Chia Seeds
Chia, the tiny seed of the Salvia Hispanica plant, originated in Central Mexico. The ancient Aztecs prized the chia seed as a complete high endurance food, and there are numerous stories of Aztec armies surviving on nothing but chia seeds and water during many of their campaigns. Chia seeds are probably best known to North Americans from “Chia pets” but the seeds are now realizing the numerous health benefits of this “super food”. They are one of nature’s most nutrient rich whole food. I have been consuming chia seeds for the last few years.
NOW Digestive Enzymes
Our bodies produce numerous enzymes to help properly break down and digest the food we eat. Even though we may be spending a lot of money on food and supplements, we are likely not getting the maximum benefit from them. These enzymes play a critical role to ensure we actually absorb the nutrients from our food. Unfortunately many of us have digestive problems like bloating, gas, indigestion and cramping. These are symptoms that enough digestive enzymes are not being produced by the pancreas and that a plant based digestive enzyme supplement can be helpful. NOW Plant Enzymes, can help break down the various foods better and enhance absorption.
NOW Ultra Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are often neglected in our diets and supplementation, but are extremely important for good health. They have a myriad of benefits that include improving cardiovascular health, helping relieve pain by lowering inflammation, increasing cognitive functions, weight loss, promoting emotional and mental health. Even with all these numerous benefits, the typical North American diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acid. Ocean fish oils are gaining popularity with hundreds of these omega-3 supplements available at health food stores. My favourite omega-3 fish oil supplement has to be Ultra Omega-3 by NOW Foods.
Erogpharm Clearshot
There are a lot of pre-workout and energy supplements on the market, but few are as unique and effective as Ergopharm’s Clearshot. This product comes in 4 ounce ready to drink bottles (RTDs) with each bottle yielding two servings. The most unique thing about Clearshot is definitely the taste - in my opinion it tastes good, though its different than any other supplement and may require a bit of getting used to. I felt a nice warm sensation drinking it - a milder version of the burn that one would feel sipping alcohol.
Gaspari SizeOn
Creatine is well established as a very effective ergogenic aid that can help increase muscle mass and strength. Gaspari Nutrition’s SizeOn takes your basic creatine to a new level by combining it with other synergistic ingredients. The inclusion of a carb source makes this the perfect creatine product to be taken while you are working out. My preferred SizeOn regimen was to consume one scoop with 32 ounces of cold water during my workouts.
Optimum Opti-Men
A multi-vitamin and mineral supplement should be part of everyone’s daily routine. No matter how hard you try to eat healthy, there will be times when your body will be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. A good multi therefore acts as an insurance policy for your health. I prefer taking Optimum Nutrition’s Opti-Men multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. As the name suggests, Opti-Men is specifically designed for males and provides an array of vitamins, essential minerals, amino acids, anti-oxidants and herbs.
CNP ProPeptide
CNP Professional Pro Peptide is one of the better protein blends available on the market today. Even as whey protein becomes popular, and for good reasons, there is a solid scientific base for the use of casein and egg proteins in building muscle and enhancing recovery. ProPeptide protein can be used at any time of the day, including before going to bed as the slow digesting milk proteins will continue to nourish the body for hours as it sleeps.
Universal Nutrition Torrent
Post workout nutrition plays an important role in the overall effectiveness of an exercise program. I prefer to have a moderate shake that includes protein, carbohydrates and some free form amino acids followed by a balanced whole food meal that contains lean protein and complex carbs. Of the many post workout (PWO) supplements out there, I have found Universal’s Torrent to be one of the more effective and cost efficient.
Torrent starts off with a healthy dose of whey protein hydrolysate. This form of quick digesting protein provides di-, tri-, oligo- and polypeptides. It has been shown to increase lean muscle mass and is easy to digest. The carbohydrates in Torrent come from three different sources, D-glucose, waxy maize and maltodextrin. The “Anti-Catabolic” matrix provides 8 grams of free form amino acids (Leucine, Leucine Alpha Ketoglutarate, Leucine Ethyl Ester and N-Acetyl Leucine) which have the additional benefit of quick absorption as they bypass the digestive system.
MAN Scorch
Fat burners can greatly enhance weight loss when combined with a sound diet and exercise. MAN Sports is known to bring well thought out and effective products to market and their weight loss product Scorch is a perfect example. Scorch is an all-in-one diet product that helps burn fat, provides a stimulant based energy boost, controls appetite, increases mental clarity/focus and helps lose excess water weight.
Dymatize Elite Whey
Protein is an important building block, the majority of which should be attained from one’s diet. Supplementing with protein powders is an easy way to get the extra protein required by active individuals. Whey protein is manufactured using sweet whey, which is a by-product of the cheese making industry. The sweet whey is put through various filtering processes to remove the fat and sugar (lactose), leaving protein. Whey has a very high PER (protein efficiency ratio) and BV (biological value).
Dymatize Elite Whey is a popular whey protein supplement. Its main ingredients are whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, whey peptides and digestive enzymes. Though its a proprietary blend, the fact that it only has 5mg of cholesterol per serving leads me to believe that it predominantly consists of whey protein isolate. found that this protein powder mixed very easily, even when just using a fork. For those using a shaker bottle, mixing Dymatize whey is extremely easy. It had no lumps at all.
