Donald Trump and Joe Biden will see each other for the first time since their last debate in 2020. Here is what to expect in the earliest-ever presidential debate before the November election.
Day: June 27, 2024
I want to lose fat, build muscle, and get stronger. A nutritionist said to eat more carbs.
The Washington Post/Getty Images
- A 38-year-old man submitted an average day of eating to be reviewed for Insider's Nutrition Clinic.
- A nutritionist said that protein is important but eating enough carbs is essential too.
- If you'd like to have your diet reviewed by an expert, fill out this form.
Derek, 38, submitted his eating routine to Insider's Nutrition Clinic, where qualified dietitians and registered nutritionists offer advice on readers' eating habits.
He told Business Insider that his goals are to lose fat, build muscle, and get stronger. Derek said he works out six days a week, doing four strength training sessions and two HIIT workouts.
Derek shared his low-carb high-protein diet with BI, which was reviewed by sports nutritionist Dr. Mike Molloy. Molloy said Derek would likely get better results if he changed the composition of his diet by including more carbs and ate more overall.
As Derek specified the quantities of his daily diet, Molloy was able to calculate approximately how many calories and macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fats) he eats.
"We don't know Derek's current height or weight, so we'll assume that he's roughly average in both departments," Molloy said. Derek is eating 2,237 calories a day so — depending on his weight, height, and activity levels — this will enable him to stay the same weight or lose some.
However, because a calorie surplus is generally required for gaining muscle, Molloy added: "I would say that unless Derek is very new to strength training, he is very likely to struggle to gain muscle mass on these numbers."
Protein is important but it's pointless to overdo it
Derek said he doesn't eat until noon when he has three whole eggs with four egg whites, three cups of spinach, and three turkey sausages.
This is a high-protein breakfast, and while protein is important for muscle recovery and helps with fat loss, as it keep you feeling full, Molloy said Derek might be eating too much.
"This is great for muscle repair and growth, but studies have shown we only need around 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight," Molloy said. "As such, unless Derek is over 100 kilograms, he is likely consuming more protein than necessary."
Spreading his protein intake as evenly as possible over three to four meals a day will also support muscle growth, Molloy said.
Molloy also recommended Derek add a carb source such as oats to his breakfast for more energy.
Eat complex carbs with at least two meals a day
At around 3 p.m., Derek eats three chicken drumsticks with a cup of broccoli. He also snacks on half a Quest protein bar and 32 grams of almonds, he said.
Molloy said Derek isn't eating enough carbs overall, which isn't ideal because he needs energy for his high-intensity workouts and strength training.
"Increasing carbohydrate intake could enhance workout performance and recovery," Molloy said.
As Molloy previously told BI, not consuming enough carbohydrates and performing high-intensity workouts can lead to negative consequences, including limited performance, muscle loss through a process called gluconeogenesis, and what's known as "exercise flu."
He advised Derek to add complex carbs such as white potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, quinoa, or oats to at least two meals per day.
Focus on lean meats and healthy fats
For dinner, Derek said he eats eight to 10 ounces of ground turkey with Brussels sprouts.
After dinner, he has 1.5 cups of non-fat Greek yogurt with 32 grams of peanut butter and half an ounce of dark chocolate.
Molloy said Derek eats quite a lot of fat, making up about 50% of his total calories.
While healthy fats are essential in a balanced diet, eating too much might not help Derek create the body composition he desires.
Molloy recommended Derek focus on eating lean protein, upping his carb intake, and having healthy fats in moderation.
Train with progressive overload
Molloy, who works with elite athletes, advised Derek to ensure he's training with progressive overload (gradually increasing the weights and reps), which will challenge his muscles and help them to grow.
"Incorporate compound movements (squats, deadlifts, bench presses) for overall strength development," he said.
Molloy said Derek should make sure he balances HIIT with adequate recovery to prevent overtraining, as it can be taxing on the body.
Sleep, hydration, and active recovery (such as stretching and foam rolling) will all support Derek's overall fitness goals, Molloy said.
"Lastly, I would just emphasize to Derek the importance of introducing phases into his training," Molloy said. "He will likely benefit from spending 12 to 20 weeks in a calorie surplus to maximize muscle growth.
"He may gain some body fat during that process, but not to worry — an intelligent cut, aiming to drop 0.5 kilograms per week for 12 weeks will help him lean back out while maintaining most of the muscle mass he gained."
I tried to spend as little as possible on Carnival’s newest cruise ship. I recommend shelling out for better food and more fun.
Brittany Chang/Business Insider
- I turned down almost all upcharged amenities during my four-day Carnival Firenze cruise.
- The new ship has more complimentary family-friendly activities than some of its competitor's latest vessels.
- But snubbing the up-charged food made for a less-than-amazing cruise.
Looking for a vacation that lets you ball on a budget? You'll certainly hit your "budget" requirement on Carnival's new Firenze ship — so long as you don't expect to truly ball out.
Cruises are an economical vacation option. After all, what other ticket includes unlimited food, a hotel room, activities, and the opportunity to see several destinations in one trip — all for less than $80 a day like Carnival is offering in 2024?
But if you're unwilling to spend more than the base fare, you could have a pretty different vacation experience from your peers who are ready to pay-to-play. At least, that's how I felt during my first Carnival cruise in mid-May on the new Firenze.
Luxury-travel advisors are in demand as Gen Z and millennials splurge on stress-free, meaningful vacations
Pete Ryan for BI
- Careers in luxury-travel advising are growing as travelers seek stress-free, high-end experiences.
- Gen Z and millennials are driving the growth, seeing vacation spending as a worthy expense.
- This article is part of "Trends to Bet Your Career On," a series about trending professional opportunities.
The internet has revolutionized the way people research and book travel. Travelers now have access to hotel- and flight-booking platforms, travel content on social media, travel blogs, and travel publications.
Today's travelers, especially those seeking luxury experiences, don't always want to wade through all that information. Consequently, the travel-advisor industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, especially among Gen Z and millennial travelers. According to Grand View Research, the global luxury-travel market is worth an estimated $1.3 trillion and expected to grow 7.9% from 2024 to 2030.
Luxury travelers are not necessarily looking for the best deals but the best way to plan a trip without the hassle. This is where a luxury-travel advisor comes in. Agents can provide personalized itineraries, access to upgrades and selective experiences, and support throughout the trip.
Business Insider talked to three luxury-travel advisors about the industry's growth and how to transition into travel advising.
Why the luxury-travel industry is booming
Diana Hechler, the owner of D. Tours Travel, said the luxury-travel industry has grown because travelers have access to more luxury-level properties, and more people are willing to pay luxury prices. Also, a vacation is seen as a necessity for Gen Z travelers.
"People are booking vacations more than ever and want them to be stress-free and restorative. And nothing does that better than luxury travel," Hechler told BI. "Despite the higher prices, the segment of travelers that want luxury and are willing to pay for it has grown as well."
D. Tours Travel
Angela Adto Tepper, the owner of AZA Luxury Travel, said that the shift toward luxury travel had increased since the pandemic, with more Americans prioritizing travel.
"The luxury-travel sector has evolved to prioritize wellness, health, sustainability, and transformative experiences, and people are now prioritizing meaningful travel experiences and pursuing bucket-list trips," Tepper said. "Advisors have adapted by curating journeys tailored to each client."
Why travelers work with advisors
One of the biggest advantages of working with a travel advisor is that it helps travelers cut through the noise and information overload. Traveler agents work on commission, getting a percentage of hotel, cruise, or tour costs, which is paid after a trip is over. Many agents also charge an up-front fee for research and planning.
"The internet was supposed to be the death of advisors, and instead, it's made us more valuable than ever," Hechler said. "While some people love to spend time researching their vacations and doing it themselves, many don't have time to 'waste' on the internet starting from scratch. Saving time is problem-solving for almost everyone; anytime you can solve people's problems, you can have a successful business."
Travel advisors can also offer complimentary upgrades and have access to experiences that might not be available to the public.
"Working with a travel advisor can be summarized by three E's," Tepper said. "We can provide expertise and insider knowledge, extras with personalized service, and emergency assistance."
AZA Luxury Travel
With the prevalence of Instagram and TikTok, it might seem like everyone is going to the same places. So booking luxury hotels or making reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants is no longer enough; travelers want advisors to curate one-of-a-kind experiences.
"The luxury-travel sector is not just about opulence and indulgence but also about creating meaningful, enriching experiences that leave a lasting impact," Maurice Smith, the founder and CEO of the luxury-travel agency Eugene Toriko, said. "Sustainable and regenerative travel practices are becoming increasingly important, focusing on preserving and enhancing the destinations we visit."
Tips for transitioning into travel advising
If you're ready to move into the industry, it's worth taking stock of your skills first. For example, Tepper said people with event-planning experience might transition well into travel advising since itinerary planning and familiarity with booking platforms are part of the job. She added that soft skills, like interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, would also come in handy.
Tepper recommended contacting an advisor before switching over. "If you're considering the career change, one of the best things you can do is secure a reputable mentor," she said. "A mentor can offer invaluable guidance, accelerating professional growth and enhancing skill development, leading to greater success and higher earnings."
It also helps to study travel trends, have a deep knowledge of a destination, and build expertise around types of travel, such as multigenerational trips, cruises, or honeymoons. Tepper said that prospective advisors must also remember that they're not necessarily looking for the "best discounts" for clients but creating tailored trips with impeccable customer service.
"To maintain the quality of our personalized work, we occasionally have to turn away a client," Tepper said. "Not every client is the right fit for our service. This selectivity ensures that we can devote the necessary time and attention to crafting great experiences for everyone while upholding the high standards we have put in place."
The benefits of travel advising
Travel advising provides valuable services to travelers, but agents can also receive perks like complimentary trips sponsored by hotels and tourism boards and travel discounts.
"One of the biggest perks of this job is the opportunity to explore the world and indulge in my passion for travel," Tepper said. "Imagine waking up in a new city, tasting exotic cuisines, and immersing yourself in diverse cultures while doing what you love. For me, it's a career that blends passion and purpose."
The job also comes with a few challenges. Smith said that agents must stay on top of ever-changing travel regulations to ensure the safety of their clients. But ultimately, he said, it's a rewarding career that prioritizes relationships.
"Travel advising offers flexibility and the potential to work remotely, allowing for a good work-life balance," Smith said. "Additionally, the satisfaction of helping clients create unforgettable memories and the joy of turning their travel dreams into reality is incredibly rewarding."