Weight loss is one of the largest challenges for many people. Even if you are a keen exerciser, you eat well and supplement as needed, sometimes you may not see the results you had hoped for.
Let’s get one thing straight - everyone struggles with weight loss and strength. If it was easy we would all be fit and healthy.
Perhaps one of the most common areas that people forget about is their micronutrient values.
We all talk about protein, carbs and fat - and to an extent, many people understand the needs of each in your diet. Yet, how many of us really understand what a micronutrient is? Let’s break it down.
What Are Micronutrients?
Every food you eat, especially whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, lean meats - even grains will contain a wide variety of micronutrients. With that said, many of us will not get the correct amount of each micronutrient.
By definition, micronutrients are non-caloric compounds that our body needs in trace amounts.
In other words, they are energy substances found in food that help to balance hormones, blood levels, growth and normal health.
Micronutrients are broken down into two categories - that is vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins being the major source of micronutrients and are found in virtually every food - from vitamin a to vitamin k, each plays a crucial role in our overall health.
For example; Vitamin B is an organic compound found in carb-rich and protein-rich foods which is a powerful energy compound.
Low levels of vitamin B have been correlated with fatigue and even low cognitive function - whereas moderate to high levels of Vitamin B promote energy and can even be an effective pre-workout.
Nutrient Deficiencies
There are many nutrient deficiencies that can have a direct influence on your overall performance and energy levels, although the most common come in the form of zinc, magnesium and iron.
Zinc
An important mineral that can be found in food such as fish, chicken, pumpkin seeds, cashews and spinach. The mineral is primarily responsible for cell division and growth - very important for muscle strength and muscular development.
Magnesium
Another mineral that is crucially important in muscle growth and development, and more importantly, heart health. Magnesium can be found in foods such as beans, nuts, grains, vegetables and some fish. It is important to note that if your diet follows a traditional meat-heavy diet you may have low magnesium levels.
Iron
The last and perhaps most important mineral that many people are deficient in. Many people know that iron is very useful for blood and heart health due to its ability to carry oxygenated blood cells.
Low levels of iron can put a major damper on performance -, especially as a runner. Iron can be found in red meats, red lentils, and dark, leafy greens.
Importance of A Whole Food Approach
Many of these nutrients can be found in your diet, yet modern farming and processing of food have slowly started to strip away the vitamins and minerals in food.
This is why it becomes ever important to ensure you are acquiring all the nutrients you can from a whole food-diet and supplement when needed.
Fortunately, our formulators at Atomic Strength came across this nutrient deficiency and how it can correlate to low testosterone. We then developed a clinically formulated test booster that not only contains zinc, magnesium and b-vitamins but also D-aspartic acid, a powerful test booster.
Accelerate your strength with a whole-food approach and a complete supplement built to help you perform at your best - day in and day out. Check out Atomic_One here.
