Title: Transforming My Views on Sport Performance Supplements: A Dietitian's Journey

Introduction:

As a dietitian, I must admit that I was skeptical about sport performance supplements in the early years of my career. Surprising, isn't it? Working for a renowned sport supplement company, I never expected to question their efficacy. However, as I delved deeper into the subject, my perspective shifted. In this article, I'll share my journey of discovery and how I came to embrace the power of supplements, particularly the game-changer called creatine.

From Skeptic to Believer:

 During my education as a dietitian, the supplement industry remained largely unfamiliar to me. It was only when I became a sports dietitian after graduation and passed my Registered Dietitian (RD) exam that I encountered athletes' curiosity about sport supplements such as pre-workouts and creatine. Initially, I staunchly believed in the philosophy that food alone could fuel their performance, and supplements were unnecessary. However, my inquisitive nature led me to investigate the scientific evidence behind these products, and it opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I started coaching athletes on utilizing supplements to enhance their power, strength, recovery, and overall well-being. Before recommending any supplement, I always ensured it had been rigorously tested for banned substances. This newfound passion eventually led me to join the science team at Powerhouse Supplements, where I continue to explore the potential of sport supplements.

My Personal Transformation:

To be completely transparent, before joining Powerhouse Supplements, my personal use of supplements was limited to a basic multivitamin and occasional whey protein. As someone who prioritizes fitness for everyday life rather than pursuing elite athletic goals, I believed that sport performance ingredients were valid but not essential for me. However, my perception changed when I dived into the research on creatine. Considering my exercise routine consisting of weightlifting, circuits, and high-intensity intervals, all of which could benefit from creatine supplementation, I was intrigued by how it could enhance my workouts. After extensively studying the scientific literature, I was convinced of its potential and decided to incorporate creatine into my routine.

Starting My Creatine Supplementation:

 My journey with creatine monohydrate began with a loading phase of 7 days, followed by a maintenance phase. During the loading phase, I consumed 20 grams of creatine daily, divided into 4 doses of 5 grams each, using Performance Creatine Monohydrate. Choosing the unflavored, single-ingredient creatine allowed me to observe the effects without any additional ingredients. Admittedly, drinking the required amount of water with the creatine proved challenging, but I soon adapted. It's important to note that creatine should be mixed with an ample amount of water to ensure proper absorption.

The Creatine Phases and My Experience:

During the loading phase, I noticed that I could push a little harder during my workouts, especially in the final reps or sprints. Some initial bloating, which is a result of water retention caused by creatine's hydrating effect on muscle cells, was expected and didn't concern me. After completing the loading phase, I continued with a maintenance dose of 5 grams per day. Throughout the month, I experienced improved workout efficiency and a noticeable increase in strength. Although I didn't weigh myself before and after, I tracked my progress in the gym, witnessing improvements in the total volume of my training and the weights I could handle. While creatine may not be solely responsible for this progress, it certainly contributed to my ability to handle higher volume, leading to enhanced strength. Moreover, I found myself able to sprint longer at maximum speed and endure additional rounds