Late night infomercials can tempt anyone when we’re sucked into a vortex of after-midnight binge-watching. Over the airwaves, they shill everything from deep fryers to ShamWows, and yes, vitamins and supplements. But can we really believe what they’re hyping? (We can vouch for the ShamWow, but everything else is up for debate!)
What should we be on the lookout for when we’re inundated with ads, promotions, and recommendations for fitness supplements that promise us the moon? Start with science. Science can keep you safe.
Truth in Advertising
Science speaks the truth, and it can help you determine what’s just fluff, what can be dangerous, and what supplements may truly enhance your fitness game. But, be aware, that sometimes scientists don’t have all the answers either—because you can’t rely on just one study. The bottom line is that anything promising a quick fix is likely lying to you.
Achieving a body you’ve always envisioned, takes time, dedication and hard work. Period. You probably already know this, but we’ll remind you: There is no miracle pill or supplement. However, there are supplements that can prove beneficial as a boost to a dedicated workout routine…and there are others that are wasting your hard-earned cash. Always do your research before you put anything in your body, and know what the ingredients mean. That’s why going natural is always a great option.
Some Supplements to Get Behind
You want to stay as natural as possible. For instance, creatine is found in everyday food, and it’s a natural source of energy. Compared to some other products you can find floating around on the Internet or late-night TV, creatine is created a cut above the rest because of its creator—Mother Nature!
L-Carnitine is another naturally occurring compound that can help improve muscle mass, performance in the gym, and even promote weight loss. You’ll find L-Carnitine in red meat (which gets its own bad rap these days), and you can buy it as a supplement if you’re a vegetarian or simply don’t eat steak four times a week.
Get the Results You Want
Make sure you digest enough protein, take some creatine, and get enough sleep so that you can have a successful, satisfying workout. Supplements will not help you if you don’t put in the effort for a quality workout. By definition, supplement means “something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole.”
The bottom line? Supplements, in general, can give your body an incremental boost performance-wise, but your muscles and your body are truly formed in the kitchen. It starts with the foods we eat or don’t eat. Remember that before you think popping a pill will negate all those tacos on Tuesday.
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