246 Other Training-Related Issues
Supplements are a quick and convenient means for obtaining the nutrients you need.
For example, some people find that after eating a normal breakfast they feel ill or nauseous
during morning PT. If you can’t tolerate exercising on a full stomach, then a powdered
beverage may be the answer for your breakfast. You get the calories you need in the
morning, but don’t have that heavy feeling in your stomach. Remember that you may not
need the full recommended serving size. Count the calories to suit your own energy
requirements and goals.
It is also important to realize that it is not the supplement alone that leads to better
performance. Success lies in addressing your goals and analyzing and adapting your diet to
meet those goals. It will take some work on your part to calculate how much supplement,
if any, you need to use. Read the labels and figure out how many calories you will expend
before your next meal. Also, make sure you add up the vitamins and minerals you are
getting from all the different supplements you are taking. Many products provide similar
nutrients and you may be taking TOO much of one or several nutrients.
Another decision to make is whether or not to use a protein, carbohydrate, or
combination beverage. Once again, it all depends on your goals. If you want to increase
lean body mass through resistive training, then some protein may be the way to go.
Remember that:
You only need 0.6 to 0.8 grams of protein
per pound body weight per day.
This is equivalent to 105 to140 grams for a 175 lb. SEAL. Keep in mind that there
are food sources of protein that are very easy to come by and tend to cost much less money.
For example:
" One 6 oz. can of tuna fish has 48 grams of protein.
" One 4 oz. breast of chicken has 36 grams of protein.
" One 8 oz. glass of milk (skim) has 10 grams of protein.
Resource
" Deuster PA, Singh A, Pelletier PA. The Navy SEAL Nutrition Guide, 1994.