“The Anabolic, Italian Kitchen”
It’s all about iron… and lifting said iron… and sweat… and passion… and determination… and goals…
… and food cough, cough… I mean, nutrition.
Regardless of your goals-- “git hyooge” or “ript abzzz”, ya gotta eat, and ya gotta eat right.
I grew up in an Italian family that owned a small meat market and before that, we were farmers. We know food-- and we know how to grow it, raise it, and cook it.
Unfortunately, I know how to eat it. Too much of it.
So, when I decided to drop 70 pounds, I wanted to do it with food I loved.
I’m coming up on a milestone in my life, and with just a few more weeks left (and some good convos with T-Nation members), I decided to tighten up and do a strict Anabolic Diet. I’ve been eating low carb for awhile now to maintain the weight that I’ve lost, and frankly, I’m scared to death to put fat back on.
EDITED:[i] I want to qualify the above statement. When I say “… scared … to put fat back on” I mean to say become a fat ass. Since starting this thread, I’ve used eating like this (in greater quantity) to gain about 20-30# (read: a few inches on the arms) of quality weight back.
I did the AD for about 4 or so months in caloric excess to gain, then slowly added carbs back in paying attention to timing.
Point is, don’t be afraid of some fat if you’re packing on muscle. If you’re worried about your abs (and especially if you’re a natty), you’re limiting your own progress. Just ask the big guys on this site-- you know who they are.
These meals fall in line pretty well with the A-D, but don’t be afraid to eat carbs if you’re gaining size and strength. Later recipes will reflect this.[/i]
** END EDIT **
The Anabolic Diet can be fun, but it should not be bland.
Let’s face it even eggs, bacon, sausage, and steak gets old after awhile, so you have to spice it up a bit!
Life is too short for shitty tasting food and shitty beer. Since beer is out of the picture for many folks, that leaves shitty tasting food— And we’re going to FIGHT that RIGHT HERE!!
Yeah, yeah, most of the day will be tuna, eggs, kippers, chicken, but, man, when it’s time to eat, we’re going to EAT TASTY.
Because I’ve gotten so much out of T-Nation over the past couple years, I’m going to give something back-- some of my Anabolic Diet Recipes Italian Style (mostly).
I invite you all to post your Anabolic Diet recipes as well!
Remember: Quality ingredients make quality food.
Mangia!
