Trainer Tuesday with Johnnie Lovan

Question: There are so many fat burning products on the market-are they helpful or harmful?

There are a wide variety of product you can choose from that contain thermogenic ingredients, or a lot of people would say “fat burners”. Ephedrine, yohimbine, green tea extract, bitter orange (synephrine), and caffeine are examples; and they basically work by stimulating the central nervous system. This increases your fight or flight responses, indirectly providing energy and allowing you to process calories at a faster rate. Along with these benefits of course there are side effects that are associated with these ingredients. These side effects could include increased blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Another potential issue is the fact that, individually they don’t have a real dramatic effect. As a result companies will often combine several of these ingredients into one product and then sell them as an energy or health supplement. Unfortunately, we don’t know how many of these stimulants will specifically effect each person, let alone several ingredients combined together. Yes, Thermogenic’s can be helpful in my opinion, but could also be harmful if not taking with caution. So despite the claims, your best bet is to pass on these ingredients and the products that contain them. Instead, focus on maximizing your training and nutrition and speak to qualified professionals about losing body fat in the safest and most effective way possible. Always seek a professional before putting stuff in your body that may do more harm than help.

Question: How does Alcohol affect my metabolism and calorie intake?

Alcohol provides empty calories. No nutritional benefit is derived from alcohol. Alcohol is roughly 7 calories per gram which is almost as high as fat in caloric content. In addition to this alcohol slows down the metabolism and causes less fat to burn. In most cases high fat foods are consumed with alcohol and that makes matters worst. Also alcohol inhibits the liver from metabolizing fat. Most weight loss programs you see will exclude alcohol from the program. A lot of people ask me what are the best and worst alcohol drinks out there that we consume. If you are looking to get tipsy and still show off your hard-earned muscles stick to drinks that have less calories. Here are some fun facts on a few drinks regarding calories per 1.5 oz per serving. Grey Goose and Absolute Vodka contain 96 Calories and Smirnoff has 97 Calories. Crown Royal contains 96 Calories, Jack Daniels contains 98 calories and Markers Mark contains 110 Calories. Captain Morgan contains 86 calories and Bacardi Rum contains 98 calories. Jose Cuervo contains 96 Calories and Patron Tequila contains 98 calories. All these drinks I have listed so far all have 0 grams of carbs(unless you mix with something). Let me also share some calories and carbs per 12oz serving’s information on some beers. Bud Light has 110 calories and 6.6g of carbs, Coors Light has 102 calories and 5g of carbs. Amstel light has 95 calories and 5g of carbs. Sam Adams Pale Ale has 160 calories and 19g of carbs, Blue Moon Belgium White Ale has 164 calories and 13g of carbs. Guiness Draught contains 128 calories and 10.6g of carbs, Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout (very delicious beer) contains 150 calories and 10g of carbs. Smirnoff Ice contains 241 calories and 32g of carbs and Mike’s Hard Lemonade 235 calories and 35g of carbs. Always drink responsible and choose your drinks wisely during your fitness journey, is the best advice I can give.

Thank you everyone for all your questions, support and everyone that took the time to read this. Stay Strong and Lift On! Never Surrender!

 -Johnnie Lovan-

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