Comments From the Ring: How Bad Is Fast Food, Really?

ENTRY 318

Last Entry

This will be the last entry until after my bout on Saturday.

There will be two other Stockyards' boxers on the card. Oliver and Newton.

Good luck to my team mates.

Sparring Report

No sparring on Monday.
I would like to get some on Tuesday and Wednesday. At least six rounds total.
There will likely be none on Thursday.

Maintaining A Decent Diet...How Bad Is Fast Food, Really?

With this upcoming bout, I am very closely watching my diet.
I have done some research, and even spoke with a nutritionist.
The results amazed me.
Basically, I need to keep my carb restriction, but up my calorie intake.
Cutting calories is not always good, especially for someone as active as myself.
From what I found out it is better to cut the carb input, and increase calories, provided that the calories are useful, and not from fat content. Even though the amount of fat content considered "acceptable" is about 70 grams, of course lower if you are looking to reduce weight.

Although, there are different types of carbohydrates, most people know what foods contain the simple "bad" carbs, and which ones contain the complex "good" carbs.
We know that complex carbs come from produce.
Bread products contain the simple, sugary 'bad' carbohydrates.
Plus, animal products, such as meats, cheeses, butter, and eggs, generally have no carb content or very little.

From what I could find, the average 'acceptable' carb intake is 50 - 100 grams per day, but closer to 50 if you are watching your weight.

Although, not mentioned much here for time and space constraints, one should limit sodium intake to no more than 1500 mg per day, according to Health Canada.

I was originally on a 2200 calories and 50 grams of carbohydrates per day diet.
I was shocked to find out that 2200 calories for a boxer was waaaayyyyy too low !
On days that I train, which is most days, my calorie input should be close to 3000.
That kind of explains why I always felt tired after the gym.
On non-training days, I should be at about 2000.

I found out some very interesting information while researching.
Throughout my research, I had discovered something that I already knew, but didn't realize the extent of it.
Avoid fast food at all costs.
I think we all know that, but does anyone realize how bad it really is?

The following figures are from the restaurants' own websites at the time of this publication.*
*Therefore any inaccuracies are not my fault.

Tim Hortons is interesting.
The muffins they serve are a lot less healthy than most of the doughnuts they serve.
It is true.
As a matter-of-fact the healthiest menu item at Tims is a chocolate dip doughnut.
Only 6 grams of fat and 190 calories. Slightly high on carbs at 31 grams, but low compared to other menu items.
A blueberry muffin. Healthy right?
Wrong!
A Tims blueberry muffin has 340 calories, 11 grams of fat, and 57 grams of carbohydrates.
Forget any of the breakfast or lunch sandwiches. They are all loaded with fat and carbs through the roof.
Only the coffee and tea are safe bets to avoid fat and carbs, as long as you don't add milk or sugar of course.

McDonald's I don't think I need to explain.
However, one menu item stood out among all the rest.
A large chocolate milkshake from McD's. It clocks in with 29 grams of fat, and...make sure you are sitting for this............1150 calories and (yikes) 202 grams of carbohydrates.

Like Tims, the only safe bet from McDonald's are black coffee and tea.

Let's try Wendy's.
Everybody likes the Baconator, right?
There is a lot to like. 960 calories, 57 grams of fat, and 43 grams of carbs.

Who wants to try the Burger King Angriest Whopper?
800 calories, 48 grams of fat, and 61 grams of carbs.
Add medium fries to that...and another 45 grams of carbs.

Think KFC is unhealthy?
It is actually not that bad.
A KFC drumstick has 110 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Swiss Chalet?
Not really fast food, but it is a good comparison to KFC.
A double leg dinner has 490 calories and 31 grams of fat, but no carbs.
However, a quarter chicken dinner only has 290 calories and 11 grams of fat, and also no carbs.

Finally, I have to mention Subway.
They are forever advertising that some their sandwiches are low in fat.
Yes they are, but they are high in carbs. Which is just as bad.
A small ham sub which has only only 4 grams of fat and 280 calories, has 47 grams of carbs.
For those on a 50 gram carb diet, well. One small ham sub, and you are done for the day.

Some interesting finds.
This certainly changes my outlook on fast foods.

Publication Notice

All readers please note: There will be no 'Comments From the Blue Corner' on Friday April 29. There will be a special entry on Sunday May 1 that will feature highlights, results, and photos from Fight Night XXVIII.

Also, all of the Stockyards' boxer's bouts will be available for viewing on the Metropolis TV YouTube channel beginning with the main event available for viewing by the following Tuesday.

Exact dates will be posted on this blog once post-production is complete.

(Another) Videographer Needed

I have found one person, but I need another.
I am looking for some one to assist in video recording at George Bell Arena on April 30 from the hours of 7 PM until about 11 PM. The production will be for Metropolis TV.
It will be a two-camera shoot (HD 1080p) with separate audio capture using a digital audio device.
If you have knowledge of video/TV production and would like to assist. please let me know.
Film/broadcasting students welcome.
This is a volunteer position. Metropolis TV will supply light snacks and beverages.

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