Healthy Fats, High Fiber Carbs, Lean Proteins, Heavy Metals??

This summer consumer reports and some other independent researchers found unhealthy amounts of heavy metals in a number of name brand protein supplements. Check out what Consumer Reports and NPR had to say.

Most of us know we should be eating a balance of healthy fats, high fiber carbs and lean protein at each meal and snack, 4 -6 times per day. The billion dollar supplement industry tries to make it easier to obtain this nutritional frequency with an array of fast convenient meal replacements shakes, bars, and other snacks. You may, however, be getting more than you ask for, as these products are not FDA regulated.

Protein shakes are a great way to get an appropriate amount of lean, muscle building protein in your diet. These shakes are often well balanced with macronutrients and vitamins. They do not, however, replace natural whole foods. Supplements are not FDA regulated and periodically, independent researches target popular supplements to test for quality. Even our heavily regulated food industry can let us down. The egg, and milk industry are the latest foods to be struck by yet another salmonella contamination. Hopefully these supplement companies are addressing the heavy metal issue. Be careful for cheap or calorie cutting ingredient additives like artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and saturated fats. I use to supplement with protein, but stick to whole, unprocessed foods now. A balance of fat, lean protein and high fiber carbs are essential each meal to regulate hormones and blood sugar, leaving you fuller and satisfied. I find liquid calories are often not filling, even though they are calorically adequate, and then I eat more, to fill my stomach. Also satiety should not last 4,5, or 8 hours at a time. You should be eating 4-6 small balanced meals per day every 3-4 hours. On a good day I eat oatmeal or a high fiber cereal in the morning with whole milk and or fruit, nuts or peanut butter. Mid morning I usually make some eggs with veggies. The rest of the day varies, but I try to eat a fat, carb, and  protein at each meal and snack, every few hours throughout the day until I sleep.

Supplementation

Often Im asked about specific supplements or what is THE best supplement to take. My answer is, WATER. I follow up by asking, why do you want to supplement, what are your goals? Athletes use supplementation to enhance performance for a specific goal, short term, on the scheme of athletic careers. Most of my clients are amateur fitness enthusiasts who want to maintain lean mass and strength as they age. Your body is 70% water, so is muscle mass. If you want to maintain and fuel that mass, it needs to be hydrated. Many people consume too much salt, caffeine, and sugar. All of which dehydrate and starve your muscles of their most important nutrient. Before you shell out your hard earned money on unconfirmed supplements, start drinking 2 liters a day of the worlds most abundant, and free, natural resource. And then ask yourself, have I been sleeping 7-8 hours a night, weight training 3 times a week, eating 6 balanced meals a day? Start supplementing these habits into your routine and watch the results come faster than ever, then we ll talk about supplementation.