I have lost a lot of weight (about 5 stone), after being overweight. I don't really need to lose anymore weight, but there is a goal I want to reach, which I can do in a matter of months - I want to develop more muscle and definition on my arms, shoulders, chest and abs. I have a physical activity regime that consists of cardio workouts, weight training and swimming - I can't do any cycling and running due to my disability. I want to become stronger - healthier etc.. also this has become an interesting hobby.
As for supplements - I drink Soya protein shakes to supplement certain meal times, on the go - but I don't do this every day, cos' I don't want to get too big
. I will have carbs in the morning and after a work out. Usually a Banana - I have found that it helps to starve off muscle aches, after I have done a good 1k swim or have worked with heavy weights. I have been told it is the Potassium in Bananas that help replenish muscles.
Isotonic drinks are good, but in the long run they are said to help with rotting teeth - so I just stick to water.. sometimes, if I have not eaten enough and run out of energy during a work out, I will have a bar of a kit kat or a banana. My diet is nothing special - I eat what I like, but that does tend to be healthy foods, I'm not obsessed with calories - I don't have anything with added sugar in it - or saturated fat (apart from the odd packet of crisps and danish once or twice a month
) - but like I had mentioned in the previous post, I have been eating stuff that I should have stayed away from (I love Indian food!).
The reason I have taken an interest in CLA is the bit where you have written about insulin resistance. Both of my parents have Diabetes and one of the reasons I am doing what I do, is cos' I don't want to have Diabetes and want to be healthy and strong for as long as I can be. I have heard nothing about CLA in relation to Diabetes - so I am a bit sceptical about such claims.
Most health supplement claims state miraculous effects and it is not until I know that something is effective, that I will go out and buy it. Such as with the Fish-oil pills - I would never have thought about taking them, had it not been from a friend telling me about how they improved concentration and circulation, metabolism etc - I take Triple/Siberian Ginseng - that helps starve of lethargy and improves memory etc. EPO is to help with hormonal regulatation (it also works similar to the Fish Oils) and it's also great for skin and hair. I have been taking Vit C - and have yet to catch anything that has been going around. So, I think there is something behind the claim that Vit C helps boost the immune system. My doctor thinks I am mad to waste any time or money on this stuff - but, he does say he won't argue with me, if I really do think this stuff is working.
BTW, have you tried Creatine?