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Legendary pro-fighter Frank Shamrock outlines an MMA diet plan that can be used to enhance your training and keep you energized through the day or that will help you live a healthier, cleaner life.
About Frank Shamrock
Frank Shamrock was regarded as being one of the top fighters in the world in the 1990s and during his reign as middle-weight champion in the UFC, was held to be the best pound-for-pound fighter of his day. He was the first to hold the middle weight title (which later became the Light Heavyweight division) and defended his belt successfully on four occasions before retiring undefeated, including a victory over a young Tito Ortiz. He has fought for other organizations and now continues to be involved in MMA as a coach and through various businesses.
Frank Shamrock is also the author of MMA for Dummies. Check out this video for an excellent introductory overview of MMA.
MMA Diet
The MMA Diet described by Frank Shamrock is an excellent method for controlling weight, building muscle mass and generating energy.
Watch the videos and take a look at a summary of the main points below, provided for ease of reference.
MMA Diet with Frank Shamrock - Part One
MMA Diet with Frank Shamrock - Part Two
Key Points of the MMA Diet
Part One
* 95% of supplements are useless and cannot compensate for genetics or steroid use (Frank Shamrock is not endorsing steroid use).
* Eating good food, most of the time, will keep your energy level high and constant and get your through everything.
* Each meal should be the size of your palm. Eat as many of these meals as you want through the day but only when you need to. Avoid over-eating.
* Don't eat to feel full, but don't allow yourself to become hungry. Aim to eat one palm-sized meal approximately every 2- hours.
* Small, regular meals will mean you never have excess fat in your body.
* Feed your body after it is exerted, otherwise your body will feed off muscle mass first to continue functioning.
* Amino acids (see my article on Glutamine for the Martial Artist, glutamine being an important amino acid for athletes) and creatine (a nitrogenous organic acid) are supplements that are good for muscle growth and muscle repair.
* Anything that is green and alive is good for you. Anything that is dead or processed should be avoided.
* Boiling (and cooking in general) removes nutrients from your food. Keep food as fresh and raw as possible.
Part Two
* Find an overall workout plan that is effective for you. Everybody is different. Use trial and error and keep a record.
* Breathe correctly and maintain perfect form when weight training. Loss of form can damage your body as you are not working exclusively on your muscles.
* Frank Shamrock mixes strength training with body building. He never lifts to 'failure' (where you are unable to lift anymore) and always keeps 'one in the tank'.
* Lifting strong everyday will convince your brain that your body is supposed to be strong and your body will adapt accordingly.
* A fatigued body from lifting to failure (as a body builder) can be a liability when working out in martial arts as extra stress on already fatigued muscles can cause damage and injury.