For some, maintaining a healthy diet and a proper workout schedule is second nature. But, for most of us, it seems we struggle to find consistency in our daily “health” routine. We turn to supplements and different powdered drinks to shortcut our way to our end goal of good health. The fact is shortcuts do not work. It has been said that anywhere worth going does not require a shortcut. How important is our health to us that we would be willing to take a shortcut?
There are many items on the market that will say they are the key to a healthy life, items such as multivitamins, antioxidants, protein powders, fat burners, green food drinks, etc. With so many options to choose from we may become confused. After all, our health is important to us and we should not have to be confused.
Now, I am not saying that dietary supplements, protein powders, fat burners, etc. are bad. They all can be beneficial to us. However, these cannot replace exercise or a healthy diet in our quest for good health.
Let’s look at the benefits of some of these dietary options.
Antioxidants help to regulate our bodies. Over time our bodies start to oxidize. Oxidation causes free radicals in cells, leading to chain reactions, causing damage to the cells. Antioxidants stop these chemical reactions to preserve our cells.
Multivitamins are a dietary supplement that contain vitamins and minerals essential for proper bodily function. Multivitamins help provide nutrients sometimes missed in a typical diet. Multivitamins, however, do not prevent the risk of adverse health effects and do not prevent cancer.
Protein is essential for our bodies to function. Protein powders are a great way to get our daily-recommended dose of protein. Many people who workout prefer to use protein powder to help build muscle faster. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Others may use protein shakes as a replacement to a meal when trying to lose weight. It is important to research protein powders and when to take them. Powders made from whey are to be used before and after working out, while powders made from casein are to be taken before bed.
Fat burners are filled with ingredients that are intended to increase your energy, stimulate your metabolism, and/or suppress your appetite. When using a fat burner be sure to consult with a doctor.
Green food drinks are loaded with nutrients and are healthy for cells and promote a healthy digestive system, healthy skin, help to moderate blood pressure and blood sugar, and may help reduce seasonal allergies.
A good, healthy diet consists of eating whole foods, plenty of locally grown fruits and vegetables in season, avoiding processed foods, and getting lots of variety in your diet. It is important to have a regular eating schedule. This helps promote a healthy metabolism. Avoid over eating. Also avoid greasy foods. Most of us know what is healthy and what is not. Use common sense.
Regular exercise helps to control weight and maintain weight loss. It has also been shown to help develop regular sleeping patterns. Regular exercise provides us with more energy (say goodbye that 2 PM cup of coffee).
All of the above-mentioned options are great. When used properly, all can help provide health benefits. Nothing can compare to, however, a healthy diet and regular exercise. To achieve the best health, a good diet with proper exercise, partnered with other nutritional supplements such as multivitamins, protein powders, fat burners, and green food drinks are recommended.