Since my father was a Vietnam veteran, I was exposed to the military mindset at a very early age. One lesson my father taught was the difference between a tactic and a strategy. “A tactic”, he explained “is what you do. It is the goal. A strategy is how you are going to achieve the tactic or goal. It is the plan. You should always have more than one strategy to achieve your tactic- just in case something doesn’t go right. Always plan ahead.”

This is important to know because most, if not all, fitness programs and diet books discuss the single TACTIC but fail to explain how to get it done in the real world (the strategy).

One diet book says “Eat low carbs!”… .but how?….which foods are low carbs?

Another book says, “Train intensely”… how much weight do I use? … do I need to go to a gym? … How often should I train?

One effective tactic to burn fat is eating every three hours…preferably real food consisting of a lean protein, a high octane or complex carbohydrate and a vegetable. I realize that this is not always realistic for not only my clients but me. For instance, one strategy I implement daily is the use of a Meal Replacement Shake (MRP). Here’s a day right out of my training and nutrition journal:

Eating Strategy

Meal 1 – 5:15 a.m.

• 1 ½ C. Egg whites
• 1 whole organic egg
• 2 packets of Grits
• 2 grams Vitamin C
• Milk Thistle
• Multi-vitamin/mineral
• 1 Tablet Digestive Enzymes

Meal 2 – 8:45 a.m.

• 2 Scoops Vanilla Formula-1 Protein Powder & Blueberries

Meal 3 – 11:00 a.m.

• 2 Scoops Strawberry Formula-1 Protein ¾ C. Oatmeal

Meal 4 – 2:00 p.m.

• 6 oz. Teriyaki Chicken Breast
• 1 C. Brown Rice
• 1 C. Snow peas/Carrots

Meal 5 – 5:00 p.m.

• 6 oz. Teriyaki Chicken Breast
• 1 C. Brown Rice
• 1 C. Snow peas/Carrots

Meal 6 – 8:00 p.m.

• 2 Scoops of Chocolate Formula-1 Protein
• Mixed into 2 Cups of Plain Organic Yogurt
• 2 grams Vitamin C
• 5 grams Glutamine
• 2 grams Fish Oil

On this particular day, I trained clients from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. then went immediately to a 90 minute meeting. After that, I worked out for 40 minutes. I trained 2 more clients and then headed home to study and prepare my food for the next day.

If I did not slam a shake in between clients I could easily go 6-7 hours without eating.

Two key eating strategies to speed metabolism, burn fat and add lean muscle are:

1. Prepare your food the night before. Usually I make double or triple at dinner and then use the leftovers for the next day.
2. When you are short on time or real food is unavailable then consume a shake containing protein and carbohydrates. You may have noticed that I drink 2 scoops of protein (40 grams) and then add ¾ cup of oatmeal. I add the oatmeal because the protein powder does not contain enough carbohydrates. The fiber and high quality carbohydrates in the oatmeal help stabilize blood sugar levels, thus, allowing the body to release fat for fuel.

Until next time….oh wait….I almost forgot.

Last week I told you that I was going to tell you something very embarrassing …and I will. Not yet though. I am not quite ready – maybe later this week.

Stay Strong,

Billy Beck III

P.S. Check out the latest issue of Men’s Journal to discover a few of the secrets I use to help Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson get lean and mean including the OSW – the Oh Shit Workout!

P.S.S. I would like to welcome our newest subscribers – now representing Russia, Australia, Canada, the U.K., Venezuela, China, Japan and the U.S.