The benefit to supplements that no one is talking about …
Ok, here’s a little reality check …
Supplements don’t do much.
I hate to break it to you but your BCAA’s, fat burners, collagen peptides, and whatever else you’re taking are not moving the needle for you.
Like not at all.
Even supplements with a proven track record like creatine …
Still, we’re talking about maybe 1%.
From a high level view …
Any supplements you take should fill a clear void.
You struggle to get in enough protein?
It makes sense to supplement with protein powder.
You struggle to get your pale ass in the sun?
It makes sense to supplement with vitamin D.
You struggle to get to sleep?
It makes sense to supplement with Ambien. (joking!)
You get the point.
However, even filling the gaps with supplements isn’t going to make a world of difference.
There’s actually a little bit of a hidden advantage to supplements that often goes unnoticed and unmentioned.
It’s known as the placebo effect.
Quite simply, when you take supplements it CAN help you stay more consistent with your training and nutrition.
For example, you invested money in some creatine because you know it helps with gains.
So, it gives you that extra incentive to stay consistent with your workouts.
Or, you got some fancy new greens powder and it kick starts your day with a health-focused habit so you stay more consistent with your nutrition overall.
Now, there’s also the flip side.
Which is … you think the supplements do the work for you so you ignore everything else lol.
That will be obvious very quickly when you aren’t making progress and then the supplement ends up being more of a dust collector than anything else.
I believe that supplements have a time and place.
Especially individuals who understand the order of importance when it comes to creating sustainable results.
If you know that supplements are basically the last piece of the puzzle and you’re not looking for them to do the heavy lifting for you … cool. They can be great for patching up some holes in your game.
They can also provide that placebo effect and give you a little extra motivation to stay consistent.
However, depending on context, they can be a giant waste of money.
Which is why my answer to the question of “should I take this supplement” is usually “ehhhh, maybe.”
My goal here is to give you a little bit of a filter so you can make those decisions for yourself.
Is it serving a purpose? Filling a void?
Is it helping you to stay consistent?
Do you have the disposable income?
If yes, go ahead.
If no, save your money.
1:1 nutrition coaching could be a better choice.
Now, if you’re spending a lot on supplements but refuse to invest in something like 1:1 coaching …
Then you need to take a hard look in the mirror about priorities.
Hopefully this helps!
