The other day a potential new client approached me. She is19 years old, does limited exercise but is not overweight.
I asked about her diet and was told she tightly monitors her macros (Macronutrients - protein, carbs and fat).(1)
I then proceeded to ask if she takes any potions, powders or other supplements. The answer really surprised me. I am used to many people taking protein powder all the time - far too much in most cases, but her answer was that she took BCAA's (Branch Chain Amino Acids).When I asked why the answer was that she had read on the internet everyone should take them (2)
1) Whilst being aware of the percentage of macros you are consuming can be a great aid to 'something'- you first need to have a 'something', a goal that you are working to. If you aren't doing any exercise why do you need 50% protein for example? You need to start with a goal, whether that is fat loss, or muscle gain etc.
2) Most people can get a good balance of macronutrients from their diet. I agree there are times when powders and potions may benefit some people - and supplements, such as fish oil, can benefit more people - but let's take a step back and just look at this in simple terms:
Calories are calories!
Just because the protein powder gets added to liquid doesn't mean it has no calories. Just because you eat protein bars as snacks doesn't make it more healthy - but it still has more calories to consider.
If you have no specific goals then how can you know what percentage of each macro you 'should' be taking?
MORE IMPORTANTLY just because you read it on the internet doesnt mean it's sound advice.
