Put Down that Protein Shake

Why is it so many people look for that "extra boost" in the form of a protein shake or bar?

I heard a few woman the other day, as I was getting my hair cut, talking about losing energy by late afternoon (as I'm sure many Americans experience), and one of the woman suggested she buy some protein shakes; apparently that is what she does.

This is something that has been popular with gym goers for some time now, with even the smaller gyms having a disturbingly large supply of supplements that rivals many GNC's, but the fact that this less than healthy trend has made it all the way to the mom's at the local hair salon only strengthens the argument... we as a fast paced on-the-go no time for anything society have really lost touch with what being healthy is all about.

Whether it's this fast paced lazy life style many have grown to accept, or a general lack of knowledge when it comes to the human body (of course with that fast pace life style who has time to learn...), or maybe it's just plain fear of finding out how unhealthy our society has become, I can't help but think how disturbing it all is.

Have you ever stopped and taken the time to examine the ingredients listed on the "health" bars or shakes?

Any good nutritionist will tell you when buying food products always look for those with all natural ingredients, no preservatives, no additives, and the fewer ingredients the better. Ironically though these bars or shakes that have become so popular are loaded with synthetic vitamins and minerals and tons of other stuff you can't pronounce, all made in some chemistry lab by no one with a degree in nutrition I'm sure. But with the help of clever marketing (and many misguided or uneducated "professionals") these manufacturers have "Joe and Jane Public" fooled by using words like "soy protein" or "whey protein".

I was one of these people (a misguided gym rat... there I said!) living what I thought was a healthy life, always quick to try the next latest and greatest "supplement" or energy bar or shake, but healthy was one thing I was not.

Our society needs to change gears, and fast. We live in such a fast paced world, but most live a very lazy lifestyle; with the microwavable meals, the fast food, and the energy bars and drinks. It's this unhealthy lifestyle that causes many to turn to these science projects disguised as health food for that extra boost. It's time we get back to the basics.

Remember a healthy diet consisting of fresh organic produce, whole grains, and minimally processed foods, will ultimately lead to a healthier you. So put down that power bar and pick up an apple... it's that easy!