Fitness enthusiasts will often follow a protein rich diet and avoid any kind of unnatural additions to their diets. Other muscle building hopefuls will rely on supplements in order to get their muscle mass. The main rationale behind this is time and effort; it admittedly takes a lot of time and astute dieting to put together a meal plan that contains just the right amount of calories, fats, vitamins and nutrients, and supplements present a gleaming ‘cure all’ for this problem.
However, whilst supplements are a great way to bolster protein levels and, in particular, help us pick specifically what proteins and nutrients we do and don’t want, the key takeaway is in the name; supplements. That is, they are intended to supplement an already healthy diet. You won’t see any successful enthusiast just taking on board protein shakes, nor will you see them wash one down after a cheeseburger. Their worth is based on how well they make a good diet even more effective. They’re also really handy to have nearby for days or situations where we can’t get our usual calories as easily, such as on a work trip or holiday for instance. In these situations, though, we do not rely on them entirely, partly because they are built with utility (not taste and texture) in mind, but also because, on their own, they really actually do not pack much of a punch. You are going to get more protein from a salad of eggs, salmon and a mixture of beans than you are from a protein shake.
That said, protein bars and similar ‘treats’ are a great way to top up calories in between large meals as well as enjoy a decent tasting supplement. Chocolate bars and milkshakes are all a great little tie over to pick at and snack on. They’re not going to do anything noteworthy on their own, but as part of a disciplined diet, they’re going to help pave the way for muscle growth and development.
Supplements definitely have their uses, but, excusing the cliché, there is no substitute for a great diet.
