All Star Supplements: Alpha Lipoic Acid

Most people use food as a comfort once in a while. When this becomes habit or when people get a rush from a particular food or they use it as emotional padding, that's when it becomes a problem...even an addiction. It's not just lack of willpower or emotional anxiousness, it's a physical addiction.

I am a firm believer that the body is wise and at times it will crave what it needs. But this healthy craving can be satisfied by a small amount of the food. If the craving is non-stop and causes bingeing and your hands scooping at the bottom of a cookie box, then yes, there is a problem.

So what's the cure? What's the magical fix? Well, there's no magical fix, but there are supplements that can help to end the vicious cycle of sugar cravings.

Changes in diet will help of course, but when your body is still on that sugar pendulum, it can be a tooth and nail battle to control cravings, even if your intentions are the best, your will power is pretty good, and you've educated yourself on the topic. One supplement I find is extremely effective in stopping the cycle is Alpha Lipoic Acid.

In addition to balancing sugar, alpha lipoic acid has a myriad of other beneficial properties. "Alpha Lipoic Acid, the universal antioxidant, recycles other antioxidants in the body and scavenges more types of free radicals than any other known antioxidant. It is also anti-aging and anti-inflammatory for the skin" (James 162). Because of its potency, it has also proven to help prevent sunburn. I can personally vouch for that one.

ALA is a supplement that is worth taking some time to research if you have blood sugar issues and you're looking for an alternative remedy.


Citation
James, Kat. The Truth About Beauty. New York, NY: Beyond Words, 2007.

Everyone Needs a Kick in the Pants!

Accountability is priceless. It's easy to call off on yourself, but when you have someone expecting you or counting on you, you're more likely to stick to your guns.
When I was taking my cycling certification we did this visualization game in three parts. The first part was to cycle as hard as you could and to do it for yourself. The second part was hard cycling against someone you didn't like or a bully. The third, was to cycle for a friend for inspiration or help. Guess which scenario produced the greatest results? The third one!

This is why a trainer (or very dedicated work out buddy) can help keep you on track. You know that if you cancel on a trainer, there will be hell to pay next time. Also, a trainer helps you set goals. I talk about motivational triggers in a past blog which you can access here.
Also, did you know that trainers train each other? It's true! We are not super human with or paragons of perfect nutrition and exercise (at least I'm not:) We keep each other in check. In fact a very special person in my life taught me how important it is to take care of each other (I'm talk about you Ed). My trainer trains me and I do body rolling with him. We keep each other in check and teach each other.

Everybody needs a kick in the pants! If you've tried to stick to the plan and have not found sucess or if your workout buddy cancels everytime there's something good on tv, consider doing a bootcamp or hiring one on one personal training. Look for one that will inspire and has a passion to help you reach your highest goals.

xoxo
Your Trainer,
Erin Is Awesome