While I advocate sensible eating and a rigorous workout plan to burn body fat and get fit, I recognize the temptation that weight loss supplements present. I am also aware that in this busy modern lifestyle, you sometime feel like you can’t do everything by yourself and you need a little something extra.
I have nothing against supplements. There are great and helpful products on the market and there are cases in which they are useful.
However, I believe that you should always proceed with caution as far as supplements are concerned. There are times in which you should not use any supplement whatsoever. There are physical, mental, and objective reasons why this may be the case. Let’s see what you should be thinking about.
Physical reasons
If you’re pregnant, breast feeding, taking medication, or feeling ill, you should NOT use supplements. Most of the supplements sold today are done so without being evaluated by the FDA. As long as it’s not considered a drug, there is no legal requirement for it to be approved by the FDA. Usually, at the bottom of websites selling supplements, you will find a disclaimer stating that the FDA did not approve the product being sold or the claims made about it.
The best thing you can do is to always consult with your doctor about anything you’re considering taking. It is always better to play it safe.
When your pregnant or breastfeeding this is crucial as what you’re putting into your body may pass onto your baby (or fetus).
If you’re sick or taking a medication, the supplement you’re taking may cause unwarranted side effects, so play it safe.
Mental Reasons
By mental I don’t mean that you’re crazy or anything of the sort. I am referring to your mindset.
A lot of people turn to supplements because they fall prey to shady marketing schemes that create unrealistic expectations. This is why all those useless acai berry products sold so well in recent years and why more and more gimmicks such as the maqui berry schemes are quick to replace them as they slowly die.
The truth is that supplements are never the primary or sole solution to your fat loss or fitness issues. They are supplementary, they come in addition to a regular workout routine and a healthy and lean eating plan.
If you’re thinking about using supplements to replace sound eating and exercise then you’re not thinking right and it’s better if you don’t waste your money. Your results will be meagre, if any. Only use supplements if it’s for a little extra edge, not as a way to avoid effort and hard work.
One of the only products I recommend is called Prograde Metabolism and I like it because it is clearly marketed as a way to get a little higher metabolism and it’s clearly stated that it will work only in addition to a healthy eating and workout program. This is just an example, but I’m sure you see what I mean.
Objective Reasons
The truth is that there are a lot of supplement scams out there. Most supplements are sold with exaggerrated claims or are simply worthless. It pays to be skeptical and careful.
You should follow this simple rule: “If in doubt, don’t buy.”
Don’t rush to buy anything. Do your research, see if this is a legitimate company, check the ingredients and research those ingredients. Make sure that you’re getting what you’re paying for and read the fine print. Don’t subscribe to monthly supply plans unless you really want to.
Above all, use common sense. Are you being promised something which is over the top? Are you being confused with sexy images and little real substance and reasoning?
Don’t let anyone pressure you into buying with short term sales. It’s better to let a discount expire than to buy and use something which is wrong for you.
In Conclusion
Using supplements can be good for you. In some cases such as Vitamin D supplementation or fish oil capsules, it can be healthy (as long as you have a deficiency). However, it is always worthwhile consulting with your doctor, doing research, and being careful before making a purchase. This is not just about money. It’s about your health and body.
