Supplements 411: SmartForme Nutrition Products

If you happened on this post, I can let you in on a little insider perk just for TLN readers!

Back in 2004, I co-founded Smart Nutrtion Company, distributor of SmartForme Nutrition Products.

These products are sold primarily to individuals that have undergone gastric bypass (weight loss) surgery. But SmartForme products can also benefit anybody looking for high-protein snacks and meal replacement options.

If you wish to order from SmartForme, I appreciate it if you enter the following code into the special instructions box during checkout: TLN-VT. This identifies you as a member of Tough Love Nutrition and not a gastric bypass patient.

SmartForme runs regular specials, so I recommend signing up on their homepage to receive a monthly "e-Memo". It will keep you notified of current and upcoming sales.

When you go to the SmartForme website, prepare to be blown away by the wide selection of products and flavors. All of these products are formulated and manufactured under the supervision of SmartForme's Director of Research and Development.

Here's a few of the SmartForme products used in my household: Snack Bars, Meal Replacement Shakes and Bari-EFA.

Enjoy!

TLN Phil

Supplements 411 Intro

Bogus or Beneficial? Find out here with TLN Founder Phil LeClair regarding Dietary and Nutrition Supplements

If confusion over what type of diet to follow were not challenging enough, the quandary over whether to use, not use and what to choose in regards to vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements is equally difficult.

Unfortunately for the consumer, the FDA has grouped such products into one general category known as Dietary Supplements. For anybody attempting to navigate through the massive selection of trendy, market-driven and mostly useless supplements, they are hard-pressed to discover products that actually can play an important role in contributing to good health. Find out more by keeping an eye out for more Supplements 411 posts!

Supplements 411: Lance Armstrong Partners with FRS

"FRS is different. It's a healthy choice for energy that lasts hours not minutes. It fits in line with me wanting to live to be ninety. It fits in line with me wanting to keep running marathons, riding my bike, being fit and having fun." - Lance Armstrong

We're very pleased to welcome Lance Armstrong to the FRS family. Lance's athletic accomplishments, his cancer advocacy, and his focus on inspiring people to be active and healthy at any age are an inspiration to us all.

Lance's relationship with FRS is more than an endorsement deal, it's a partnership. After carefully reviewing the science behind the product, and meeting our management team, Lance has joined our Board of Directors and has chosen FRS to be the exclusive beverage he represents worldwide, because FRS aligns with his lifestyle choices and beliefs.
Get ready to see Lance featured in our advertising and on the FRS website. Lance also plays a role in company strategy with his participation in regular board meetings. We appreciate your continued support of our company and are very excited to start this new chapter in the FRS story.

Dick Lamb CEO, New Sun Nutrition.
Power your life with FRS.

Supplements 411: FRS Healthy Energy Drink

One might think that you can get enough antioxidants in the foods we eat (esp. colorful fruits and vegetables), but in this age of food processing and increased mental, physical and environmental stresses, our bodies are taxed and can definitely benefit from a variety of well-developed antioxidant products.

FRS is one such brand I hold in high regard. I was privileged to work with several of their executive and management team members during my years at Balance Bar Company. I know these guys and gals have a passion in developing a product with credibility and functionality (that’s why it was a no-brainer to carry it online at the Tough Love Nutrition Store!).

Initially offered a liquid concentrate, FRS is available as a Ready-To-Drink (RTD) and very convenient Chews. FRS is scientifically formulated with the powerful combination of flavonoids from quercitin (found in skins of apples, onions and grapes) and catechins from green tea.
FRS RTD is my ally when my body is more worn down than usual and hints of a cold are looming. I also use is as a coffee alternative in late afternoon to get me over the workday hump, sparing me from the “can’t sleep” caffeine buzz.

More supplement recomendations at SmartGroceries!

Supplements 411: High Fructose Corn Syrup in Nutrition Bars

Question: Phil, I was just looking through the TLN store and was checking out the Balance bars (which I personally use at least twice a day). And I noticed in the ingredients that they have some corn syrups. I thought that these things where not good for you? Am I wrong?

Answer: Dave, Very good question. All of the reputable bars contain sugar in one form or the other. Be it HFCS, Sugar, or even Organic Cane Sugar, there are small to moderate amounts. Others claim no or low sugar but they are filling their products with sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners (FYI: sugar alcohols do not contain the same caloric value or direct effects on blood glucose [energy] levels as sugar, but they are not "free ingredients" as sometimes alluded to. they contain some caloric value and when used in higher amounts, can cause gas and stomach unpleasantries). So should you not eat nutrition bars? The answer is no. Well-developed nutrition bars like Balance, Clif, Anytime, etc. serve a purpose. They are a convenient, portable means to deliver a balance of key nutrients (protein, carbs, fat and some w/ vitamins and minerals) and maintain energy levels when you are in a bind for a healthy food choice. Compared to the large amounts of processed sugars found in soda and junk food, eating one or two responsibly sweetened nutrition/energy bars in conjunction with a balanced whole food diet will not compromise one's overall health. Take it from me, I do not live on nutrition bars, but they are certainly a savior when I am on the run or need something in pinch. Sugar-free advocates may feel otherwise, but try stuffing a half sandwich or banana in your pocket or glove compartment. Having experience in the development of nutrition bars, I can also expand by saying that chosen sweeteners --albeit not the ideal -- do provide functionality beside sweetness and being a carb source. Because these bars are mass-produced, the chosen sweeteners provide consistency in manufacturing for nutritional value as well as extended shelf life (up to a year or more) and serve as a natural preservative by preventing unfavorable growth of bacteria and/or mold. Sorry, if I went a little too technical on you, but its info I think everybody should be aware of.