I get asked about supplements A LOT. I get asked about supplements more than I get asked about general nutrition and training combined. Why all the supplement questions? I have some ideas.
First, supplement companies are genius marketers. They put an ad in a popular “health magazine” or do a commercial with impressive before and after pictures and give all credit to the promoted supplement. Millions of people look up from their plate of pasta alfredo and decide that they need to take that same supplement. Technology is a great tool to make those before and after pics look even more appealing to the average overweight person. And yet another “conveniently left out” piece of the puzzle is sound nutrition!! The supplement alone didn’t cause the transformation folks. As a matter of fact if you look on the label of most supplements, it will say something about combining exercise and good nutrition with the supplement. “What?!?!? You mean I can eat Krispy Kreme and lay around all day?!?! This supplement sucks!!”
Second, most folks don’t have their diet set up properly. Although they feel like they are doing all the right things to lean out, the scale isn’t moving and their clothes don’t fit any differently. Naturally they want to take a supplement that will help put them over the top. I really do feel for these folks as they have the best of intentions and unknowingly turn to the wrong thing (a supplement) to help put them over the top instead of looking at the root of the problem (poor diet set-up). Nine of ten new clients I meet with aren’t getting near enough protein and are consuming way too many carbs.
Third, and most disappointing to me, is that people are looking for a quick fix. Their diet isn’t conducive to fat-loss and they know it. Their lifestyle in general isn’t conducive to fat loss and they know it. I think most of these folks know deep down that a “quick fix” supplement is not the answer, but it’s easier than having the discipline to clean up their diet and then blaming their lack of success on a “supplement that doesn’t work.” We don’t see much of this at I.T.S. as we preach the importance of proper nutrition daily.
Do supplements have a place in your fat loss journey?
Yes.
You can achieve great results without supplements, but there are a few that we recommend to our clients when they get everything else (proper diet and training) in order.
Although the first three paragraphs make me look like a supplement hater, I’m quite the opposite. Just realize the supplements are results accelerators and not results producers.
When you get your diet, training and recovery where it should be, I think you should give yourself every bit of opportunity to maximize results. Enter supplements…
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