I threw up there a few questions and I’m going to answer them according to my own opinion;

 

Q. Can you put on excess weight while eating only steamed chicken breast and broccoli?

My Answer: By crikey – Yes you can! If you eat enough. Food is food. If you eat more than you burn off, you will put on weight. I agree that different foods have many more health benefits than others, but the reality is, if you eat more than you burn off – regardless of what it is you eat – you will put on weight.

Q. Can you tell the difference between someone who has put on weight the "healthy" way? Or someone who has put on weight in an "unhealthy" way? Or is weight just weight?

My Answer: I’m not convinced that you can. I want to think you can - but my instinct and 'eye-trometer' tells me that excess weight is excess weight. When I piled on 15kg with predominantly ‘clean’ food (sweet potato, vegetables by the kilo, mainly chicken breast and roo meat as protein, and a fair whack of WPI), I looked a bit pasty, seriously tubby and too rounded to be comfortable. I wonder if I would have looked much different had I indulged in more of a processed diet. Not sure I believe excess weight looks great if gained by any means so I’m not convinced that ‘healthy’ weight gain really exists.

 

Q. Do you think a supplement can make enough difference that you can actually tell the difference in a person? Can you spot the person who takes the pre-workout stack as opposed to the person who doesn't? Are the hundreds of dollars spent worth the outcome? Or would you have achieved it anyway with a great diet and some good coffee?

 

My Answer: I dare not delve into the science of supplements because I’m not a scientist, nor do I have a lab background. But I’ve trialled a fair few things, I read a whack of information on a weekly basis, and I’m going to give you my opinions.

-          I’m absolutely and utterly convinced that most bodybuilder overuse supplements.

-          I’m convinced that manufacturers are in the business for a profit margin rather than to help you

-          I’m also convinced that certain supplements have helped me immensely in my quest for muscle and health

So I’m only going to focus on what I have personal experience with;

Pre Workouts: These can mostly be described (layman’s terms!) as a huge hit of caffeine. There is no doubt that they work to increase the output of the following workout. But take them with caution – especially the ladies. I consider myself decently tough but I absolutely hate the feeling of a strong pre-workout. I distinctly recall taking 1MR and spending the ensuing workout almost in tears and wishing I was “straight” (clearly not made for a druggie lifestyle!!). My heart was beating out of my chest, my fingers tingled and I couldn’t focus my eyes properly. Talk about a babbling mess!! So they are most definitely not for me but I do always drink a very strong black coffee prior to my work-out because I believe the caffeine works. Too much evidence not to believe.

Fat Burners:  I have to admit a serious dislike for any tablet, power or concoction that claims to be able to burn your fat! I used White Lightening for the last 4 weeks of the last comp prep as I just couldn’t get that weight off. Again, I felt my heart beating out of my chest, and a buzzing in my head along with an inability to focus properly. I hated it and even the smell of that crap haunts me! They are not something I would prescribe nor would I condone. If I thought they actually worked I might, but I can only assume they add a slight edge to the momentum already started. My verdict - save your hard earned dollars.

Fact: If you are over-eating and not exercising, a fat burner aint going to do jack-shit!!

What I do Use:

Whey Protein: I don’t care to pay an extra $30-$50 dollars on WPI over a whey blend. The calorie difference is amazingly minimal. I go for the cheapest, yummiest tasting whey protein I can find. I change loyalties as the specials are announced!!

Glutamine: I seriously believe in the benefits of glutamine. I pop 10g in with my protein.

BCAA’S: I also believe in the benefit of Branch Chain Amino Acids and the need for an extra hit of them if seriously training. In particular the leucine, which is included in the BCAA’s I choose. I pop 5g into my training water and I couldn’t care less if it’s flavoured or not – my finances dictate which ones I choose.

Fish Oil: The lovely Michelle has done her fair share of research and has further convinced me that Fish Oil tablets are on the ‘necessary’ list.

Flaxseed Oil: Again, Michelle has recently reminded me of the need for healthy Omega 3 fats in our daily diet.

So how do I implement these supplements?: Pretty simple approach. I once did but no longer do agree that WPI’s shakes are necessary pre and post training. I don’t take big hits of high energy carbs pre and post workout but I do make sure I have a good level of carbs in my daily food intake. I have a male trainee who has a propensity to lose weight easily. I encourage him to consume high energy carbs pre and post but, instead of expensive supplements, I pointed him toward cereals. I believe his choice was Nutrigrain. My verdict - not necessary to fund someone elses retirement by buying high sugar supps. Cereal is much cheaper.

For someone new to training, or new to the art of monitoring their food intake – supplements are even less necessary. It is seriously easy to get results when you first start out. Random supplements are simply not necessary to lose weight or build muscle. Trust me. Funnel your interest and research into what will enhance your health - I'm the first to agree that there are plenty of helpers in this field.

Let’s just say that, these days, the “less is more” is definitely my preferred approach.

All information supplied is a personal opinion. My personal opinion.