Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Exploring Weight Loss Supplements

Weight loss supplements have taken the fitness industry by storm over the past 20-years. Different variations of fat loss, appetite suppressants and thermogenics have evolved as companies have struggled to find common ground between what the consumers want and the guidelines implemented by the government.

The government can only restrict products that are classified as a drug. Ephedrine is classified as a drug as it is extracted from the root of the plant and the drug used for many allergy/asthma medications. Ephedra, on the other hand, is derived from the leaf of the plant and thus falls under the herbal category. The FDA has no jurisdiction on herbal products. As a result, the ephedra is safe from the long arm of the FDA…at least for now.

Not all weight loss supplements contain ephedra, and there are many without ephedra. Some of the herbal ingredients in weight loss supplements are seen in nearly all weight loss supplements. Among those ingredients are chromium and Hydroxycitric acid (HCA)

Chromium is a mineral that plays an essential role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, as well as helping control insulin. Chromium picolinate is a type of chromium that has been studied for its potential role in altering body composition. Chromium has primarily been studied in body builders, with conflicting results. In one of these studies, lean body mass (muscle) lost during a weight-loss diet was restored by continuing to supplement chromium after the diet. It makes sense that weight loss supplements would want to include an ingredient to promote lean mass preservation. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so that alone would promote faster fat loss in consumers.

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is an ingredient that comes from the extract of the Garcinia cambogia fruit rind. It is similar in composition to citric acid (the primary acid in citrus fruits). Early studies suggested that HCA may be a useful weight-loss aid, in laboratory studies it’s shown to reduce the conversion of carbohydrates into stored fat by inhibiting certain enzyme processes. Animal research indicates that HCA suppresses appetite and induces weight loss. In one case report, an individual who ate 1 gram of the fruit containing HCA before each meal lost one pound per day. It is still unclear if the conversion from fruit to supplement is as effective.

There are some things you can do to promote weight loss without taking an explicit weight loss supplement. Adding capsaicin (the primary part of cayenne peppers) to your meal has can reduce your food intake by around 200 calories. The less you eat, the less fat you are apt to store and the less you are going to have to work off later.

Green tea is another ingredient in many weight loss supplements, but you can drink green tea by itself. Drinking or taking green tea offers a higher energy expenditure and faster fat oxidation than taking caffeine alone.

Don’t be confined to thinking that all weight loss supplements are bad or unnatural. Rather you are looking for a true to term weight loss supplement or something to supplement your actual diet to promote weight loss, the solutions are available. However, don’t kid yourself that all you have to do is pop a pill or add cayenne peppers to your meal. You have to watch what you eat, not just watch it go in to your mouth. You also will have to get moving. Exercising is a primal part of any successful weight loss program.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Herbal Dietary Supplement Sales: Recession Proof

Sales of herbal dietary supplements has increased by nearly five percent in 2009 topping out at an estimated figure of more than $5 billion, according to report in HerbalGram. Even more pronounced is the increase in mainstream markets; these venues such as drug stores and specialty shops and websites increased over 14 percent since 2008.

“This news is really remarkable,” said HerbalGram editor Mark Blumenthal. “In the most economically difficult market in over 70 years, when almost all consumer goods experienced a drop in sales, consumers voted strongly with scarcer dollars for herbal dietary supplements. The 14-percent growth spurt is the largest sales increase in the mainstream market in recent memory.”

SPINS, a company devoted to promoting and furthering the natural products industry, found in there study and research the 5 top-selling single herbal supplements of 2009 in the health and natural foods channel, were aloe vera, flaxseed oil, wheat grass and barley grass, açaí and turmeric.

More and more people are turning to herbal dietary supplements to enhance there health and life. The numbers show that even during economic crisis, people understand that their health is more important than money and that there are safe and natural dietary supplements.

Break down of top 5-selling single herbal supplements:

Aloe Vera contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid. No other natural product contains so many elements beneficial to the body.

Flaxseed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible "fishy" after taste. Sounded good to me already! Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin.

Wheat Grass and Barley Grass are close cousins to dark green leafy vegetables, but offer much higher levels of "nutrient density." A single ounce of these concentrated green foods contains much more of the beneficial phyto-nutrients (healthy components) found in an ounce of green vegetables.

Açaí is noted to contain between 10 to 30 times more antioxidants than grapes, pomegranates, or even blueberries. Because of the extensive vitamins, amino acids, minerals, Omega acids, and other nutrient properties, the acai berry is one of the most nutritionally dense berries on the available.

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder. It has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer all the way to Alzheimer's disease.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Do Bodybuilders Need More Vitamins?


There are some misconceptions that bodybuilders only need to take protein and workout supplements. Often the need for supplemental vitamins is over looked because the bodybuilding diet is so ‘clean.’ However, many times bodybuilders are in greater need of supplemental vitamins than their counterparts.

Some questions to ask are:

  1. Is the vitamin directly involved in muscle action, protein synthesis or the integrity of muscle cells?
  2. Does exercise result in an increased requirement of the nutrient?
  3. Do athletes typically have lower intakes of the vitamins?
  4. Does dietary supplementation with the vitamin improve performance and/or growth?
Bodybuilders are notorious for overlooking these key components. In order to optimize growth and performance, you have to have the right amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Make sure you analyze your diet to ensure you're taking in enough of the right vitamins. You could have the best diet in the world in terms of calories, fat, etc, but if you're lacking adequate levels of these metabolic spark plugs, you're shooting yourself in the foot.

Probably the most commonly supplemented vitamin in bodybuilders diets are the B vitamins. They are widely revered for their role in the function of the protein metabolism, muscle growth, and energy. They are vital in any bodybuilding supplement regime.

While B vitamins have the largest following in the bodybuilding world, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the most important vitamin. Most athletes don't realize how important vitamin C status is to success. As the most widely studied vitamin in sports nutrition, Ascorbic acid has proven itself to be valuable to bodybuilders in many ways.
     
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, protecting muscle cells from free radical damage, thus enhancing recovery and growth. It is involved with amino acid metabolism, particularly the formation of Collagen. Collagen is the primary component of connective tissue (holds your bones and muscles where they need to be). This may not seem important, but as you lift heavier weights, the stress you put on your body becomes tremendous. If your connective tissue is not as healthy and strong as it should be (a problem often seen in steroid users), risk of injury dramatically increases.

Vitamin C helps the absorption of Iron. Iron is necessary for Oxygen to bind to hemoglobin in blood. Without enough oxygen transportation in blood, muscles are robbed of oxygen and performance is greatly reduced. In addition, Ascorbic Acid assists in the development and release of natural anabolic hormones (like HGH and testosterone).

Finally, vitamin C is perhaps the most water soluble vitamin there is. In other words, it breaks up quickly in water. Since muscle cells are made up mostly of water, the more muscular an athlete becomes, the more vitamin C breaks down and as a result it is less abundant. Because of this, vitamin C is generally needed at higher supplemental rations in bodybuilders.

As your program and diet dials in, you won’t want to waste hard earned efforts because your body doesn’t have the right amount of vitamins. Once you have evaluated how much you are training and the approximate amount you are getting from foods and existing supplements, you can better determine your additional needs.
 
Train hard, but focus just as much on your nutritional needs!

Bodybuilding Supplements


Popular Bodybuilding Stacks Recommended by Product Specialists:


Bodybuilding is a discipline like no other. It requires absolute attention to aspects of daily life that no other sport examines. Diet, cardio, sleep, training, conditioning and supplementation are all down to a science. When other sports end when you leave the field, bodybuilding carries on long after the gym. Every minute is make or break.

Meals are planned down the half ounce. Supplements are timed down to the minute. Your life revolves around one goal: to be the biggest and baddest you can.

It doesn’t matter what type of bodybuilder you are, rather you compete or just like to build symmetrical, dense muscles, there is some type of supplementation required. Even if it is just protein.

The supplementation for bodybuilding can be daunting. You have to think about which product is the right product, and is it a quality company? You have to think about when to take it, how to stack it, how to track its progress…so many products work better in conjunction with other products, but some products can inhibit the absorption and effectiveness.

Because every need is different, WorldClassNutrition.com has brought in experts to help you put together a product recommendation for your specific needs, and the consultations are free. With so many different companies claiming to have the latest and greatest, having an expert on your side will save you time, money and maybe even your health. It is not only frustrating to work hard and not get the results you want, but it can also have negative effects on your health. Why risk it?

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

1.M.R. My Training Partner

The weights are stacked, my iPod loaded, water jug filled and 1.M.R. downed. It is the best part of the day. The part that is the reason I go to bed early and plan out every meal. It is time to train.

Walking through those doors, the Earth seems to take a new spin. No more do worries from the day linger in my head. No longer is there doubt or wonder. When I walk through those doors there is only one question: How much can I lift today?

I love this part of my day. I love the internal contest that endless tries to pin down my ability. The battle between my alter egos: the lifter and the competitor. It doesn't matter how much I can lift at a show. It matters what I look like, and sometimes lifting heavy doesn't help my physique, but it just feels so good.

I don't train alone; I have my 1.M.R. to push me. This supplement has helped me out more than once. I call it my training partner. Training solo, it is easy to skimp on sets/reps, but with 1.M.R. you really do push out one more rep. One more rep is one closer to the next goal. It is the difference between staying for cardio and going home so 'I don't miss The Bachelorette' cause it's better in real time?!

Finding motivation is hard a lot of days. Work is long and life is demanding, but I have found a supplement that offers me pick up without over stimulating me or leaving me out to dry. It isn't often I write about a particular supplement, but it isn't often I find one that helps me so much!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Tips For Better Wieght Loss Results

Do you ever find when you want to lose weight, you immediately start craving bad foods and are always hungry? Even the use of diet pills leaves you staring in the cupboards for something, anything. You are not alone. It is kind of like when someone says “don’t look now, but…” do you really have any choice but to look immediately? It takes a strong person to bypass the desire to do an activity they are all of a sudden “not allowed” to do.

You can go your whole life without wanting a brownie. That is until you are “not allowed” to have one. I am not a “sweets” person, but when I am getting ready for a fitness competition and no longer able to dabble in temptations, I suddenly want candy bars and ice cream. After the show, when I can indulge, I’d rather have chicken and a salad…just isn’t right.

There are some tricks that you can use to help your cravings as you pursue your goals in weight management. It takes more than a great diet pill, it takes thought and planning.

American Dietetic Association spokesperson Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, recommends:
  • Eat plenty of low-calorie vegetables to help you feel full.
  • Drink plenty of water so you don't confuse hunger with thirst.
  • Clear the house of tempting foods.
  • Stay busy to prevent eating out of boredom.
  • Eat only from a plate (not from the container), while seated at a table.
  • Always eat three meals and one snack daily -- no skipping meals.
Weighing yourself daily and tracking your food intake can also help you stay on track focused. The conscious act of writing down your progress, or lack there of, can help you avoid temptation through out the day and force yourself to choose momentary satisfaction or restraint that will reinforce the big picture. 
"Even if you write it down on a napkin and end up throwing it away, the act of writing it down is about being accountable to yourself and is a very effective tool for weight loss," says Bonnie Taub Dix, MA, RD, a food and nutrition blogger for USA Today.
These simple tricks will help you to reach your goals better than using a diet pill alone. You can expect a little pill to be able to make up for your neglect. Diet pill are not a pass to eat what ever you want. If they were, we wouldn’t have such an epidemic.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Bulk Nutrition: Saving Money on the Products You Use


Bulk Nutrition isn’t just about size, it is about value.
Find Bulk Nutrition at Discount Prices at WorldClassNutrition.com

There is nothing cheap about obtaining that perfect physique you have been dreaming of...regardless of the dream. If you are on a budget, you have probably had to make the hard choice between this product and that product. Sacrificing some the speed in which you could have reached your goals and wasting time and energy.

There is a reason stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are so popular (anyone who knows me, knows my undying love for Costco!): shopping in bulk. Buying a surplus of the stuff you use anyway to save money, lots of it.

Mass by American Sports Nutrition 25lbs ($89.99): An Elite Weight Gain Formula to achieve Maximum Mass through Muscle growth. American Mass by American Sports Nutrition is an elite weight gain formula. Maximum Mass through muscle growth is available when you supplement your diet and workout program with American Mass.

You have to spend a little more than you are used to on the front end to achieve the savings, but the amount of time that goes in between purchases is worth it and the reduced cost per serving is a reward in its self. For example, the 5 pound Mass by American Sports Nutrition is $21.99. It would take 5 of these to equal the amount in the 25 pound container. Five would cost you $109.95 so, it is like buying four and getting one for free.

Steel Bar American Body Building 24 per box ($21.99): Steel Bars Are Back! These boxes contain 24 bars that are all crammed with 16 grams protein and 19 vitamins and minerals, not to mention their crunchy texture and satisfying taste! All for less than a dollar a bar! I repeat, "All this for less than a dollar a bar."

If you went and bought these bars one at a time you could spend up to $4.50 per bar! STOP throwing money down the drain! Keeping bars on hand (in your drawer at work or gym bag) will help you from stopping for fast food or making a run to the vending machine, saving you money and high calorie, diet sabotaging foods.

You can find these deals and so many more at WorldClassNurtition.com

Bodybuilding Products...Who Do You Trust?

Popular Bodybuilding Product Stacks Recommended by WorldClassNutrition Product Specialists & Reordered by Their Customers:
Build Mass: BolaSterol, HaloStane, Arimiplex
Cutting: H-Drol, Novadex XT

Bodybuilding is a highly specialized sport. It is a discipline like no other. It requires attention to details of life that no other sport examines so closely. Diet, cardio, sleep, training, conditioning and supplementation are all down to a science. While other sports end when you leave the field, bodybuilding carries on around the clock. Meals are planned down the half ounce. Supplements are timed down to the minute.

Your life revolves around one goal: to be the biggest and baddest you can. 

It doesn’t matter what type of bodybuilder you are, rather you compete or just like to build symmetrical, dense muscles, there is some type of bodybuilding product required. Even if it is just protein. Depending on your goal, age, and dedication, there are products designed to help you reach your potential and accomplish your goal. There are bodybuilding products that range from simple vitamin/mineral complexes to ensure you are getting enough of each, to pro-hormones to promote muscle building gains that the gym alone won't accomplish.

Wading through all the bodybuilding products can be daunting. You have to think about which product is the right product, and is it a quality company? You have to think about when to take it, how to stack it, how to track its progress…so many bodybuilding products work better in conjunction with other products, but some products can inhibit the absorption and effectiveness.

Because every need is different, WorldClassNutrition.com has experts to help you put together a product recommendation for your specific needs, and the consultations are free. With so many different companies claiming to have the latest and greatest, having an expert on your side will save you time, money and maybe even your health. It is not only frustrating to work hard and not get the results you want, but it can also have negative effects on your health. Why risk it?

Call for your free consultation or to order and stop wasting your time and taking unnecessary chances. The toll-free number is: 1-800-338-0139.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Should You Take Nutritional Supplements?

There is a lot of conversation about the need to take nutritional supplements...or not. First off, we need to define the term supplement. To me, and for the purpose of this discussion, supplementation is any nutrient or substance (natural or synthetic) that does not come from your diet. For argument sake, we will omit prescriptions.

There are some nutritional supplements that I think are generally accepted, even if not taken: vitamins and minerals. But there is a world of other supplements out there that are safe and effective and justified.

Most people have a hard time getting in enough protein to support a training regime. That being said, a protein supplement is not only justified but incredibly effective. There are protein supplements for EVERY need, rather you are vegan, on a budget or trying to get jacked. Protein supplements are great for men or women, but they are not all created equal. Often we omit something that could be really great, from a stigma that is fabricated and perpetrated due to a simple lack of education.

Then you have workout nutritional supplements like creatine, nitric oxide products, recovery supplements, endurance supplements and diet aids. Some of these products merely help your body do what it already does, just faster and better, naturally. Other products have synthetic ingredients to 'create' a desired reaction. Just like proteins, not all products are created equally or have the same impact on your body. Some are completely natural and safe, for example: l-glutamine and amino acids. Supplementing with these natural substances that occur in food, just not enough, promotes faster recovery from physical stress (rather from work, chasing the kiddos or killing it in the gym).

There are certainly people who abuse nutritional supplements, and it is these people who have created a negative stigma around a world of possibilities and potential. Like most things in life, if you over do it or abuse it, the possibility of negative consequences are endless, but respected and done in moderation can enhance your life. If you have any question on supplements, which ones you may need, what they do, or if they are safe, you can email me anytime: leslieraestg@yahoo.com.

Sport Supplements Surviving the Heat


Sports Nutritional Supplements have been in the media a lot lately, good and bad. The FDA wants to make the supplement industry out to be a monster, but the turns a blind eye to those that are really threats.

Sports Supplements, like aspirin, can have possible side effects, and negative results if abused. If taken correctly by a healthy individual, sports supplements are great ways to maximize an athlete’s ability and create gains faster. Nitric-oxide is one of the hottest ingredients in workout supplements right now. 

NO-BOMB, one of Maximum Human Performance’s (MHP) newest products, is one of the biggest breakthrough in pump-maximizing nitric oxide supplementation. MHP scientists have raised the bar with the development of NO-BOMB, the first-ever formula to use a full Sigma-tau certified clinical dose of the patented pharmaceutical compound GlycoCarn (GPLC). At the clinically dosed 4.5 grams, GlycoCarn has been confirmed to be far superior to Arginine and AAKG in boosting nitric oxide levels to help trigger greater pumps and muscle growth.

Benefits:
·        Recovery
·        Lactic Acid Removal
·        Fat Burning
·        Energy

MHP is a recognized leader in strength sports and the choice of top pro bodybuilders, but they are also the choice for millions of amateur athletes from all sports, as well as, fitness enthusiasts. MHP is dedicated to developing the most technologically advanced supplements to promote health, longevity, and physical performance. MHP, in collaboration with Giampapa Institute of Anti-Aging, have developed a complete line of supplements unlike any other.

When you are seeking out a company dedicated to delivering quality sports supplements you can be confident leaning on MHP.

Reviews:

Just finished a chest workout and NO-BOMB gives me a killer pump. I feel the pump for the full workout so much that it's almost painful! My strength is up in most of my exercises and I push out more reps per set. NO-BOMB is the best NO product I've ever used!!! Great when stacked with basic creatine, but if you need a psycho boost, try it with Dark Rage! Highly recommend this stuff!!!
Randy (Texas)

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Looking for Hope in a Bottle?


Weight loss supplements are more common than a summer sale. They have more variations than dance re-mixes and none of it is very consumer friendly. It is hard to know which weight loss claims are legit and which supplement health ‘warnings’ are real.

When you are looking for a good weight loss supplement, pay attention. Don’t get caught up in the hype and empty promises. There is no such thing as a miracle pill, no such thing. If there were, do you think there would be such the weight loss epidemic? Nope.

Most of the ‘results’ and testimonies are not typical, not even close. They are the one in a million cases, or they are the result of the energy supplied in executing all the recommendations: combining said product with diet and exercise.

You just are not going to find a “get out of fat free” card. There are supplements that will suppress your appetite and as a result you may eat less and lose fat. And, there are others that will raise your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories that will drop a few pounds.

Weight loss supplements are only as effective as the motivation of the individual. Getting the most out of a supplement will only happen when you put the most in to your endeavor. If there were something that could take the fat off without any extra effort or changing your diet, do you really think gyms would be so packed? Do you REALLY think that so many people would spend the time away from friends and family to sweat after putting in a full day of work, or wake up before creation to hit the gym?

These people know that the weight loss supplements they are taking are to aid there goals and help them reach them sooner.

Read the back of the bottle. You don’t necessarily have to know what each are, but if two bottles have the same ingredients at about the same ratio, go with the best price. Shop online and save big! Just know that you will have to put in more energy than entering your credit card number and mailing address.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Summer Is Upon Us

Memorial Day has passed and we are head first into summer!! Bikini season and neighborhood BBQ's are looming. Pull out the shorts and tank tops and get ready!!

Summer is the season for vacations! The kids are out of school and the beach is waiting. Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean you should take a week off training. Personally, I love going to 'new' gyms! I get my hardest workouts when I am in a new environment for some reason; it couldn't be my pride wanting to show out (haha). Any way, back to you...one of the hardest parts of training while out of town is having your supplements. After being in such a rhythm, sometimes it feels like a waste of time without protein, pre and post-workout supplements, especially with the regulations like they are on fights.

There are some simple solutions. Measure out your protein in little baggies so you aren't carrying around a tub of protein. Do the same with your other supplements and label the baggies, but make sure to put them in a large bag in case there are any punctures or accidents. That way you aren't shaking protein and Super Pump 250 out of your swimsuit!

Even if you don't plan on working out, you still need your supplements. It is too easy to miss meals or miss certain nutrients on vacation and it is unnecessary. Take your protein and help your body maintain your physique. A week off of training is bad enough without adding insult to injury by depriving your body of the tool to try and keep its progress!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Double Protein Shot Never Hurt

It is no secret that protein is a vital and necessary part of any fitness program, but sometimes whipping out powder, water and a mixer is less than incontinent. However having a protein shot handy would make the process much easier!

IDS has acknowledged this problem and has a New Whey Liquid Protein. These protein shots have 25 grams of protein in each shot.

IDS New Whey Liquid Protein Highlights:

1. New Whey Liquid Protein is packaged in an easily portable 2.9 fluid oz, virtually unbreakable, plastic vial.
2. New Whey Liquid Protein is heat stable. This means refrigeration is optional which adds to its convenience and portability.
3. You can take New Whey anywhere anytime with no fear of bottle breakage or leakage.
4. Each Protein Shot has 25 Grams protein, 0 grams carbs, 0 grams fat!
5. Only 100 calories per shot.
6. Actinase is the source of protein in IDS New Whey Liquid Protein and is made up of a special grade of protein called hydrolyzed proteins for easy and fast digestion.

This form of IDS protein is ideal to through in your backpack or purse for easy and immediate access. It takes the planning out of supplementing. You can keep a case at work, in the car or where ever you go.

Study after study has testified to the importance of supplementing with protein after workouts for muscle repair. If you are crunched for time and miss that ‘magic hour’ when it is the most crucial to get quick absorbing protein in your system, than you are missing out on the gains you could be making.
IDS whey protein supplies your body with the correct nutrition in a manor too easy to argue with. IDS New Whey Protein is also a great supplement for Bariatirc Patients.

IDS pprovides complete protein in an easily absorbable form, New Whey Liquid Protein is ideal for patients following bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass and Lap-Band® surgery. The unique formula has been shown to help the body heal and prevents muscle loss without filling up the stomach.



Supplement Facts: Serving Size: 1 vial (12 Servings per box):

Calories 100
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 g
Sodium 64 mg
Potassium 31 mg
Total Carbohydrates 0 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
PROTEIN 25 GRAMS
Vitamin C 100%
Thiamin (B1) 10%
Riboflavin (B2) 10%
Niacin (B3) 10%
Pantothenic Acid (B5) 10%
Pyridoxine (B6) 10%
Cyanocobalamin (B12) 10%
Biotin 10%
Folic Acid 10%

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Looking to Buy Ephedrine?

Are you still wondering where to buy ephedrine? Look no further! You can still buy ephedrine at discount prices at WorldClassNutrition.com. Support your diet efforts with the proven benefits of ephedrine.
Ephedrine has helped men and women lose unwanted fat for years! It is relatively new to America but other countries have been using the medicinal properties for centuries.

There are several ways that ephedrine is used in the supplement industry today. There are pills and drinks. Among the different diet pills are several different formulas designed to help in different ways.
  • ECA Stack: This is a very popular combination of ephedra, caffeine and aspirin. These three ingredients have been repeatedly proven to work together to optimize the effect of the ephedra.
  • Thermogenics: These supplements primary purpose is to stimulate your body temperature through metabolic stimulation. This stimulation causes your body to use more calories to maintain the elevated temperature. The result is calories burned, and generally the calories come from fat storage.
  • Stimulant-Free Fat Burners: These products generally do not include ephedra or caffeine. They utilize ingredients that do not alter your physical state. They generally do not bring the same results at the same speed as stimulants/thermogenics, but you do not have to worry about any of the physical effects of stimulants.
  • Appetite Suppressants: ~Ephedra in itself has appetite suppressant characteristics, but in specific appetite suppressants, they include other ingredients that have been repeatedly proven to control the appetite and general cravings. ~Hoodia is a supplement that many people believe helps them control their hunger. Hoodia originated from Africa and was primarily used by hunters when they went out on hunting expeditions to prevent hunger pains from shortening their trip. Be aware, however, that it can take a few days to exert its affects; if you don’t feel anything at first, wait it out before making judgments.~Caffeine is a daily part of most of our lives, yet many of us don’t realize the appetite-suppressing properties that caffeine has. This stimulant is most noted for its energizing effect along with its ability to help keep you awake during that mid-morning meeting. When taken in moderate doses, however, as the central nervous system is stimulated, you’ll also tend to experience a decreased appetite.
Regardless of your preference, WorldClassNutrition.com has a product to fit your needs and help reach your goals. When you are looking to buy ephedrine or other weight loss products, look to the leader in ephedra products at discount prices. The prices may be discounted but the quality is not. WorldClassNutrition.com is able to bring you the best names in weight loss and every other supplement need you have because they have teamed up with the manufacture to get the best prices available. With minimal overhead, WorldClassNutrition.com is able to pass on the savings to you!

Popular Ephedra Products:

ThinQuik (30mg Ephedra 90ct)
Regular price: $59.99
Sale price: $44.95, 2/$86.99

Green Stinger (27mg Ephedra 120ct)
Regular price: $69.99
Sale price: $49.99, 2/$95.99

Fire Starter (30mg Ephedra 90ct)
Regular price: $79.95
Sale price: $44.99





Thursday, May 20, 2010

HumaPro...Mamma Always Said...

ALRI has unveiled another innovation in the fitness industry. HumaPro is their newest protein and the only protein on the market designed to mimic human milk. Anyone who knows me, knows I am against dairy. I have always been against promoting the only species (us) who drinks another mammals milk (cows). I have never wanted to develop like a cow so I have never understood drinking the very thing that nurses calf's, but I digress (if I don't move on, I may never get off this introduction).

ALRI wondered the same thing but took it a step further. The protein supplements we are bombarded with in the fitness industry are components of milk: whey and casein. ALRI did the research to find out the differences between cow and human milk (and there are several).

Cow milk is about 80% casein and 20% whey. Human milk starts off about 40% casein and 60% whey and as the baby grows, breast milk proteins change until the ratio is about 50/50.

They whey in human milk is predominantly alpha-lactalbumin while the whey in cow milk is dominate in beta-lactoglobulin. ALRI reported: "Whereas alpha-lactalbumin has been studied well for validation associated with increased immune factors to disease, allergies, increased mineral absorption and growth factors specific to humans, beta-lactoglobulin has been associated with the exact opposite."


Pretty interesting information if you as me...you didn't but you are still reading :) So if human and cow's milk is fundamentally different to produce separate actions in the receiving system, why are we consuming the ingredients to build a cow?

I haven't tried it yet (it just came available to distributors yesterday), but I will be. It could change the game...ohhh did I mention ALRI says HumaPro has a calorie of 0.4 per gram (traditional protein has 4 calories/gram). So you can get better protein, none of the side effects and consume fewer calories in the process? Too good to be true? We'll see. 

Monday, May 17, 2010

Vitamins for Weight Loss


Proper Weight Loss Requires Specific Vitamins

Weight loss and vitamins are tightly connected. In order for your body to be free to shed unwanted fat, it has to be in an optimal state; otherwise you will be more susceptible to losing muscle, not fat.  

Vitamins are important for you body to develop normally. There are 13 vitamins you need in order for proper function: A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and foliate).

The Best Vitamins for Weight Loss

The most important vitamins for weight loss are B vitamins and Vitamin C, they are the chief vitamins responsible for proper thyroid and metabolic function. The thyroid is responsible for regulating hormone production. If your hormones are out of whack, you body tends to store fat as a defense mechanism. If your metabolic function is off, your body will not process calories properly, and this usually doesn’t end well.

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Assists in promoting normal thyroid function and overall metabolism. Good food sources: Milk, liver, almonds, hard cheese, eggs, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables.

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Essential for normal thyroid hormone production. Vitamin B3 is also part of the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) which is released every time blood sugar rises. Good food sources include: Wheat bran, liver, tuna, turkey, chicken, meat, eggs, mackerel, salmon, oats, barley, cheese, dried fruit, and brown rice.

  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): A deficiency in Vitamin B5 limits the bodies capacity to utilize fat efficiently. In addition, it is super important in energy production and assists in adrenal function. Good food sources of Vitamin B5 include: liver and kidney, meat, poultry, nuts, wheat bran, wheat germ, eggs, molasses, oats, barley, beans, wholegrain bread, green vegetables.

  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Helps regulate the production of the thyroid hormone and aids in overall metabolism. Good food sources of Vitamin B6: wheat bran, wheat germ, oats, sardines, mackerel, poultry, beef, avocado, bananas, brown rice, cabbage, dried fruit, molasses, eggs.

  • Choline: Included in the Vitamin B complex. However choline is not a real vitamin; it is made in the liver. Choline is vital for efficient fat metabolism. Without choline, fats become trapped in the liver and are unable to be processed. Good sources of choline include: lecithin, egg yolks, wheat germ, cauliflower, cucumber, peanuts.

  • Inositol: Also a member of the vitamin B complex and manufactured inside the body. Inositol combines with choline to assist in fat metabolism. Good sources of inositol include: lecithin, beef heart, beef liver, wheat germ, soy, eggs, citrus fruits, whole grains, and nuts.

  • Vitamin C: Among Vitamin C’s surplus of health benefits is its function in the proper conversion of glucose to energy with in the cells. Good food sources of vitamin C include: blackcurrants, broccoli, green peppers, kiwi fruits, brussel sprouts, lemons, citrus, strawberries, and cabbage.

While it would be ideal to get all your vitamin needs from food sources, it is not always practical. With the amount of processing foods go through they end up having to be ‘fortified’ with vitamins (important vitamins that were naturally in the food are removed when processing and synthetically added back into the product). Also, because of the destruction to the soil, most vegetables and farmed foods do not have the vitamin content they should. This deficiency is passed on to the animals who graze on them, and as a result, our meats are lower in vitamin’s too.

However, when you take vitamin supplements to help with weight loss and overall health, make sure to take them with food! SupplementsToGo.com has the best names in the vitamin business at prices that won’t break the bank. Save money, get what you want and reach your goals!

Protein and Weight Loss


Decade after decade the media has been influenced by fad diets that have in one way or another caught our eye. Daring claims were made against fat, for fat…against carbs and for carbs. But, what they have all had in common is protein. We have been fighting with the right amount and right kind of protein for weight loss for years.

  • How much protein do we really require?
  • What foods contain protein?
  • Which protein is best?
  • Does working out influence protein needs?

While ensuring your diet is balances with each food group (carbohydrates, fat and protein), it is super important to have enough protein if your goal is weight loss.
 
A Little Background on Protein
Protein is made up of 20 amino acids that serve as the building blocks for muscle tissue development, growth and repair. Of those 20 amino acids, the body makes 11 (nonessential amino acids), but the other nine, (essential amino acids) have to come from food or supplementation.

The protein in our diet can come from animal or plant sources. These “dietary” proteins are broken into two categories: complete and incomplete. Animal and soy proteins are complete because they contain the 9 essential amino acids that the body is not able to make, but must have. Plant proteins (vegetables, nuts and beans) are incomplete. They lack at least one of the essential amino acids. Your body needs complete proteins for weight loss.
 
How much protein do I need?
For mildly active (exercise three times a week for 30-60 minutes), you don't need more than the RDA -- 0.4 grams per pound of ideal body weight. To calculate your daily protein needs in grams, multiply your weight by 0.4. (For a 145-pound person, that's 58 grams, or 12-15 percent of total daily calories.)

If you're moderately active (exercise four to six days a week for 30-60 minutes), take 0.6-0.7 grams/pound. (That's 87-101.5 grams, or about 20 percent of total daily calories, for a 145-pound person.)

If you're highly active (exercise daily for an hour or more) you may need more like 0.9-1 gram/pound. (For a 145-pound person, that's 130.5-145 grams, or about 30 percent of total daily calories.

The reason the quantity of protein goes up is because when you are exercising, you are breaking down muscle tissue (rather you are going heavy or light, if it is burning, it is breaking…if it’s not burning, we have a whole other problem: Kick it up a notch!). In order to repair the broken down tissue, the body needs complete protein chains (all the essential and non-essential) before it can repair the damage and allow you to be one day closer to your goals.

Eating protein will not make you ‘big,’ but it will support what ever workout program you are on, rather it be to lose fat or develop big dense muscles. Eating protein will help weight loss by feeding your body what it needs to be lean and efficient.

Sometimes it is not practical to expect to get the right amount of protein through out the day. Dropping everything to cook eggs or chicken is time consuming and requires some equipment. Having a protein supplement on hand is not only smart but effective. It ensures you are getting quality, complete protein without high amounts of saturated or trans fats.

BSN Lean Dessert Protein: Contains MCT's, EFA's, and Glutamine Peptides, which stimulate energy, fat loss, and lean muscle growth! Designed to be thick and satisfying (helping control your cravings and appetite until your next meal)! Rich in BCAA's and other Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids! Low in carbs and fat (ideal for low carb/ low fat lifestyles)!

BSN Syntha-6 Protein: Utilizes a formula that offers a time releases supply of amino acids into the bloodstream; uses a patented blend of proteins for a constant supply of nutrient to muscle tissue. Includes branched-chain amino acids and both essential and non-essential amino acids.
Nitro-Tech Hardcore by MuscleTech: Nitro-Tech Hardcore is designed to deliver a triple-whammy of anabolic effects.  First, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains a blend of amino acids that has been specially selected for super-fast, super-effective muscle growth.  Second, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains Insulogen, which is designed to enhance insulin secretion and sensitivity. Third, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains a NOx (nitric oxide) enhancer that helps you to look and feel as pumped as you’ll ever be.

Zero Impact Protein by VPX: Because protein is the single most important performance, appearance and muscle enhancing substance, a significant amount of research went into isolating a protein superior to those already available. Pushing the envelope of technology, VPX Sports Nutrition engineered a protein derived from Cross-Flow Quadrafiltration (CFQ) called ZERO PROTEIN – the highest biological value, fat and carbohydrate-free, pure whey protein isolate. This unique manufacturing processes (CFQ) yields increased protein microfractions and Di, Tri and Quadrapeptide Isolates.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Summer Tan...Make It Last


Summer is here and not only are you not donning the tan of your dreams, you’re hiding behind winter white. Heading to the pool, lake or beach isn’t fun if you are blinding everyone.

You have solutions. Rather you are into tanning beds or self tanners, there are easy, cheap solutions from designer brands. Even if you have the base you want there are products that will help the life of your tan and treat your skin like silk.


Indoor tanning has some negative effects. The media has certainly blown each of them out of the water, but so does processed food, the air you breathe, cell phones and micro waved food.

The majority of the negative effects are associated with over use (like anything). But, there are also some benefits. The body gets a very vital nutrient, vitamin D, from UV rays, rather natural or artificial.

You can avoid frequent visits and still get deep, rich color by implementing a tanning lotion. Australian Gold, Designer Skin and Hoss Sauce each provide some of the best formulas on the market today!

There are two different types of tanning lotions:
  1. Tinglers-helps increase blood circulation, thus improving the oxygenation of your skin cells. The increased level of oxygen helps accelerate your tan.
  2. Bronzers-There are two different types of bronzers:
·        1. Cosmetic Bronzer – This is a bronzer that acts much like a make-up, giving you immediate color once applied, allowing your natural tan to develop over the next few hours. The bronzer will ultimately wash off.
·        2. DHA Bronzer – DHA is a colorless chemical that is found in self-tanners. DHA is also found in many indoor tanning lotions. DHA, when applied to your skin will start to turn your skin brown in about 2-3 hours.
(Both types of bronzers are very effective in helping you achieve your best looking tan.)

Within each of the above formulas, manufactures add various moisturizers, firming complexes and tan extenders to maximize your tanning experience, tan life and skin’s appearance. There are even lotions with Stay Fresh technology that are designed to make sure you don’t smell like a typical tanning session.

Industry Leaders

Australian Gold: For over 20 years, Australian Gold® brand has continually produced lotions with superior bronzing power, advanced skincare and unbeatable results. Their Accelerator lotion continues to be the number one seller in the industry. New technologies such as DermaDark® blend keep Australian Gold in the forefront of the industry as one of the most recognized brands in indoor tanning.

Designer Skin: Designer Skin’s prevailing philosophy is “Nutrition for the Skin” and this mantra drives every aspect of their product development. Designer Skin’s phenomenal line of dark tanning formulas provide the ultimate in skin nutrition through the use of advanced skincare ingredients and superior formulations. They work by two standards: Exceptional skincare and exceptional color.

Hoss Sauce: An industry leader in product development and refinement and continues to market the highest-quality products. They provide an array of quality lotions that help kick-start a tan as well as advanced lotions that help clients burst through any tanning plateau. Tanners won’t find better products that are more extremely advanced in formulation and manufactured with the highest-quality ingredients than those developed by Hoss Sauce.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Kre Alkalyn Creatine Supplements

Kre-Alkalyn Creatine has changed the way the fitness industry uses creatine supplements.  
Creatine is one of the most used and respected supplements in the fitness and bodybuilding industry.
When you ask gym folks what two supplements they could not do without, you generally hear some form of creatine supplement and of course, protein.

Popular KreAlkalyn Creatine Supplements:

  1. Kre-Alkalyn Soft Gel 45ct by Sci-Fit
  2. Kre-Alkalyn 240ct by CTD Labs
  3. Crea3 Powder 500g by MNT
Out With the Old

Traditionally there was a loading phase and intricate cycling phases. This was due the discovery that while creatine was highly beneficial as a supplement, when it was added to water, it rapidly converted to the toxic by-product creatinine. This held true no matter how "unique" the formulation claimed to be, or the purity of its dry creatine content.

In order to get the amount of creatine to achieve desired results, you had to take so much. When you supplement with 5 grams of ordinary creatine monohydrate, you only get the benefit of 2-400mg of actual creatine. The rest is converted to creatinine, and the toxicity of this by-product results in some unwanted side-effects including:
  • stomach cramps and bloating
  • diarrhea
  • indemia
  • water retention
  • dehydration
  • headaches
  • liver and kidney problems
  • creatinine poisoning.
These side-effects are caused by the body's internal self-defense mechanism reacting to save itself from the ingested toxins by combining it with water.

In With the New

The industry found a solution, and it is kre-alkalyn creatine. The kre alkalyn version of creatine does not convert to creatinine when combined with water. In fact, the body is able to use the amount ingested. This has put an end to loading and cycling creatine as well as having to take 10-20grams.

Kre-Alkalyn allows you to safely consume creatine to its full and most potent effect with only a fraction of previous dosages. It is buffered to work with the stomach, resulting in perfect pH for full absorption of every gram.

The benefits from using creatine are so extensive that many companies add Kre-Alkalyn Creatine to their protein, pre and post workout supplements. The benefits include:
  • Helps pace the process of building muscle mass without having to consume harmful substances such as steroids and hormones
  • Enables you to notice a significant increase in muscle in just 2-3 weeks
  • Enhances performance, increases the intensity of your workouts, increases the energy levels and accelerates recovery
  • Helps build lean muscle while cutting down on body fat
Kre-Alkalyn Creatine Reviews:

Pradeep, India:

I have used creatine monohydrate earlier. This, my fellow iron men, is by far the best. Right from its first serving you will notice greater endurance. I am not a hard gainer. I just started using Kre-Alkalyn Creatine. I presently lift 400 pounds on the bench press (3 reps), but with Kre-Alkalyn Creatine, I do it with a bit more ease, and the recovery between sets is very good too. Your ability to push yourself accelerates. I also noticed it does not dehydrate me like the regular creatine monohydrate. I work out like a maniac. The only thing I see in the gym is the weights and the mirror. No bullshitting, no chit chats on the stock market, and I HATE to be questioned by puny guys about muscle building during my sets. If you are my kind of a guy, you will love your work outs with Kre-Alkalyn Creatine.

Dezi, Texas:

I don’t usually write reviews, but I think SciFit Kre-Alkalyn 1500 is a product I will actually vouch for. A few of my older cousins got me into it. I tried BSN Cell-Mass, Pro-lab Creatine Monohydrate, ATP Serum and god knows what else…but this product did wonders for me. I’m 5′11 and 147lbs, and within the 3rd week into it, my lifting (on almost all workouts) shot-up by at least 25 pounds (bench, curls, dips...you name it) and there is NO LOADING PHASE all you do is take 2 before and 2 right after your workout...great product. I’m on my 3rd bottle, and I’m not the weakest link anymore!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Discount Sport Nutrition Products


Discount sports nutrition products are hard to find, and often the ones that are readily available are not the ones you want. SupplementsToGo.com and WorldClassNutrition.com are different. They are two sites dedicated to bringing you the best discounts on the best named products available.

Serious gym goers are typically not one supplement kind of people. Their supplementation consists of multiple products, in specific combinations, sometimes timed to the minute, to generate exact results. All the supplements add up, especially because serious people generally want supplements from good companies. Cutting corners, for these people, does not extend to supplements. With SupplementsToGo.com and WorldClassNutrition.com it doesn’t have to…finding name brand sport nutrition products at discount prices is easy.

SupplementsToGo.com and WorldClassNutrition.com have thousands of products from weight loss to weight gain, we've got it all. And we have the lowest prices too! We ship internationally and are one of few companies left still bringing you ephedra and ephedrine (until supplies run out).

Featured Products:

H-Drol 60ct Competitive Edge Labs Prohormone (30.99): Build Lean, Dry Muscle Gains with H-Drol. HDROL is the ultimate repartitioning compound designed for individuals looking to achieve the most noticeable gains and visible gains in lean muscle and strength in the shortest period of time. As a nice added benefit, many users report losing body-fat during the course of their cycle as well.

ThinQuik (90 ct) 30mg Ephedra(44.95):  There is a limited amount of this brand new rapid weight-loss pill available at this price. After years of research STG Supplements has released the much anticipated Thin Quik. The strongest weight loss pill available. If your ready to drop the pounds quickly and are ready for serious weight loss, Thin Quik is your only and best choice. With 30mg of Ephedra as a starting ingredient in every serving, get ready for amazing appetite control, superior hunger craving suppression, and a thermogenic fat burning experience like you have never experienced before. Thin Quik is unlike any other diet pill available on the market!

Nitro-Tech Hardcore 2lb by MuscleTech ($27.50, 2/$54.00): Nitro-Tech Hardcore (from leading manufacturer MuscleTech) is designed to deliver a triple-whammy of anabolic effects.  First, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains a blend of amino acids that has been specially selected for super-fast, super-effective muscle growth.  Second, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains Insulogen, which is designed to enhance insulin secretion (unless you’re like the 2006 Mr Olympia, who had Type 1 diabetes and therefore couldn’t make his own insulin) and sensitivity.  Thirdly, Nitro-Tech Hardcore contains a NOx (nitric oxide) enhancer that helps you to look and feel as pumped as you’ll ever be.

There are a lot of companies that claim to offer the best prices available, but too often they have a few products priced ‘right’ and the rest are marked up, or they charge extra on shipping and handling. SupplementsToGo.com and WorldClassNutrition.com are not trying to play games or trick you into to purchasing products at prices that you don’t need to pay. They are dedicated to bringing you products that offer you results and keep money in your pocket.


Thursday, April 29, 2010

The Death Race...What is Really Killing Us?

Ephedra’s popular because it works, because it helps people with their losing battle against fat. You know what kills people? Being fat. But, fat makes money...fat is cheap on the front end and expensive on the back end. The dollar menu is cheap, easy and tasty; a heart attack is costly and makes a lot of people money...talk about job security for the pharmaceutical and medical companies!!

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the world! According to the National Center for Health Statistics, roughly two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obsess. This life threatening epidemic is spreading through teenagers and children.

The most recent final year count for number of heart disease related deaths is 2006. The number of deaths: 631,636. That is well over half a million people, in a single year, who died. The leading cause to heart disease: obesity.

Everyone is looking to be in better shape, to lose fat. Sometimes, diet and exercise alone are not enough. People have looked to medication and supplements to help their battle and save their life and they found ephedra.

Ephedra is a supplement that is proven to help reduce fat, to help reduce the plague of the number one killer. Critics of ephedra point out the few deaths that have been associated with the use of ephedrine (the root of the plant) and have successfully had it banned. All the while, millions of people have used ephedrine on a regular basis, lost a lot of weight and experienced no known health problems.

The people who did not like what they felt while taking ephedra products simply stopped using them. Problem solved.

Ironically, no one is talking about the number of people who died from prescription medication. No one talks about how many people die from taking any other OTC medicine. Seems to me it is jaded and slighted. Is it really about ephedra? Or is ephedra taking away from someone else’s pocket?

What diseases are directly associated with being overweight or obese?

Type 2 diabetes
Coronary heart disease
High LDL (bad cholesterol)
Stroke
Hypertension
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea
Certain cancers – breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney
Complications of pregnancy (including gestational diabetes)
Menstrual irregularities