CLA Review (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) Dietary Weight Loss Supplement
Phase 2
In an effort to lose a little weight, I began a search for a natural dietary supplement that was well researched, reported to be safe, and didn’t contain any herbs that were in any way, questionable. In an effort to try out an experiment, I began a two part series to see what CLA would do for me. It’s a well documented weight loss supplement that touts many health benefits other then simple weight loss. For 2 months, I took CLA on a daily basis.
Let's review: - Part 1 of this article dealt with what is conjugated Linoleic acid? How does it work in layman’s terms. Is it natural and if so, where is it found? Just how much CLA per day is proven in tests to be effective?
- Part 2 will deals primary with how CLA made me feel, were there any noticeable side effects to taking CLA, and what my body fat will be after 2 months of taking the supplement. I did not introduce any cardio into my routine nor reduce my calories per day. If there will be any weight loss, it will have to come from this supplement.
During my 2 months of taking 3.4g of CLA daily, I noticed no discomforts or unusual side effects. I drank approximately 1 gallon of water daily and only took CLA with food. My own visual inspections showed a slight loss of mass around the mid-section or at best, no significant gains. From various other sites and research methods (message board posts, e-mail inquires, and similar studies), CLA seems to have great effects on animals but a 50-50 change on really making an impact on humans. Some people report huge changes, others report absolutely nothing. I seem to fall into the middle. In my situation, I believe there is some benefit from CLA as a dietary supplement. Going into the gym, I was fully expecting some miracle. But I’ve been working out long enough to know, or should know, there is no magic pill. When the same method to test my bodyfat was used, I was hoping to see a big change. Or at least something on the meter that said something worked. Sadly, my bodyfat percentage was still 16.1%. Checking the calipers (not originally used to set a baseline) I was 17.1%. Seems CLA did not induce any weight loss. But did CLA off-set any fat weight gain? After further reflections, and really questioning my diet and how things have changed over the last 2 months, there is a bit of hope for those needing a dietary supplement to help them lose some weight. As I previously stated, I would not add cardio or reduce my caloric intake. Those facts are not entirely true. While I did not do any cardio the last 2 months, I most certainly did up my caloric intake. In an attempt to gain weight, I have been eating quite well the last 3 weeks and tracking it. This brings me to my own personal conclusion about CLA. I believe that it has helped me maintain my current bodyfat percentage and has made a difference in keeping the fat at bay while my caloric intake has significantly increased. While I’m eating a lot more, I’m not gaining any more fat. But I am slowly gaining weight. My workouts have not changed. Just my nutritional eating habits. CLA seems to me, to be a great additional as a dietary supplement to a regular routine of exercises that includes a balanced, monitored diet and the addition of cardiovascular work. Still have questions? I'll be glad to answer your questions personally. Send me a note at mrcd@freedomfly.net |
