Gaining to Lose

This one's for those who don't mind building a little muscle. It is also only for those who have a long range perspective on weight loss.

The next supplement I want to talk about is Creatine. Our kidneys, livers and pancreas naturally produce it. It's purpose is to help our bodies store up extra phosphates – and our bodies use those when we need energy (particularly in anaerobic exercise). So, having plenty of Creatine in your system will do a number of things for you.

As you exercise, your body will use up the naturally store Creatine. Having a little extra on board means getting to stay at those muscle building exercises longer...which means building more muscle (those FANTASTIC fat burners).

It also helps in the recovery period, so you can both grow muscle faster and regenerate those wonderful little enzymes that help breakdown fat, carbs and protein (yea, for increased metabolism!).

There are also other health benefits in taking Creatine. Research in two different Universities found that taking Creatine raised people's IQ scores – yes, seriously. It also has benefits in fighting cancer and slows the progression of Parkinson's.

If you are taking it for weight LOSS purposes, take it in pill form. Most of the powders out there, which are used to mix fruity drinks of Creatine, are packed full of sugars. You don't want that.

How much? Take 5-15 grams per day (depending on how hard you are working out). The one side effect that some people have is the feeling of bloating in the stomach. If you experience this side effect just reduce the amount you take until it goes away.

So, it is obvious why I started off saying this one was for those who don't mind building a little muscle, but why did I say it is for people with a long range perspective of weight loss? Well, because if you are working out, it really is good at helping grow your muscles fast. Muscle weighs more than fat. At first you are likely to GAIN weight – arrgh. But over the long term, every pound of muscle you gain will burn an extra 30 calories per hour AT REST. That's right, an extra 1 ½ pounds a week lost while you do nothing!

I started taking Creating about 5 days ago. I have lost no weight sense then, but I have lost about an inch around my waist and I can see a noticeable difference in my arm and chest. So, if you are willing to take a short term hit (in terms of weight loss), Creatine is the way to go for long term gains...um, loss!