Flex!
As I said in Built for Show, "...my BS detector is finely tuned and has quite a bit of practice."
That means I have one ear to the street, one ear to the heartbeat of the fitness industry, and one ear that's perpetually listening to Madonna for some inane reason beyond my understanding. (Yes, I have three ears. Really.)
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is this: I rarely recommend products. There's just so much bullshit out there that I would never personally use most of them and could in no way endorse them. As such, I usually refrain from writing about any. But as I was talking with my friend Jason the other day, he told me how much of a disservice he thought I was doing my readers by not recommending things I actually use and recommend to my clients, friends, and family. And since he's smarter than me, I figured I should take his advice and share some things I find great value in and think you would to.
The first on that list is something I've used for the past three years (I think it's on Version 3 right now) with amazing success: Precision Nutrition.
Sure, sure. I bet you're kicking your ass in the gym, avoiding gratuitous amounts of alcohol, and trying to get a decent night's sleep. Good on you. But if you're like most guys, I know your nutrition is - oh, how do I say this delicately? - sucks some serious ass. Yeah, I bet you have a couple of things down. I'm sure you know you need to eat a lot of protein and that you should always have a big breakfast. But if I had to guess I'd say your eating habits are embarrassing and semi-productive at best. At worst, you're doing everything wrong and won't make any real progress. Sucks, huh? Don't worry; I was once in your shoes.
As with so many things in my life, it took someone much smarter and mature than me to school me on the importance of eating in a specific way with specific tools to fully maximize my physical potential (i.e. develop a badass looking body). That someone was Dr. John Berardi. I emailed John a couple of years ago to ask about a resource he had recently put on the market that had already gained a cult-like following.
After convincing me I didn't need to spend hours in the kitchen or understand the importance of acids and bases (and after assuring me that he'd teach me to cook some tasty, quick, muscle-building meals that would "surely get the girls excited") I sent off for his package.
Ever since I started using the PN principles, I've gained some serious muscle while losing some serious fat and becoming a serious cook. (Seriously.)
Not only did it include an amazingly comprehensive cookbook, quick-start guide, and recipes, it came complete with a bunch of other free goodies and access to his Precision Nutrition forums where I could personally annoy John and his staff any time I wanted. In fact, I was so excited about the program and how well it worked that I made Precision Nutrition a mandatory investment for every single one of my personal training clients.
Since it's inception, Precision Nutrition has expanded and grown and now comes with even more free stuff, recipes, and support. Honestly, I'm not sure why John doesn't charge $300 for the program. (But maybe I'm just a greedy bastard.)
Apparently, John has a conscience and really wants to help people out, which is why he's selling the complete Precision Nutrition program for under 100 bucks. Forget diet books and articles. If you actually want to achieve anything respectable, invest in an actual system from one of the most respected sports nutritionists in the world and watch your body change like it never has before.
+++
Any of you guys use Precision Nutrition, too? Let me know what you think!
Posted Apr 16, 2009 by Nate Green.
This entry is filed under nutrition and lifestyle.
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Comments for This Entry
Hey Nate,
I looked at the website and you are right..buying all of that for 99 bucks is a STEAL. I am on the fence about it though. I have been listening to the nutrition advice you give in Built For Show and it has seemed to be working wonders for me. It really got me past the plateau I was at before. I have 9% Bodyfat, which I am damn proud of...but am still striving for more. 6% is my goal, and I will undoubtedly get there in due time. I have been doing the Spring program in Built For Show for 7 weeks now, and it was the best decision workout-wise that I have ever made. I don't have all that much fat to lose or anything so I don't feel like the whole package he offers is necessary for me. People with a higher bodyfat or that just don't have a clue should really look into this though.
Did you continue to pay for the online support after to first year? Or would you say that it's not neccassary? Thanks
-Paul-
I do not use Precision Nutrition because it is too easy... I know that sounds "bad-ass" and overly rebellious, but in my opinion it makes the joy and pleasure of cooking and learning about food not nearly as satisfying. There is something to be said about an "all-knowing" book of nutrition, recipes and knowledge that most guys, even girls, could seriously benefit from. This just really isn't my thing.
I read cookbooks from all the top chefs in the game, Keller, Colicchio, Pepin, Achatz and religiously pick up Food and Wine magazine. Even though recipes from chefs like that tend to have a layer of extreme difficulty I feel it is always worth a try and worth taking your own spin off of the recipe. Making something healthy and fitting to physique goals while building a meal from a simple stroll through the supermarket or farmer's market is an awesome experience.
I saw an interview with Tom Colicchio, head judge of Top Chef and one of the most respected and established chefs in the game. He said that if you are passionate about learning food and the art/craft of cooking then read Jacques Pepin's book, La Technique and La Methode. From this you will learn the basics of cooking, from there you can build your own recipes and meals. I read both of those books and the knowledge and curiosity far exceeded my reading of Precision Nutrition. Plus, now I don't need to rely on a system for my goals all I need is a chef's knife and a decent market.
I have a question about this book. I'm trying to gain weight, does it work for that too? All of the pictures on the "Recent Transformations" sidebar are of people losing weight. Has anyone seen any results of people trying to gain weight from using this book?
I have been using Precision Nutrition for the past year and absolutely love it. All of my family and friends cannot believe some of the meals that I can now make and I never knew eating healthy could taste so good. Sure there are some recipes that are bland or I do not care for but overall it is a great investment. And yes I have actually been using this to gain weight and have put on a fair amount of muscle while losing body fat while using Precision Nutrition.
@ Chad
If you're having great success with BFS, then by all means stay with it. Really, though, the chapter is just a culmination of my general thoughts on nutrition for guys. Precision Nutrition really digs a little deeper and is a little more individualized.
@ Paul
Nah, I didn't pay for the online support afterward. I think it really matters where you fall in terms of knowledge. I figure that after a year of practice most guys would "get it" for the most part. They'd know what works for their body and what doesn't. Then again, I always have a new question or two I throw at JB and other people at times.
@ JC
I agree that there are probably better cookbooks out there for aspiring chefs or people who really love to cook and want to learn the intricacies of food preparation and presentation. Still, I picked PN because it was easy. That's the point. (At least it is for guys who know they need to eat better and want concrete tips for taking them in that direction.)
But maybe that's why my chicken chili sucks. :)
@ Justin
It definitely works for guys trying to gain weight. Remember, I gained around 40 pounds over the past few years. I got a lot of the principles I use today from Berardi and Precision Nutrition.
@ Kane
Thanks for the comment!
-Nate
Yeah I'm with you, Nate. I bought PN about a year and a half ago and learned a ton - It makes it easy for you to clean up your eating right away.
It's one of those things where you start trying to teach the client the principles, but it's faster and easier to just tell them to buy the damn product.
Having moved in w/ roommates again, even though I thought my diet has been pretty "slack", I realized that just from knowing the PN principles and a few recipes, my diet is better than 95% of population -- even when I'm cheating all the time, haha.
Nate,
Sorry if I came off like a dick in my post. I just really enjoy food. Not in a poor diet sense rather the art of preparing, learning, eating and presenting. I love it as much as a cold craft brew or a smooth glass of wine, plus nothing is better then a good drink paired with a fabulous meal. Your blog rocks and rolls so my bad if I came off like an arrogant douche-bag... Keep it up, love it.
ps, Dogfish Head brewery awhile back collaborated with Rogues Gallery to produce an unfiltered IPA only to be released in Rogues Gallery showroom in NYC during fashion week. It is called Squall IPA... word on the street it shits on the 60, 90 and the new simul-cask 75 IPAs they already have out. They are reproducing it for the Summer 09 and it releases only on the upper east coast. I know you're a fan of Dogfish Head and good beer in general, if I get my hands on a case I'll let you know.
PN has been a pretty amazing resource, and has helped me take my body in a new direction very different, and far more productive, than the haphazard crap I was trying to do before. And I have to say, Berardi's Chili is freakin' amazing.
I bought PN a few years back after being disgusted with my nutrition progress. It helped a lot.
The principles are easy to follow and the recipes are tasty.
I will say, my only beef with the recipes is that I found (up until recently) that they aren't really bulk-store friendly.
I.e.-being a working class college student, I don't have enough money to buy a ton of different food that I may or may not have the time to get around to making. I found myself gravitating towards 4 or 5 specific recipes and shakes and that makes it hard to stay compliant.
If you are in the same situation as me, I'd recommend getting your meats and basic veggies at bulk stores and then picking two new recipes every (or every other) week and buy for them the day you plan on making them.
Other than that, the protein bars rock, the shakes are tasty, and cooking PN style long enough, you can go buy some awesome cook books (I recommend Artisanal Cooking and The Joy of Simple Cooking) and make the unhealthy stuff healthy.
I agree precision nutrition rocks.It is not your typical boring bodybuilding bookbut shines a different refreshing light on working outand clean eating.I also own the #3 edition and recommend to everyone.
@ JC
You didn't come off like a dick so don't worry about it. You sound like a guy who knows how to cook -- there's definitely something to learn from that. And thanks for blowing my mind with the Dogfish Head update. I just read a book by the CEO and head brewmaster. I'm thinking about doing a blog post on it. Oh, and I can't even get Dogfish Head in Montana right now because "the alcohol content is too high." It's bullshit. Apparently there's a law that's about to be passed to overturn that silly rule...
@ David
Good point on the bulk shopping. I like your tips and book suggestions.
@ Everyone else
Thanks for the comments! I appreciate the feedback.
-Nate
I just ordered Precision Nutrition for myself. I really like the advice you give Nate and I'll do the smart thing and heed it. Props to you on the book and all of your success. (This is my first comment on your site, so I figured it would be a good time to get it all out of the way.)
Chris F.
Well I'm not a guy, and I haven't actually bought the book, but my trainer (Thanks Doug G.!!) turned me on to it, taught me the principles, and borrowed me the cookbook. Seems to be working so far. I lost 40 +lbs! I'm looking to buy the new version here soon, and hopefully get some new yummy recipes!
I had a look at Precision Nutrition website and was wondering, 1. Are the recipes delicious (if not I find it really difficult to stay with it - this is what I found with many 'diets'), and 2. Are the recipes made from natural unprocessed ingredients mainly? (so no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors etc, as these make the foods not wholesome). Thanks!
@ Kurt,
Thanks for the note! Yes, the recipes are very delicious and contain no processed ingredients.
I think you'd love it.
-Nate
Precision Nutrition is a much needed, complete re-eduction for most people.
People who have unfortunately been taught to follow the "Healthy diet food pyramid" - healthy? yeah, right - for the economy perhaps.
PN is fantastic - I love cooking now!
These meals help me drop fat & build muscle while enjoying tasty, easy to prepare foods that my hubby & kids enjoy eating too!
A nice change from tuna, cottage cheese & broccoli :)
& It's put a stop to preparing separate meals for me & the rest of the family.
The GN2 cookbook is not a 'nice to have' but a MUST HAVE for me & my family.
PN is one of the best investments I have ever made.
The world needs this!!!
Dude first off your site looks bad ass. I have a website dedicated to educating hardgainers, but I must say you did a great job with your site. Love the product, Precision Nutrition. I have been studying Berardi for a long time now. He is by far the most educated fellow I know. He knows what it takes to gain muscle, get healthy and teaches you the basics about nutrition and how it impacts your body.
I am not making a pitch here and I only vouch for the best. If you are reading my post and you are thinking of checking out Precision Nutrition. Nate recommends it and so do I and everyone else on this blog...click the Precision Nutrition banner at the top...
Thanks...Keep up the good work..
PS. Tim Ferriss rocks...He is the one that showed me that I can live anywhere and make a living online.
I used the precision nutrition this summer because it was recommended by my personal trainer, and it was a huge help. I improved my body composition considerably in just a few months of hard work and building meals based off of the principles he outlines in the cookbook.
I was worried that when I went back to college and started eating cafeteria food again I would gain a lot of the weight back, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even though I haven' t been working out at the same intensity or eating on such a strict schedule, I've managed to maintain everything I worked for all summer. I just make smart choices in the cafeteria based on his rules. I don't follow it that strictly and I cheat quite a bit (damn those Friday nights!) but its easy for me to get back on track if I feel I'm slipping.
In short: I can't say enough good things about Precision Nutrition and I'm happy to see that it's being recommended here.
Nate, Ive been using BFS moving on to the second phase of the winter program, gotta say I LOVE IT! Although i know i would probably see better results if i cleaned my eating, thing is im always on the-go so i usualy kill a protein shake. Its a maricle if i even get to cook something, Im gonna try this PN book, gets pretty tough living with two older brothers who eat all your food before you get a chance to make a meal. Also not to mention keeping the kitchen clean when they raid the fridge. Il let you know how it goes, im looking to see beter results,,,,gotta clean up my meals!
Precision Nutrition has expanded and grown and now comes with even more free stuff, recipes, and support.
The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need. Brilliant work. Thanks for the information shared.
As with so many things in my life, it took someone much smarter and mature than me to school me on the importance of eating in a specific way with specific tools to fully maximize my physical potential
seo company
I do high weight with low reps in my workout and in it I also do low weight with high reps does that mean I will get big muscles (from the high weight) and strong muscles (from the low weight)?
Hey,
I like the pic. Thanks for sharing the post.:)
There sure is a difference in being big and strong and physically fit!
Hey Nate, You definitely have one of the best bodies that I have seen, you are really very attractive individual!!
I like your training advice and all the information you provide, as in the tols needed to diet (eat) properly for muscle and health. Many thanks for the excellent information.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
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