Jeffrey Saad: It doesn't because they absolutely serve each other. You know, the constant workout- I mean last night we had our fight night (Monday nights) and I sweat gallons and burn probably 1000 calories so that allows me then to go home and have a pulled pork sandwich, which is what I had (that I had smoked the day before). So it's funny, I went to the doctor and she said, your cholesterol is amazing, and I told her what I eat and she said, that just proves exercise is truly the key. I mean, diet's important, but that exercise makes a huge difference. As you know, there's nothing that gets your heart pumping and your calories burned better than the martial arts. You're using every part of your body and going full speed. So that exercise kind of allows me to eat what I want to eat.
About Martial Arts: No doubt about it. Are you a mixed martial arts fan?
Jeffrey Saad: I've seen some of it but I'm not well versed in it at all. But I like the idea of it and I've seen some of those ultimate fighting matches. Yeah, very interesting.
About Martial Arts: Are you a martial arts movie kind of guy? Did you grow up watching any of those?
Jeffrey Saad: I was like the biggest Van Damme fan when he was popular, that's when I was younger. Every one of his movies was a must watch. I think he inspired me to do the splits; I can do a full split. A lot of it was inspired by him. I'll never forget those early movies with him doing the splits across the chairs and all that stuff. Yeah, Chuck Norris and all those guys. That whole era, absolutely, I used to love those movies. And I'll still go out and see those kinds of movies when they come out, my wife kind of rolls her eyes. . .
About Martial Arts: Yeah, Van Damme never missed a chance to do a split in one of his movies, that's for sure.
Jeffrey Saad: Absolutely (laughing).
About Martial Arts: Any other sports you're into?
Jeffrey Saad: I used to be a big snowboarder. Haven't done it recently, but I was one of the first to be on the mountain on a snowboard in the early 80's. I love snowboarding. I love scuba diving, I try and get out once a year to do some scuba. I grew up playing a lot of golf, although that's faded, there's no time for that these days. I like tennis, but again not as much time. The martial arts is the one thing I always have consistently done, and then I've kind of mixed the rest in as the years passed.
About Martial Arts: Okay, I've got four quick questions for you. Best thing to consume before a workout?
Jeffrey Saad: A shot of espresso (laughing). I truly try not to eat before a workout because I made that mistake once. In California, it's all about burritos and I ate a burrito one time an hour before a workout and that was the biggest mistake I ever made. So I try and always eat afterwards.
About Martial Arts: Best thing to consume after a workout.
Jeffrey Saad: Definitely protein. I just love a piece of good meat and we're pasta eaters. Even though people go against the carbs, I love a good pasta. After a workout, I'm just famished and want to replenish. So protein or pasta.
About Martial Arts: Martial artist you most look up to?
Jeffrey Saad: I would have to say, probably Jet Li.
About Martial Arts: What do you say to the guy or the woman out there thinking about joining a martial art and they're not sure?
Jeffrey Saad: Of course, I would ask them why are you doing this, what are you looking for? And if you're looking for the ultimate challenge, the ability to do something that is as good for your mind as it is for your body, you can't find anything better to do. There's few things I know of that while you're physically getting in the most incredible shape and learning how to defend yourself and the people you care about, you also get to take your mind to a much better place; a peaceful place, a focused place, a place where you feel like you can accomplish anything.
About Martial Arts: Do you have anything you want to say to the people out there that are going to see you on T.V. soon?
Jeffrey Saad: Vote for me and know that I love cooking as much as I like kicking.
About Martial Arts: (Laughing) Jeffrey, thanks for taking the time to talk to me. I really appreciate it.
Jeffrey Saad: Cool Bob. Thank you, take care.
