(there is an updated topic regarding Ultimate Nutrition's Halal Protein Powder... Please read it here)

Assalaam aleykom WBT :)

I was searching thru the Internet, as well as asking people at IFANCA regarding the Halal Whey Protein. From my searching, I think besides relying on IFANCA's halal certification, we can obtain the answers from the manufacturers of Whey Protein products... but of course, the 'right' sort of questions need to be asked :)

A few months back, I got into a bit of an argument of whether the GNC Pro Performance Whey Protein was a halal protein or not a halal protein supplement. Since they don't have halal certification for that particular product... I had to ask the manufacturer (GNC, USA). From them, I obtained this information:

• No animal rennet (or other animal based enzymes are used) during the Whey extraction process.
• The equipment used for the production of the GNC Pro Performance Whey Protein is the same equipment used to process other products that has animal derived ingredients. But, these equipments are thoroughly washed between processes.

Final Verdict? For me... since there's the equipment issue... to be safe, I treat it as haram. But again, if there is any other hukum (ruling) saying other wise, I'd appreciate the input and feedback :D Anyway... continuing my post....

Ever since my GNC Pro Performance Whey Protein case, I started to get a bit careful when even considering buying protein products, especially because the manufacturers are mostly (if not all) non-muslims. So, before even buying the product, the best thing to do is to ask :)And one thing might help also... get the Product Code before you ask the manufacturer, as manufacturers normally check based on product codes (for GNC at least).

Some useful questions that I could think of:

1) Is there any animal derived ingredients used to make the whey protein?

• Asking this way, might be more understood by the manufacturer. Because, for one thing... if you know some animal 'parts' were used... there is a high probability (maybe even 100% probability) that the animal ingredient is non halal. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer is normally non-muslim, so if any animal ingredients are used, they would surely not have followed the Islamic way of obtaining it (by first slaughtering and then deriving).
• But then again, there are some differences of opinions regarding this issue. I will not discuss it here because my knowledge in the field is almost non-existent! :D

2) What sort of enzyme, agent or catalyst is used during the extraction of whey from milk?

• As some may know, whey is the by product when making cheese (if my memory serves me correctly). But anyhow... in order to extract they whey from the milk (to make cheese), a catalyst is used. It can either be animal based (enzyme), or fungal based. If it's the latter, then Alhamdulillaah! But if it's the former... then most probably it would be haram, as, again, mostly non-muslims are doing this process. And I highly doubt that the animals are slaughtered properly before making use of these enzymes (I think they use something called RENNET... which is derived from the inner stomach lining of calves... You can check this further by surfing the net)
  

3) Is there any alcohol involved during the whole process?

• IFANCA has a guideline I think... regarding permissible amounts of alcohol in food. You can check at the IFANCA website at http://www.ifanca.org.
  
• But normally, I don't think any alcohol is involved to make Whey Protein. But I can't be sure about other products. It won't hurt to ask though :D

4) Since you (the manufacturer) say that the enzyme being used is not of animal origin, is the whey protein product being processed on the same equipment used to process other products that contain animal based ingredients?

• I relate this question with my GNC Pro Performance Whey Protein. At first, the manufacturer told me that they used fungal based enzymes... which made me happy! But after asking about the equipment... unfortunately they use the same equipments that they use to process other products (that has animal derived ingredients).
  
• Again I state my stand that since the same equipment was used... I consider it haram. Because I am afraid of some 'contamination'. This is my stand...

Well... these are some questions that I had to ask. And alhamdulillaah... the manufacturer answered. But of course, you need to give them the complete detail of the product at hand (in my case, the Product Code and Product name). You can get these info from the store... in my case GNC Live Well. :)

I hope this post (for those who have found it), can be of some help. InsyaAllaah, if we strive hard enough, and ask the right questions... we are able to avoid the haram products and supplements.

I have come to know about one protein powder... from ULTIMATE NUTRITION (refer to my previous post...). But again, I only see the halal certification for their NATURAL flavor. They have other flavors such as chocolate, vanilla... and... others I guess. Maybe some more research needs to be done :)

Anyway... hope this has post been of use.

Jazzakallaah Khair.

Assalaam aleykom WBT.

Since my last post about Ultimate Nutrition's Halal Protein Powder, I've been receiving queries from friends asking me what the powder is for? Today insyaAllaah, I will try to answer that question based on my limited knowledge and some experience :) But here and again, I would like to advise Muslims, if you would like to use protein powders, make sure there's a halal certification stating that it is indeed a halal protein supplement... And don't take the word of any sales representative... as they are only working at their respective stores. They have a sales quota to fill, and some just might not be ethical enough to tell customers the whole truth (but a great many just don't know :P)

Ok... here are 2-reasons why people might wanna use protein powders :)

(there might be other reasons as well...)

1. As a (inferior) substitute for natural food

If any of you realize, on the containers or boxes of such products (e.g. Protein Powder, Glutamine, Meal Replacements etc.), there will most definitely be the word 'SUPPLEMENT'. Well, that's exactly what protein powders are for :) Supplementation! But, I'd like to view it more as a substitute... hence changing the term to 'SUBSTITUTION' :D

Why I say this? Well, because mainly that's what the powder is ultimately for. As a (natural) food substitute :) Instead of gobbling down a grilled chicken breast, U drink  a protein shake :) Instead of having an omelet, you make your own protein drink!

(of course, substituting the same amounts of protein grams per serving).

So, what's all the hype about athletes, bodybuilders and fitness experts promoting protein powders (among other products)? In reality, there're actually no 'magical' attributes attached to the powder. Seriously. Even though manufacturers will say that their protein powder produces better (OR BEST!) results in terms of muscle growth, or even nutrient absorption... all of this is more hype than truth! If there was even something 'special' about these powders... they are actually more inferior to natural protein sources (e.g. chicken/turkey breasts, fish, meat, soy etc.). This is due to the fact that protein powders are a processed type of food, and most of the time, artificial flavours are added (e.g. Splenda, for sweetness). Even the ones claiming NATURAL flavours can be a bit misleading, as the 'natural-ness' of those flavours themselves are actually artificial during the making! :P

If you get protein from natural sources like egg-whites, chicken breasts etc... then u're (almost) sure of getting the best deal, insyaAllaah!

(I say almost, because nowadays, so many animals get antibiotic injections, and other stuff put into their systems before ending up 'fit' for the slaughter house)

2. Convenience

This is the main reason (I think la...) why many people prefer protein powder. How is it convenient? Ok... let me explain some more, in the context of a beginner, amature or even pro bodybuilder... or even an athlete for that matter :)

Ideally, even for us normal people... it would be best to eat 5-6 meals per day. Of course, not using the normal portion we take eating out lah! Kalau camtu, jadik Obisiti Nurhaliza la!!! This is how these people eat... 5-6 complete meals per day :D

Anyway, a bodybuilder la kata kan... eats 5-6 and even up to 8 meals per day! And in every meal, normally there needs to be a balance between carbohydrates and protein. Carb you can get from pasta, potatoes, bread etc. Protein you can get from (like I mentioned) poultry, meat, egg whites (or egg substitutes like egg beaters... tapi xde kat Mesia!!!) and even diary products like skim milk or low fat cheese.

But for someone to cook 5-8 meals per day... that is a gargantuan task ye dok? I personally tried doing so during my fitter days (:P)... but as a lazy bachelor (at the time), I had to look for an alternative protein source (cuz its the protein that you normally have to cook). One that is more convenient and not on the dairy list, as I am lactose intolerant. So, I decided to go for a protein supplement :) Jadi, instead of cooking my other 2-3 meals (I did not use protein powder in all my meals la... muntuoh nanti :P), I just had a protein shake or protein based smoothie :) Tu dia... senang!

So, as you can see... convenience :D

In conclusion... these are among the main reasons why protein powders are consumed :) It's not because they have super magical powers. Some companies and individuals claim that these powders can be a catalyst for weight loss! Others claim the higher absorption rate allows for faster muscle repair and faster muscle growth. Whoaa... I mean... these claims are more to drug effects than magical food properties :P You can get these effects from consuming (or injecting to put it more accurately) anabolic steroids! But from protein powders... Hmmmmm.... Don't think so. Even if you train like KING KAMALI or MARCUS RHUL, protein powders alone will not be of any great help!

Anywayz... hope this has been of some valuable info for everyone :D Plz do comment if you have any. Selamaat :D

(there is an updated topic regarding Ultimate Nutrition's Halal Protein Powder... Please read it here)

ANOTHER UPDATE (2011): ULTIMATE NUTRITION EXTENDS IFANCA HALAL CERT FOR ITS PRODUCTS

Assalaam aleykom WBT. In one of my previous posts, I blogged about my row with GNC Malaysia regarding the halal status of their GNC brand Whey Protein powder. Back then, I was told that the GNC Whey Protein powder was halal by the sales person, when in actual fact, the IFANCA halal certification that GNC has (they do have halal cert btw) did not cover that particular product. So, in short, there is no sure say that GNC has any halal Whey Protein Powder under their own brand name. To be safe for dunya and akhirat, just assume GNC has no halal whey protein or even any halal whey protein supplments for Muslims. This only relates to the GNC brands that is.

But a few days back, I was chatting with one of my friends. She was asking me about protein powders... and about which brands are halal protein powders. As for myself, I was sure that Herbalife had some halal powders, but due to Herbalife being a Network (multi-level) Marketing company, I reckon their prices would be a wee bit expensive than the others (I think la... if any Herbalife reps terbaca this post, please do correct me... cuz kalau betul murah than competition, then I oso want to buy :D).

But other than Herbalife, I was not sure... ada ke tak yg halal. My fren had a tip however, that there was another brand... Ultimate Nutrition. They have a line of Protein Powders that has halal certification! Walaweh! Kok ada halal cert! after checking, I found out that it was true... because it was stated on the IFANCA website also! (http://www.ifanca.org). The product's name - PROSTAR WHEY PROTEIN NATURAL *the flavor is natural that is... (View the halal certification my other post).

This is good news, as I think many Mulsims out there are looking for halal alternatives. So, for those of you looking for halal protein powders or a halal protein supplement, either for supplementary purposes, or as a more convenient way to get your protein intake (for pre or post workout meals for example), then I think, Prostar Whey Protein is the answer. The website however only states that the NATURAL flavor has halal certification. There are also other flavors e.g. Vanilla and Chocolate. But sepatutnya lah... these should be halal also (I think... don't take my word for it. You might wanna email ultimate nutrition.... DONT EMAIL the distributors. Get it straight from the horse's mouth! :P).

Okes. In case anyone else has info on other halal protein supplements... please do tell me... as this info can be shared for the benefit of the Muslim (or even Kosher) community :D

Selamaaat :D

click image to view @ Amazon.com

click image to @ Amazon.com

It's been 2-fitness programs, and 3 main fitness books since 2001. I was 84kg when I started with Body For Life (http://www.bodyforlife.com). Managed to get down to 74 in two months ++. But succumbed to various 'worldy' temptations... shot back up nearly 80kilos...

Then a few years after that, followed MuscleNow. Alhamdulillaah. Best program ever. Wen't from 80's to 68! This was 2003-2004. The program had a good balance of cardio (aerobics) and weights (an-aerobic) excercises/workouts. But the problem was, again, in the 'programee'. After 2-months... decided to reward himself, and went back up to 70's. Unfortunately... never went off the reward binge :P Never resarted the program... for at least 2-3- months. Aiyaa... tak boleh jadi. Musti instil some discipline into my mind.

Went back on MuscleNow. Managed to get into an almost lean physique... constantly at 73-74 kilograms. Was in the best shape of my life! Eating 5-6 square meals per day. Doing cardio on the treadmill, stationary bike and also morning jogs were routines. Lifted weights 3-5 times per week as course prescribed.

BUT!

Again... fell off the horse and this time... third time 'un'-lucky. When you keep falling off, it gets harder and harder to climb back up. I think it's because you know the level of work that needs to be put in in order to succeed.

Like to maintain a good physique... it's not just to eat well (never use the term DIET by the way), and also not just to excercise correctly... Yes, these two things are of utmost importance! But with the absence of discipline, and the understanding that it's a lifestyle change (instead of a programme), success will be just a thing of the past (whcih now when I look back, seemed like I never obtained it :'( ...).

So something needs to be done... again. But this time, the mentality has to evolve. Paradigm shift? Mind over matter? :P

Back to the title of the post... Walking and jogging. Dulu2, saya berjoggin sakan. Buat style interval training. 20-minit lari atas treadmill atau balapan.

(Ulang... sampai lah abis 20-menet)

1. Minute-1: Slow pace... relax

2. Minute-2: Up a bit, but still without panting too hard

3. Minute-3: Up one more gear... kasik push sikit. Run faster sang troxion...

4. Minute-4: 60% power...

5. Minute-5: 75-90% power... tapi slalu dalam area 75-85 la :) (Macam pernah ukur je :P)

Awal-awal, memang besh. But, I think the main problem... when I restart my fitness regimes (each time)... I will bantai myself to a pulp. Push maut2 sampai tercungap2. In the end... tak look forward to another cardio session (lari2 tu cardio la tu...).

Same as weight. Tarus nak take each set to failure... Did not try to enjoy the thing first. End up, malas nak buat lagi next time.

Final result... jatuh dari kuda... lagi dan lagi dan lagi.

But I have not lost hope yet. The fitness horse is still there. Waiting for me to make the 'healthy' decision to change my lifestyle :) Insya-Allaah... after panjat-ing Bukit Jambul with my fren Azrul, motivasi tu dah mai balik. Alhamdulillaah, yesterday oso, I did some cardio in the wee hours of the morning. But... did not do intervals. I decided to take it slow. No minute-by-minute effort-percentage increase. This time... I started with a walk. Then walked faster... at one point, chose to jog slowly. Dalam hati memang ada perasaan suruh laju....

"Laju sikit la wehhh.... kena potong ngan mak cik pak cik tuuu... ish..."

(which happenned... ada pak cik sorang tu dok jogging laju gilos kat balapan USM semalam)

But I think I've learn my lesson la. Slow slow. Like my triathlete fren Hairul Azwar Hashim kata... lari tu biar seronok. Aku sekarang tengah nak lajar kasik seronok la ni mamamammat! :P heheheh.

Orait... Harap2 kali ni tak la macam dolu2. InsyaAllaah, I want to do it again... to be fit again. Not to be this 81-84kg (my current standing :P) of flab. Kena kasik tukar (Bak kata India dalam Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu... "Sudah tukar kaaaa?").

Orait... :D insyaAllaah. Assalaam aleykom WBT :D

Another way to lose those extra pounds is of course, to climb the nearest hill in your area. Even though already living in Penang for two years, I never really explored the place. My life basically revolves around USM, Tesco, The Penang Bridge, and Nibong Tebal (and also the occasional Queensbay Mall and Sunway Carnival Mall visits avec mon famille). So when I was asked to follow a friend climb a hill nearby... I was very2 'ON' for it :)

Was introduced to this hill by our friendly neighborhood Anak Jantan Melaka :D Hehehehe. Mr Azrul invited me to climb up Bukit Jambul. I knew there was a shopping complex named like that... but neven thought there was actually a hill by that name that you could climb... Since this was gonna be my first... hill climb... I was ecstatic! :D Furthermore, Azrul kata ada anak2 tangga. What better way to scale a mountain than to use a stair case! Hehehehe... And get a good cardio workout while you're at it :) Was this gonna be like Batu Caves? (x pernah naik Batu Caves lagi btw)

Anywayz, I knew the climb was gonna make me pant. But clearly, I underestimated the whole thing. I tot it was gonna be fast and simple. But the jungle-track like path proved to be a surprise for me. The steps were nothing liek Batu Caves. They were interleaved with stones and gravel... The slopes were STEEP and unforgiving... I wasn't only getting one hell of a cardio session... my quadriceps (front muscles of the legs) were also SCREAMING for rest! Aiya, never knew it was gonna be this intense! 

But I stood the course. I wasn't gonna flop on my first try. So I kept at it, with Azrul being my jungle guide :) The both of us stopped a few times (for a few seconds) along the way. Just enough time to breath in some fresh oxygen to regenerate our cigarette-smoke laden lungs :P Man, this is more than what I signed up for... but I'm not complaining though. It's more of a joyful surprise :D I was actually loving doing aerobics exercise... hehehe. Selalu jogging or stationary bike. But this was way better... plus, got a bit extra with a little bit of muscle training involved. Cuz those steps really2 isolate the quads...

Cutting things short... Finally reached the top. There was a mini-gym up there, with some basic amenities such as a  water cooler, a toilet (I think) and some of those yellow-red metal exercise machines. The view... wallaweh... Marvelous! So nice one. Can see houses, Queensbay Mall, the sea and also the Penang Bridge. Wish I had a DSLR with me. hehehehe. 

Annywayz, overall memang puas. Satisfied abish naik Bukit Jambul. I will be looking forward to another cardio climb. And next time, insyaAllaah I will be ready. Kot2 buleh ikut style Cik Fazot kita, yg naik turun bukit tu sampai 3 kali! Sriouuusss... Syabbash Fazot :D hehehe.

okes.. Layan gambau :D   (pics in no particular order)

 

Azrul trekking far in front

Oh... tangga lagi... where is the peak? Nak cacak bendera ni...

Main entrance... looks nice...

Rubber Tapper wuz ere...

Big and steep steps start with this set of very2 small ones

Sun set overlooking Penang Bridge..

Yellow-Red Metal Excercise Machines

Alpyan Troxion taking a breather

Going down... bahaya jugak. Have to really2 take care of where you step

Dua lembaga di dalam hutan...

Houses, far off hills etc.