I have decided to undergo my next peak over the coming twelve weeks. Originally this was to have already occurred. However, I had four unforeseen trips, several of which were for five days or longer. During speaking engagements and business trips, you can eat and train on schedule, but it takes some practice. Since I am not an avid traveler, I did not have the skill set honed.

That being said, I still rocked… ; ) I ate mostly salads with lean proteins. That gets old, even for me. So, while I did not gain a lot of bodyfat, I did not get leaner. Just as a side note: my bodyfat was already lower than normal, so please do NOT use this as an excuse for your own travels unless you are under 10% bodyfat. There. You have had your scolding for the day.

When I returned to Dallas after my last trip, I felt a sense of burn-out. I am working on the release of my next book, The Every Other Day Diet with my co-author Janis Hauser. (For the record: “Every Other Day Nutrition Plan” does not sell books. And, since this will revolutionize the way the busy, everyday individual approaches “dieting”, I used the “D” word in the title. I promise — the book is too cool for words, and it works. So forgive my use of the “D” word…just this one time.)

At the same time, I am working on the release of 7 Minute Muscle in July.

I sound pretty busy, eh?

I sat down yesterday with my trainer, Roland Jehl. I hired Roland about three months ago to help me refine my physique and learn a few old tricks from an old-school bodybuilding master. With Roland’s help, I am stronger and thicker than I have ever been in my life. The combination of volume training with my 7 Minute Muscle System is working wonders.

Anyway, Roland and I were talking shop. I came back to Dallas with the idea that cardio was my best friend, and my worst enemy. Looking hard at my training, I saw that intense cardio was severely lacking. This is due, frankly, to boredom. It is something I do not enjoy as much as I enjoy pushing hard in the gym.

I came up with a plan: concentrate on getting my workouts done briefly (ala 7 Minute Muscle) and use my time with Roland to (don’t laugh) hit cardio — first, and with intensity — as he chats my ear off.

Lookit — that’s such a bosso-keen nifty word — I figured I’m apt to do anything if I have a bit of company. That includes intense cardio. Some may figure this is a waste of $75 per hour. It isn’t. I will guarantee you I will peak leaner than ever with this 25-minute “detour” into “cardio coaching.”

Obviously there’s not much for Roland to do during my cardio sessions, other than stand there and make conversation. Since he and I go back twenty years, there is always plenty to talk about. But let me tell you — those 25 minutes will FLY by, and I will be pushed a lot harder than I will push myself.

This is only for the first month or so. After that I will be used to the effort and easily do this on my own. I just know how my little mind operates.

The increase in cardio will call for a slight increase in carbs. There are two reasons. First, I want to maintain my muscle mass. It is harder to do that on low carbs and intensive cardio. Carbs help this process along. Second, I need to expand my menu choices just a bit.

I started my day today with a great concoction Roland shared with me. Again, it is the subtle distinctions that make all the difference. I used to eat oats in the morning, but they never sat that well with me. So, I cut them out entirely. Roland suggested consuming raw oats. Frankly, I had never considered it. I gave it a shot. I mixed about 3/4 cup of raw oats with 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt, a few blueberries, 40 grams of Jay Robb Whey Protein, and some water. Yummy! And it went down without a hassle.

Presto: one simple distinction allowed me to create a brand new meal that I can eat several times a day if I choose. Distinctions is what makes my upcoming book so cool. The Every Other Day Diet so exciting. It is full of distinctions. It’s very dense — tons of info in about 100 pages or so. You’ll love it. I’ll email you all when it is ready for distribution next week. Jan’s sections on training will give anyone a workout they can do in their own home, and it is tailored to the EODD style of eating.

The only other carbs I plan to consume are in the form of brown rice, vegetables, and the occasional slice of Ezekiel Bread. I will take in about 100 grams per day on my low-carb days and up to 300 on my higher carb days (about 2-3 days per week.)

I’ll keep you posted on the results.

[jB]