• All
  • Hormones & Physiology
  • Nutrition
  • Supplements
  • Training

Supplements… why EVERYONE should be taking them, including you!

If you eat a well balanced "healthy" diet, are supplements REALLY necessary to optimize progress? Learn some surprising reasons why ...

Read More
exhausted athlete

Overtraining? Signs You May Need to Take a Rest Day

When is rest for the wicked but a necessity for gains? We let the science do the talking...

Read More

Interview Q&A Series with Ben: Tips for Maximal Recovery

Question: “We all know that it’s essential for anyone who trains hard to recover sufficiently to continuously improve their performance and physique.  What ...

Read More

What Times Should I Be Eating Carbohydrates?

There are essential fatty acids, and there are essential amino acids, but there are no essential carbohydrates – our body ...

Read More

Interview Q&A Series with Ben: Optimizing Focus & Energy Without Stimulants

Question: “What are neurotransmitters and why are they important?  How can I optimize them to improve my training?” Your neurotransmitters ...

Read More

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is perhaps the most energizing amino acid because it helps to increase the neurotransmitter dopamine which gives us drive ...

Read More
  See More

Easy, Budget-Friendly Black Bean Soup

Note: Serves 1-2, but can easily be doubled. This soup freezes really well, so is great for making ahead of time. The basic recipe is perfect for university students, those on a budget, or those with limited cooking means, but the additions of the optional extras will really allow you to customize to your flavor preferences!

Ingredients:
1 can black beans
2 cups vegetable stock (reduced sodium)
1 bunch fresh cilantro, cleaned and chopped (use the stems too!)
Pepper to taste

Optional Extras:
1 cup cooked protein (chicken breast, ham, beef, etc.)
1 Tb nonfat sour cream or Greek yoghurt (to serve)
1 tomato, diced
1-2 green onions, diced
1/2 tsp cumin
1-2 tsp hot sauce
1 bay leaf

Directions:
1. Drain black beans and rinse THOROUGHLY in water to remove excess salt.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring stock to a boil.
3. Add beans, cilantro, and desired spices/seasonings.
4. Cook 20 minutes over low heat.
5. Add “optional extras” as desired and enjoy. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Note: If you prefer a smoother consistency, pour about half the ‘soup’ into a blender and blend on low/pulse. Be careful though – the heat will cause pressure to build in the blender, so make sure not to fill the blender more than 1/3 of the way full or the top might blow (speaking from a very messy experience!). Enjoy!