I have owned and operated Fit-4-Life for the past 14 years. In that time, I have had several supplement companies approach me to sell their products to my clients. I take my job very seriously and I don’t make any recommendations unless I am 100% certain that the products are safe and effective. If I don’t use the product I could never recommend it. It’s just the way I am, and believe me I could have made some serious money. To be perfectily honest I always saw supplement wholesalers as snake oil salesmen they totally freaked me out. I would always let them spattle off all the benefits of their products and then I would shut them up with a few words ,”show me the research.” That would be the last time I spoke with them.
So for the last 14 years, I have not recommended any supplements excluding some pre/post workout snacks. I have 4 major concerns with supplement usage.
1. I’ve always been skeptical of supplement companies because there are no FDA regulations, you can do or say basically whatever you want without any regulation. My personal favorites are the weight loss supplement infomercials that tout you can lose crazy amounts of weight as long as you take their product followed with exercise and a healthy diet. A sugar pill, daily physical exercise, and a healthy diet would achieve great results. Absolutely priceless!!
2. If a product really works it should have supporting research from a double blind/placebo study published in a reputable research journal (Check pubmed.com). And what do these supplements do long term? Most supplement research studies only last a few months at best. Longitudinal studies on the safety of supplements over long term usage are unheard of. There are several bogus research journals that will publish studies to anyone willing to pay for it. The research should also test the specific supplement in question not a generalized herb/mineral/vitamin. The dosage, delivery, purity, and concentration of a supplement make a huge difference on how it is absorbed in the body.
3. Another issue I have with supplement companies is that I have no way of knowing their ingredient purity. Several supplements have active ingredients in them and am I supposed to just take their word for it. I trust no one when it comes to my health and I’d rather try to eat my nutrients instead of trying to get them in a pill. The majority of supplement companies don’t do any actual quality control tests on their ingredients let alone from an independent, unbiased research facility.
4. I still have major concerns with supplements including deliverability. Most supplements do not get absorbed by the body because different nutrients get absorbed in different parts of the digestive tract. That’s my major problem with one a day supplements. There’s no way a multi-vitamin/mineral in one pill can get absorbed effectively. Most supplements wind up in your urine, over taxing your kidneys and giving you absolutely no benefit. Most omega 3 fish oil capsules get broken down in your stomach acid which can create nasty belching and absolutely no benefit. For omega 3s to have any benefit they need to be broken down in your small intestine where they can be absorbed optimally, not your stomach.
I eat a pretty healthy diet, but I don’t get in the RDA recommended 7 fruit and vegetable servings per day along with 2 weekly servings of fish. I just don’t have enough time in a day to get it all in. I know that I have holes in my daily nutritional intake, so what am I supposed to do? My distrust of supplements makes it very difficult for me to trust anyone. Gary and I have been doing extensive research and after 14 years we finally found a solution. We are really excited about it and I can’t wait to let you know about it. The big reveal will be coming shortly. I’m the ultimate supplement skeptic, but you’ll find out exactly why I have changed my mind.
Yours in health,
Kevin Hensel, President Fit-4-Life, Inc.
856-751-0033
www.FitLifeInc.com
Bonnie Crosby, 36 years old, Runnemede, NJ. Bonnie and her and her husband Al started working out together back in May. Bonnie had gained almost 70 lbs during her first pregnancy. Everyone told her to eat whatever she wanted because she was eating for two, and she took that a little too literally. The baby only weighed 8lbs and that left about 60 lbs unaccounted for. It took Bonnie almost a year to lose the majority of the weight, we helped with the rest.
After a few weeks of training, Bonnie had a little surprise for us. She was pregnant again. But this time she vowed to never gain all that weight again. Well she’s entering her sixth month and she has only gained the doctor recommended 2lbs per month. This time last pregnancy she had already gained 40 lbs.
What’s her secret? She consistently works out 2x/week at Fit-4-Life with her husband. Her exercise regimen changes each trimester. And most importantly she follows the dietary recommendations of her doctor and our seven day meal plan created by a registered dietitian.. We also keep her on track with daily food journal reviews. Find out the rest of her secrets by clicking on her video testimonial.
It’s here-just look at the seasonal shelves in your favorite store. Retailers refer to this time as the holiday season, but I like to be more accurate.
Weight Gain season starts now and runs straight through New Year’s.
The next two months will bring ample opportunity for you to indulge, to enjoy and to expand your waistline. Of course the choice is yours.
Why do I bring this up now and not mid way through December? Quite frankly now is the time for you to plan for the weeks ahead. Once the whirlwind of holiday activities and obligations begins, you’ll be too caught up to put a plan into action.
So in this moment of clarity, this calm before the storm, let’s outline a plan that will save you from unwanted holiday pounds.
1) Put Your Feet to the Fire: Exercise is the first thing to go when people get busy, and the holiday season is notorious for deserted gyms. This year do something drastic-obligate yourself to exercise. Promising to yourself isn’t enough, you need to promise to others so that you won’t drop the ball.
Commit to working with a fitness expert – the perfect solution for consistent, challenging and effective workouts. You’ll get the attention and assistance that you need to power through the holidays in better shape than ever – talk about motivating!
Join a class – we’ve determined that you simply won’t be as effective on your own during the busy holiday season, so joining a class would lend accountability. Stick with something challenging that gets your heart rate elevated and incorporates strength training.
Find a serious exercise buddy – some friends can be the biggest help while others end up pulling you down. When looking for an exercise buddy choose carefully and consider the following questions:
- Do they share your fitness goals?
- Are they typically encouraging?
- Do they stick with things?
- Are you at the same fitness level?
Get your spouse involved – what a great way to spend more time together during this busy season, and you’ll be able to support each other in your shared quest for fitness. Decide on an exercise activity that you can both enjoy and set a schedule for your workout dates.
2) Cut the Fat: I mean this literally. I’m not going to imply that you shouldn’t indulge in any seasonal treats, but think moderation. So often the holidays are used as an excuse to eat until the point of being uncomfortable – would you really miss that bloated feeling? Decide on a few fattening treats to cut out this year.
Do you really need to bring sweets for everyone in the office, especially since you know that you will end up with the leftovers? How about a fruit basket or flower arrangement?
At holiday parties load your plate first with greens, vegetables and lean meats before breads and heavier foods. Also drink water with your meal and keep alcoholic beverages to a minimum.
Watch what you drink, most beverages are filled to the brim with calories. Hot drinks from Starbucks, cocktails at parties and eggnog around a crackling fire-all very enjoyable and all filled with empty calories.
At no other time in the year are we faced with so many sweets. To avoid being a Scrooge, but without adding pounds to your frame, try the one treat rule. Each time you’re in a social situation that involves sweets just eat one, and enjoy your treat slowly.
If you truly want to enjoy the coming festivities without dealing with added pounds it is all in your hands. The key is your mindset.
Most people approach the holidays with the mindset that says ‘I deserve to indulge and I shouldn’t have to exercise since it’s the holidays.’ This is fine if you don’t mind entering 2009 a few pounds heavier, a little less healthy, and with lower energy than ever before.
I believe that you deserve better. I believe that you should enter 2009 in better shape than you are today, healthier than you’ve been in a long time, and with more energy that you thought possible.
I’m always available to help – call 856-751-0033 or visit www.FitLifeInc.com and schedule your FREE Workout Testdrive.
Committed to your success,
Kevin Hensel,
Owner, Fit-4-Life, Inc.
Cherry Hill, NJ
I have owned and operated Fit-4-Life for the past 14 years. In that time, I have had several supplement companies approach me to sell their products to my clients. I take my job very seriously and I don’t make any recommendations unless I am 100% certain that the products are safe and effective. If I don’t use the product I could never recommend it. It’s just the way I am, and believe me I could have made some serious money. To be perfectily honest I always saw supplement wholesalers as snake oil salesmen they totally freaked me out. I would always let them spattle off all the benefits of their products and then I would shut them up with a few words ,”show me the research.” That would be the last time I spoke with them. 
