Q&A With Marudeen Aivaz

Motivated by the joy and support of many like-minded individuals that surround him, Marudeen Aivaz shares his passion for living a healthy lifestyle with all of those seeking the same. He has learned the value of choosing healthy foods and the value of a consistent exercise routine. In addition, Marudeen has taken the example of his parents who taught him to appreciate quality food and maintaining fitness. His activity of choice is powerlifting and bodybuilding.

Marudeen Aivaz is a California native raised with a middle-eastern culture where family, fine dining, and fitness were the main focus of the family’s free time. As a child, he perceived himself to be larger in size than desired. He educated himself about the impact of proper nutrition partnered with a good exercise routine. He quickly learned portion control to address a large appetite. He learned to read labels when shopping for the best quality of foods to consume.

Marudeen Aivaz has achieved the goals he set for himself. He has a great appreciation for those who have helped him and encouraged him along his path. He helps and encourages others who choose to follow a path to a healthier lifestyle. He expressed that it is his time to pay it forward.

Was it going to college that motivated you to become more aware of a healthy lifestyle?

When I moved away from home, I gained more knowledge about health and nutrition and the impact of sleep on the body.  I thought it was just me and my family who went to the gym.  When I got to college it was obvious that a healthy lifestyle was a way of life for many people. It was also a way of socializing and making new friends.

What drew you to start to pay attention to your diet?

My family was always aware of good quality nutrition. We always ate home-cooked meals. We didn’t eat a lot of fast foods or processed foods. However, I always had a big appetite. The single most important thing for me to learn was portion control. I don’t count calories. When I began to practice portion control, I felt better, my digestion was smooth, I had more energy, my workouts are better, and I have less reflux. When I was on my own, I had to make sure that I reduced the intake of processed foods. I began really analyzing the reaction that foods had on my body. There is so much knowledge about food that we can discover, and much more that we can gain just by being self-aware.

Is there a specific type of diet that guides your decisions?

When I was in college, I followed the Ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet is a very low-carb diet, that can assist in burning fat effectively. It has been around for a very long time. I went on this diet for about ten weeks when I was in college. I don’t think it is a diet that can be long term, but it worked well for me. I had very good results. But now I don’t follow the diet any longer. Now I just practice moderation in my diet. I include unprocessed carbohydrates in my diet now. My carbohydrates are limited to oatmeal or rice and sometimes pasta. I eat protein at every single meal. There is a way to calculate how much protein you need in a day based from your weight and metabolic requirements. I alternate with meals that I cook and meals that I eat out. I keep the same principals each meal. The most important thing to keep consistent is your water intake. I try to take in a gallon a day to stay hydrated. I do not take any kind of supplements.

Do you test to make sure that your vitamin levels are healthy?

When I visit my doctor, he does blood work.  I have a comprehensive metabolic panel done. That panel will give me the information that I require as to how I can adjust my food intake for optimal health.  Like many people in the united states, vitamin D is what we lack the most. I have taken a vitamin D supplement in the past. Vitamin D is good to take for mood and energy purposes

Would you recommend a ketogenic diet or a structured diet for someone beginning a diet for the first time?

Personally, I would not recommend a Keto diet for someone just beginning to explore options for the first time. I am not a doctor so I am not trying to influence the way people do things. But for people exploring fitness for the first time, the most important thing to start with is eating low processed foods. If the food you eat has not been made in a factory or have very few ingredients listed on the label, it is much better food.

Foods that come from the earth such as sweet potato is best. Eating foods that are organic is the best option in terms of staying healthy. If there is a focus on consuming those kinds of foods, you will do very well. If you have a craving, indulge yourself but try to keep the rule of ninety-ten with the indulgences. The Ninty-ten rule is to eat 90% of your food that is cooked inside with low processed foods. and 10% for whatever you want. I think it is a golden rule. Also maintaining a healthy BMI or body mass index is a really good idea. Not getting lost in the details of any diet is the best way to start. Then understanding that foods that are low-processed are the best. With proteins, look for meats that do not contain preservatives or synthetics items added. When choosing carbohydrates, look for the least processed carbs available such as unboiled rice or sweet potato. You want to know there is nothing else added.

Do you have a specific form of exercise routine to complement your lifestyle?

I have an exercise routine. I make my own program. I lift weights about four times a week.  I usually do at least one cardio session alongside with it. The cardio session can be combined with the weights or it can be in a separate session.  I try to split each day focusing on different body parts. The most important thing to do is the intensity that you work-out. Exercise paired with a conscientious diet, remembering to stay well hydrated and get a good night’s sleep is the best way to a healthy lifestyle and a good BMI.

How do you continue to foster your passion for a healthy lifestyle?

I surround myself with like-minded people who motivate me and inspire me to do better. Many of my friends are competitors in bodybuilding while some compete in powerlifting. They are very driven and extremely friendly and supportive which is one element that keeps me passionate. Continued progress without injury is very motivating as well. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and I love it.

What would you advise someone just beginning to develop a healthier lifestyle?

First, I would applaud that person for making the change. I would tell them to read and learn as much as you can about nutrition. Learn to read labels when you’re shopping. Keep fostering the passion. Learn to cook tasty meals for yourself so that you are less likely to go out and get the wrong foods. Try to create a variety of different foods so that food does not become mundane. You want to enjoy your food. Stay consistent and educate yourself on what works for you. Don’t get discouraged. It is a lifetime marathon.

Is there anything that you’d like to add to this conversation?

I appreciate the opportunity to share some positivity about this lifestyle. There have been many people who have helped me to achieve my goals. I believe it is always good to be positive and share our knowledge with those choosing to make a change to improve themselves. I would encourage people to do the same.

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