image credit: cronfeld
There is no doubt about it - whole foods are always the better choice when deciding between them and supplements. What many people fail to realize is that supplements are just that - supplementing your diet. For example, you wouldn't cut out protein in foods to only take it in powder form. Many times bodybuilders or strength trainers incorporate whey protein powders into their diets as a convenient way to consume protein until they can get it from their food.
The same goes for vitamins. It's always a good idea to seek your vitamins from the foods that you eat and supplement with a multi-vitamin rather than depending only on the vitamin supplements. I conducted interviews with fitness professionals on my other fitness blog and they provided great advice about supplements:
What role do you feel supplements play in getting fit?
NOT A BIG FAN OF SUPPLEMENTS - I EAT REALLY WELL. ONE THING I TRY TO DO IS FIND WHAT THE SUPPLEMENTS ARE SELLING (INGREDIENTS) AND THEN FIND THE FOODS THAT NATURALLY HAVE THOSE COMPONENTS IN THEM. YOU WOULD BE SUPRISED THAT BY JUST EATING MANY VEGETABLES, LEAN MEATS, NUTS, BERRIES, FRUITS HAS EVERY THING YOU NEED. [Stew Smith - CSCS, former Navy SEAL]
Could you describe your diet? Do you take supplements as well?
Only clean fresh food. Having a busy schedule keeps me from eating home less than I would prefer. However, I watch what I eat and stay completely away from sweets, fats, and junk food. I eat lean meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. I don’t add any sugar, salt or cheese to anything.
Not too many supplements; nothing replaces real foods. I take fish oil capsules, flaxseeds and Amino Vital energy gels as needed. I drink at least a gallon of water a day. [Rick Seedman, PT]
Another thing to think about is how much do you trust the supplement manufacturers? Do you really know what all goes into creating some of these supplements? That is just something to consider. As for myself, I do take flax seed oil daily as well as whey protein every now and then. Once you begin eating clean, you will definitely increase the amount of vitamins, minerals, and protein needed on a daily basis.