01.13.09
Posted in Nutrition, Supplements at 11:53 am by Administrator
I’m not a big fan of supplements. I made that pretty clear with my last nutrition posting “Supplements are a scam”.
I live in the real world. I work way too many hours each week (its very time consuming to pester you with emails and letters all the time), I’m lucky if I get 5-6 hours of sleep a night, I don’t live in a supermarket I rarely get the recommended 5-7 daily servings of fruit and veggies, and sometimes I just don’t have time to prepare a meal when I’m at work or after a workout. I have gaps in my nutrition and I know it. I know I need supplements to make sure my health doesn’t suffer because of my busy life (torturing people is tough work). I need a good multi-vitamin/mineral, post-workout shake, and meal replacement bars/shakes. I’m not looking for a good supplement company, I want the best because my health is way too important to chance with anything less.
Here are the top four reasons why I think supplement companies are huge scams.
1. No clinical research trials, let alone longitudinal studies that test their supplements long term instead of just a few weeks
2. No quality controls to make sure the ingredients are pure, safe, and effective
3. Poor deliverability. The supplement never makes it into your bloodstream, it winds up in your urine.
4. No legislative controls by the FDA
Well I’ve been wrong before, so let me take my foot out of my mouth and tell you about the company that changed my mind. Shaklee has not only addressed my concerns they’ve blown me away. I was skeptical too, until I heard and experienced what they are all about. They’ve been in business for over 50 years, I saw them on Oprah (And yes their multivitamin meets all the recommendations Dr. Oz spoke about all this week on the Oprah “Best Life” series) but that didn’t convince me. Let me summarize what changed my mind.
- Shaklee has published over 115 clinical research studies in respectable medical journals. They spend over 15 million dollars/year on research and development. which is higher than the top 4 supplement companies combined. The most convincing evidence is their 20 Year Landmark Study they did in collaboration with the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health. The 20 year longitudinal study shows that people who used Shaklee supplements had markedly better health than both other multi-vitamin users and those who used no supplements. This is the only clinical study of it’s kind involving long term supplement usage. The results are indisputable.
- Each and every Shaklee supplement has over 300 quality control tests performed by over 75 scientists to make sure the product is safe and effective. Their faculty board consists of the top nutritional scientists in the world. The scientist who created Interferon is on the board. The scientist from Harvard Med School who isolated the compound in grapes that makes you live longer is on the board. Shaklee has 2 independent laboratories test each and every active ingredient when it arrives into this country (One of the labs is located in Philly).
- Most supplements make your urine look like bright yellow engine coolant (your body just can’t absorb the nutrients so you excrete them in your urine). Some supplements get absorbed better in the stomach (vitamins and minerals), small intestine (fish oils), or large intestine (probiotics). So not all nutrients should have the same delivery system (the capsule or coating surrounding a supplement plays a huge part in when it gets absorbed). Most of Shaklee’s research revolves around making sure their supplements get absorbed into your blood stream not wasted in the sewer. Research has shown that Shaklee supplements stay in your bloodstream for up to 12 hours-that’s huge. They have over 12 patents and 2 patents pending on their S.M.A.R.T delivery system just for their Vitalizer Multi-vitamin/mineral which means you can’t find it anywhere else. Their vitamins/minerals get absorbed when and where they are supposed to in the proper amounts because they have done extensive clinical research trials.
- Supplement companies basically can do or say whatever they want because they do not fall under the legislative protection of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Shaklee holds itself to a higher standard. They don’t consider themselves just another supplement company that is why they conform to the rules and regulations of the FDA. They could save millions of dollars by not conforming to the FDA standards, but that’s not the kind of company they are. They do it because they want to provide the safest most effective product in the world.
The more I know about Shaklee and their products the more I am amazed. You cannot buy Shaklee products in a store you have to purchase them from an authorized dealer. I am a proud authorized dealer and we have a huge inventory of their products at our studio right now. You can also order their products through our website at http://www. FitLifeInc.com. Or just visit http://www.shaklee.net/kevinhensel
Anyone can stop by our studio or order their products online from us. You receive a major discount if you become a Shaklee member 15% discount (costs $20 it pays for itself usually in one order) and you can also receive an additional 10% discount on their Vitalizer Mutl-vitamin if you sign up for their autoship program (You can stop anytime and you are emailed each month to make sure you still want the shipment, it comes directly to you every 30 days, I love it because I always forget to place my order each month). That’s a 25% discount for just $20, it’s a no-brainer. When you are a member you don’t get crazy emails
trying to sell you stuff all the time. I’ve been a member for over 2 months and have only received one email telling me I’m a member.
I personally take the Vitalizer Multivitamin/mineral, Physique (Post Workout Optimizer), I love their Cinch Bars (Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip is my favortie), Energy Teas (no tea bags just a single serving packet, it’s awesome and I’m not a tea kinda guy), and I blend up
their Cinch Shakes all the time when I’m in a rush and can’t sneak in a meal (tastes best with a cup of soy milk or 1% milk). I put Christina on the Vitaizer with Iron multivitamin (menstrual women need to take extra iron), and Nutriferon (Immunity booster supplement-Christina is sick all the time because of her crazy work schedule and stress. Every other month she gets laid out with some virus/bacteria/or total fatigue). I wasn’t really sure about the Nutriferon Immunity Booster because it sounded a little too good to be true. The creator of nutriferon also created interferon but that didn’t make me a believer. Of course I didn’t take it because I’m never sick, famous last words.
In December, I got that nasty stomach virus for over a week and that was followed nicely with a cold when I was in Florida. So much for never getting sick. Well I was just waiting for Christina to come down with both ailments, because she always does within a week or two. To my amazement, Christina hasn’t gotten sick and it’s been well over a month. I couldn’t believe it, now I take it. She couldn’t believe it either and the only thing different she is doing is taking the Nutriferon with the Vitalizer. Now I’m a believer. Eventually I’ll be taking the Vitalizer Gold for 50 year olds and up which has extra calcium and vitamin K for optimized bone health. FYI- All Vitalizer supplements also contain fish oils for a healthy heart and probiotics for healthy instestinal functioning.
They have several other awesome products with a ton of research behind them. For high cholesterol - Omega Guard (Fish Oils). For bone health - OsterMatrix (Calcium and vitamin K), For joint irritation - Joint Health Complex (Glucosamine), for anti-aging - Vivix (reservatrol)
Please call or stop by with questions or concerns. I finally found the solution to filling in the gaps of your nutritional supplementation. See all of their products by visiting http://www.shaklee.net/kevinhensel.
Go to my favorites on the left hand side for all of my favorite Shaklee products. Become a member and save 15% and/or get set up on their autoship program to have everything sent directly to you every 30 days which you can stop at anytime (You can save an extra 10% on Vitalizer supplements as well).
Yours in health,
Kevin Hensel, President
Fit-4-Life, Inc.
Phone: (856)751-0033
http://www.FitLifeInc.com
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11.28.08
Posted in Nutrition, Supplements at 7:27 pm by Administrator
I have owned and operated Fit-4-Life for the past 14 years. In that time, I have had several supplement companies approach me to sell their products to my clients. I take my job very seriously and I don’t make any recommendations unless I am 100% certain that the products are safe and effective. If I don’t use the product I could never recommend it. It’s just the way I am, and believe me I could have made some serious money. To be perfectily honest I always saw supplement wholesalers as snake oil salesmen they totally freaked me out. I would always let them spattle off all the benefits of their products and then I would shut them up with a few words ,”show me the research.” That would be the last time I spoke with them.
So for the last 14 years, I have not recommended any supplements excluding some pre/post workout snacks. I have 4 major concerns with supplement usage.
1. I’ve always been skeptical of supplement companies because there are no FDA regulations, you can do or say basically whatever you want without any regulation. My personal favorites are the weight loss supplement infomercials that tout you can lose crazy amounts of weight as long as you take their product followed with exercise and a healthy diet. A sugar pill, daily physical exercise, and a healthy diet would achieve great results. Absolutely priceless!!
2. If a product really works it should have supporting research from a double blind/placebo study published in a reputable research journal (Check pubmed.com). And what do these supplements do long term? Most supplement research studies only last a few months at best. Longitudinal studies on the safety of supplements over long term usage are unheard of. There are several bogus research journals that will publish studies to anyone willing to pay for it. The research should also test the specific supplement in question not a generalized herb/mineral/vitamin. The dosage, delivery, purity, and concentration of a supplement make a huge difference on how it is absorbed in the body.
3. Another issue I have with supplement companies is that I have no way of knowing their ingredient purity. Several supplements have active ingredients in them and am I supposed to just take their word for it. I trust no one when it comes to my health and I’d rather try to eat my nutrients instead of trying to get them in a pill. The majority of supplement companies don’t do any actual quality control tests on their ingredients let alone from an independent, unbiased research facility.
4. I still have major concerns with supplements including deliverability. Most supplements do not get absorbed by the body because different nutrients get absorbed in different parts of the digestive tract. That’s my major problem with one a day supplements. There’s no way a multi-vitamin/mineral in one pill can get absorbed effectively. Most supplements wind up in your urine, over taxing your kidneys and giving you absolutely no benefit. Most omega 3 fish oil capsules get broken down in your stomach acid which can create nasty belching and absolutely no benefit. For omega 3s to have any benefit they need to be broken down in your small intestine where they can be absorbed optimally, not your stomach.
I eat a pretty healthy diet, but I don’t get in the RDA recommended 7 fruit and vegetable servings per day along with 2 weekly servings of fish. I just don’t have enough time in a day to get it all in. I know that I have holes in my daily nutritional intake, so what am I supposed to do? My distrust of supplements makes it very difficult for me to trust anyone. Gary and I have been doing extensive research and after 14 years we finally found a solution. We are really excited about it and I can’t wait to let you know about it. The big reveal will be coming shortly. I’m the ultimate supplement skeptic, but you’ll find out exactly why I have changed my mind.
Yours in health,
Kevin Hensel, President Fit-4-Life, Inc.
856-751-0033
www.FitLifeInc.com
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10.16.08
Posted in Nutrition at 9:07 am by Administrator
Let’s be honest for a moment. You’ve seen the advertisements for weight loss pills-you know the ones with those amazing before and after pictures-and you’ve wondered to yourself…do they work?
Diet pills are everywhere, they tempt from store shelves, from infomercials and from glossy magazine pages. You probably know someone who is dabbling with diet pills or maybe you’ve tried them yourself. Have you ever wondered how they work?
Weight loss pills can be broken down into 3 basic categories:
Appetite Suppressants: These work just like it sounds. The appetite-regulating region of your brain (the hypothalamus) is tricked by blockage of the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. As a result you feel like you’ve just eaten a big meal, so you’re less likely to overeat.
Stimulants: These types of weight loss pills used to contain a combination of ephedra and caffeine to raise energy expenditure (thermogenesis) while also reducing appetite. You’re probably aware that these pills were proven in some cases to be deadly, so ephedra was taken off the market. Stimulant pills now contain other ephedra-like substances, vitamins and caffeine. The idea is to increase energy and boost metabolism.
Fat Blockers: These pills inhibit the action of the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down fat during the digestion process. The goal is to prevent a percentage of the fat you’ve eaten from being absorbed into your system.
So we return to our burning question. Do the pills work? Here’s what the diet pill companies say:
“You’ll lose 30lbs in 30 days”
“Achieve rapid weight loss results”
“Burn calories and fat 24 hours a day”
“Fights fat and delivers rapid weight loss”
Those claims are amazing…too bad they are just that-claims. It’s so tempting to imagine that those benefits could be gained just by swallowing a pill. Tempting enough to make diet pills a multibillion dollar a year industry. Hmmm, makes you wonder that if that many diet pills have been taken then why don’t we all look like swim suit models yet?
While diet pills showcase a few star subjects, none of whom live on your block, the world is full of real people who have lost weight and improved their lives with exercise and healthy eating. Check out these proven benefits of exercise:
Increased Weight Loss
Strengthens Heart and Lungs
Improved Sleep Pattern
Increased Strength
Improved Coordination
Raised Self Esteem
Renewed Confidence
Feel Good Endorphins
Feel Younger Than Ever
Improved Mood
A pill may slightly increase your metabolic rate for a time or may suppress your appetite, and you may lose a few pounds. However, a pill alone cannot produce serious or permanent weight loss. A pill cannot deliver the same results as healthy nutrition and regular exercise.
And weight loss pills have been known to give the following side effects:
Raised blood pressure
Increased risk of heart attack
Cramping, gas and diarrhea
Constipation
Headaches
Dry Mouth
Insomnia
The bottom line is that true weight loss can’t be achieved by a pill.
If you really want to lose weight, if you’re looking for long term health benefits then look no farther than your sneakers. That’s right, lace them up and go for a jog. Then schedule a time to meet with me to schdule your free workout testdrive
Together we will turn you into a walking talking billboard for the benefits of exercise.
Kevin Hensel
Owner Fit-4-Life, Inc.
Cherry Hill, NJ
856-751-0033
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09.01.08
Posted in Nutrition at 9:44 am by Administrator
Most people don’t realize the way you eat prior to and following a work out can profoundly affect metabolism and performance. For instance, did you know, you will actually burn MORE calories by eating before you walk, run, swim or lift weights? Yes, this is true because on an empty stomach your body will be forced to burn muscle protein for fuel. This defeats the purpose because we are trying to build muscles during exercise, NOT strip them down. If you start your work-out with the right breakfast or snack, your body will burn a combination of the carbohydrate stored in your muscles and fat stored in your fat cells. Thus, your muscles will be spared to function efficiently and burn the necessary carbohydrates and fats.
Another unknown fact is that the body takes a lot longer to process protein-rich and high-fat foods. If you eat protein-rich or high-fat foods(especially fried foods) less then 2 hours prior to work-out, your digestion will be compromised and your body will divert blood away from your working muscles to the digestive tract. This can cause discomfort, nausea, or cramping.
Below are some diet tips on how to best improve your performance during your exercise routines and replace fuels following exercise routines.
Pre-exercise
1. Try to eat 2-4 hours before exercise
2. Eat 400-800 calories at your pre-exercise meal. If you are going to eat closer to 2 hours prior, keep the calories towards the lower end.
3. Choose carbohydrate rich foods that are low in fat and have a small amount of protein.
4. Drink, at least, 10 ounces of water or sports drink 2 hours prior.
5. For morning exercise, it may be difficult to eat 2-4 hours prior to exercise because you are still sleeping. In this case, try to get in at least 100 calories (of mostly carbohydrate), before running out the door.
The following are some examples of good pre-exercise foods….
Less then 2 hours digestion time such as a morning work-out
Eating 2-4 hours before your workout sometimes just isn’t possible. The closer your eating gets to your workout time the more simple sugars are required because they breakdown into your bloodstream quicker. Limit the protein, fiber, and fats. Here are some great examples
1. ½ cup of healthy cereal w/low-fat milk
2. Half a whole grain bagel topped w/small amount of butter, cream cheese, or jelly
3. 1 slice of whole grain toast topped w/small amount of butter, cream cheese, or jelly
4. One nutrient fortified low calorie energy bar (40 g of carbs and fewer than 3 g of fat, 5 g of protein)
5. 1 small yogurt
6. Sports drink
7. Banana
The optimal 2-4 hours digestion time
1. Whole grain bagel topped w/tomato slices and low fat cheese(or cream cheese)
2. breakfast cereal and fruit with 2%(or less) milk or soy milk
3. whole grain toast (or whole grain bagel) topped with organic peanut butter and a banana
4. 1 package of Quaker Instant Oatmeal Lo Sugar with 4 ounces vanilla soy milk or fat-free milk with a dash of cinnamon
5. One piece of whole grain pita topped with 3 tablespoons fruit spread
6. One cup vanilla yogurt and sliced banana
Yours in health,
Kevin Hensel, Owner Fit-4-Life
Cherry Hill Personal Training Studio
www.FitLifeInc.com
856-751-0033
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01.01.08
Posted in Exercise, Motivation, Nutrition, Weight Loss at 10:44 am by Administrator
Here we are, already two weeks into the New Year. You know I have to ask…how is that fitness resolution coming along?
If the pounds haven’t budged yet, don’t panic. I have some words of wisdom for you to live by this year - words that will aide in getting you to your fitness goal.
Shoot for dropping a pound a week.
Now, this may not seem like that much, but if you did this consistently for the rest of the year it would result in 50 lbs lost. This may be extreme for you, but the good news is that once you achieve your idea body maintenance is a breeze. How great would it be to begin 2008 with a brand new body?
This all sound well and good, but how do you go about the business of shedding that pound each week? I am here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be allusive, mysterious or frustrating. In fact, with a little calculation, you can consistently drop one pound a week until you reach your goal.
All it takes are small changes in your daily lifestyle. Let’s break the process down…
How to shed a pound a week: Burn 3500 cal. more than normal.
It’s that simple! No fancy pills or powders necessary, just a progression of calories exerted without an increase in calories consumed. Try the following three steps:
1. Record your normal weekly exercise - look at everything from walking to participating in sports to exercising in the gym. This is your starting point. You need to burn an additional 3500 calories on top of your normal weekly exercise.
If you don’t currently exercise, then this step is really easy for you, a simple blank page will do.
2. Record your normal weekly food intake - this may be hard to do honestly, but remember that you are only cheating yourself by not recording everything. Calculate the total number of calories that you eat in an average day.
In your quest for dropping inches you shouldn’t exceed your normal daily caloric intake - you should, rather, work at slowly decreasing that number.
Remember, we are going for a 3500 calorie deficit each week - this can be done by a combination of increased calorie exertion (exercise) as well as a decrease in calories consumed (eating less).
3. Chart the difference - now that you know your starting point for both calorie exertion and calorie intake it is time to turn the tables in your favor. Take every opportunity to exert more calories by increasing your physical activity, and to decrease your calorie consumption by eating fewer calories and by making healthier selections.
Record your progress in a notebook and refer back to it often. You will be surprised how encouraging it is to see the positive changes that you are taking in your life written down on paper.
If you burn up 500 calories a day you will drop a pound in a week.
Here are some practical ways to lose calories:
If you normally… Do this instead…
Drink a morning Mocha Drink green tea or black coffee (200 calories lost)
Enjoy a candy bar between meals Enjoy a granola bar (180 calories lost)
Sit during your entire lunch break Walk briskly for 30 minutes (150 calories lost)
Watch T.V. for two hours Do jumping jacks during commercials (120 calories lost)
Remember that I am available to help you reach your fitness goals for 2007. If you are looking for new and exciting ways to tone, firm and tighten your physique then don’t hesitate to come see me today. I look forward to helping you make 2007 your fittest year ever!
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