5 Best Proteins To Eat To Build Muscle

April 28, 2017November 1, 2018 Alex CoombesLeave a comment

To build muscle, the first thing most people think of is lifting heavy weights and protein. Eating the right foods plays a big part in building muscle as it allows for greater muscle mass and a lean body. TruBe knows that it is essential to get the right amount of protein in your diet to see changes in your body. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and different foods contain different combinations. Leucine is the most important of the 20 amino acids which create muscle and studies show that eating around 2-3 grams will give you the maximum anabolic effect from a meal. So which foods have the best proteins? TruBe have come up with our 5 best proteins to include in your diet for muscle growth.

Chicken

Chicken is probably the most common source of protein that people eat in order to build muscle. 100g of cooked chicken breast contains over 2 grams of Leucine.

2. Eggs

Eggs are incorporated into most diets for their high quantity of protein. Just three eggs contains at least 2g of Leucine

3. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is great to include in breakfast meals with some fresh fruit. 1 cup of greek yoghurt contains at least 2.5 grams of Leucine. If you are lactose intolerant, there are many different types of yoghurts that are lactose free and are still high in protein.

4. Tuna

Tuna can be eaten raw or cooked and is a great source of protein. 100g of cooked Tuna has over 2 g of Leucine Try adding some tuna to your salad or on a bed of quinoa.

5. Soybeans

Soybeans are great to liven up salads or to accompany a meat dish. 100g contains over 3 grams of Leucine.

Don’t forget that our TruBe trainers will support you with your nutrition to help you reach your desired fitness goals. We have a range of trainers who have certified in nutrition such as Mel Rutherford who has obtained a precision nutrition certification.

To book a session, visit our website or book through our app today!

5 Ways That Yoga Can Help Runners

March 30, 2017November 1, 2018 Alex CoombesLeave a comment

Runners have a tremendous amount to gain from adding yoga to their fitness regimes. Due to its repetitive nature, running may lead to injuries and musculoskeletal imbalances which can be uncomfortable and disrupt your day to day life. Yoga can complement the discipline of running as it can restore balance and symmetry to the body.

In particular, through Yoga, runners can improve:

FLEXIBILITY

Yoga stretches the muscles that are tight, which in turn increases the range of motion in related joints. Increased flexibility decreases stiffness, results in greater ease of movement and the reduction of aches and pains.

2. STRENGTH

Running mostly strengthens the lower body, therefore certain muscles become strong while others are underused and remain weak. A balanced yoga practice involves the entire body which allows the unused muscles to be strengthened—specifically in the arms, upper torso, abdominals, and back. Strengthening the upper body and core helps improve posture during daily activities and also while running. A strong core allows the arms and legs to move more efficiently and results in less fatigue. Additionally it allows for less weight impact on the legs which reduces the risk of injury. It is also essential for runners to strengthen the muscles in their lower body for a healthy range of motion.

3. BALANCE

Overusing some muscles while underusing others creates muscular imbalances, which affect the entire musculoskeletal balance and impairs biomechanical efficiency. For runners, biomechanical imbalances eventually lead to pain and injury. Through Yoga, runners can become stronger by improving their balance through the focus of their energy and mind thus reducing the chance of injury.

4. BREATHING

Lung capacity is of prime importance for runners, because it creates the ability to maintain an even breathing pattern through all phases of running. The better the lung capacity is, the more oxygen is circulated through the system, which is most helpful for general running. However, the breathing pattern used in running and other forms of aerobic exercise involves quick and shallow inhalations and exhalations. This uses only the top portion of the lungs, leaving the middle and lower portions untouched. Yogic breathing involves slow, deep inhalations and long exhalations, making use of the upper, middle, and lower portions of the lungs. Yogic breathing has been shown to increase lung capacity, and greater lung capacity increases endurance and improves overall athletic performance.

5. AN ENERGISED BODY

Many forms of exercise deplete the body of its energy stores. Yet a yoga practice oxygenates the blood and creates more energy, leaving the body and mind feeling restored and energized. Yoga provides a vehicle through which the body can actively recover from the physical demands of running.

By Gandha Savio

If running is included in your regular exercise routine, why not unwind and try a TruBe yoga session to replenish your energy. You can search Gandha’s Profile in the TruBe trainers page.

You can also view our wide range of expert trainers who specialise in various other workout disciplines.

Click here to book a session

TruBe are proud to announce that we are an official partner of the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon taking place on the 8th October 2017! We will be running the half marathon workshops which are held in July and September and will host the complimentary assisted cool down area on race day for all runners! Click here to find out more

Top 5 Healthy London Places to Take Her This Mother’s Day

March 17, 2017November 1, 2018 Alex CoombesLeave a comment

We all love our mothers and we all know how much they do for us. Here at TruBe we love celebrating that one day a year where mothers are truly praised. For those who are stuck on what to do for her special day, TruBe have come up with our top 5 favourite healthy places to eat in London. So, show her some love this Mother’s Day by spoiling her with not just any meal, but a deliciously healthy meal, because staying healthy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some amazing restaurants in London.

Here’s our guide of the 5 best healthy restaurants and lunch spots to take mum this Mother’s Day:

BlueBird, 350 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5UU

(Image: http://www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk)

Situated in the heart of Chelsea on the Kings Road, BlueBird oozes decadence and luxury in its restaurant, bar and cafe. At street level is the bustling cafe, perfect for afternoon tea and brunches and also a perky food store. The European menu in the restaurant, which is on the first floor, includes a variety of delicious small plates and sharing dishes as well as exquisite main courses that will leave you feeling satisfied but guilt free! Dishes include seared salmon with a shaved fennel salad and steamed sea bream with a tomato and grape relish. That’s definitely got our mouths watering!

2. Grain Store, Granary Square, 1-3 Stable St, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AB

(Image: TripAdvisor)

This award winning restaurant is the perfect place if you’re looking for a quirky industrial-chic feel, as it occupies part of a former victorian warehouse allowing for an open kitchen. The incredible chef, Bruno Loubet who has been an exclusive chef in London since 1993, has created a sustainable and innovative menu with no geographical boundaries and special emphasis on vegetables. Perfect for achieving your 5 a day! Why not try the delicious carrot & mandarin purée, potted green cabbage, parsnip croquette, Arctic char with parsley sauce, or the adventourous Brambletye farm oyster mushrooms in vegan XO sauce, wasabi pea coulis and herb tofu.

3. The Good Life Eatery, 20 Motcomb Street London SW1X 8LB UK

(Image: The Culture Whisper)

A fabulous spot for healthy superfoods, The Good Life Eatery boasts incredible smoothie bowls and lively salads; for example their Miso Hungry Macro Bowl of roasted butternut squash, homemade kimchi, steamed broccoli, mixed wild rice or quinoa, 1/2 avocado, omega seeds and ginger miso dressing. If you’re looking for something more wholesome, look no further than their warm bowls of rice or quinoa and your choice of protein ranging from green chicken meatballs to teriyaki salmon. Their philosophy of ‘The Good Life’ means no wifi, perfect for spending a distraction-free meal with mum.

4. Farmacy, 74 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH

(Image: The Telegraph)

Situated in the lavish area of Notting Hill, Farmacy brings you comfort food at an incredibly healthy standard. With a view that ‘food is medicine’, every food choice at this restaurant will ensure guilt-free pleasures whilst nourishing and satisfying your tummies! They boast fantastically healthy alternatives to scrumptious cuisines like their Mexican Bowl of sprouted coriander rice, romaine, guacamole, frijoles, tomato ceviche, salsa & ‘sour cream’ topped with purple potato mash, corn chips & chipotle mayo and their Chef’s Clean Curry of pumpkin, eggplant, carrot & broccoli cooked in coconut milk, lemongrass & spices, served with sprouted brown rice.

5. Chucs Restaurant, 30 Dover St, Mayfair, London W1S 4NB

(Image: Time Out)

If you’re looking for an extravagant meal at extravagant prices, look no further than the prestigious Chucs Restaurant in Mayfair. With sophisticated interiors, this restaurant oozes elegance and will be sure to make mum feel like the queen she is! The menu boasts fresh and exquisite ingredients with dishes like their grilled octopus with potatoes, rocket, taggiasca olives, cherry tomatoes and grilled courgettes, or their fresh homemade tagliatelle prawns and courgettes.

Why not compliment her meal with a fabulous gift card from TruBe and give the gift of health and fitness this Mother’s Day.

We offer gift cards for 4, 8 and 12 sessions, and all workouts are included, offering her so much choice! One day she could experience a relaxing yoga session, the next a dynamic, personalised personal training session.

BUY A GIFT CARD

Don’t forget all of our TruBe trainers are fully qualified fitness experts who specialise in various workouts such as Yoga, Ballet Fit, Personal Training, Boxing, Kickboxing and Pilates.

Meet our trainers and book a session!

Burn Fat at Home in 10 Minutes

February 27, 2017November 1, 2018 Alex CoombesLeave a comment

In one of our recent blog post 5 Ways to Burn More Calories During a Workout, the more muscles you use, the more fat/sugar you will burn. Total body workouts where you choose big groups of muscles (complex exercises) are the most effective. Try these exercises that will get the whole body working:

KICK THROUGH:

Start in the box position with knees into hips. Drive the right leg out to the left, sitting back on the heel of your left leg. Return to the start position and repeat to the right.

WALK OUT:

This is great for your arms and abs! Start standing, drop hands to the floor and walk out as far as you can reach. Walk the hands back and stand. To progress add a jump or a jump and turn 180 in the air and walkout in the opposite direction.

CURTSEY LUNGES:

Great for the glutes! Squat down and bring your right leg behind the body and out to the side (8pm on the clock). Return to standing and repeat with the left leg (4pm on the clock). Again to progress, add a jump and rotate round facing the other way.

See how many reps you can do of each in a 40 second time frame. Rest for 20 seconds then repeat 5 times! Try these exercises with one of our trainers!

Post Workout Nutrition:

Always eat protein and a small amount of sugar from a natural source to help with recovery. Fruit is great source of sugar from a natural source. Also, remember to hydrate! We can lose at least 2 litres of water a day and even more when exercising. We need to replace this to keep the body functioning efficiently.

Sleep at least 7 hours a night to aid recovery. This can have a negative effect on hormones and cortisol release, which then stimulates fat storage, which we don’t want.

Don’t forget that our TruBe trainers can come to you right in the comfort of your own home! Try this workout with one of our trainers, anywhere anytime.

For more expert advice and workouts download the TruBe App today!

The Vegan Diet: Myths & Benefits

February 17, 2017November 1, 2018 Alex CoombesLeave a comment

Record numbers of people are turning to veganism in the UK. Vegans do not eat meat, dairy products, seafood and other foods and items that may include animal by-products. Vegans also do not wear leather, wool or anything tested on animals. This once much maligned lifestyle is now seen as trendy, with much of the food industry catching onto its increasing popularity. However, there are still some misconceptions. Our TruBe trainer Angela Rochester is here to clear things up!

Myths

You can’t get enough protein

Vegans are often asked ‘Where do you get your protein from?’

Protein is not just restricted to meat. Protein can also be obtained from foods such as tofu and tempeh. Other sources include grains, pulses, nuts and seeds. Eating a variety of these foods means a vegan can achieve the recommended daily amount of protein. Vegans can also build muscle on a plant-based diet; check out Torre Washington!

It’s Boring

The rise in vegan Instagram accounts shows the variety of meals that can be made. An internet search can provide a wide variety of alternatives. Do you miss pizza? Burgers? There are tasty vegan versions of these.

Vegans are Skinny and Automatically Healthy

Think carefully about the reasons for choosing to become vegan. Turning vegan will not help you with weight loss. Although it can certainly be very healthy, there are still highly processed vegan foods that contain a lot of sugar and salt which should be avoided to maintain a healthy weight.

Vegans lack energy

Vegans lack no more energy than those on other diets. However, they must check their intake of vitamin B12, which plays an important role in preventing anaemia and nervous system damage. It cannot be reliably sourced from a vegan diet but it can be obtained from fortified foods or taking B12 supplements. Gaining Iron from a vegan diet is also easy, if a wide range of fruit and vegetables are eaten. Include foods with vitamin C to further aid the absorption of iron. If you are unsure that you are gaining the right amount of nutrients from your diet, check with a doctor or dietician.

It takes a lot of planning

Just like any other diet or lifestyle, you need to plan what you eat in order to stay healthy. However, once you know what you need it becomes second nature!

Benefits

Health Benefits

Vegans can have lower levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower risk of diabetes and lower body mass indexes. However, those who have these benefits also tend to have balanced diets and stay active.

Helping the planet

The main reason for many being vegan is their concern for animals and the environment. It is less of a drain on global food supply and is a great choice for those concerned with animal welfare.

Physical looks

Those who adopt a vegan diet often report that they have less acne prone skin, stronger hair and nails and the reduction of bad breath and body odor!

It is easy to transition into/try out

If you are thinking about becoming a vegan you don’t have to leap into it. You can gradually see what suits you and there is no need to feel guilty if you make mistakes or if you think it is not right for you.

Self-Awareness

It can lead to greater self-control as you cannot simply grab anything when shopping for food. You will gradually pay more attention to what you put into your body which has great health benefits in itself!

For more information check out these useful links:

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Vegetarianhealth/Pages/Vegandiets.aspx

https://www.vegansociety.com/

https://www.happycow.net/

Want to try veganism whilst keeping fit? No problem! Our TruBe trainers are here to help! Book a session tailored to your needs!

By Angela Rochester