Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DanielP]

Hey guys!
I've checked many posts about eating healthy, and have appreciated the information. I have, however, been unable to find anything that hits the nail with respect to what I'm looking for. Perhaps you could help me.

I have started the Bodyforlife challenge today, and my biggest challenge is being able to feed myself properly. I have just been able to order som e stuff from mass119.com (thanks!) and have filled my fridge with tuna, fruits, and veggies.

The bigger challenge is getting the protein. You find yourself eating the same sources of protein (tuna or eggs), and it gets old real fast. I'll be getting whey in powdered, but I don't want to have more than two shakes a day. What do you guys do for protein?

I'm waiting for the guy who sells the chicken, but even so, he only shows up like, once a month. Is there a place to get cottage cheese, brown rice, frozen fruits, HEALTHY peanut butter and such? I have a local market, but it seems to lack these things and then some =/

I want to eat at the local gimpab store and get tuna gimbap, or beef gimbap. What do you guys think?

Also, are there any Korean meals that I can order in a restaurant that are naturally balanced in protein carbs and fiber? Such a meal might be too much to ask for, but is there anything close that you might recommend?

Also, if anyone is interested in the program, the website is www.bodyforlife.com and there is a seoul group but it has been inactive for a year now I reckon.

Thanks guys!

Daniel

PS: I made my three month mark last month, and I love this place

[inthewild]

So you're lifting too? I do the same thing as you do for protein except I don't have to wait for the chicken seller, I just had to hunt around my area for a place that sold chicken breast. But I mean I put different stuff in my protein shakes, make tuna salad with the eggs and mix up what I put in there, prepare the chicken different ways... yea it's still got old fast but I try to keep some variety.

I've never seen cottage cheese for sale in Korea. You can search for the recipe to make homemade. Bags of multigrain rice are in most medium size or bigger stores. Costco has frozen fruit (for shakes!). I've only seen natural pb in those red door places in Itaewon.

The tuna gimbap is fine but they don't put that much tuna in it and the white rice has a ton of empty calories.

I have a hard time guessing what Korean dishes are healthy with enough protein except for the side dishes of veggies. You could always go out for sushi/raw fish.

[Alyallen]

Maybe tuna chiggae would be good?

You could probably ask for extra tuna and it is loaded full of veggies...

I eat a lot of chicken breast. I find it easier to eat at home since I know what I put into my food. I have more control that way and finding a good balance...

I'm not a lifter though, just a casual distance runner. I'll keep an eye on this thread I think!

[butlerian]

Can any of you guys attest to the extra protein - when combined with the exercise - actually helping to build you up?

[Alyallen]

[butlerian]

Interesting. Here's some more info:

Current advice says that bodybuilders should consume 25-30% of protein per total calorie intake to further their goal of maintaining and improving their body composition.[10] This is a widely debated topic, with many arguing that 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight is ideal, some suggesting that less is sufficient, and others recommending 1.5, 2, or more.[11][12][13][14] It is believed that protein needs to be consumed frequently throughout the day, especially during/after a workout, and before sleep.[15] There is also some debate concerning the best type of protein to take. Chicken, beef, pork, fish, eggs and dairy foods are high in protein, as are some nuts, seeds, beans and lentils. Casein or whey are often used to supplement the diet with additional protein. Whey protein is the type of protein contained in many popular brands of protein supplements, and is preferred by many bodybuilders because of its high Biological Value (BV) and quick absorption rates. Bodybuilders usually require higher quality protein with a high BV rather than relying on protein such as soy, which is often avoided due to its estrogenic properties.

Wiki.

[DanielP]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Butlerian, I agree with the fact that one must question if eating more protein than the body needs is, in fact, good for you.

According to Abs Diet, the author claims that protein is what reconstructs the muscle tissue after traumatising it with a tough workout. That being said, I trust that your body will need extra protein to make that happen AND keep your body functionning normal. Then again I might be wrong. This topic is very debatable.

Thanks again for the replies. I just went to the grocery store and found this kind of crab meat that seems good (Ma pa ram I believe).

Lol, I spent the day asking for chicken (Tah) only to end up asking for rice cakes =P.

Good stuff tho.

Daniel

[in_seoul_2003]

I think protein helps. Protein is used to build up. Bodybuilding breaks down tissue. So it stands to reason that a bodybuilder will need more protein than your average person. And an extreme bodybuilder, lifting big weights, will need more than a casual lifter. It all depends on what you are doing to your body.

Daniel, I had a friend do the Bodyforlife. It took a huge toll on him. He ended up getting down to around 3-4% bodyfat, maybe less. He felt and looked like death but cripes did he look good. He was shredded and striated. But he didn't win. I also had another friend who did it right here in Korea (but not for the challenge just for personal health). He looked great.

As for protein, I'm not sure kimbap is good. What little tuna is in there is smothered with mayo. Salmon, beef, chicken, eggs, nuts are all good sources of protein. If you don't have it where you are (can't imagine anywhere in Korea not having fish), take a trip to costco. They have big bags of frozen fish and chicken or the fresh versions.

Who knows, maybe octopus and sqid are good sources of protein.

[Guri Guy]

The extra protein is working for me as I am adding muscle. I eat eggs (from convience stores as it is much quicker for me) , raw fish (Hwae) (I go to Mad for Seafood for this....8,000 won for a good amount) and chicken (there is a roast chicken restaurant 1 minute from my house. It is like those chicken trucks but permanent. ^^) along with protein powder (I use Muscletech brand but really anything will do I think).

I also suppliment with BCAA (Branch chain amino acids), L-Glutmaine and L-Arginine. I have found that these have made a big difference for me. I use the GNC brand of those and I buy them at Namdaemun.

[Masta_Don]

Tofu is cheaper than meat.

[gmat]

Boneless chicken breast can be found at EMart, Lotte mart, Costco etc... The same applies to brown rice. Where are you living?

Protein Powder can be bought at Namdaemun or at www.mass119.com

[DanielP]

Hey guys, thanks again =)

Gmat, I live near the Nowon Station. I think there's a costco at Cheonggu which isn't too far from where I live. I can ask for an Emart and get the stuff there. I miss chicken

Guri Guy would you recommend the fish that you can get at a regular store? I'm also, coincidentally, learning how to cook .

Hey In_Seoul_2003, thanks for that. I did the BFL back in 2004, but it didn't give me the results I wanted although I was tired as hell at the end. Heh, I was so exhausted that I looked happier in my before picture. Granted I'm sure your friends did a few things right, and this time around I'm going to make sure I don't skip workouts, or eat least than I need to.

Thanks again guys

Daniel

[mashuu]

Be careful with the tofu, if you're a guy. In large amounts, it can impede testosterone production, while promoting that of estrogen. These are two factors that will seriously hurt your muscle development if you're looking to bulk up. A little bit in your ddaenjaen cchigae won't kill you, but don't sub it as your major source. Here's an article that is really against taking soy, but nevertheless still lists a few benefits. http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=body_87prote

Personally, I go for a two-scoop protein shake in the morning. An average-protein level lunch, a one-scoop shake in the late afternoon, a high-protein dinner, and one-scoop after my workout. That's just my plan, and it might not be best for everybody. Stay away from simple carbs except for immediately after your workout and eat all the veggies you want. I put a scoop of oatmeal in my morning shake as well for some good slow carbs. If you're training hard with weights 3-4 times a week and cardio 2-3 times, avoiding cheat meals, and staying focused; you should see some weight loss and muscle gains after 3 weeks or so.