Elsa Angel Rose
Use of protein powder, other supplements and steroids are a few of the many options that many unaware gym rats run into. But what is alarming is that the price of ignorance can be too much to pay. Hence, it is important, whether you are a gym-goer or not, to understand when to include supplements and similar products in your diet. WHY NOT CONSUME NATURAL PROTEIN INSTEAD OF PROCESSED ONES? Led by a quick fix mindset, the influence of ubiquitous social media, peer pressure, marketing strategies and a busy lifestyle makes an ordinary person opt for processed protein options rather than natural ones, which can be plant or animal-based, like chickpea, meat, lentils and more. Today’s fitness culture glorifies fast transformations. Fitness influencers posting “Before–After” pictures and promoting supplements aggressively add fuel to the already burning fire. Many people cannot cook multiple meals, so they choose powders that take less time to prepare. Ganesh said, “There is a common belief that ‘More supplements equals more muscles’, which is not true. Muscles grow through training, diet, and recovery, not just shakes. Gym environments often tend to normalise supplement use. When everyone uses it, avoiding it feels like falling behind. Brands promote protein powders as ‘essential’, while natural foods like dal, eggs, milk, curd, paneer, fish, chana, peanuts are seen as ‘basic’ even though they are equal or better.” Priyanshi explained, “A real transformation is not built in 30 days. It is built in discipline, in home-cooked food, in consistency, and in loving your body enough to not harm it for temporary aesthetics.”
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THE NOT-SO-UNFAMILIAR AND ALL – ROUNDER SUPPLEMENTS Supplements like creatine or multivitamins can be helpful, but only when there is a clear need or deficiency. Possible Risks of Overconsumption (General and Non Medical) of supplements can cause digestive discomfort, unnecessary strain on body and more troubles. Sachin explained, “Some people may experience bloating, gas, or stomach upset, especially if they are lactose-intolerant or sensitive to certain ingredients. Relying too much on supplements can reduce intake of carbs, healthy fats, fibre, and micronutrients found in natural foods.” Protein supplements are designed to fill small gaps, not to replace whole meals. WHERE SHOULD WE DRAW THE LINE WITH PROTEIN POWDER AND SIMILIARS? The most important idea to keep in mind is “whether the supplements are helping me or harming me?” Ganesh explains, “Protein powder can be useful when you need help meeting your daily protein requirements, but it should be limited to about one or two scoops per day and chosen carefully, avoiding added sugars, artificial stimulants, or any questionable or banned ingredients. Anyone under 18, pregnant, or dealing with medical conditions should only use it under a doctor’s guidance.” For anabolic steroids, however should never be used for physique or performance goals. They belong strictly in medical settings where they are prescribed, monitored, and used for a defined period. Ganesh said, “If you feel the need to hide a product, obtain it secretly, or depend on it for confidence, that’s a strong sign the line has already been crossed.”
