So i have been contemplating this now for a while and the big question

is.....



do we really need to supplement? love to hear all's insight. i am just

wondering how much was a byproduct of the supplements vs. the hard work

or vice versa?

Joe,







Do we really need to…   Not likely.







Would we really want to…   For me, it seems a good thing.















The meal replacement shakes are convenient, low fat foods.  The current food

processing seems to strip the nutrients from the foods (and then sell them

back to us as vitamins).  Our soil is pushed to grow more in less space

also, in my humble opinion, reducing the nutrient value in even the fresh

foods.







It’s hard to measure our nutritional intake unless we are able to specify

the nutrients in a supplement.















On the other hand…







If you are speaking about other supplements that enhance muscle growth

beyond normal exercise, these supplements only work (again, IMHO) while you

are taking them.  Any benefit is NOT made part of one’s permanent structure.

These types of supplements, however, can be used to enhance muscle growth

and help regenerate new muscle tissue faster, and when the supplements are

discontinued, if the exercises continue, there will likely be some residual

benefit of that supplement.  (eg, creatine)











I like the muscle puffiness of the extra supplements and the added burst of

strength, but, I don’t like the unknowns in taking them over the long term.











Good to hear from you,



George











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George Holowko, CPA, CCP



PO Box 444



Lafayette Hill, PA  19444-0444



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Telephone: (215) 483-2000



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E-mailto:gholowko@...



- - - - -



Remember...  Progress, NOT perfection!



- - - - -



   _____



From: bodyforlifeinpa@yahoogroups.com

[mailto:bodyforlifeinpa@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of jayannelli

Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 10:11 AM

To: bodyforlifeinpa@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [bodyforlifeinpa] Supplement Question







So i have been contemplating this now for a while and the big question

is.....



do we really need to supplement? love to hear all's insight. i am just

wondering how much was a byproduct of the supplements vs. the hard work

or vice versa?











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ditto what George said, Joe...  I agree with all he said.



I think it IS possible to do well, whether you're doing BFL or just a

workout regimen of your own, with or without supplements.  However, I

do find it hard to eat, let alone prepare, 5-6 food meals a day and not

get bored or end up skipping a few.  The shakes are probably the one

thing I would use, if nothing else.



I also agree that creatine, glutamine, HMB, amino acids, fatty acids,

etc are all great supplements... but are they necessary?  eeehhhh......

I don't think so.  I know they help - that I KNOW - but I think you can

still have good results and maintenance without them.  It might take a

little more work and discipline, but it would keep us on our toes!  :)



Hope all is well, my friend!



Shar  :)