly incompatible or opposing views regarding nutrition, namely, what is probably the longest running debate in the nutritional sciences: calories vs. macro nutrients.

One school, I would say the 'old school' of nutrition, maintains weight loss or weight gain is all about calories, and "a calorie is a calorie," no matter the source (e.g., carbs, fats, or proteins). They base their position on various lines of evidence to come to that conclusion.

Houng Arcinas figure competitor, fitness model

By Doberman Dan

It's tuna and water time

I throw fastballs, curves and a mean change of pace, but you haven't seen my looptyloop. Get ready to duck.

The following technique is hardcore and doesn't follow the rules. Athletes-bodybuilders, in particular-practice this protein-exclusive principle to muscularize before competition. You are going to eat tuna and drink water for three straight days. Hissss… My, how quickly we lose our sense of humor.

You're cleaning house, fortifying the good habits and dismantling the bad. It's time to make a strong and definite statement before the audience that matters most. You. Take this short and tough departure for all it's worth: the test of will, a mind and body cleansing, the experience of a sudden and abrupt menu change that often initiates positive hormonal adjustment. More and more researchers are agreeing that sugar is the problem in the modern diet. Breaking the carb intake totally is good for you as you prepare for the unfolding long-term diet you're planning.

Goes like this: Choose your starting day. Psyche up. You'll be consuming water by the jugs-two to four liters a day-and one to one-and-a-half grams of protein per pound of body weight divided into six equal servings throughout the day. Back this with your vitamins and minerals two times a day, eight capsules of branch chain amino acids (key muscle-building protein) before and after your workouts, a gulp of EFA oil and a nightly portion of Metamucil for fiber.

Holly Marie Schrader figure competitor, fitness model

By Peter Hyc

Elite athletes take vitamin supplements often in doses 100 times greater than the USRDA to improve performance, says a recent article in the International Journal of Vitamin Nutrition and Research.

The theoretical basis underlying the uses of each vitamin depends upon its specific metabolic function. Vitamin A helps night vision. Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid are all involved in muscle cell energy metabolism. Pyridoxine is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin and other oxygen-transfer proteins. Folic acid and Vitamin B12 are integrally involved in red blood cell development. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants, possibly preventing the destruction of cell membranes during intense exercise. Vitamin D may be involved in muscle cell energetics through its influence on calcium.

These are just examples of possible ergogenic applications to sport. Research has shown that a vitamin deficiency impairs physical performance and if the deficiency is corrected by taking vitamins or bodybuilding supplements, performance usually improves. The possible ergogenic effects can and possibly will make that minute difference in making or breaking records without the dangerous side effects of performance-enhancing drugs.