Good SupplementsBy: Lisa Malosky The following article appeared in the December 2007 issue of Houston Health & Fitness Sports Magazine. Some promise to help you lose weight, others to build muscle, some to simply make you feel better. Nutritional supplements are easy to come by, but it's sometimes difficult to separate fact from marketing hype and fiction. We asked Anthony Falsone, personal strength and conditioning coach to Houston Rockets star Yao Ming, and owner of River Oaks Fitness, to help sort things out. The following are five supplements Falsone recommends to his clients: A daily multi-vitamin/mineral supplement adds much needed insurance in the area of proper nutrition. A general over the counter vitamin/mineral is all you need, not a vitamin pack or mega doses of individual vitamins. These are a quick and easy way to add nutrition and consistency to your eating plan. “Most companies sell their meal replacement products in powder form, ready to drink shakes and snack bars,” says Falsone. “Those are fine but can be pricey.” The following is a recipe Falsone recommends that's simple and inexpensive: 1 serving whey protein powder (flavor of your choice) 1 piece of fruit 5 almonds or 1 fish oil capsule.
When it comes to protein, there's no better source than whey. It can be added to foods like oatmeal, shakes and muffins. The product you select should contain between 300 to 600 mg of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). Both are omega-3 fatty acids. It's loaded with anti-oxidants. Four to Five cups a day should be the goal, or take green tea supplements in pill form. “Nutritional supplements can help,” says Falsone, “but don't make the mistake of relying on these products to overcome the effects of poor eating or insufficient exercise. Also, make sure to speak to your physician before adding and supplement to your diet.”
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