Pitching at your top velocity is a very intense movement that is performed on average about 75-100 pitches a game, not including practice. Most pitchers lose a lot of muscle mass or weight in-season which not only effects their recovery but their overall performance. If you can prevent losing your lean muscle mass, that you worked so hard to build up in the off-season when in-season, then you will give yourself a major edge over the competition.

I trained with Dan Miceli, who is a 14 year Major League relief pitcher, after my rotator cuff surgery. He was a big lifter and would go into spring training about 35 pounds overweight. This was all muscle mass from his off-season training. He said that the coaches would give him a hard time about his size during spring training and he would always tell them to just give him a few months and it would all be gone again. He was right!

It is a challenge for college and especially professional pitchers to keep up their lean muscle mass in-season which is also why steroids became such a problem in the game. This is why every pitcher must be on a daily protein program to promote more lean muscle mass which will promote faster recovery between appearances. A good protein program is not just eating meat and drinking milk, it is a lot more high tech than that these days. It evolves supplementing your diet with a combination of proteins to give your body everything it needs to do its job well which is throw blazing fastballs!

What is Protein?

Protein is the combination of essential and non-essential amino acids. Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body but the essential amino acids must be delivered through the diet. The ingestion of animals is the biggest source of protein but can be found in almost all food sources. When the protein is digested by the body it uses enzymes to break the proteins down into the amino acid chains. Once the protein has been digested into amino acids it can now be absorbed into the body and used for many purposes like fuel, blood clotting, fluid balance, production of hormones and enzymes, vision, and cell repair. It is most effectively used to rebuild the body and should not be used as much to fuel the body. It is used to fuel the body when there is a lack of glucose in the blood or there is two much protein in the body. This means you need to take your protein with carbs and you must not take to much.

Proof that Protein is Beneficial for the Pitcher

A study done by Fern et. al (1991) showed that greater gains in body mass occur over four weeks of heavy weight training when young men consumed 3.3 versus 1.3 grams if protein per kilogram of body mass. In addition a study done by Meredith et al. (1992) found that a daily dietary supplement containing 23 grams of protein combined with weight training can enhance muscle mass gains relative to similar subjects who trained with out the supplement. Both of the studies show support for the belief that increased protein in the diet can help increase muscle mass, but it should be noted that these effects were found with a combination of intake and training. These two studies further indicated that a protein intake of about 1.7 – 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, when combined with weight training will enhance muscle development compared with similar training with an intake of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (5.) However, it is important to note that there is little good evidence that the very high protein intakes (more than 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day) typically consumed by strength athletes are beneficial. Moreover, it is possible to obtain this quantity of protein without special supplementation assuming a mixed diet containing sufficient energy is consumed.
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/Protein.htm

How to Promote Post Pitching Recovery with Protein?

You should follow this daily cycle of protein for 2 months on and then 2 weeks off. I also recommend stacking this protein with a balanced diet, extra carbs and a lot of water. Complex carbs and water are just as important to promoting post pitching recovery.

1. Take a Whey protein or the Natural Pro Complex above first thing in the morning.
2. Take a Whey protein or the Natural Pro Complex above within 30 minutes to an hour post workout, training or pitching.
3. Take a Caseine Protein (in the pic here) just before going to bed at night.

The Difference Between the Proteins

Whey Protein – Is a fast absorbing protein that quickly soaks into the body. This is is perfect for the day when you are continually taking in protein sources.

Caseine Protein – This is a slow absorbing protein that takes time to break down and provides small amounts of protein over a long period of time. This is perfect for the night when you are a sleep and not eating.

Complex Protein -  This is a combination of proteins from sources like; whey, egg and predigested amino acids. This is a more effective way to feed the body what it needs.

Don’t screw around with your career. A good daily nutrition will make or break your pitching career!

There are three main properties to Kangen Water:

1. Alkalizing – we know that an athlete does better, and lasts longer if he/she is very careful with their diet. But, did you know that most of the fluids that are used in the sports arena are acid in the pH quality? Most sport drinks and sodas are rated 2.5 – 3.0 on the pH scale. How can that help in cellular recovery? Bottled water is not much better. Most are on the acid side of the pH scale. Kangen Water ranges 8.0 – 9.5 on the pH scale, supporting the athlete in the balancing of the pH in their body.
2. Antioxidant – Kangen Water contains large quantities of negatively charged ions that act as antioxidants in the body. Kangen Water has a strong negative ‘ORP’ (Oxidation Reduction Potential), which makes it a powerful antioxidant.
3. Micro-Clustered Water – Kangen Water is micro-clustered this means the actual molecules of water are reduced in size. This allows the water to be easily absorbed in your body and can hydrate your cells more efficiently.

“Kangen Water is a great way to increase hydration, balance body pH, obtain optimal health, neutralize free radicals, reduce pain , and so much more.”

• Clean, refreshing & tastes great
• Balance body pH over time
• Powerful anti-oxidant
• Detoxifying & cleansing
• Micro-clustered to increase hydration
• Neutralize free radicals
• Reduce pain
• Improve energy & reduce fatigue
• Improve over all health

Article by Ellen Larocca

The remedies of today for muscle recovery are continuously improving. There are always new supplements coming out on the market that claim to improve recovery. The hard part is determining the ones that actually work without wasting a lot of time and money. I have put together a list of products and links to purchase these products at amazon.com. This way I will save you time and money. These are products that I used in my career which helped me not only overcome a career ending injury but to reach my velocity goals of 94mph. I am not claiming that these products will do this for you but they will definitely help.

Pitching Recovery Supplements

All of these products are remedies for muscle fatigue and more. The first two products help you remove the acid from your body post workout or game and the last two help you rebuild or replenish your system.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Poor this into a glass of water and drink it everyday. Especially after a workout or game. This will prevent muscle fatigue after exercise and support a health immune system. It also supports an alkaline diet.

Alka-Seltzer – Take this immediately after a workout or a game. This will help alkaline your body and speed the recovery process. This has aspirin so DO NOT exceed the recommended dosage.

Honey – Researches have proved that carbohydrates and proteins help to recover muscle after energetic weight training. The latest research proves that honey can generate the best effect among lots of carbohydrate.

Amino Acids – Amino Acids are the building blocks of your muscles. This means in recovery you need to provide your body with these blocks for it to rebuild.

The pay range of a nutritionist has a wide variance. Based on estimates by PayScale.Com, a nutritionist could earn a minimum of $28,000 to more than 6 figures. It is surprising to note the widely varying salary range of certified nutritionist. So here is a quick look on the factors that can influence the salary level of a nutritionist.

Years of Experience

Like in many professions, the salary levels of certified nutritionists are highly dependent on the years of experience gained by an individual.
Entry level nutritionists could have a starting salary of $28,000 to $38,000.

For practicing nutritionists with up to four years experience in the industry, the salary range is $30,000 to $40,000. Those with a minimum of
5 years experience can also command a $30,000 average salary. If you have 10 years up to 19 years of experience as a nutritionist, then it is possible to earn a salary average of $46,000. For nutritionist with more than 20 years experience, the maximum salary level could reach up to $100,000,

Field of Specialization and Nature of Work

The nature of your job and your unique expertise can also determine your salary potential in the field of nutrition science. Your job description has a direct impact on your salary level.

As an example, a nutrition program administrator working in a hospital environment could command a higher salary than a nutritionist who works as a private coach or consultant.

If you have a job in the public sector working as a community nutritionist of a state funded program, then your salary level will be lower than those working in private hospital or private health clinics.

Your educational background, extra trainings, and special continuing education could significantly increase your earning potentials. Take note that a Registered Dietitians could earn more than a nutritionist.

That is because a Registered Dieticians has more schooling and certification. Professional dietitians could command an entry level salary of $35,000 while those with enough experience and education could have starting salaries of $65,000 annually.

So if you want to boost your income level as a nutritionist, then you need to take more training and get extra certifications from continuing education programs.

Location of Employers

The place where you work is also a big factor that can influence your salary level. For example, nutritionists in New York and Georgia earn about $60,000 to $65,000 average income. Those working in California, Texas, Oregon, Illinois or Ohio could earn less than their colleagues in New York.

About the Author

Amanda Clary writes a non commercial blog focused on her experience on helping her family and friends to eat healthy. She is a “Nutritionist for Hobby” and writes on the nutrition certification programs blog to help people learn how to get certified and learn all the aspects related to this job (Skills, requisites, everyday problems, upgrading, etc…).

The products listed below must be taken with a balanced diet. They MUST NOT be taken as a meal replacement. Any meal replacement supplement must be taken between your three main meals, not as a replacement of those meals. Fast twitch muscle fibers equal velocity and to develop more fast twitch muscle fibers you must take in more nutritional calories to support this development. These calories must consist of protein, complex carbohydrates and fatty acids; along with vitamins and minerals.

I would avoid using proprietary supplement blends. These products are more full of hype than actual benefits. They are also very expensive. The reason that they label them as proprietary blends and do not show you the actually ingredients is because if they did, then you would just go out and buy the ingredients for a lot cheaper price. The only over the counter supplements that actually enhance performance are stimulants like energy drinks. These supplements can be very dangerous because of the stress it puts on your cardiovascular system and most of them are banned in competitive play. I would avoid using these supplements all together because they only have a short term effect and can hurt you in the long run. You will see better results from good food and a fast twitch muscle fiber focused training regime.

If you are going to spend your money on buying supplements then I recommend you purchase a natural protein, a complete multi-vitamin, an alkaline based supplement, mega 3 fatty acid and a powerful antioxidant. Here is a list with links to purchase these products.

* Take the recommended dosages listed on the back of the products.

* Purchase the Ace Pitcher Handbook to start your velocity based training regime!

Protein

The best whey protein on the shelf today is Optimum Nutrition – 100% Whey Gold Standard Natural Protein. It has no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners and still tastes great! Select the picture or here and scroll down to the bottom of the page and purchase the Natural chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. There isn’t any supplement more powerful to support fast twitch muscle fiber development better than the Gold Standard!

Multi-Vitamin

A multi-vitamin is also an essential supplement that is key to supporting new muscle development. This complete Nutrient Optimization System will not only support new development but also increase your energy levels. To learn more about these revolutionary vitamins please contact me.

Omega 3

Omega 3 is important for brain function and is also a good anti-inflammatory supplement. This isn’t as powerful as Advil but it is a lot better for your body. Taking Omega 3 daily will help promote less inflammation in your body. This will speed recovery. Select the image or select here to purchase this bottle.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are critical for recovery because they destroy free radicals in your system that wreak havoc on your body after you workout or perform. To fight this damage you must take antioxidants to help your body cleanse itself so it can rebuild. Select the image or select here to purchase this product.

Stacking Grape Seed Extract or a Super Antioxidant with vitamin C is a powerful way to fight free radicals. I recommend that if you are going to buy the vitamin C that you add the Grape Seed Extract or the Super Antioxidant. Select the image to purchase.

There is a lot of crap out there on the market. If you want to try supplements outside of these recommendations I highly recommend that you educate yourself or talk to someone who is educated about nutrition before you start spending your money!

The reason we need 5-6 servings of vegetables a day is because the natural whole food vitamins and minerals are essential to all of our muscular functions as an athlete. It is also essential to muscle recovery. Read my article on Pitching Nutrition and Supplements to learn more on this topic.

Here is a product that offers you 5-6 servings of vegetables in a pill form.

www.StartJuicingNow.com

www.StartJuicingNow.com

If you would like more information on a nutrition product please post your request in the comments below and I will do some research for you.

Nutrition and supplementation for athletes should be based on whole foods.

“If you put into your body what you where made to eat, then you will get out of your body what you where made to do.”

If you are someone who has no clue about nutrition, you eat fast food all day long and you are considering an illegal supplement, this is crazy. You are playing Russian roulette with your life. If you have the desire to be a high performance Athlete/Pitcher, you need to learn as much as you can about nutrition and your body. This article should help get you started.

After I tore my rotator cuff and Doctors told me I didn’t have enough eligibility in college to recover from this injury, I read something that lifted my spirits. Ever six months your body replenishes itself, just like the rings on a tree your muscles are replenishing themselves from the inside out. The same with your skin. This doesn’t mean that your body will reconnect a tear from bone to muscle but a Doctor can. Basically what this means is you always have the opportunity to get on the path to good health. The edge you are looking for is between your ears. Educate yourself on your body and nutrition and you will put yourself in an elite group of athletes.

Good nutrition starts with an alkaline based diet. It is simple; your body’s health rides on its PH levels. If your PH levels are balanced, your blood is feeding oxygen to its cells. If your body’s PH levels are too acidic, then your body isn’t feeding its cells. We must nurture our body’s on the cellular level. This is the building blocks of our health and career. Most pitchers have no idea how to nurture the body on the cellular level. This is where you can get an edge.

To prevent your body from becoming too acidic you must understand what causes this acidity. It is mainly food and stress. Here is a chart that lists the alkaline and acidic foods. Learn this chart and start eating more foods on the alkaline side. This diet doesn’t mean you should avoid foods on the acid side, it only means you should eat more alkaline foods to prevent your body from becoming acidic. So for every acid food you eat, add 3 alkaline foods. Keep your meals simple and raw if possible. Raw green vegetables are a good foundation to building an alkaline dominate diet.

Ok, so you would like to know why you should eat these green vegetables! This is the deal. Keeping your body more alkaline allows for quicker recovery. Pitching is very stressful to the body. It uses a lot of energy and develops a lot of waste from that energy. The waste is mainly acid. It begins to eat at your muscles, tendons and the rest of your body. If the acid is not flushed out, it is stored in your tissue to continue causing problems. This is why pitchers experience serious soreness after a long game of pitching. The only way of flushing the acidity is by restoring your body’s PH levels to a more neutral balance. This means eating alkaline foods. The quicker you can restore your PH levels after a performance, the quicker you recover. This will increase pitching velocity, because the faster your body rebuilds, the faster your body grows. This is why steroids are so effective. The hormone testosterone heals the body. More of it heals the body faster. When the body heals faster, it has the potential to grow quicker. The problem with testosterone coming from outside of your body is your body will become dependent on the source. This means when you stop giving it steroids, your body could also stop producing testosterone. So let’s do this the natural way with an alkaline diet.

Supplements

There are only four supplements that I recommend for Athletes/Pitchers. This is mainly because all the others are a waste of money. Believe me I have tried most of them. The most important supplement that Athletes/Pitchers cannot do without is a multivitamin. I recommend a whole foods multivitamin. Synthetic vitamins are weak. Whole food vitamins found at health food stores are what you need.

Juice Plus

My next recommendation is Alkaline Water. There is no better way to restore your PH levels post workout or game than with water. Not only this but most good alkaline water machines can produce water that transforms the water into a higher concentration of oxygen micro-clusters. This not only hydrates you many times more but when taken with your supplements you assimilate more of the supplement into your system. If you really want an edge in this game and on life then contact me for more info on the Alkaline water machines.

The next supplement I would recommend is protein based. You can get protein from many sources. The best is white meat. If you feel you are not getting enough protein from your diet then I would recommend an amino acid supplement as well. You need at least 1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight. All you need to do is buy an amino acid supplement and take the recommended dosage. Make sure you cycle it on and off. This means, take the recommended dosage for a month or two then take a few weeks off from it. Brewers yeast is also a good amino acid supplement. This is a whole foods product full of vitamins, minerals and all the essential amino acids.

The last supplement I recommend is Omega-3. Our body’s can not produce Omega in our system. A balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 is critical for brain function and reducing inflammation. Inflammation is a problem for most athletes. To prevent anti-inflammatory abuse with drugs like advil, aleve and others, you must have a balanced diet of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids. The average diet has a lot more Omega-6 than Omega-3. Omega-6 comes from animal fats and it promotes inflammation in the body. Omega-3 is found in fish oils, some nuts and vegatables. The easiest way to get this into your system is with a Omega-3 supplement. You can find this in most grocery stores or drug stores. Make sure it is cholesterol free and mercury free.  Take it everyday.

In conclusion, it is important that you learn about what you are putting in your mouth and feeding your body with. Read labels on products and stay away from processed foods. Eat everything that comes from the ground and your body will stay on the path to good health and recovery. If you just learn a basic understand of a good diet and follow it, you will be shock how your athletic performance improves.

ALKALINE / ACIDIC FOOD CHARTS

The charts below are provided for those trying to “adjust” their body pH through their diet. The pH scale is from 0 to 14, with numbers below 7 acidic (low on oxygen) and numbers above 7 alkaline. These charts are intended only as a general guide to alkalizing and acidifying foods. Note that there may be some discrepancies between foods included on these charts.*

To learn why this diet is important for athletes and pitchers read this article Pitching Nutrition and Supplements.

For more info visit http://www.essense-of-life.com/moreinfo/foodcharts.htm