SNI: What is the most insanely stupid myth you’ve heard regarding exercise? Supplements?
Rehan: Exercise myth – That more is better. Seriously, people are proud when they tell me “I work out 2-3 hours a day” –It’s all about quality NOT quantity. Supplements – Pills can replace food. There is no such thing as “magic pills” and whole food should be the basis of any good fitness plan.
SNI: If you have a client who wants to get in ‘wedding’ shape in 2 weeks or less, in general, what would you have her do? (That is, she wants to lose 15 pounds and fit in that dang dress)!
Rehan: One thing I specialize in is helping my clients peak for events including weddings, the Oscars, Emmys, Grammy’s, etc. Even though my clients want a miracle in two weeks, a realistic approach that does work in terms of losing water weight, tightening up, and improving skin health includes: Reducing carbs ( around 50 grams a day) and replacing those calories with lean fish proteins. Cutting back on sodium to around 1500 mg/daily and taking potassium supplements or potassium rich foods like dates and raisins to optimize the Potassium: Sodium ratio. Taking an herbal diuretic like dandelion root. Increasing morning cardio on an empty stomach to 5-6 times a week. Drinking oolong tea 3-4 times a day. And finally WEIGHT TRAIN—that’s right, weight training is essential for women who want to tighten up!
SNI: Describe the perfect meal (actual foods) for optimizing body composition.
Rehan: I have 2 perfect meals -a sort of 1 and a 1A – 1) Orange roughy fish, sweet potato, and steamed broccoli. 1A) Egg whites, multi-grain oatmeal w/ cinnamon and raisins.
SNI: What supplements would you recommend for assisting fat loss?
Rehan: My top fat loss supplements include: Green tea/oolong tea, caffeine, Guggulsterones, cinnamon extract, cayenne pepper powder, Vitamin D, and CLA.
SNI: Given the choice, if a client could only do cardio OR weight training, which would you suggest if his or her goal is ‘overall fitness.’
Rehan: I will EMPHATICALLY say weight training!! It burns much more calories in the long run than cardio and since fat is only “burned” inside lean muscle, it is critical to weight train to increase lean muscle and burn fat.
SNI Bonus Question: You’ve worked with Hollywood Celebrities. What is the most bizarre request you’ve ever had vis a vis fitness/nutrition?
Rehan: The craziest request I had was when one of my high profile clients was in Las Vegas and he ran out of a thermogenic fat burner I made for him. He called and of course I said I would overnight it to him. He said NO, I will send my plane to pick it up right now!! I had to talk him down from sending his private jet to pick up a fat loss supplement!
Rehan Jalali is President of The Supplement Research Foundation (www.tsrf.com). He is a sports nutritionist and published scientific writer, columnist, and author. His clients include Oscar winning actors, Emmy award winning TV stars, and Grammy winning musicians, as well as Professional Athletes and Olympians. He is author of The Six-Pack Diet Plan and the Sports Supplement Buyers Guide available at Amazon.com. Rehan is a member of the American Medical Writers Association. He can be reached at www.rehanjalali.com
