Women and Whey

          For athletes that are focused on strength training, protein powders are extremely popular.  Powders such as Legion Whey is a good source of amino acids and nutrients. There are people that take whey protein because they are either allergic to other protein sources (such as soy or eggs) or are lactose intolerant.  With that being said, lactating women that have decided to return to their training regimen are advised not to take whey protein unless under the supervision of a medical professional.  Although, whey protein has been shown to help in the prevention of milk allergies within babies that are fed formula.  The physician for the child will need to be consulted before beginning them on a regimen that involves whey protein. 

Whey Research

     According to early evidence, the use of Legion Whey powder, as compared to the protein within cow’s milk, eczema and atopic dermatitis can be prevented.  Although more research needs to be done on the supplement, whey protein has been studied as a measure of slowing down cancer that has metastasized. 

    There have been a great number of studies that contend that a strength training regimen that is combined with the use of whey protein powder.  The combination is believed to increase a person’s lean body mass, muscle size and strength.  Additionally, there have been studies centered on whey protein powder that have found it to assist in the prevention of excessive weight loss within individuals with HIV.

Legion Whey Protein 

    One of the best protein supplement brands that are currently on the market is the fairly new brand by the name of Legion Whey Protein.  This product from the Legion Supplements line is a 100% whey protein isolate that is able to boast about being all natural.  It also utilizes the milk from hormone free cows.  This supplement line is available in a variety of flavors that will soon include chocolate. 

     Legion is a highly cost effective option for those wanting to incorporate whey protein into their diet.  There have not been any hazardous side effects reported by users of the product line. 

Side Effects, Interactions and More

     When embarking on a strength training regimen that includes whey protein powder, it is important to note the side effects, especially for mothers of young children.  The vast majority of men and women that consume the supplement with no issue and tolerate it quite well.  There are some that, at high doses, experience headache, cramping, bloating, increased thirst and bowel movements and nausea. 

     Those that suffer from milk sensitivity and allergies should not consume whey protein.  Also, those that suffer from kidney disease will need to consult with their primary care physician before utilizing any form of whey protein powder.  Also, anyone that is currently taking any form of prescription medicines or additional supplements will need to consult with a medical professional.  Whey protein has been known to interact with certain medications that include antibiotics as well as Fosamax and levodopa. 

In Conclusion

     Women that have decided to strength train while lactating can do so, but will need to gain guidance from a medical professional.  There are benefits that are found within the supplement that will also help an infant.  But do not that it is very important that a physician be consulted first. 

5:2 Skin Diet – Is There a Real Benefit Behind it?

      By this time, there are a great number of you that have heard of the new diet trend that is called the 5:2 diet.  This diet requires you to eat normally for five consecutive days and then restrict caloric intake for two days.  There is an additional option of fasting for the remaining two days, should one desire.  This has now been applied to the world of makeup and it is being called the 5:2 skin diet.  For this “diet” you engage in your normal cosmetic routine for five days and then go without makeup for two days.  The purpose of this diet is to allow your skin to “detox” for two days which is supposed to result in your skin looking younger. 

         Years ago, this skin diet should have been a requirement, but in today’s climate of cosmetology is it really needed?  There are brands that continue to use the harsh chemicals of your grandmother’s brands, but for the most part, makeup is not as harmful to the skin as it used to be.  With that being said, if you have makeup that allows you to look and feel good and is posing no irritation to your skin, there is no reason to take on this skin diet and “detox”. 

      What is most important for your skin is thoroughly washing your face clean of makeup each night.  Simply because the makeup that you choose has been marketed as having the ability to last a full 24 hours, does not mean that you have to allow it to do so.  It should be a part of your beauty regimen to never sleep with makeup on.  This is one of the most horrible habits that women have and no amount of the 5:2 skin diet will protect you from the effects of sleeping in your makeup. 

      Your skin needs to be able to be able to repair itself and breathe overnight, therefore, the 5:2 skin diet will not be able to save your skin on its own.  Think about it, even if you only wore makeup for five days, if you do not completely remove it be before bedtime, how are you helping your skin? You are leaving to suffocate for five days before allowing it to “detox” for two days.  What can possibly be repaired or restored at that time?

     Do not be mistaken, the avoidance of makeup for a couple of days will help in the skin’s natural process while allowing your skin to rebalance its very own moisture.  Now, just as with the 5:2 diet that pertains to food, if you devote the majority of your time to a current routine and only taking a split second there are no improvements to be seen.  Especially if you wear makeup that is riddled with chemical plus you are not removing it at the end of the day, a two day fasting of makeup will garner no results for you and your skin. 

      There is no harm is testing the skin diet out for yourself.  Just simply go into the skin diet knowing that there may be virtually zero results for you to see as you look in the mirror.