Your opinion about supplements

[Convict]

Hi everyone,

You may have read my noob questions regarding training. Well, here is another ignorant question about nutrition (sorry!).

My diet is generally very good but I'm a little confused about supplements. I currently take a multivitamin and that's it. Here are my questions - any replies will be greatly appreciated.

• Do I NEED a whey protein supplement to maximise my gains? I think I'm getting 2 g of protein per lb bodyweight from food.
• I am pretty lean and find it hard to put on weight. Should I experiment with a weight gainer?
• What is the difference between protein, weight gainers and meal replacement shakes? Do you use meal replacement products?
• What brands do you use/recommend?
• Is creatine worthwhile?
• Is is better to stack these separately or get a brand that contains everything in one hit?

Once again, apologies for such a basic question.

 

[PLer1290]

You don't need a whey supplement if you're getting enough protein from food. I only use whey because it's convenient and I hate eating.

If you have a hard time gaining weight, take in more calories. It's that simple. If a weight gainer will help make that easier for you, then try one out. But you could also just eat more food instead.

Protein (whey) is just protein without much fat or carbs. Weight gainers have a lot of (usually dirty) carbs added to them. Meal replacements generally have some good fats and carbs, a protein blend, and vitamins/minerals.

Creatine has never done anything for me personally, but most people love it.

 

[Performance Based]

2 grams per pound is actually quite a bit and hard to do from whole foods. You need to meticulously document what you eat and record it for about a week. I think you would be surprised, alot of people greatly over exaggerate their intake and are shocked once its all written down.

What are your stats/goals? MRP shakes IMO are a great addition for anyone.

 

[Matt2105]

2 grams per pound is actually quite a bit and hard to do from whole foods. You need to meticulously document what you eat and record it for about a week. I think you would be surprised, alot of people greatly over exaggerate their intake and are shocked once its all written down.

What are your stats/goals? MRP shakes IMO are a great addition for anyone.

Ditto. It's actually more like 2 grams per kilogram of body weight.

 

[Eugene]

Hi Convict,
You didn't mention you current diet chart in your post.
What diet plan are you following? Without knowing your diet I can't suggest you anything.

 

[sonicwaste]

Supplement-wise I don't feel like you need much.

I use fish oil, multi-vitamin, vanadyl sulfate, creatine, leucine, l-carnitine. I use ephedrine/caffeine when needed.

If I need extra protein from a shake, I will use beef isolate and super plasma protein.

 

[Q23]

do 2 grams per LEAN body weight. Find out what your bf% is and then you will get your lean body weight... take 2 grams to support that. Otherwise you will be taking in 2 grams to support unwanted fat, if you go with the 2grams per bodyweight

 

[Q23]

O yeah not sure if you have seen it yet but read that first Sticky on this beginner forum. Big A did a write up that is sure to put size on you