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The Importance of Supplements in your Diet
Are you getting enough nutrients in your diet to ensure optimal health? Even Americans often suffer nutritional deficiencies! This is often true of dieters and athletes. Including supplements in your diet is an important step towards protecting against such deficiencies.
Why do you suppose so many people in the U.S. consume insufficient amounts of at least one or more essential vitamins and minerals? Perhaps one of the main causes of malnutrition in our country is living off diets that consist mainly of high-calorie, high-fat foods that offer very little nutritional value! Fast food is a prime example of this type of diet.
Consequences of Nutrient Depletion in Athletes
Everyone has daily nutritional needs. Active individuals typically need extra amounts of water, electrolytes, magnesium, iron, calcium, protein, fat (especially Omega-3 fatty acids), carbohydrates, B vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
During intense physical activity, the body undergoes metabolic changes that require reaching into the body’s store of nutrients. After exercise, the body goes through a period of adaptation and recovery. During both strenuous activity and the recovery process afterwards, athletes need to replenish the essential nutrients in their bodies to avoid the consequences of nutrient depletion.
| This Month's Healthy Recipe |
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Protein Bars
5 tablespoons natural peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1/2 cup dry oatmeal or whole grain hot cereal (uncooked)
1/2 cup oat flour (double the dry oats if you do not have oat flour)
6 scoops Smooth Natural Chocolate Whey Protein powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons flax seeds (optional)
1 cup powdered dry milk
1/2 cup water (adjust as necessary to get the appropriate dough consistency)
Directions:
Spray an 8x8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Combine dry ingredients in a medium size bowl and mix well. Add peanut butter and mix - the mixture will be crumbly and dry. Add water & vanilla.
Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, mix everything until a dough forms. The dough will be sticky. Spread dough into pan using a clean wooden spoon or spatula that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Refrigerate a few hours (or freeze for an hour) and cut into 9 squares. Wrap bars individually (use sandwich bags or plastic wrap) or store in covered container between sheets of wax paper. Keep refrigerated.
