Much is written in the media and in the newspapers about the latest supplement or dietary product that will leave you thin and beautiful.
However, do you really need these products? They cost money, sometimes lots of money and require several repeat orders, but what is the return on your investment?
Well, the truth is, a supplement is just that. A strategy to “supplement” what is missing or inadequate in your diet.
There really is no magic pill or powder that will instantly achieve your goals for you. The marketing or advertising on these products will tell you it can, but the truth is it really can’t.
Take fat burning supplements for instance. They will tell you in big, bold writing how much weight (which is simply water weight) it can shed from your body in the next week or two.
Then it has in very fine print on the back of the box that this product is inapprorpriate for pregnant women, people under a certain age, people over a certain age, people with certain conditions, people on certain medication and people who are sensitive to caffeine.
And what it fails to tell you is the fact that hundreds of people have suffered serious illness or even died using some of these products, including heart failure and stroke!
If you are deficient in a particular vitamin, mineral or macro nutrient, then a specific supplement may be suitable for you.
For example, if you are deficient in Vitamin C, through a proper medical diagnosis, then a vitamin C supplement is obviously suitable for you. Same with magnesium, iron, zinc etc. These are all items that can be “supplemented” in some form of tablet or liquid to ensure you are getting enough of it.
We recommend protein for most people, as we know most people do not get enough of this in their diet. Protein is an essential macro nutrient (which means you need it!) and is found in foods that are generally not eaten in large quantities, for example eggs, meat, fish. A good protein supplement will also help you avoid food cravings and suppress your appetite through the body’s biochemical response to it.
But a protein supplement is just that, as are all supplements. A way to ensure you are getting enough of that particular nutrient so you have the energy and vitality to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and have the energy to work, rest and play to your optimal potential.
So instead of turning to a supplement to solve all of your problems, first look at your current diet to see if there are any gaps or deficiencies that are obvious to you. The first place to start is to ensure you are eating plenty of vegetables and drinking plenty of water. Then look to see you are including fruits, meat, fish, whole grains such as oats and other items such as nuts and legumes.
Ask us if you need any help!
Then, if you find it is difficult to get enough of a particular nutrient, such as protein, through food, ask us about a protein supplement and we can recommend one to you.
But whatever you do, don’t blindly go and purchase a supplement based on advertising or a self diagnosis. Ask someone who is qualified and knows what they are talking about first and save your time and money!
About the Author
Ryan Mitchell is the owner of Evolution Fitness Centre and is a qualified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach. Ryan is dedicated to helping people achieve their health and fitness goals and draws on his experience and knowledge gained from training people of all ages and fitness levels. Ryan is a former Australian Powerlifiting Champion and Australian team member.
