Top Supplements To Blast Fat!

The question of which supplements to take comes up alot at our gym. There's so many pills, powders, and shakes out there promising instant results, it can be confusing and draining on your wallet!!I've tried many of the so-called "magic muscle builders and fat burners" and can tell you almost NONE OF THEM WORK!!

Supplements are just that, to "supplement" your whole food intake. With that said, there are 3 supplements I feel everyone should be taking to "fill in the gaps" since getting all your nutrients from food alone can be difficult (you'll need to eat alot) and expensive. Having tried so many useless pills and powders over the years, I take a minimalist approach to supplements nowadays. Here's my top 3 basic supplements that I've found keep me healthy and progressing in the gym:

1. Protein Powder - Protein is important for muscle building and repair, since the more lean muscle you have the faster your metabolism is and you turn into a fat burning machine! Protein also helps in satiety (feeling full). Chicken, fish, lean beef, and eggs are a good source of protein, but it may be difficult to get all your daily requirements (0.5 - 1 gram per pound of bodyweight) through only food. Whey protein powder can come in handy first thing in the morning, as a snack, or post-workout. I trust and use Prograde's protein powder which is the only protein powder out there I've found that tastes great just mixed with water!

2. Greens Supplement - Fruits and veggies are packed with antioxidants to keep you healthy and reduce the chance of disease. They also contain lots of fiber which can prevent hunger pangs making you feel full longer. We all know it's important to eat lot's of fruits and veggies everyday, but how many of us actually do with our busy schedules, especially around this time of year? This is where a greens supplement can help fill in the void. I use Prograde Genesis mixed with my protein shake first thing in the morning which gives me all the nutrients I need and a great jump-start to the day!

3. Essential Fatty Acids - Also known as Omega 3's, this nutrient is great for keeping your heart healthy, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels, decreasing joint pain, and burning fat by stabilizing blood sugar levels. Great sources of omega 3's can be found in fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and tuna to name a few), nuts, dark leafy vegetables, and avocados. The easiest way to make sure you're getting adequate amounts of essential fatty acids is to take a supplement. I use Prograde's EFA Icon which is made from krill oil (47 times more antioxidants than regular fish oil) and, the best part, no fish burps!!

There's no substitute for consistent hard work in the gym and in the kitchen. These supplements aren't meant to be "quick fixes" or "magic potions", but they will keep you healthy and make it a little easier to achieve your fitness goals in these busy times!