No Supplements, Just Good Food!

[Lynda]

This is not meant to "put down" supplements, and I don't intend to create a debate about the whole safety of supplements (meaning fat burners, appetite suppressors, carb blockers, things like that) I was just wondering who else out there does NOT take any of these chemicals?

It seems there are many people on this site that are taking some type of training enhancing/ fat burning pills :confused: It is almost shocking how 'popular' it seems to be.
For the folks who compete in the fitness arena, I have no idea what your stringent training / diet must be like, nor do I comprehend the whole competitive scene that goes along with it all...but I do realize that probably 99.9% of competition level athletes take "something" before they would dare step on stage. Man oh man I hope I've worded this correctly, my meaning is: for competitors I can see the validity in taking these types of products if you have any hopes of standing a chance among your fellow competitors.

But why are everyday people taking these chemicals??
you do realize that even if they seem to "work" - the results will only be consistent for as long as you continue to pop the pills...if your money runs out...or your body just wants a "break" from long term use of the drugs, then where will that leave you?

No judgement is intended here - I for one have probably taken every off the shelf product with a bikini clad model on it over the years, it is so tempting to believe in these products and their promises, especially for obese people who are in a desperate and sometimes hopeless frame of mind.
But I have even seen very thin people buying these types of products??? is it because that is how they became thin, and now must continue to be a life long customer in order to maintain their dream body?

Who else just eats Food?

(** I do take a regular 200mg vitamin "c" each morning, and a woman's formula Iron supplement every 2nd day or so)

[janey]

I don't take supplements. Other then my protein powder....and fish oils....and multivitamin... :unsure:

[Erik]

Did you come over here from O2?

[alandrum]

Originally posted by janey@May 26 2006, 12:42 PM
I don't take supplements. Other then my protein powder....and fish oils....and multivitamin... :unsure:
Same here

[Lynda]

Quote Thunder: Did you come over here from O2?

not too sure if you meant Me, or Janey? or both ?
I came to your site from the O2 site when you and Leah left, yes.
Also, Thunder, I've checked out your leanbodies website, it's great!
I can't believe how dedicated you are to all of your clients and to your forum!

Janey :clap: awesome!!!
I also will use a protein type shake powder mixed with 1% milk from time to time, much more economical than lean meat/chicken breast.
I'm just Glad that canned Tuna is so low in price, I love Tuna!!

sorry for the edit...I forgot to "quote" before I replied :hi:

[Erik]

Ok, my point was that if you spent any time on O2 you would have seen a general them; that being that supplements of this type are not necessary, and more often than not there use was discouraged with the advice to reassess their diet before looking to the magic pill.

Not as many well informed people use these products as you think. And in addition, in the case of EC, there is plenty of research on both safety and efficacy.

Do you drink coffee? You're getting the same 'chemical' that is found in these products. And actually, with the fact that products no longer contain both ephedra and caffeine together, these products are all just caffeine, green tea, etc. Very little more.

And thanks. :)

[Lynda]

Originally posted by Thunder@May 26 2006, 01:10 PM
Ok, my point was that if you spent any time on O2 you would have seen a general them; that being that supplements of this type are not necessary, and more often than not there use was discouraged with the advice to reassess their diet before looking to the magic pill.

Not as many well informed people use these products as you think. And in addition, in the case of EC, there is plenty of research on both safety and efficacy.

Do you drink coffee? You're getting the same 'chemical' that is found in these products. And actually, with the fact that products no longer contain both ephedra and caffeine together, these products are all just caffeine, green tea, etc. Very little more.

And thanks. :)
never thought about the "coffee" thing? I usually have 2 cups in the morning on weekdays only.
So off the top of your head...can you kind of estimate the comparison of 2 cups of coffee to this EC stuff? (I don't even know what EC stands for? is it a brand name or something?)

This is a stupid question, but why not just drink coffee? It is like pennies a cup for home brewed compared to $$$ for these pills?

Also, I guess I shouldn't really be commenting on the "EC" since I don't even know WHAT it is :uuhh: but when I think of "supplements" I think of all those bottles with THermo This and Razor That.... photos of flames and fire and cut ripped muscles with veins a poppin' everywhere...

[Erik]

So off the top of your head...can you kind of estimate the comparison of 2 cups of coffee to this EC stuff? (I don't even know what EC stands for? is it a brand name or something?)

No, I can't. Depends on the strength of the coffee.

EC is ephedrine/caffeine.



This is a stupid question, but why not just drink coffee? It is like pennies a cup for home brewed compared to $$$ for these pills?

Umm, you can get about 100 caffeine pills at 200mg strength for about $8. That is DIRT cheap.



Also, I guess I shouldn't really be commenting on the "EC" since I don't even know WHAT it is watchout.gif but when I think of "supplements" I think of all those bottles with THermo This and Razor That.... photos of flames and fire and cut ripped muscles with veins a poppin' everywhere...

Basic marketing.

[jrb1980]

Hey Lynda - I think it's best to avoid the type of supplements you make reference to until you have a pretty solid grip on your training and nutrition; however, IMO for lean people who want to get even leaner, some supplements can be very beneficial and safe.

I also think 99% of the people I know on this site using these supplements are WELL read and researched on the supplements they are taking, or have been advised to do so by someone (be it their coach or nutritionist or whomever) they 110% trust....and even those people who have been advised still know what they are doing/taking.

If you can reach your goals without them more power to you. Nobody says they are necessary.

The theme on the O2 board was to avoid supplements at all costs, yet people still were taking them. I am very happy that this board allows people to ask questions about different supplements and to discuss there use without being attacked for it. That said, again IMO I think this board may be catering to a different group of people.

anyway, i am rambling...

[Lynda]

Originally posted by jrb1980@May 26 2006, 01:24 PM
Hey Lynda - I think it's best to avoid the type of supplements you make reference to until you have a pretty solid grip on your training and nutrition; however, IMO for lean people who want to get even leaner, some supplements can be very beneficial and safe.

I also think 99% of the people I know on this site using these supplements are WELL read and researched on the supplements they are taking, or have been advised to do so by someone (be it their coach or nutritionist or whomever) they 110% trust....and even those people who have been advised still know what they are doing/taking.

If you can reach your goals without them more power to you. Nobody says they are necessary.

The theme on the O2 board was to avoid supplements at all costs, yet people still were taking them. I am very happy that this board allows people to ask questions about different supplements and to discuss there use without being attacked for it. That said, again IMO I think this board may be catering to a different group of people.

anyway, i am rambling...
hey ramble away my friend!
Funny I didn't mean for this to turn to a debate... :lol: yeah right

I agree, open and honest discussions are best, otherwise....why bother? I love to learn from others views and opinions.

Really I was only hoping to kind of buddy up with others who choose (for whatever reason) to not ingest fat burning type supplements.
like someone would reply and say "me too"
or "yeah, I'd rather stick to Nutrition, not pharmacy"

I take back what I said about it seems popular for people to be taking these supplements...as I have not read each and everyone of the multi-thousands of posts here!!!
Just seems that on somedays I happen to come across quite a few questions about taking pills.

Thank you Thunder for answering all my questions.

[jrb1980]

You could buddy up with a lot of people here - even Thunder. He doesn't take anything from what I know, but understands why some of us do.

Also, I should point out that I have recently started taking supplements again for the first time in many years so lots of the questions about E/C are from me. I hadn't intended to when I started dieting and training again but for various reasons decided to do so.

[PinkGlitter86]

I only take a multi-vitamin.

[Erik]

For the record, my supplement usage consists of:

Regularly:
Protein powder - which I don't even consider a supplement
Fish oils
Greens+

When I remember/occasionally
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

That's it.

[PowerManDL]

I don't believe in using supplements or other compounds to help.

[Erik]

Originally posted by PowerManDL@May 26 2006, 03:24 PM
I don't believe in using supplements or other compounds to help.
:lol:

[Pandora]

I use protein powder, take vitamins and fish oils, and use a greens supp, too.

But I have endocrine disorders (diabetes being foremost) so I just don't mess with anything else. Plus, I really don't think that anything is needed other than proper nutrition and effective training. I also consume very low caffeine (and this is a huge change for me). I started taking Glucophage and suddenly found myself not craving coffee anymore... so I quit drinking it, for the most part.

[Lynda]

Originally posted by Thunder@May 26 2006, 02:23 PM
For the record, my supplement usage consists of:

Regularly:
Protein powder - which I don't even consider a supplement
Fish oils
Greens+

When I remember/occasionally
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

That's it.
Wow, thanks for the personal glimpse into Thunder's very own cupboard! you're a true testament for good nutrition!
I thought about those "greens" and "greens plus" caps before....only thing is - I already eat sooo many green veggies, (brocolli, brus. sprouts, celery, green beans) if I actually added greens plus, I think I'd start to turn green!
Maybe for those who don't love their veggies as much as I do...the "greens" caps are a good Idea,

Great to see how many of you are chiming in...with your "no fat burners" status. I think that is so cool :clap:

[Pandora]

The greens I take is a powder... gets mixed in water. Not tasty. But good for you.

[Erik]

Originally posted by Pandora@May 26 2006, 03:59 PM
The greens I take is a powder... gets mixed in water. Not tasty. But good for you.
Same here.

[janey]

Originally posted by PowerManDL@May 26 2006, 02:24 PM
I don't believe in using supplements or other compounds to help.
You're such a goody goody.

[PowerManDL]

Originally posted by janey@May 26 2006, 04:19 PM
You're such a goody goody.
I am.

[andromeda]

I drink coffee, but I don't take any fat burners or anything like that. Growing up (and to this day) I had severe asthma/chronic bronchitis and I had to use certain inhalers and cough syrups (I have a huge bottle of albuterol cough cyrup in the cupboard right now-it is HORRIBLE when I actually have to use it-which luckily isn't too often anymore.) and stuff like that. First I couldn't breathe or had a terrible coughing fit, then after my meds I could breathe, but felt shaky and puky and jittery. It was just an all around not fun experience (that I still have to endure from time to time.) :cheeky:

Coffee doesn't affect me that badly so I can take it but for a long time I couldn't drink it either. (I Must be caffeine sensitive or something.) It used to make me very shaky and jittery-I limit myself to like 2 cups per day now. If I hadn't had the bad heart racing/jittery/shaky feelings from my asthma meds most of my life I might be more open minded to taking these products myself. I can understand why other people take them (esepeically competitors and pros-to get that extra edge.)

I'm a single mom of several young children and if I thought a pill was going to get me through my day with some energy instead of being tired all the time, and that I wouldn't end up growing dependent on it, i'd probably take it. I wouldn't even care if it helped me lose weight or not i'd just be happy to have some energy to keep up with all of the kids.

[jrb1980]

Originally posted by Pandora@May 26 2006, 07:59 PM
The greens I take is a powder... gets mixed in water. Not tasty. But good for you.
Try to greens + tea flavor with a squeeze of lemon. seriously, not bad at all!

[Lynda]

Originally posted by andromeda@May 26 2006, 03:36 PM
I'm a single mom of several young children and if I thought a pill was going to get me through my day with some energy instead of being tired all the time, and that I wouldn't end up growing dependent on it, i'd probably take it. I wouldn't even care if it helped me lose weight or not i'd just be happy to have some energy to keep up with all of the kids.
Based on this statement alone: I'm a single mom of several young children

This is exactly why I DO NOT take any "fat burners" etc.... I know many will defend how safe they are...but nothing could be safer than sound nutrition.

My biggest fear would be some type of fatal reaction or something caused by ingesting these pills. You mentioned a feeling of heart racing, etc... this is Your HEART woman....don't mess with pills, especially if you are uncertain of what you are doing!

Your kids need you! Alive!! You are a single mom, so of the upmost importance should be your longevity and health!
Getting a really great Nutrition plan, (with vitamins if necessary) WILL provide you with energy for your kids, believe me! I not talking about something I haven't lived through myself... click my link - you'll see

You are important! and remember that a happy Home first begins with a Happy Mom! Treat yourself well, and things will improve

[PowerManDL]

Appeals to emotion make such wonderful arguments!

[Erik]

This is exactly why I DO NOT take any "fat burners" etc.... I know many will defend how safe they are...but nothing could be safer than sound nutrition.

Again, I'll bring up my point again. Do you drink coffee? All the products that are currently on the market are caffeine-based products; that's it. And green tea is one of the active ingredients in most of them, which has health benefits.



My biggest fear would be some type of fatal reaction or something caused by ingesting these pills. You mentioned a feeling of heart racing, etc... this is Your HEART woman....don't mess with pills, especially if you are uncertain of what you are doing!

Really?

Ever ran sprints? Worked out? Check your heart rate.



Your kids need you! Alive!! You are a single mom, so of the upmost importance should be your longevity and health!
Getting a really great Nutrition plan, (with vitamins if necessary) WILL provide you with energy for your kids, believe me! I not talking about something I haven't lived through myself... click my link - you'll see

I think you're really sensationalizing things here.

[Lynda]

I think I need a time out :hi: have a great weekend all

[PowerManDL]

Everybody always runs off when I show up in the thread.

[Hoochiemomma]

Originally posted by PowerManDL@May 26 2006, 02:19 PM
Everybody always runs off when I show up in the thread.
Huh - you may have been the straw that broke that camels back. :shades:

[Pandora]

Originally posted by Lynda@May 26 2006, 04:10 PM
Based on this statement alone: I'm a single mom of several young children

This is exactly why I DO NOT take any "fat burners" etc.... I know many will defend how safe they are...but nothing could be safer than sound nutrition.

My biggest fear would be some type of fatal reaction or something caused by ingesting these pills. You mentioned a feeling of heart racing, etc... this is Your HEART woman....don't mess with pills, especially if you are uncertain of what you are doing!

Your kids need you! Alive!! You are a single mom, so of the upmost importance should be your longevity and health!
Getting a really great Nutrition plan, (with vitamins if necessary) WILL provide you with energy for your kids, believe me! I not talking about something I haven't lived through myself... click my link - you'll see

You are important! and remember that a happy Home first begins with a Happy Mom! Treat yourself well, and things will improve
SHe said she's doesn't take these. Relax. I know Cari personally and she's of absolutely sound judgment and is doing great.

Wow.. lol.

[BlueTuna]

Thunder - I just wanted to say that your latest avatar is totally hot! I'm impressed that you built that bod without supplements. :clap: :clap: :clap:

[andromeda]

Originally posted by Lynda@May 26 2006, 02:10 PM
Based on this statement alone: I'm a single mom of several young children

This is exactly why I DO NOT take any "fat burners" etc.... I know many will defend how safe they are...but nothing could be safer than sound nutrition.

My biggest fear would be some type of fatal reaction or something caused by ingesting these pills. You mentioned a feeling of heart racing, etc... this is Your HEART woman....don't mess with pills, especially if you are uncertain of what you are doing!

Your kids need you! Alive!! You are a single mom, so of the upmost importance should be your longevity and health!
Getting a really great Nutrition plan, (with vitamins if necessary) WILL provide you with energy for your kids, believe me! I not talking about something I haven't lived through myself... click my link - you'll see

You are important! and remember that a happy Home first begins with a Happy Mom! Treat yourself well, and things will improve


First off, I don't need any pep talks-unless I specifically ask for one, which I do if I need one, and it wouldn't be from a hoity toity stranger. I'm not taking nor will I take any pills.

Second off, things don't need to "get better". I have 3 kids under 4 at home-and a couple of older kids too. As the little ones get older and less demanding i'm sure things will get easier. Either you misread my post, or you have some serious reading comprehension issues.

I mentioned my heart racing from my ASTHMA meds. Sorry lady, i'd rather have a racing heart than keel over from an asthma attack. I have been in the ER from them before because they have been so severe. I'm certainly not giving up my asthma meds.

Your enthusiasm [makes me want to puke] is nice and all, but I think you may want to tone down your whole unsolicited advice giving stuff-it rather reminds me of the Jehova's Witnesses who show up at my door relentlessly trying to convert me and telling me all about my life of sin. (Eh, no offense to anyone who may be JW on this forum-the ones in my area are very, er, relentless-no, I guess determined would be a more polite word.)

As for being a Happy Mom, well, i'm usually a pretty upbeat gal-unfortunately i've had far too many 'well meaning strangers' give me parenting advice lately. It's seriously starting to piss me off. Are you the single mom of an 11 yr old, 10 yr old, 4 yr old, 3 yr old, and almost 2 year old? Do you struggle to pay my bills and put food in my children's mouths? Do you sit here caring for these kids for literally a year or more with NO breaks-not even a casual movie alone or lunch with a friend? As far as I know, you don't. Until I ask you for advice, please don't offer it. I weighed in on my opinions about stimulants here, not parenting.

Did I mention I have been seriously bitchy lately? I'm usually a really nice person. Honest. You caught me at a REALLY bad time.

By the way, you come off as seriously judgemental. You may try to sugar coat it, but it's not working. I can't fkn STAND people like that. Why don't you try hanging out and being friendly and just talking instead of preaching? This place is funny, and welcoming, and from what I have seen, they don't go around looking down their noses at people. Chill out a bit.

/end rant.

[Erik]

Uh oh

[andromeda]

:oops: I'm sorry. I really am. I'm normally not like this-you can ask Jess-she's known me for years-I don't make trouble in forums. I get tired of people trying to help me lately when i'm not asking any one for help-especially people who don't even know me.

I hope you all don't think too poorly of me.

[Pandora]

Cari, you rock. I :love: you!! :D

[clsupnorth]

To add to the original topic, I don't currently use any supplements other than PP, multivitamins, liquid chlorophyll, and I take a post-workout maltodextrin/dextrose/glutamine/creatine drink.

I did, however, use Xenadrine and this stuff called AMP'D last summer/fall for the caffeine, increased energy, fat loss benefits. I also drank about 8 cups of caffeinated green tea daily. I ended up in the ER twice, in Dec and again in Jan, due to a gastric ulcer/irritated stomach lining caused by the very high amounts of caffeine I was using/abusing. So, I had to cut myself off entirely, and tummy healed up, and now I don't use anything.

That doesn't mean I'm opposed to those products - if people want to use them, great - they work well for some people. And if nothing had happened to me, I would still be using them.
But in my case.... Once bitten, twice shy.

[jrb1980]

Originally posted by Lynda@May 26 2006, 09:10 PM
Based on this statement alone: I'm a single mom of several young children

This is exactly why I DO NOT take any "fat burners" etc.... I know many will defend how safe they are...but nothing could be safer than sound nutrition.

My biggest fear would be some type of fatal reaction or something caused by ingesting these pills. You mentioned a feeling of heart racing, etc... this is Your HEART woman....don't mess with pills, especially if you are uncertain of what you are doing!

Your kids need you! Alive!! You are a single mom, so of the upmost importance should be your longevity and health!
Getting a really great Nutrition plan, (with vitamins if necessary) WILL provide you with energy for your kids, believe me! I not talking about something I haven't lived through myself... click my link - you'll see

You are important! and remember that a happy Home first begins with a Happy Mom! Treat yourself well, and things will improve
:lol: that's a lot of drama and misinformation...no?

[jrb1980]

Originally posted by PowerManDL@May 26 2006, 08:21 PM
I am.
PDML - you're important ;)

[janey]

Originally posted by PowerManDL@May 26 2006, 04:19 PM
Everybody always runs off when I show up in the thread.
You don't scare me. :cheeky:



Okay, maybe just a little but I know not to debate with you. :baby:

[Swiss]

As of now, I only take:


protein powder
multivitamin
fish oils
greens (the powdered...tastes awful; however, I don't remember this one every day...more like 3x/week)

A few times a week I take:
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Evening Primrose oil
Horsetail (rarely...just because it's in the back of the cupboard and I always forget)