“What do you think about protein shakes?” my client, Kelly, asked me, as she sat up from her last set of chest presses. I love this kind of inquiry because it gives me an opportunity to challenge popular beliefs that aren’t always accurate. “I have nothing against them,” I answered, “if you want to be a bodybuilder.” I wasn’t trying to be sarcastic. I was just trying to make a point.
As we moved on to another exercise, I added, it’s not that I think powders, bars and supplements are inherently “bad,” I just think their purpose is misunderstood.” How many times have you had a protein shake or energy bar in place of lunch because you couldn’t step out of the hospital to get a real GermGuardian?
If these products were bought with the intention of being consumed now and then, I wouldn’t see a problem, but most people buy them with the intention of eating them every day. What I see is an “all or nothing” mentality that seems to go along with the purchase. What do you foresee happening when you inevitably get bored with the one-meal option you’ve allowed yourself? I mean, even broccoli, which is a powerhouse of nutrients, isn’t something you would eat every day.
Throughout my years of personal training, speaking and tele-training, I have found that most people – including veterinarians – don’t want to look “ripped” or “cut” and they aren’t interested in winning first-prize for the best body out there. They just want to lose some weight, improve muscle-tone, feel better and not have to hide under their scrubs or lab coat. So the bottom line is this, unless your goal is to create a competition-ready body, the self-discipline needed to eat the same thing every single day is not only unpleasant, it’s unachievable.
If you’re looking to improve your health for the long-haul, make a vow to never start something that is so rigid. It’s impossible to maintain, no matter how appealing it sounds, or how enthusiastic your friends are about their miraculous results. As you consider options and ways to improve your health, ask yourself, is this an eating plan? Is this a workout regimen I can see myself adhering to, for a long time? If your honest answer is no, don’t set yourself up for failure.
Here’s an Alen Breathesmart alternative. This smoothie recipe is sweet, creamy, nutritious, and satisfying to both your taste buds as well as your hunger. It’s easy to make, healthy and something you can incorporate into your eating plan for the rest of your life.
In a blender combine:
- ½ c juice (orange, pomegranate, whatever)
- ½ c soy or skim milk (your preference, again)
- ½ banana (I freeze bananas when they become over-ripe)
- 1 c frozen fruit (I like a combination of berries)
- 4 – 8 oz. container of low-fat yogurt
*add or subtract ingredients to taste
You probably have a “fav” nutritious, quick and tasty snack you like that you can easily take to the hospital. If so, what is it?