Louisa's Weight Loss Blog

Amelia

Have you noticed at the gym, or in sports magazines adverts, they display a various array of protein powders, tablets and bars with beautifully toned and muscled men and women? They appear to be an important part of any gym goer’s diet if you want to get that perfect body. Maybe you wouldn’t dare have anything more than an isotonic drink for fear of buying the wrong thing or have bought every single powder and tonic going.

These supplements are fantastic in terms of providing that energy boost or to aid muscle recovery. However, for the average dieter or gym goer, in taking large volumes of these are not necessary as they actually may contribute to weight gain.

Carbohydrate bars are eaten with the intention of obtaining that initial burst of energy, and yes, I have been known to eat one in bed before getting out for a super hard morning gym session as that guarana boost doesn’t take many minutes to kick in. However, an intense workout is required to ensure that you have burned the calories consumed and of course fat. A sedate half an hour on the exercise bike is not going to cut it. Intense cardio and resistance training for over an hour where you feel your heart rate work at over 80% will work wonders for losing that weight, so a little cereal bar like that is negligible.

Will you really burn this off to see the benefits?

The same goes for protein shakes where you add milk to a powder and have that after your work out? You’re looking at approximately 100 calories per scoop of protein powder PLUS milk – whole or semi skimmed? That workout is beginning to look a bit pointless now…

I believe now and again as an occasional boost or as a quick substitute that these supplements are an easy and convenient way of getting the nutrition you need, but these supplements are intended for athletes and the hard core exercisers. Ideally, you need to get your nutrition to run your body from the food you eat. I think for the average dieter, it’s easy to think of a protein shake as a quick fix to a ripped physique, but there are more considered ways of doing it.

Total Chunk Tip – be wary when looking at protein supplements. These are intended for athletes so may be more calories for energy that you need

I have really been getting into X factor over the last couple of weeks. I’ve found the live shows really exciting and nerve wracking at times. I HATE the twins with every fibre of my being! They are certainly amusing but that isn’t good enough for a talent contest when there are so many talented singers who would give their right arm for such an amazing opportunity. Then they’re wasting it d***ing around in red PVC jackets! What I do know is that Ricky had a few more weeks left in him and he was cruelly sacrificed by the voting public. I’ve just been watching the new Sunday show and it’s been so nerve wracking i’ve been snacking on doritos with hot salsa. Oops.

Miss Frank are brilliant but the pressure will be on to lose weight

I’m not sure who I think will win yet but I do like Louis’ act Miss Frank. They are fresh, sassy and fabulous! However, they are hardly the image of a typical girl band and I believe that if they wish to pursue a career after X factor, they will have to reassess their image. They were incredible last night but the girls are on the chunky side and most record companies would have them agree to go on a diet as a part of their contract. My advice to the girls if they choose to lose weight (and anyone undertaking a job that requires a lot of energy to get through the day) would be to not rely on sugar to keep your energy levels up. Avoid refined sugar like the plague! Caffeine in black coffee has its benefits but should not be relied upon to keep you awake beyond your natural capabilities. Indulge in brown rice and lots of high-fibre  filling vegetables that give you bundles of energy. The GI diet is great for giving dieters plenty of energy although it is a lot of effort to prepare every meal. They will need this wholesome energy to cope with demanding dance routines and a hectic schedule.

Total Chunk Top Tip: If like X Factor act Miss Frank you may be embarking upon a hectic lifestyle and you want to lose weight, do not rely on sugar and caffeine to keep your energy levels up. Try the GI diet as a way of getting lots of energy released slowly over the day.