What type of supplement should I take?

Over the years of teaching at the university level and working as a coach I've been asked thousands of times, "what supplements do you take? and/or what do you think I should take?" The answer is always the same, "NOTHING!" I do not take any supplements and do not recommend anyone take any supplements. The only time I would take any type of supplement is if it were Doctor recommended. That is the only time I think anyone needs to take a supplement. Throughout all my years of learning and improving myself as a strength and performance professional one quote kept popping up over and over again, "A POOR DIET SUPPLEMENTED IS STILL A POOR DIET!" Actually there is another quote that I heard numerous times also and that is, "The more money you spend on supplements the more your piss is worth!" That pretty much summed it up for me. If people eat a fairly well balanced diet, they will get all the "supplements" that they need. Remember that the FDA does not regulate supplements. At one of the last clinics I was at a speaker who researches supplements gave a percentage of supplements that have other substances that are in the powder other then those listed on the label and it was staggering! I cannot remember the number off hand, but it was high.

Some of the biggest supplements used are creatine and after workout recovery drinks (i.e. muscle milk, the new gatorade drink, etc...). Lets first look at creatine. It is found in your red meats. Okay settled, just eat red meats and you will get the creatine that your body needs and not over do it on the creatine, which can be done. Next is muscle milk, which is suppose to "finish your workout" and help with recovery. Well take a look at the regular milk ads. Chocolate milk is just as if not more effective for helping give your body the nutrients it needs after a workout. Chocolate milk along with a nice lean protein sandwich on some good bread and you are well on your way to building muscle.

These were just two examples of popular supplements that are taken, but hopefully you get the point and if you still think you want to use supplements do a lot of research because supplement companies could care less if you get strong, lean, gain or loss weight, etc... all they want to do is continue making the billions of dollars that they are making!!

Eat healthy, stay active, and enjoy!!