That is a tricky question. One that I asked myself again this week as I was interviewed in an attempt to be recruited into yet another supplement company's MLM. (
Which leads me to two questions.
First: If I tell you outright I am not interested or am not a good candidate, why do you not believe me? Perhaps, your programming tells you this is the response you will get and how to circumvent it. Me: I get annoyed because it is clear you do not respect me as a person and my knowledge or ability to make a decision. If I am interested, I will say so. I am not. It is a reflection of me, not you.
I do not endorse one-product over another, because all of us are different. If I found the most amazing powder for me, it is just that, for me. It might make a client sick.
I further do not endorse or sell products because of the industry. As a coach, I am viewed through different lenses than others. I am not a registered dietician nor a nutritionist, but have studied quite a bit of nutrition out there. I am not comfortable selling a product to a client. They seek me out to be coached. We talk about food and if something beyond my scope arises, I have several qualified individuals to whom I can refer. I am not here to sell a fix; I am here to coach.
I also work with kids. The majority of my clients are children. Females. Society does enough damage to these young impressionable minds about body image, without me adding to the mix. We need to teach our kids to make better choices in terms of eating, developing a positive relationship with themselves, and in turn food, without convincing these that a pill, powder or gel is necessary.
And for me..... It is unethical. I will not push a product. I do not know 100% that your product is compliant with drug-testing protocols, for me or for my athletes. With all the scandals in sport, do I really want to add to the mix? I cannot in good faith recommend a supplement for an athlete.
But I can tell you that pineapple is a wonderful fruit, with enzymes that reduce inflammation which improves recovery, and it tastes good!
Second: why have all these supplement companies become predators and are leading coaches, personal trainers or anyone involved in the health, and fitness industry that the ONLY way to secure an income is by selling their product? They prey on the hopes and dreams and inadequacies that a qualified professional might experience while building a business.
My thoughts on supplements.
Yes, at times we all need to supplement our diet. Our diet should consist of balanced food groups. In my world, it is predominantly fruits and veggies, some fish, nuts and seeds, some grains and perhaps some other animal protein.
I do use whey protein from time to time, my favorite being ricotta cheese with walnuts and raspberries, put in the freezer for about 30minutes. Awesome mock ice cream treat!
I do take vitamins, including D3, C, E, B-complex and minerals like selenium and zinc, as well as fish oils.
But, I try to get the majority of my requirements from food.
Gels, powders and goo.
Yes, these can be useful in training and racing. (Experiment in practice how your body responds). My body does not do well with most of these concoctions. In this, I strive to get most of my fuel needs from food. I do not like the taste, consistency or how I feel from meal-replacement shakes. It is simpler for me, to eat real food.
Long training ride: peanut butter and jelly, celery and PB, Swedish fish.
Long run: Apple juice, Swedish fish, Payday bar, pretzels.
Swim: water and sometimes Rehydrate.
Otherwise, give me food.
The biggest notable ALL these companies say is that they use only all-natural products. They forget to tell you they grind these up (process them) to create a pill, shake or powder. They forget to tell you they are making processed foods. And while it may originate from all-natural products, the results are from processing.
Choose wisely. As for me..... Can I have some raspberries, please?
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment