Personal Training Journal Entry #10
In health and fitness you’ll see pills and powders anywhere and everywhere, with some arguing that the benefits from taking supplements is the same as eating vitamin rich foods. In some situations and at older age, supplements seem to have more of a purpose, helping those who lack the ability to absorb enough vitamins and minerals from just an average food intake. But, outside of those scenarios, research has proven that whole foods will benefit you more due to their complexity.
Foods contain a variety of micronutrients, most of which your body needs. Foods like fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, are a good source of essential fiber. Most supplements alone will not benefit you this way, and if you were to get enough pills to do so, would it be worth the money?
So, who needs to take supplemental nutrition? It is safe to say that if you have a vitamin rich diet using a variety of food groups, you do not need to take supplements. On top of that, when needing more vitamins and minerals, it would be wise to attain them from natural foods. But, when it is more difficult to do so, supplements come in to play. Pregnant women, adults in their later age, and individuals who don’t get enough food consumption.
Supplements have their place, but more often than not, I would recommend food over supplemental pills and powders for many reasons including the ones discussed above. And just as importantly, food tastes a lot better!
Life in Balance,
Sean M. Smith
Personal Fitness Trainer
16632 1/2 Marquez Ave.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
www.seansmithfitness.com
4 Comments