Weight Loss With or Without Supplements

[ATC]

Supplements - a word that can draw a line in the sand between the pros and the cons!

What are some of the opinions out there?

I am 100% for getting the daily percentages of nutrients from a balanced diet. My personal issue is that I don't consume that 8-12 daily servings of fruits and vegetables. My busy life has me eating breakfast in the car, grabbing lunch with a client at a restaurant he or she likes (while trying to make healthy choices), and then finally catching a sensible meal at home - unfortunately it is usually late in the evening after I have had a snack due to a late appointment with a client.

Anyone else struggle with "life" and eating balanced?

[FITKLUNK]

I am up and down on the supplements, mainly I have trouble when starting basic supplements stiking with it and being consistent.

eating healthly and frequent throughout the day has always been much much harder then the easy unhealty route for myself.

I do agree with meal replacement supplements but never really tried more aggressive natural routes (ie protein supplements, aminos, etc...)

Mark

[mbake]

my stance has always been once a person can prove they are eating correctly then supplements are a great next step, but not until they show discipline. I like to save them money they otherwise would throw away!

[ATC]

Mike,

That is a good point. Supplements are not inexpensive - notice I didn't say "cheap". I have, however, seen some really CHEAP supplements.

I have been using ProGrade products (www.progradenutritionstore.com). I especially like three of their products...

1. Lean (www.progradenutritionstore.com/lean). A very well balanced meal replacement with enough fiber to keep me full.
   
2. VGF (www.progradenutritionstore.com/vgf). Two formulas (one for men and one for women). Helps me make up for my vegetable and fruit deficit.
   
3. Cravers (www.progradenutritionstore.com/cravers). A natural healthy snack ("best tasting nutrition bars on the planet") for those mid morning and mid afternoon cravings. Helps me keep my metabolism boosted throughout the day in a healthy way.
   

I have been using ProGrade for about a year. I have lost weight, had more energy, and feel better.

Again, if I could eat CORRECTLY all the time, I would agree that supplements are not needed.

Anyone else with any thoughts?

[mbake]

It has been interesting to me how many of the olympic athletes are no longer taking ANY sort of supplements. In one of the interviews (and I don't remember which athlete) this athlete was pretty adamit about not taking any supplements. A lot of fresh fruits vegetables, etc. Very little meat other than fish. I have talked with radiologists about the pills they can "see" not digested in the body. I think adding pwder forms that one can get at Earth Fare for example would be suitable for smoothies, especially for us over 40!

[imbrad07]

I think weight loss without supplements is better than other.Because supplements may have some side effects which can cause problems to your body.Exercises like swimming, running early in the morning without eating anything is the best option to loose weight.Also yoga is a better option.