Can’t resist the temptation to shave a few minutes off a hike or catch the runner in front of you? This one is for you.
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Supplements aren't what you think! Read on. Photo by John Reid.
If you’re eager to beat your buddy the next time you push your bikes up Pigeon Mountain, the extra oomph you’ll need might come from the old “S” word: supplements.
Nutritional supplements can be a controversial subject, mainly because of the vast number of heavily marketed supplements available that have never been proven to work. Consequently, people are divided into staunch supporters or steadfast critics. The truth, as with most things, lies behind proper, well-established research.
As any good research or certified nutritionist will tell you, whole foods are always the best way to get your nutrients. But when you don’t feel like chumming a can of tuna after a long bike ride down the Legacy Trail, supplements have their place, too. The three supplements I highlight here are tried, tested and truly awesome.
Fish Oil Supplement
Cold water fish, such as herring, salmon and tuna, contain Omega-3 fatty acids that play a large role in both cardiovascular health and your body’s ability to utilize carbohydrates. Unfortunately, most of the whole food fish supply is contaminated with environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals (not the music). So, although you may be able to pull a few delicious trout out of the Bow River this summer, over the long run a fish oil supplement is the safest option.
Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral
A significant portion of North Americans are slightly deficient in many micro-nutrients. That’s because it requires diligent planning and discipline in order to ingest all the nutrients we need to feel great. A multivitamin is the ideal solution to ensure all of our nutrient needs are being met.
Photo courtesy flickr.com/photos/theredproject/.
Greens Supplement
On TLC one day I watched a show called “I Eat 30,000 Calories a Day.” All of the food on it was a distasteful shade of beige. It also gave me nightmares about chicken fingers for days.
Good, wholesome, healthy food is bright and vibrant. It’s also lacking in most people’s diets. Colourful veggies and fruits assist your body in everything from proper digestion to disease prevention. If you aren’t getting 8 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruit a day (about 5 cups) then you would benefit from a greens supplement.
Where To Go From Here
Fish oil, multi-vitamins and greens work well for almost everybody and should be considered whether you are an athlete looking to gain a competitive edge or someone just trying to improve your health. But there are dozens of variables, from special diets to past illnesses, which will affect what your body needs. Consulting a certified nutritionist is a good idea before starting any new supplement program.
Once you’ve found what works best for you, that runner in front won’t stand a chance!
