The Role of Nutrition Part II

Do I need supplements? Should I take vitamins? How do I make smart food choices?

This is Part II of “The Role of Nutrition” posts.  At this time, I want to point out that I am by no means a certified nutritionist. Everything in these posts, I base off my experience and my personal opinion. I recommend that people seek out the advice of a certified nutritionist if you want a very detailed and tailor made nutrition program for yourself.

Do I need supplements?  This is easy; NO you do not need supplements.  Am I against taking supplements?  No, supplements can have their place depending on one’s needs and goals.  What I do not agree with is taking supplements without understanding your nutritional needs.  Here is reality: there is no magical pill that you are going to pick up at your supplement supplier store.  I have tried various supplements over the years, but I have done my research on them before I take the first dose.  I will be honest, very few things have ever really given me that WOW factor.  The supplements that I think could be beneficial for some individuals are: old school creatine, glutamine, protein powders, and branched amino acids.  If you are considering supplementation make sure you research it heavily and you buy from a reputable company.  Bottom line, nothing will help you more than dedicated hard work and factual knowledge.

Should I take vitamins?  Yes, it is my belief and opinion that we all should take at least a multivitamin.  Let’s face it, vegetables today do not have the nutritional value of vegetables from twenty years ago or even ten years ago. Farm lands have been farmed hard and the nutrients in the soil have been depleted. Plus, most of us just do not eat enough vegetables each day. A common question that I get asked a lot is:  ”What vitamins are you currently taking?”  The following list is exactly what I am currently taking and my reasons for taking each. Remember, you should always know why you are taking something and understand what it is for, not just because someone else takes it.

Vitality Multivitamin, Mineral, and Calcium Complete
This is made by an all natural company called Melaleuca (For more information on Melaleuca Vitamins email me). The total dosage is broken up into two doses.   I take tablets in the morning and in the evening.

Country Life’s Biochem Chewable Orange Juice Vit-C 500mg 90Wafers

I take one 500 mg wafer in the morning and one in the evening. Reasons for taking: It helps reduce free radical damage as a result of exercise and protects against exercise induced tissue damage. As an antioxidant, it boosts my immune system to fight off all the germs that I am exposed to daily in the weight room.

Jarrow E-400 (d-alpha Tocopherol) 100Sg

I take one Vitamin E softgel in the evening. Reasons for taking: Vitamin E is found in muscle cell membranes and it also helps fight free radicals produced by exercise, saving the tissue from damage. It is also an antioxidant.

Country Life’s Biochem Omega-3 Fish Body Oils 1000mg 200Sg

I take one 1000 mg softgel in the morning and one in the evening. All the research shows many and I mean MANY health benefits from omega-3s. This is one dietary supplement that I think everyone should be taking.

Jarrow Milk Thistle 150mg 100Caps
I take one 150 mg capsule in the evening. Reason for taking: Milk thistle serves to help protect liver function. The liver is your major organ for detoxification of the body. We are all exposed to many toxins which the liver is responsible for fighting. I only have one liver; so I am going to support it for the health of my body.

Food Choices
How to make smart food choices? Honestly, this is common sense but many people ignore what they already know. Are these smart food choices: ice creme, cookies, potato chips, soda? How about all the processed food full of preservatives? Frozen meals loaded in sodium? We are all aware of these unhealthy items but yet they end up in peoples grocery carts and then we can not understand why we have all these obesity and health problems. Are you aware that if your diet was all natural and organic that most of our health problems we face today would probably not exist? I saw a video a few months ago about going into a grocery store and it was so well done (I wish I could give credit to this person but I can not remember who it was). Anyway, the main point was when you go into a grocery store you only shop around the perimeter of the store. Just try that for one month alone; not allowing yourself to buy any food items in the isles. The only isle you are permitted to go down would be an all organics isle. Not only would you start losing body fat; you would notice that your energy levels would increase as well. I challenge you to try it! You will be glad you did.

Always shop with a grocery list. Plan your meals for each day of the week in advance and if it is not on your list; it does not go in your grocery cart. Think about this, if it is not in your house then you can not be tempted to eat it.

Nobody is perfect, but making little changes in your nutritional habits over time will start adding up to an improved overall well being. I hope these posts help someone start going in the right direction.

Train with a purpose,
Jerry

Read The Roll of Nutrition Part I

PS I frequently find vitamins on sale at Puritans Pride: