"Fat Burners"
There is no such thing as a pill that simply burns away
body fat. Fat loss is primarily a function of negative energy
balance (burning more calories than you consume). Even if
such a "magic" pill did exist, it would not be
a permanent solution to the obesity problem because it would
be addressing the symptom (the fat) and not the cause (poor
nutrition and lack of activity). Many products advertised
today as "fat burners" are utterly worthless frauds.
One category of products that are effective is "thermogenic"
agents. These formulas raise body temperature and increase
metabolism, thereby burning off calories as heat. The most
common ingredients in these products are the natural herbs
"Ma Huang," or "ephedra" which contains
ephedrine, and "Kola Nut," which contains caffeine.
Published, peer-reviewed studies have shown that this combination
works synergistically for a thermogenic and a stimulant
effect.
Recently, ephedra products were banned by the FDA and they
are no longer available for over the counter sale. The banning
of ephedra is not a great loss, however, because thermogenic
products, although effective stimulants and thermogenics,
were not without their drawbacks. Because they are powerful
central nervous system stimulants, overuse may cause side
effects such as insomnia, heart palpitations, and jitteriness.
Long term use can cause adrenal fatigue. Although ephedrine
(and ephedra) was relatively safe when compared to prescription
drugs and other over the counter drugs, overuse and abuse
has been known to cause trips to the emergency room and
even death.
>>
Click here for Fat Burners
Meal replacement products (MRP's)
Eating small, frequent meals (five to six per day) speeds
up the metabolism, increases energy levels, decreases the
chance of fat storage from overfeeding, and allows the body
to process more protein and nutrients for muscle growth.
With the fast paced, hectic lifestyles that many of us lead,
it is often very difficult to eat frequently.
If a crazy schedule makes it hard for you to eat a balanced
whole food meal everry three hours or so, meal replacement
products (MRP’s) are a tremendous convenience. The
addition of one or two MRP’s can improve your results
by allowing you to maintain your meal frequency and a steady
flow of protein and nutrients into your system.
MRP’s are low in calories and fat, and high in protein
and essential nutrients. They usually come in convenient
single serving packets that you can carry with you if you
are on the go. "MET-RX," "Myoplex,"
and "Labrada's Lean Body" are some of the more
well known and popular brands. These products are not intended
to take the place of good eating habits, but they are an
extremely convenient way to get a "meal" in a
hurry.
>>
Click here for Meal Replacements
Protein Supplements
For years a heated debate has raged over whether or not
extra protein will boost muscle development. Everyone knows
that protein is the raw material for building muscle, but
many people do not consume enough protein foods to support
muscle growth during periods of intense training.
Since proteins cannot be stored like carbohydrates, it's
important to eat a serving of protein such as egg whites,
fish, lean meat, or a nonfat dairy product with every meal.
If you're already consuming a high quality source of protein
with each meal five to six times a day, taking heaps of
additional protein probably won’t speed up muscle
growth any further. But if you’re one of those people
who are not eating enough protein foods in your regular
diet, then protein supplements will definitely help.
One of the best types of protein supplement is whey, which
is a milk-based protein that has been specially processed
(most of the lactose has been removed), and it has one of
the highest biological values and utilization rates of all
the proteins. Protein powder supplements canbe made into
shakes or mixed into food such as oatmeal. Consumed with
a balanced meal instead of a protein food provides a great
convenience for busy people.
>>
Click here for Protein Supplements
"Steroid replacements"
Countless supplements over the years have been touted as
"steroid replacements" which supposedly mimic
the effects of anabolic drugs. Virtually any product which
advertises itself as a "steroid replacement" is
a scam. Steroids are drugs, supplements are food; there
is a big difference! If any over the counter product did
produce the same effects of steroids it would soon be discovered
by the FDA who would promptly yank it off the market.
Creatine Monohydrate
While certainly not approaching the effectiveness of steroids,
one compound which has been proven effective in enhancing
strength is Creatine Monohydrate. Creatine is a metabolite
which regenerates ATP, the high powered chemical that supplies
energy for the initial seconds of muscle contraction. The
effects of Creatine, which have been studied and documented
in peer reviewed scientific and medical journals include
increased strength, power, muscle mass, recovery time, and
weight gain.
Creatine is unquestionably the most popular supplement
in the sports nutrition world today and is being used widely
by sprinters, bicyclists, football players, boxers, powerlifters,
bodybuilders and virtually any athlete who requires strength
and power.
In the quest for a better body, everyone seems to be looking
for an easy way, but the truth is there is no way to develop
a great physique other than good nutrition and outright
hard work. Supplements help, but they simply cannot take
the place of good eating habits and hard training. Instead
of looking for a magic elixir, you should first start paying
more attention to proper nutrition and training. Once you’ve
established a sound nutrition program and a consistent training
regimen, then try adding some of the supplements we’ve
discussed and they might just give you that slight edge
that you’re looking for.
>>
Click here for Tom's Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle program
>>
Click here for Creatine Monohydrate
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