Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

I am so happy I read the "Shred It" book by Robert Cheeke! I'm getting the kind of results I've been working so hard to get for a long time now. The workout examples he gives are awesome, and he explains the importance of getting enough food, healthy plant-based foods.

A lot of bodybuilders could benefit from this book. So many people overload their systems with protein powders and extra meat just to fill up with extra protein. It took me by surprise that the human body needs about 5-10 percent protein. The fact that he built muscle on this diet was enough proof for me.

I just finished week 3 of the Shred It vegan muscle building challenge. This is based on the Shred It book by Robert Cheeke.

Robert Cheeke has been a vegan for over 20 years, and judging by the photo on the cover of his book, you can tell he is not missing the protein that so many other weightlifters think they need.

I am still working on my pull-ups, but that challenge will coincide with a 13 week challenge that I started last week for Shred It.

Shred It is the name of Robert Cheeke's book and companion workout journal. Cheeke is a whole food, plant based body builder who proves that you can build muscle without overloading your body with protein. He's been vegan for over twenty years and the muscle he shows on his arms... many body builder would wrongly assume he's having a ton of protein. Nothing could be further from the truth!

[photo_panel photo="images/pull-ups.jpg" alt="pull-ups photo"] [/photo_panel]

Some of you might remember when I was trying to get the proper form for push-ups a few years ago. I never was able to do push-ups as a kid and I finally am able to do them. I think the strength classes I take have helped a lot, along with a lot of practice.

I haven't posted an update for a while as I haven't gotten my body fat checked since the spring. The last time I had it checked, it was around 10.38 percent. I imagine I'm in the same range but hope to have it checked when school starts back up again. I have it checked at Southern CT State University, but they don't test over the summer.

I have been working hard though. Despite taking a vacation this summer, where I didn't do any weight exercise for over a week, I notice I am getting stronger. I'm still trying to get bigger muscles in my arms as the loose skin would fill in nicely with more muscle. Also, I wouldn't mind more muscle in my chest and legs, but they are progressing nicely.