#360fit: Fitness supplements advice

NutritionSouq 15:56 26/12/2015
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  • The nutritional supplement industry is worth more than one hundred billion dollars.

    Each year people spend more than one hundred billion dollars on nutritional supplements. That gives an idea of the staggering size and power of the supplement industry. We can only imagine how many of those billions get poured right back into marketing campaigns designed to convince us that we must take their products.

    Getting the vital nutrients and minerals that our bodies require in order to function optimally is now harder than ever. Because modern foods are so highly processed our foods are generally nutrient sparse. Poor food preparation, such as microwaving and boiling, also reduces nutrient value. Throw in poor food choices and hormonal imbalance and the case for supplementation becomes pretty compelling.

    – #360fit: Juicing boosts your immune system

    – #360fit: Best female-friendly supplements to take
    – #360fit: Best places to train in Dubai for free
    – #360fit: Which protein powder builds muscle faster?

    Yet, not all supplements are built equal. The lack of regulation in the supplement industry has led to a plethora of sub-par products that fall short of the ideal. With so many players out there, you need to be a discerning shopper to make sure that what you put in your body is going to support and not hinder your progress.

    Protein powders – what you need to look for

    In order to fuel your anabolic quest, you need the confidence of knowing that your protein powder is free of dangerous fillers, chemicals or GMOs. Instead you should opt for the highest quality, certified organic ingredients that have been tested by science and history.

    Top tips - what to look for when buying protein powders.

    The quality of a protein powder depends on the following key determinants:

    • ✓ Yield – the percentage of protein obtained per serving. It is found by multiplying the grams of protein per serving by 100 and then dividing by the serving size in grams. A minimum yield of 70% is desirable. 25grams per serving is a good guide. Any more and you could be doing some kidney and liver damage.
    • ✓ Amino Acid Profile – Look for the amount of Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) and Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) in the product. Your protein powder should have all of the BCAAs and EAAs in a concentration of 50-55%.
    • ✓ Filler – this is any substance that is non-protein. Fats, carbs and flavorings fall into this classification. Filler should constitute only a minor percentage of the total product.

    NutritionSouq recommends:

    Pure Pharma PR3

    A Super clean Organic rice protein, that tastes awesome and has just the right amount of everything.

    Limitless 100% Natural Whey

    100% Natural NZ quality whey protein. It doesn’t come any better than this. Limitless is a game changing protein for all the right reasons.

    SMART Nutrition Athlete

    A clean as can be product from a Dubai based company who are as passionate about your health as you are.

    MMUSA 100% Organic G.O.A.T Protein

    A Perfect Protein Formula produced from the milk of pasture fed goats. In a world of genetically modified, over processed and chemically-laced foods it is a rare and precious source of complete protein.

    Protein bars and ready to drink (RTD) – what you need to look for

    Protein bars provide you with the ideal on the go anabolic snack food. If you don’t shop wisely, however, you may be stock piling your body with sugary fillers that will go straight to your stomach. Here’s what to look out for:

    • ✓ Total calories – this one totally depends on your current goal. If you’re trying to lose weight, you don’t want a 380 calorie count in your protein bar. On the other hand, if you are trying to gain mass, 380 calories is exactly what you want.
    • ✓ Total carbs – If you are trying to lose weight, you don’t want more than 30 grams of carbs in your bar. If you’re taking it post workout, you can go up to 50 grams, but you’ll want the fat as low as possible.
    • ✓ Sugar alcohols – these may lead to bloating, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and flatulence.
    • ✓ High Fructose Corn Syrup – you don’t want to see HFCS on the ingredient panel, certainly not listed as one of the top 4 ingredients.
    • ✓ Dietary Fat – a little bit of dietary fat is good; it will slow the release of carbs. But you want to keep the levels of saturated and trans fat as low as possible.
    • ✓ Protein to Carb Ratio – To build muscle, you’ll want a 1:2 protein / carb ratio. To lose fat, the ratio should be 2:1.

    Top tips - protein bars - what you need to look for.

    NutritionSouq recommends:

    Limitless 100% Natural Protein Bar

    Another great product from limitless supplements this time in a handy to eat bar. This has the same profile as their protein but in an easy to consume format.

    Coco Pro

    Protein coconut water! What’s not to like? Hydrate and recover at the same time with this awesome tasting ready to drink protein fix!

    Energy boosters – what you need to look for

    There are a whole lot of caffeine stoked pre workout supplements out there that will get you wired for your workout, only to bring you crashing down later. You deserve better than that, so should focus on products that give you a completely naturally, safe energy boost without the crash. Look for the following ingredients . . .

    • ✓ Beta-alanine
    • ✓ Rhodiola Rosea
    • ✓ Cordyceps extract
    • ✓ Agmatime
    • ✓ Bacopa
    • ✓ Beet Root extract
    • ✓ Green Tea extract

    NutritionSouq recommends:

    Pure Pharma M3

    Energy but not as you know it. These babies improve Oxygen transportation and improve energy production. SWEET!

    MMUSA Combat Pre Fight

    Not only for MMA or martial art athletes. This stuff will have you on an all natural cloud 9.

    GU Energy Chews

    Amazing tasting energy chews that are Vegan friendly and not just for endurance athletes. If you are taking part or competing in long fitness events such as CrossFit challenges these will be your best friends.

    GU ROCTANE ENERGY GEL

    Similar to the GU chews but in gel form. They are easy to carry and they taste awesome.

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