The Truth About Supplements
Ever since the fitness and health trend exploded, thousands of supplement companies have emerged. Companies such as Herbalife, Phorm 1, Optimum Nutrition, and Women's Best are some of the most popular and famous brands. Why are they popular? Here's why:
Companies such as Herbalife and Phorm 1 allow people to have a discount code where they can make a commission based on how many people use the code. Companies bribe users by "leveling up" to a new level where they can go on free trips and vacations. For example, Herbalife is now advertising that if you join their "team" you can go on a free trip to the Bahamas in 2020.
Sounds great, right? Here's the deal, only certain elite users get to go. People who most likely were paid to get on board with Herbalife to promote their products. The free vacations and trips are shown to 1) attract new customers and 2) make customers who are already selling products to work harder in hopes of being qualified for the trip. Granted, these companies allow people to connect to other people who are trying to lose weight and be more motivated. However, the results that people get from Herbalife are not long term. Here's why:
Everyone must be in a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you are eating) in order to lose weight. Herbalife and Phorm 1 have tons of testimonies saying the supplements were the reason why they lost weight. This is true. Herbalife users often drink low calorie shakes as meals. There's nothing magical about Herbalife or Phorm 1, people lose weight if and only if they are burning more calories than they are consuming.
Yes, Herbalife may help you lose weight. But is it maintainable?
Supplements are expensive. When Herbalife users tried to sell me products, a small container of meal replacement powder was $42! Plus, supplement companies try to make you buy other products. Supplements for skin, eyes, hair, digestion, bloating, protein, pre-workout, post-workout, energy, etc. Next thing you know, you are buying 10 supplements.
Here's the secret:
None of them are necessary, fat burner pills don't work, and detox teas don't work either. You can have better skin, hair, performance, etc by eating natural whole foods.
Here's a confession:
I use supplements. I use Optimum Nutrition's protein powder and amino acid powder. I use these because they are convenient. Do I necessarily need these supplements? Absolutely not. I would be perfectly fine without them. However, as a college student, it saves me money to make a protein shake in the morning rather than have an expensive meal plan. It is easier for me to have the amino acid powder for caffeine rather than buying a Starbucks coffee or tea.
It's okay to use supplements, as long as you recognize that they are not going to be life-changing. They can be beneficial in some ways. For example, if you're not getting enough protein in your meals and you want to build muscle, then drinking a protein shake can help.
Supplements will make a 1-2% difference in your health. If you have $50 to spend and you are trying to decide if you want to buy supplements or schedule a personal trainer session, go with the personal trainer!!! Supplements should be the least of your concerns regarding your health. The most important things you should be focusing on is
Companies such as Herbalife and Phorm 1 allow people to have a discount code where they can make a commission based on how many people use the code. Companies bribe users by "leveling up" to a new level where they can go on free trips and vacations. For example, Herbalife is now advertising that if you join their "team" you can go on a free trip to the Bahamas in 2020.
Sounds great, right? Here's the deal, only certain elite users get to go. People who most likely were paid to get on board with Herbalife to promote their products. The free vacations and trips are shown to 1) attract new customers and 2) make customers who are already selling products to work harder in hopes of being qualified for the trip. Granted, these companies allow people to connect to other people who are trying to lose weight and be more motivated. However, the results that people get from Herbalife are not long term. Here's why:
Everyone must be in a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you are eating) in order to lose weight. Herbalife and Phorm 1 have tons of testimonies saying the supplements were the reason why they lost weight. This is true. Herbalife users often drink low calorie shakes as meals. There's nothing magical about Herbalife or Phorm 1, people lose weight if and only if they are burning more calories than they are consuming.
Yes, Herbalife may help you lose weight. But is it maintainable?
Supplements are expensive. When Herbalife users tried to sell me products, a small container of meal replacement powder was $42! Plus, supplement companies try to make you buy other products. Supplements for skin, eyes, hair, digestion, bloating, protein, pre-workout, post-workout, energy, etc. Next thing you know, you are buying 10 supplements.
Here's the secret:
None of them are necessary, fat burner pills don't work, and detox teas don't work either. You can have better skin, hair, performance, etc by eating natural whole foods.
Here's a confession:
I use supplements. I use Optimum Nutrition's protein powder and amino acid powder. I use these because they are convenient. Do I necessarily need these supplements? Absolutely not. I would be perfectly fine without them. However, as a college student, it saves me money to make a protein shake in the morning rather than have an expensive meal plan. It is easier for me to have the amino acid powder for caffeine rather than buying a Starbucks coffee or tea.
It's okay to use supplements, as long as you recognize that they are not going to be life-changing. They can be beneficial in some ways. For example, if you're not getting enough protein in your meals and you want to build muscle, then drinking a protein shake can help.
Supplements will make a 1-2% difference in your health. If you have $50 to spend and you are trying to decide if you want to buy supplements or schedule a personal trainer session, go with the personal trainer!!! Supplements should be the least of your concerns regarding your health. The most important things you should be focusing on is
- nutrition
- sleep
- exercise
Now, studies have shown that creatine (a supplement) helps build more muscle. BUT, it won't affect you at all if you're just sitting on the couch doing nothing. Creatine will make a small difference if your nutrition, sleep, and workouts are in check.
If you see a fitness influencer claiming that a supplement completely changed their physique, check to see if they are sponsored or trying to sell the product. A lot of times, they just want your money.
Hopefully, this post has opened your eyes to the enormous supplement industry. Next time you see a fat burner or protein powder, consider the following:
1) Is the person who's using it being paid or sponsored by the company
2) Do you actually need it (if you have time to make breakfast in the morning why do you need to buy blueberry muffin flavored meal replacement powder)
3) 9/10 it won't make a huge difference
Avoid the huge stack of unnecessary supplements, stick to what you need.
Love,
Gabby
Comments
Post a Comment