Welcome to the first part in my series on the use of Supplements.

In the old days when nutrition shakes, meal replacements and convenience performance nutrition gimmicks were not around, to obtain a good physique there was only one way to do it - hard work and a good diet.

Unfortunately today we have hectic lifestyles and limited leisure time. When this is combined with the increase in human laziness, the preparation of healthy nutritious meals seems to be a thing of the past. In this environment, Sports Nutrition Companies could very well be a blessing in disguise.

The fad to achieve the blessed six pack in a week and drop a dress size in a day appear to be making an unwelcome return in the popular media. So, I’m taking it upon myself- on behalf of FamouslyFit.com - to give my personal opinion on the benefits and draw backs of the most popular nutrition products that the leading Sports Nutrition Companies are putting out there (along with providing my two cents on some controversial fitness topics!)

Supplements in General

Now let’s talk about Supplements in general. The first and probably most important thing to note is that exact word “SUPPLEMENT”. The dictionary definition is “something added to remedy deficiencies”.

The aim of a supplement is to provide you with additional essential nutrients should you be unable to obtain a whole food source or because in general it’s just not realistic to get all of your vitamins and minerals from whole food sources on a daily basis. They are not there to replace whole food eating!

Too often I hear the question “If I have just protein shakes, with this new herbal fat loss tablet 3x a day, will I lose weight?” The honest answer is “Yes” ……. but in what context? Take it from me - this would be the most unhealthy thing to do! What you will be gaining is a quick fix and a whole host of health drawbacks - tiredness, fatigue, irritability, weakening of the immune system to name but a few.

Change Your Lifestyle - Not Your Food!

Supplements should only be taken when it is not possible to achieve a healthy balanced nutritional plan from natural, whole food sources on a daily basis! Wherever possible you should change your lifestyle to accommodate more nutritional eating … not shortcut on nutritional eating to accommodate an unhealthy lifestyle!

Coming Soon

I will be discussing the most commonly used supplements on the market

• Vitamins
• Protein Supplements
• Branch Chain Amino Acids
• Glutamine
• Essential Fatty Acids
• Meal Replacement Products
• Thermogenic (Fat Burning) Products
• Creatine

I will also be touching on the more controversial use of anabolic steroids, prohormones, and DHEA.

See you soon.