To Supplement or Not to Supplement?

[Karen Bartuch]

In regard to your fitness and nutrition routine, I say SUPPLEMENT.

My latest favorite pre-workout supplement is Jack3D. If you are feeling tired or less than enthused about hitting the gym then Jack3D is for you. I take it 20 minutes before my workout and it gives me that little extra energy, strength and stamina to ensure that my time at the gym is not wasted. It tastes great and does not leave me feeling jittery like other similar products.

 

Protein is my other favorite supplement. I drink a 20 gram protein shake (MuscleMilk powder) either first thing in the morning or as my mid-morning snack and then have a 40 gram protein shake with glutamine post workout. The rule of thumb is to have 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight (possibly more depending on your training goals) per day. The easiest way to come close to that is to drink protein shakes. I add in the glutamine post workout to help with muscle repair and recovery. 

 

Lastly, a multi-vitamin is always a good idea for anyone but especially those that are training regularly.

My supplemental routine varies depending on my training goals but I always incorporate a pre-workout blast of some kind, protein, glutamine and a multi-vitamin.

[Daina Carauskas]

I have not tried the Jack3d, but I do use SuperPump250.  I use just 1 scoop as I don't need to overload on Caffeine. I find that it gives me just the right amount of energy without making me feel like my heart is going to explode.  As for protein I buy a box of dried egg whites and mix them with 1 1/3 cup water and 2/3 vanilla Almond milk.  Add some strawberries and a teaspoon of Almond Butter.  As for vitamins I take a multi-vitamin along with some Omega 3.  The western diet is over abundant in Omega 6 fatty acids which inflammatory.  Omega 3's are anti-inflammatory and we just don't get enough of it.  I also stay away from breads, pasta, and anything else that might contain gluten.  Meat, veggies, some fruit, nuts and a little dairy is what I live by (as Paleo/Primal as I can get).  I've been eating this way for several months now and I have more energy now then I did when I was in my 20's.  Not to mention I have dropped 20lbs and maintained that weight loss with out effort, even when I was not able to work out due to a shoulder injury.