Aug
06

Cameron interviews Rudog Nutrition

MMA’s evolution has advanced the martial arts to their highest point in human history. Along with this evolution came a revolution in combat athlete strength & conditioning practices. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said (yet) for nutritional advances in regards to MMA. New supplement companies spawn daily with bikini models, steroid men and, of course, a skull logo. These supplements are marketed for MMA fighters, but either are not different than other supplements on the market, or are actually worse. And when it comes to MMA dietary regimens, the word “supplement” seems to be used far more than “nutrition.” Mary Bell is trying to change that.

Mary Bell received her education as a clinical dietitian from UT Southwestern Medical Center in 1993. She has been a sports and wellness dietitian for over 10 years in the Dallas area. The concept of RUDOG was developed in 2008 as a natural extension of her personal involvement with MMA, kickboxing and the martial arts.

I asked Mary a few questions about RUDOG Nutrition. Here are her responses:

What is RUDOG Nutrition? Who should join?
Rudog began in 2008 and is the nutrition resource center for the MMA community. It’s where they come to learn how to eat, to get customized meal plans, have their diets evaluated, improve their endurance and recovery, or work individually with an MMA dietitian. Everything is customized and targeted to MMA. Rudog is for anyone involved with MMA, kids and adults. Trainers, fighters, recreational MMA athletes, gyms, and coaches can all benefit from Rudog.


How did it begin? What void does it fill in the MMA community?

Being a dietitian and personally involved in MMA , I noticed that NO ONE was working with these guys on a credible level and at an affordable price. That’s when I started looking for a way to market nutrition to the MMA community that was relatable, credible, and affordable. Thus the creation of Rudog. If you just want to learn about nutrition for MMA but can’t afford weekly sessions, you just pay a small monthly fee and you get a virtual dietitian on-line. If you need one-on-one or something more customized, then Rudog can work with you on a fee-for service basis. Rudog offers something for everyone.


What is the most common nutritional misconception you’ve found among MMA fighters?

The biggest thing I find is that fighters eat too much protein and not nearly enough total calories to support their level of training. That’s the number one thing I work with.


What are the future goals of RUDOG Nutrition?

My goal is for Rudog to be the most respected nutritional authority for the MMA community. When someone wants to know something about nutrition, I want the answer to be, “Ask Rudog.”
People can find out more about Rudog at www.rudog.com or at www.facebook.com/rudognutrition

Aug
05

The MMA Mindset: Diet Edition

The sport of mixed martial arts has much to teach us about controlling our nutritional habits. Click here to read Cameron’s article on Sherdog.

Here’s an excerpt:

“A morbidly obese man takes the butter knife from his loaded plate, carves off a chunk from the Wood Grill Buffet butter block and slaps it atop his mashed potatoes. His shape is neither pear nor apple. He is polygon closed not with a bounded path or circuit but by excess flesh. I stood beside him in Hayabusa fight shorts and a Frank Shamrock T-shirt. A splurge day for me. A day for him.”

Aug
05

MMA Diet: The Importance of Meals

It sounds simple, but meals are important. We skip them more than we think. Cameron explains their importance, especially as it relates to the MMA athlete. Click here to read the article on Sherdog.

Here’s an excerpt:

“Supplemental bars and shakes have their place in the fighter’s diet. Grabbing a bar in between a training session can help replenish sugars, electrolytes and vitamins while providing the protein necessary to help repair the body from the grueling demands of training. However, while bars and supplements are great for providing what we think of as the staples of nutrition (protein, fat and carbohydrate) they aren’t food in their natural states and this often means many of the smaller chemicals (one example: the healthy bacteria that help maintain everything from a healthy intestinal tract to a strong immune system) are either severely lacking or not present in nearly the same quantity as they would be if the foods that made up the bar were eaten in their natural, unprocessed state.”

Aug
05

MMA Diet: Protein

Getting enough protein is critical for the mixed martial artist. However, many athletes may be putting too much focus on protein. Click here to read Cameron’s article on Sherdog.

Here’s an excerpt:

“We’ve all heard about how protein builds muscle and of how protein is made up of various amino acids. This is true, but even if the fighter knows this it doesn’t necessarily change the fighter’s diet for the better, especially when they see ripped elite-level MMA fighters serving as a spokesperson for so-and-so protein supplement company.”

Aug
05

MMA Diet: Carbohydrates

Want to know how best to maximize the carbs in your diet? Click here to read Cameron’s article at Sherdog.

Here’s an excerpt:

“There is always talk about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ carbs. It’s an overly simplistic approach, but can certainly be a helpful foundation for the fighter looking to make healthier food choices.”

Aug
05

MMA Diet: Fats

Not all fats are bad. Healthy fats will help regulate your hormones and help you reach your potential as a mixed martial artist. Click here to read Cameron’s article on Sherdog.

Here’s an excerpt:

“Healthy fats should make up a considerable portion of the fighter’s diet. Because of the intense training sessions, fighters burn calories at rapid speeds and many fighters struggle to ingest enough calories. Per gram, fats contain nine calories (compare this to the four calories per gram ratio of protein and carbs) and are a terrific source to replenish the body with the calories it needs, while also reaping the many anti-inflammatory, anti-depression, heart-and-brain-healthy benefits of good fats.”

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