Drink skimmed milk, gain muscle and lose fat!

During breakfast I was listening to one of the local FM stations. They reported that a considerable proportion of youngsters (mainly male adolescents) have been taking different substances in order to improve their physical appearence (their look). Isn't that typical for adolescents and even young adults? All have a personal idea of what "superman" means ... But the point made by the reporter was that most of these young peopple were consuming illegal substances provided by the fitness centres, though they did not mention any.

By coincidence, while blogging, if found this post, that compelled me to read the last issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, I found an article (Am J Clin Nutr 2007; 86:373– 81)on a dietary trial on actual muscle gain and fat loss in weightlifters. They compared three groups, all "novel" weightlifters in their late teens or early 20's, all healthy. They were allocated to three different groups (one control and two interventions). One group received fat-free milk inmediately after the exercise and again one hour later. The second group received a soy drink instead, and the control group received a flavoured drink. The results were very simple: men in the group drinking low fat milk gained more fat and bone free mass (muscles) and lost fat tissue.

Isn't it better to be more 'natural'? I wonder about the pressure of adolescents and young people to improve their 'look', by consumption of hormones and other substances, without even considering the long term effects it may cause. We believe as Christians, that our bodies are indeed the temple of the Holy Spirit, so we should take care of our bodies properly.

Can we extend the Kingdom of God? Do we have answers to those who think they need to 'improve' their looks to be 'acceptable'? Do we have alternatives to the use of substances?