Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Five Tips for Recession Supplement Shopping

FIVE TIPS FOR RECESSION SUPPLEMENT SHOPPING





1.Cover The Basics:  Protein and a good Multi-Vitamin are essential for your body and your workouts.  Without these two key items, all of your hard work will suffer.  Beyond these, you should also consider EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids, Omega -3,-6,-9) or Glutamine as part of your Tri-Fecta Stack of products that will focus your precious dollars on the essentials.

2. Don’t Skimp On Protein:  Protein is the key macro-nutrient your body uses to re-build and repair lean muscle tissue.  In tough economic times it may seem wise to downgrade your choice in protein to a low-cost or generic brand to save money.  But remember, it’s cheap for a reason!  Just like you wouldn't buy the package of chicken that is marked down because it’s past the expiration date, buying a cheap protein may mean you are buying lots of fillers or not getting the full label amount of protein per serving. It's OK to splurge on a quality protein like Intek, Myofusion or Pro Complete 40.

3. Using Supplements to Save Money:  The other day a customer came into the store.  I had been recommending a Meal Replacement Bars (MRB) for him for almost a year.  But because meal replacement bars tend to cost a lot, he had declined the recommendation.  Then last week, he came in and bought two boxes of them and explained how he is going to use them to SAVE money.  He currently goes to a deli or restaurant for lunch every business day and spends around $12-$15.  The per serving cost of the MRB he bought is $3.00 (he bought the most expensive one in the store).  He estimates by dropping the restaurant lunch four days a week, he will save between $150 and $200 a month.  The MRB gives him a full compliment of nutrients and vitamins and fills him up.  Plus the extra time at his desk allows him to get ahead at work!

4. But I Really Want the Cool Stuff I Saw in the Muscle Mag:  Pre-workouts, post-workout, pro-hormone, specialized recovery and other cool products are great to have, but they are not essential.  But there is no reason to deny your access, just be smart.  Let us help you assess what type of workouts you are putting your body through and what your goals are and we can help find the best one or two products matched to your goal versus just buying what is “new” or “in all the mags”.  Many times the “hot” product are just basic, simple ingredients re-packaged and plugged with a lot of marketing.  Not to pick on any brand, but take Muscletech’s Leukic Hardcore…good product that runs anywhere from $60.00 to $90.00 depending on the size, but you can substitute a good old fashioned Branch Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) product for it and get the same results for only $20 - $25.  Let our Certified Nutrition Coaches help you figure out if your supplement list has room for these kind of switches.

5. Buy in Bulk:  If you love the pre-workout drinks or bars or your favorite protein powders think VOLUME to save!  We sell all our Ready To Drinks (RTD’S) and bars in single serving or case quantity.  Case quantity buying automatically saves you 15% off the price because we don’t have to break it open, price it and stock it to the various shelves so we pass those savings on to you.  As for protein, think, PER SERVING COST!  Most protein powders are priced to be less per serving the larger container you buy.  You’ll pay more upfront, but save money in the long run.  For example, Intek 5lb is $67.99 (not including your Frequent Buyer Club Credit) and with over 50 servings it costs about $1.30 per serving.  The 2lber costs about $1.42 per serving, that’s a 22% savings!  Also, related to #3 above, that’s $1.30 a serving for the equivalent nutrient value of a 6oz chicken breast…good luck buying a chicken breast at the store (uncooked) or at a restaurant for $1.30.


We hope this helps you save money and feel better about your purchase here at 4X Nutrition Center! Feel free to stop by and speak with one of our certified nutrition staff and let them help you make the most cost effect choice that will still keep you headed toward your goals.

Til next time,
 MIkie

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