Tough shit if my gym shorts don't get your dick hard.

You know that feeling when you read an article an it instantly infuriates you? Well, I’m feeling that at this exact moment, and I’ll tell you why. During my morning ritual of reading the news online, I came across an article on MSN titled “Guy’s take on: Your spring outfits”. I’ll start by saying that I hate any articles of this nature where these people write about what men think about anything from your hair color down to the polish on your toes. But I figured I’d read it and see what bullshit they were blabbing about this time.

First of all, these so called “studies” are absolutely asinine because they only post the opinions of three, maybe four men. So that’s what women are dressing for these days…the opinions of four college boys? Fuck that. If I want to rock a maxi dress with over sized sunglasses, I’ll damn well do it. I don’t give a shit if Jon from Vassar College likes it or not, and you shouldn’t either. If Jon from Vassar College doesn’t like the way you dress, then chances are he isn’t the man for you. Instead, perhaps Parker from UCLA loves your style just the way it is. Every human being on this earth is attracted to something different and has a different style than the rest, and that is perfectly fine. But to constantly write articles telling women how they should dress based on how men perceive them, is absolutely fucking ridiculous. 

The portion of this despicable excuse for an article that really sent me over the edge, was the section on what guys think of sportswear. I’ll just show you a few of the remarks that were posted.

 I’ve never understood this. Don't you ladies understand that we’re attracted to you because you’re women? We don't want you to dress like us.” –Louis, University of Connecticut
 
“She looks like a Marine. I'm not into girls who look like they can beat me up.” –Jon, Vassar College

“I feel like if you’re going to look like you’re going to the gym, there’s no way to dress that up.” –Jason, University of New Hampshire–Manchester

“I don’t find sportswear sexy–except for yoga pants.” –Robbie, University of Maryland

Really? So because we’re not prancing around in see through shirts, tight ass skirts and 6” heels…we aren’t considered women? I don’t understand how so called “men” are so intimidated by a strong woman; physically and mentally. If you were a real man, you would be secure and confident with yourself that you’d be able to handle a strong woman. But clearly, the vast majority of the male population are insecure little bitches.

If I’m going to work out, I’m not just walking on the treadmill for 40 minutes. I’m pushing some heavy fucking weight, so excuse me if I don’t want to wear some prissy, girly gliterry shit or shorts that could double as underwear. Instead, I’ll throw on my Nike pants, a racerback and sweatshirt and call it a day. If you don’t find me sexy or attractive, that’s awesome for me, because then you won’t be a jerk off and interrupt my set just to hit on me. Here’s a newsflash for you; most women who are serious about lifting, don’t go to the gym to pick up men…so I don’t give a fuck if my workout clothes turn you on or not. Let’s say that I’m not going to the gym, let’s pretend that I’m out and about running errands and just feel like wearing active wear instead of getting all dolled up just to go to the grocery store. Tough shit if my gym shorts don’t get your dick hard.

On the flip side, because I don't want to discriminate against anyone who has a girlier style than I do, wear the rhinestone embellished pants if you want. Don't care what any man thinks, shit, don't even care what I think. Just dress for you!

But I digress a bit; this is even more infuriating because the majority of these writers are women. Seriously?! As a woman you think it’s appropriate to tell other women how they need to dress based on an insignificant percentage of men’s opinions? Thanks for setting feminism back about 50 years. The writing industry has just lost some major points. 

So here’s my take away. Dress for you, not for anyone else. Because no one else has to wear those clothes, you do, and you should feel good in them. You shouldn’t have to alter who you are or your style just to attract a man. Whatever your style is, it will attract the right man for you.

Now, stop being so concerned with what Jon from Vassar or anyone else thinks….put on whatever you want and go squat something.

Protein powders are not just for bodybuilders...so drink up!

Lately, I’ve had handfuls of people reach out to me either wanting to pick my brain or just have some questions answered regarding health and fitness. To be perfectly honest, I sometimes am taken back a bit because I never really realize that my lifestyle and/or my blog have really affected anyone in a significant manner. But even if I’ve been able to impact one person, even in the slightest bit, then I’m beyond thrilled.

I have one friend, who I love dearly, and she is always asking for advice, tips, etc. The fact that she considers me any time she needs some insight on something is extremely flattering to say the least. I think she actually helps me more than I help her, because each time she reaches out to me about something, it sparks an idea of what to write about next. This brings me to this post (and probably dozens more in the future): the importance of protein shakes. There is a common misconception that protein shakes are only for body builders, and I imagine that this false impression is mainly perpetuated by women who fear “bulking up” or men who are afraid of a strong and athletic woman. I’ll divulge more into why it’s impossible for our bodies to bulk up the way a man’s’ does for another post. But for now, here’s the skinny on why protein is more beneficial than not.

If you are involved in any type of sport or workout program, then you absolutely should be incorporating protein shakes into your day. What’s the point of protein shakes and why should you be drinking them, you ask? It’s true that you’ll be able to get an adequate supply of your daily protein & carb needs from actual food, but protein shakes are meant just to be in addition to. This is no way means that you should be using it as a meal replacement. Quite frankly, even right after a shake I’m still hungry so I prepare a meal within an hour after that. There is nothing better than real food, but most people find is unfeasible to prepare the perfectly balanced pre and post workout meal within that 30-60min time frame. They are nothing more than to provide the proper amount of nourishment right after your workout.

It can be a bit overwhelming choosing a protein powder because there are countless brands that carry a variety of different protein powders. The two types of proteins that are most commonly used are whey and casein.

Whey protein is by far the most popular type between the two and many believe is the best choice in terms of taste, quality and cost. However, another benefit that goes vastly overlooked is that it can boost the immune system. Whey protein comes in two different varieties; concentrate and isolate. Whey concentrate has a lower lactose level so it is easily tolerated by many sensitive to lactose. Whereas whey isolate is essentially fat free, this would make it a good choice if you are trying to eliminate fat from your diet. Whey protein in general is quickly absorbed by the digestive system and empties into the stomach quickly, which stimulates protein synthesis.  For this particular reason, I personally prefer whey protein pre and post workout.

Like whey, casein is a milk derived protein. It is typically much thicker than whey, due to its chemical makeup. However, the main difference is that casein has a much slower rate of digestion, which results in a steady release of amino acids. Casein proteins’ function is basically to sustain longer periods of time without nourishment (such as during sleep) so not to disrupt muscle growth. Due to this, I drink a casein protein shake right before bed.

Whey and casein can be used alone or together, but studies have shown that because whey quickly increases protein synthesis and casein blocks protein breakdown, a blend of the two would be ideal.

If you haven’t understood or heard a damn word I’ve said…let me leave you with this final thought. Protein shakes are not going to make you bulky, so drink up!