Protein .vs. supplements

[lorihart]

Hi Cathe,
I know that in most of the magazines that I buy that there are so many advertisments for supplements and protein shakes and bars.I have recently started eating some protein bars because I am not a big meat eater and probably don't get the protein I need.Plus the sweetness of the bar cures my sweet tooth.
Considering that you work out all the time and are in just as good shape as these models in the magazines.I was wondering if you eat any protein shakes or supplements.And what kinds do you find the best? I know that some of them don't taste that bad at all while others are not so good.And would you recommend eating them before work outs or after or just as a snack in between meals. And also there are all these supplements for weight loss and for weight gain ( my husband tries to gain weight and drink shakes to help him get bigger)What is your input on the topic?Are these magazines just advertising to make money or do some of these supplements really work and what are the results after you stop taking them?
I just figured that you may know the answer to most of these questions considering your field of work and the enviroment that you are in on a daily basis.
Thanks in advice,
Lori

 

[Tammyspq]

I'm not Cathe but I can tell you that she does not take supplements.

I'm also a certified fitness instructor and I do take supplements but mainly to avoid taking drugs for such things as headaches, allergies, pms, etc. I would say (and I'll wager that cathe would agree) that the best and safest way to lose weight, maintain and even gain weight is through proper nutrition and the appropriate exercise program.

The best advice I ever received about supplements was KNOW YOUR COMPANY. I decided to use Shaklee products and was very pleased to learn that the FDA has requested to meet with Shaklee quarterly to help in the process of setting standards for vitamin and supplement companies. Interesting too, they do NOT sell a diet supplement.

I would suggest steering away from the ads in the magazine as they tend to be quick fix. I would highly recommend meeting with a Registered Dietician or certified clinical nutritionist (for your hubby too!) and an exercise physiologist for some guidance if you need it.

Just my 2 cents though...good luck! jeni

 

[lorihart]

Hi Jeni,
Thanks for the advice.I don't take anything either.But looking at these magazines kind of make you think and of course the impression that they want to put in her mind is that "I look like this because I eat these".
My husbands boss is always taking something and he always seems to know what he is talking about.Everytime he comes out for a visit he brings him out some sort of shake.Mean while my husband will drink one today and then not drink one tomorrow and in addition to all of that he doesn't even work out.So how can you expect to get any bigger if you don't even work out.(he is a little rack and his co-workers are always razzing him).Then when him and his girlfriend came out for the weekend they were eating protein bars left, right and center.
Just thought that they may know something I don't.I agree with the quick fix thing to.There are all these diet pills but if you take someone and put them on a healthy diet and make them work out of course you are going to get slimmer...who says the pill as anything to do with it.
I guess when people are desperate they will buy into anything.
Thanks,
Lori