Be Careful with Taking Pharmaceutical Supplements from Personal Trainers & Coaches

 

Pills my newest client asked me if they were fat-burners that she got from her last personal trainer.

First, no one should be taking pharmaceutical products from anyone who is not a pharmacist or Dr. most of these people have not done enough or any research on what they are giving you and how it will affect your body. It is ALSO ILLEGAL for anyone other than a Dr. or pharmacist to prescribe any of these medications for you. 

Oxarox Pill Form Steroid for Weight Gain & Bone Pain

I got this new client a little over a month ago from a very well-known personal trainer in my local area and yesterday, she asked me about some "fat-burners" the past trainer had given her. Right away I was suspicious because this female trainer is known for being on sports performance pharmaceutical drugs. I was not familiar with this brand name and asked my pharmacist friend. He confirmed it was a STEROID for weight gain and for bone pain. He also gave me the run-down of the side effects. I will never understand why anyone would take any of this stuff just to gain muscle when you can't keep it without repeatedly being on a cycle and destroying your organs, voice, enlarging your genitalia and facial features. What amazes the most is how you keep the deep voice, huge face and enlarged female genitalia, but not the MUSCLE when you quit juicing. 

Pharmacist Will Casey & Oxarox Side Effects

To me it is not worth it. I personally stayed completely natural because BODYBUILDING saved me from a life of drug-abuse, alcoholism, depression, anger issues and an eating disorder that I suffered from since I was 12 years old. It hurts my heart when I hear people tell me how bodybuilding did the complete opposite for them and ruined their lives. A lot of this starts with trainers, coaches and supplement stores illegally selling pharmaceutical drugs and persuading individuals that the ONLY WAY they can GAIN MUSCLE and LOSE FAT is with these drugs. This is FAR FROM THE TRUTH! The body is a machine! It can lose fat and gain muscle completely on its own NO MATTER THE AGE. Granted, depending on age determines how strong your hormones are, but it DOES NOT MEAN you CAN'T GAIN MUSCLE!!!

Huge Acne Scars Side Effect of Deca-Durobolin Steroids on a NPC Bikini Competitor

 

In addition, let people DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES whether they want to take pharmaceutical drugs to assist in their fitness goals. One of the worst situations that I have been in repeatedly is telling a potential competitor that they cannot compete naturally because they took illegal substances without knowing it. Some of the strictest shows that I competed in with the WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) require an athlete to take a lie detector test prior to being accepted to compete in the show. If they place in the top 3 or 5, they are immediately tested after they leave the stage. Athletes who have taken steroids or any type of other pharmaceutical drugs cannot compete in this federation and many others for more than 2 to 7 years depending on how long they actively took the drugs. 

2019 WNBF World Championships 7th Place Pro Fit Body

So, make sure that when you are making the decision to play with illegal substances that you will not be able to go and compete in strict natural bodybuilding shows with the NGA, INBF, NFF, OCB and other natural federations that require a lie detector test. Also make sure you talk to a professional with a medical background to monitor your vitals. Most of these people giving you all these medications are not monitoring their clients' vitals and it seems like they are just throwing as much as they can on a wall to see what sticks. They never consider their client's health and well-being. 

2018 Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden

IFBB Pro Alena Hatvani

Ever since I got into competing back in 2011 with the INBF (International Natural Bodybuilding Federation), it was common knowledge that an average of 10 - 15 athletes with the NPC/IFBB were dying each year because of substance abuse. It has only gotten public scrutiny lately because of the deaths of some high-ranking competitors like, 2018 Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden, IFBB Pro Cedric McMillan, IFBB Pro Alena Hatvani and many others in 2019 - 2022. Before, they would just lie and tell everyone that people like this died of eating bad foods to fast or too soon. Never would they admit it was substance abuse until recently. IFBB Pro athletes like Mr. Olympia Classic Physique Chris Bumstead are finally publicly admitting they take sports performance drugs. Before, they would lie to the public and say it was genetics. There are many who still say they are natural, but the public is starting to realize that there is no way for many of these athletes to gain so much weight, muscle and get so dry naturally. In addition, a well-known IFBB Pro Coach, Shelby Starnes, has been linked to many deaths and permanently medical damaged female bodybuilders. There were a few ladies in my local area of the Rio Grande Valley coached by this guy and one of them ended up in the hospital after her prep. Check out this wild YouTube podcast that goes into the depth of how dangerous his coaching is to athletes. 

 

IFBB Pro & Coach Shelby Starnes

 In conclusion, this blog post is just to inform people of the risks of not being aware of what your trainer, coach or friend might suggest for you to take to enhance your fitness goals. Make sure you investigate everything you take prior. Even legal supplements can have disastrous side effects on people who have heart issues, high blood pressure and diabetes.

 

Keep safe out there, keep active and train smart!

Candace Foxx

Sources:

• Heartwise.com
  
• Leo and Longevity Podcast
  

 

 

Winter Vegetables: Benefits of Cauliflower

Benefits of Eating Cauliflower

Contains Tons of Vitamins and Minerals

Cauliflower is a rich source of folate, B complex vitamins and vitamin E. It provides vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, potassium, sodium and zinc without adding any harmful cholesterol. It is a good source of protein, unsaturated fats, and essential omega-3 fatty acids. It also provides dietary fiber and contains smaller amounts of natural sugars as compared to the other members of its botanical relatives, such as broccoli.

Provides Protection and Nourishment By Boosting the Immune System

Cauliflower has power antioxidants, such as, Vitamin C and manganese that help provide protection  and nourishment to the body. With immune-strengthening nutrients, and other healthy components, the presence of vitamin C, cauliflower in it inhibits various infections and strengthens the defense mechanisms of the body by hampering the growth of disease-causing inflammation. It also contains photochemical called glucosinates and insoles that stimulate cancer-blocking enzymes and alleviates oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

Helps with Hypertension

Besides fighting free radicals, cauliflower has Vitamin K and glucoraphanin that ensures blood circulation and proper function of the blood vessels. Eating cauliflower also reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and promotes cardiovascular health. Also, vitamin K, may help in preventing bone loss in both men and women.

Great Source of Fiber, Controls Cholesterol

Cauliflower is a great source of dietary fiber. It aids in digestion and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body. The presence of glucoraphanin, glucosinolate, and sulforaphane in this vegetable protects the stomach lining and helps in resisting the growth of Heliobacter pylori bacteria. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the glucoraphanin and sulforaphane present in cauliflower help with the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. It also promotes the stimulation of HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. 

In addition, the fiber and omega-3 fatty acids present in cauliflower also prevent hardening of the arteries. Dietary isothiocyanates in cauliflower prevent the risk of various abdominal disorders such as stomach ulcers and colon cancer.

Helps Absorb Iron and Bone Density

It helps to better absorb iron in the blood with Vitamin C present in cauliflower . This helps to increase the hemoglobin count in the body. Vitamin C, also plays an important role in the production of collagen that protects the joints and bones from inflammatory damage. 

Aids In Weight-Loss 

Cauliflower possesses anti-obesity bacteria called indoles . Studies have found that consumption of cauliflower is beneficial in preventing various inflammatory and metabolic disorders in the body. It also helps in the stimulation of fat-burning thermogenesis, aids in weight loss and prevents obesity.

Aides In Growing Healthy Babies

Including cauliflower in your diet during pregnancy is beneficial because of the presence of essential folate, which helps in healthy neural development of the baby.

Helps Keep Efficient Nuerological Communication

Cauliflower contains minerals choline and phosphorous that are both effective in repairing cell membranes. This is essential for the efficient functioning of the brain and nervous system for transmitting nerve signals. In addition, the presence of potassium and vitamin B6 in cauliflower plays an important role in maintaining brain health and promoting proper communication in the nerves

Source: Organic Facts

Natural Fatburners

Protein Powder

• Soy Protein: Not usually known as a fat-burner, but does enhance fat loss in female athletes. Soy protein contains peptides that makes your brain keep you resting metabolism rate up. A higher RMR results in more calories burned at a resting rate. 20 g of soy protein is adequate enough to see the benefits in women. Mix half soy protein 10 - 20 g) and half whey (10 - 20 g) on workout days. 

Too much muscle gains that I broke the top on my tumbler!

• Whey Protein: It is noted as the best source of protein out of all other supplemental protein powders. Reduces inflammation (soreness or chronic) and lowers cholesterol levels (blood fats). Whey protein helps you burn fat by suppressing the appetite which leads to a reduction of your caloric intake. It also boots you metabolism and maintains muscle mass while loosing fat. 25 to 30 g is sufficient for women and 35 g to 50 g is sufficient dosage for men. However, this depends on weight and too much is useless. If you are lactose intolerant, then hydrolysate or isolate is a better choice for you. 

 CTD Sports Isolicious is one of my favorite protein powders!

• Casein Protein: Boosts metabolism, muscle growth and provides a high amount of leucine, which initiates muscle protein synthesis. This helps with fat loss because the more muscle you have the more calories you burn at rest. Because of it breaks down at a slow rate it prevents the body from feeding itself or being anti-catabolic. It contains all the amino acids the body needs and is known as a complete protein. 

Green Tea Extract

• Green tea contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) a compound that gives it's fat burning qualities. EGCG prevents the breakdown of noreepinephrine, a neurohormone that boosts metabolic rate and fat-butning. Taking green tea extract is more potent than taking it by drinking tea. Take 500 - 1,000 mg of green tea extract standardized for EGCG 3 times daily before meals.Take before workouts to give you energy and fat burning boost during your session.

Image Credits: thourouglyreviewed.com

Caffeine

• The main way it works is by binding on fat cells that blocks the storage of dietary fat in the cells and enhances its release into circulation. Take 100 - 300 mg of caffeine in capsule form, one in the morning and before workouts. This will encourage fat burn, give a boost of energy and intensify workouts. 

Image Credits: dietspotlight.com

CLA

• Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a fatty acid found naturally in beef and dairy Linoleic acid is the most common Omega-6 fatty acid, found in large amounts in corn, safflower and sunflower oil It can also be found in smaller amounts in various other foods. Benefits includes reducing food intake, increasing fat burning, enhancing the breakdown of fat and reducing the production of it. It has also been shown to improve body composition, with a reduction in body fat and sometimes increases in muscle mass. Healthy doses range from 3.2 to 6.4 grams per day.

Arginine

• Arginine is a nitric oxide (NO) booster that helps your training and recovery times. It is readily converted to NO in the body which may actually lead to fat loss. NO enhances lipolysis, the removal of fat from the fat cells. It also enhances growth hormone (GH) levels. GH is important for muscle growth and recovery, but also stimulates lipolysis. Take 3 - 5 g of arginine 30 - 60 min. preworkout and before bed for the best results

Capsaicin 

• It is the chemical in peppers that make them spicy and raises the levels of norepinephrine in which boost your metabolism and encourages fat loss. It also reduces hunger. Order spicy dishes or adding 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to your meals will boost your body's fat burning qualities. You can also buy capsaicin capsules of 40,000 - 80,000 Scovill thermal units per dose. Make sure to take before meals and not after. Otherwise, you might burp up heat. 

Image Credits: draxe.com

Carnitine 

• L-carnitine is an amino acid (a building block for proteins) that is naturally produced in the body and helps the body produce energy. It is important for heart and brain function, muscle movement, and many other body processes. L-carnitine helps to transport fat, particularly long-chain fatty acids, into the mitochondria of cells. There is where the fat used as fuel to generate adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. L-carnitine does this cellular work both when you exercise and rest, but research confirms that it is most effective during intense exercise. Without this amino acid, most dietary fats can't get into the mitochondria and be burned for fuel. It is a serious medical condition for people with L-carnitine deficiency. It can lead to muscle weakness, stunted growth, an enlarged liver, and a number of other problems. L-carnitine is considered a "conditionally essential" nutrient which means that your body produces it. However, if it doesn't produce enough, it can serious impact on your health.

Raspberry ketones

• Found in red raspberries and has the similar effects like capsaicin without the spiciness. They boost metabolism in which enhances your body's fat burning qualities. Try out 100 - 200 mg 2 times day before meals. 

Image Credits: supplementpolice.com

Sources: WebMD, Muscle & Fitness for Her, Healthline & Bodybuilding.com