By Sophie Albertie
When is the line drawn between healthy habits and habitual self destruction?
In recent years, society has somehow incorporated bulking and weightlifting into every aspect of exercise routines. Protein powder is all the rage, a seemingly quick fix to build one’s temple faster. One of the most asked questions on fitness forums like Quora or Reddit concerns how much protein one can consume before it becomes medically dangerous.
Dr. Eric Berg, a world-renowned Nutritionist and fitness content creator, warns that the most dangerous ingredient in protein powder is maltodextrin, which spikes the blood sugar and increases agitation in bodybuilders and gym zealots. This key ingredient in the formula of protein powder is found in nearly every household brand and is incorporated into anything digestible. This directly prompts young fitness goers to think they don’t have to dedicate as much effort into their everyday routines, as long as they get their scoops for the day.
“Putting this in your body is worse than sugar, even in an effort to bulk up your muscles”. Berg said.
Nowadays, being physically healthy isn’t just about taking walks outside and dancing to a guided instructional video on the television. It’s also not about making cottage cheese ice cream and protein powder pancakes. There’s a regimen for most students even here on the campus of SUNY Plattsburgh.
For some students, fitness is the puzzle piece that saves their health. Sophomore Yasmine Alregabi said going to the gym every day has helped her journey as an athlete on the track team, and to improve her relationship with food and diet culture.
“Cross country is heavily centered around eating disorder culture. You’re kind of encouraged by coaches to participate in unhealthy eating habits; it’s a common theme. The gym helped me get over that”, Alregabi said.
For each day of the week, she says she focuses on conditioning a different part of her body, such as glutes on Monday and abs on Friday.
“I believe it’s discipline over motivation, it’s always something I’m going to do. Whether I feel good or not. I know the gym will make me feel better.” Alregabi said.
Where many fitness gurus find overtake, one student finds balance. Across the board, going to the gym to better one’s physical health and build muscle is not the issue. When chemicals come into play, that’s when the balance is lost between lifestyle and life-sucking.
