Fat Burners
I figured this would be a great blog as some people ask for my thoughts while others just abuse them.
Here are my opinions and beliefs on fat burners.
What are fat burners?
Supplements that help your body to burn fat, increase your metabolism, increase your energy and/or suppress appetite.
Should I take fat burners?
I honestly believe taking fat burners are not good for your body. From your liver having to process to the added stimulants are not “natural” and I believe will take a toll on your body if abused and/or used long term.
I do not frown on taking fat burners as I occasionally will use when I’m prepping and will recommend to some clients. However, I do not believe that people who just want to lose weight fast and aren’t willing to also watch what they eat and exercise should take them. Fat burners are far from a miracle pill. They won’t phenomenally help you shed 10 pounds in one week. If you aren’t willing to put in some effort you are wasting time, money and your health.
Remember your body is adaptable. Whether you are restricting calories, exercising and/or taking supplements – your body will adapt if you aren’t changing it up.
Just like restricting calories too much or over exercising can make it more difficult for you – so will taking fat burners not at a good point in your overall weight loss journey. Say you want to lose 20#s and start exercising, eating less and taking weight loss supplements all at once…I guarantee you will lose weight initially very quickly but once you plateau what are you going to do? Cut your calories to only eating salads? Exercise twice a day, daily? Take more than the recommended dosage on the bottle? Do it the right/healthy way and you will definitely lose the weight without the side effects.
I will recommend fat burners depending on individual goals and their current workout/nutrition plan. If the goal is lose 10# just to look better – I think health is more important than vanity. Not saying this in a negative way – I’m just saying that individual mentioned above can do so with diet and exercise easily.
What are ingredients I should look for in a fat burner?
Yohimbine, Green tea extract, Caffeine, Forskolin, CLA, and Carnitine are some of the more common ingredients.
What’s the best fat burner?
I believe people’s bodies are different – what works for one might not work for another. Also, if asking for opinions – those opinions that should hold more weight are those that have been dieting and exercising and are using this to supplement efforts, rather than the example I explained above where they are doing “everything” to lose weight so who’s to know what is exactly working.
Also, if you research – make sure the source is not a paid advertisement. A lot, are getting paid to promote certain products.
How long can I take fat burners?
I believe you shouldn’t be on fat burners for any more than 12 weeks. And when you taper off, you should not take for another 12 weeks to let your body normalize and get it out of your system - so if you do use it again it is as effective.
How much fat burner pills should I take?
Always follow the directions on the bottle. Most all advise you to test your tolerance first by taking a minimal dose. Not only is that great to make sure you won’t get bad side effects – I do believe you should slowly integrate these as to reap the most benefit long term (aka not having your body adapt too quickly after starting)