Hey guys, Nate here. I'm proud to announce that I'm now the Program Director of Scrawny To Brawny. From now on all of my blogs and articles will be posted on the brand-new Scrawny To Brawny Blog. So if you enjoyed what you read here, please go check it out. (It's awesome, if I say so myself.) I'm keeping the NGE website alive for resource reasons, but will no longer be actively updating it. The best way to get in touch with me is through leaving a comment on the Scrawny To Brawny blog or by posting on the S2B Facebook page. See you guys over at the new blog!
Dude, What Supplements Do You Take?
My supplement cabinet
The Question Everyone Asks
Read the title of this post again. Say it aloud.
Here, let's do it together:
"Dude, what supplements do you take?"
Now imagine hearing it, reading it...preparing for it dozens of times per week. Hang out with any strength coach, fitness journalist, personal trainer...hell, just hang around any jacked guy at the gym for an hour and you'll hear The Question.
Want to know my usual answer?
"Don't fucking worry about it right now. Follow a program, train consistently, eat good quality food, drink water, and get some sleep. Do that for a year or so and then come talk to me about supplements."
Sure, it's not the nicest response but what's a guy to do when he's asked by tons of beginners who are looking for the next "get-jacked-in-four-days-using-fucking-Acai-berry" pills?
The thing is if you’ve got your priorities straight, supplements are great. I take a lot of them. But, like I said in Built For Show, because I own a dictionary I know a "supplement" is something you add to an existing protocol.
But I want to answer this question. I need to answer this question, because it's important and can actually help change the way you train, the way you look, the way you perform.
So, dude, what supplements do I take?
Let me show you.
Protein Powder
I actually consider a high-quality protein powder food. Most guys simply aren't getting enough protein, especially if they're constantly running back and forth between classes, the office, or whatever it is kids run to these days. (The strip club?)
Protein, specifically amino acids, are the building blocks of muscle. And if you're not getting enough from lean meats, I highly suggest picking up a good protein blend like Metabolic Drive. It's a fancy-schmancy protein complex made up some of the world's purest proteins: micellar casein and whey isolate.
I have a couple scoops per day – usually before bed. But when I'm in a hurry I add a couple scoops to my blender with some fruit and milk.
Fish Oil
Anti-inflammatory, joint lubricating, fish-loving goodness. You're probably deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids and would be doing your body a favor by taking some fish oil capsules. Well, that or eat a couple pounds of salmon per day. Your choice.
I like Flameout since the concentrated levels of DHA, EPA, and CLA are off the charts. Seriously, compare the ingredient list of this fish oil to anything you could buy at Wal-Mart, GNC, or Costco. Not even close.
Concentrated Vietnamese Goat Liver
Ok, I'm kidding. But I guarantee someone read that and was like, "Oh, shit! Where do I get that?"
Ah, the simple joys. Moving on.
Peri-Workout Nutrition
Before, during, and after your training session your body is in dire need of carbohydrates and amino acids (protein) for energy and also to recover and build muscle. Too bad most guys eat a freakin' banana, sip on some Gatorade, and then not eat for a couple of hours after their workout. Not too optimal.
Now, what I'm about to outline isn't necessarily for beginners. I think most guys would be fine with a high-quality protein and carbohydrate blend like Surge Recovery. (No, you can't just use chocolate milk. One is made with high-quality ingredients. One came from a liquid produced by corn-fed cows pumped full of antibiotics and combined with high-fructose corn-syrup and artificial coloring.)
Something is better than nothing. But if you're serious about gaining muscle as quickly as humanly possible, the Anaconda Protocol is damn serious business.
Check it:
Alpha-GPC
Double your growth-hormone production and get an automatic 14% increase in peak force during training? Where do I sign up?
FINIbar
Palatinose and rice oligodextrin (two of the ingredients in this great-tasting pre-workout protein bar) actually pull water into the muscle, allowing for a super-hydration effect that helps you produce more force and build more muscle.
Anaconda
The Mack-Daddy of all supplements, Anaconda is a complex blend of casein hydrolysate (a super fast-acting protein), citruline malate, creatine 2-oxopropnate and beta-alanine. I used this to get through all the horrendous (and fun) training at DeFranco's gym and have been taking it every time I train for the past few months.
I swear to God if Biotest ever stops making this stuff I'll cry.
Mag-10
Anaconda minus the creating and beta-alanine. Mag-10 is perfect for protein pulsing and for mixing in with the Anaconda formula for one hell of an anabolic drink.
Like I said, the above protocol isn't needed if you're a beginner or just plain happy with how your body looks and performs. But if you're looking for a serious edge, I highly recommend picking the Anaconda Protocol ingredients up.
+++++
So that's my supplement list. Sure, I take a few other things but I outlined them in 3 Lesser Known Supplements You Should Take.
Dude, what supplements do you take? Got any questions for me? Hit me up in the comments!
Comments for This Entry
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hey nate
How does alpha GPC work?
Unrelated question
Can you do a blog about stretching, what stretch you do when you wake up, for how long, etc My lower back after squats sometime hurt quite bad, what stretch or exercised can i do to fix this, My form is good.
thanks! -
LOL @ Concentrated Vietnamese Goat Liver.
Other then that, it was good to hear I shouldn't be slamming down a thousand different chemicals into my body! Great post. -
Hey, I noticed you had some Multi-Vitamin tablets 'for Men', in your last blog-in-pictures. Does that count as a supplement, and what do you think of them?
-
Good article. Most people nowadays seem to forget the important things and take much more crap than they should.
Oh, and you really have to try a traditional portuguese supplement: It's soup with red wine in it! Muahahah -
tell your biotest buddies to sell anaconda for less than $345
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You can get Anaconda for $85...Check the site
-
Pre w/o: BCAAs, creatine, whey
Post w/o: BCAAs, creatine, whey
With Breakfast: Centrum, Zinc, Fish Oil
2 servings of Beta Alanine throughout the day
1 or 2 extra whey servings later in the afternoon/evening -
I have the same question as Chris G.
No multivits?
Or at least some Vit. C and Vit. D supplementation?
I think some Vit. C would be extremely beneficial in breakfast in order to reduce cortisol levels (...that may be induced by caffeine...) -
One comment. Surge recovery isn't high quality!! When comparing to a chocolate milk drink thing. It can be more beneficial nutrition wise to drink a protein shake compared to chocolate milk but saying its high quality is actually a bit ignorant.
Protein powder comes from what, milk for the most part and undergoes many processing steps which makes it more expensive than regular milk.
I do not really want go in to details about how it is made but the thing I want to comment on is the term quality. Please do not think you are healthier because you drink protein powder instead of some other milk product. The powder needs artificial flavoring so it is not better. It is just a choice
best thing to do eat more food period. -
I'm insanely jealous you having access to biotest supplements. Must be incredible! Being a student in the UK can't quite justify shipping them over... (yet!)
Anyway, I currently supplement with whey, fish oil, vit D, creatine, some Zinc and Magnesium and just trying out a probiotic.
Question Nate - What are your thoughts on rotating protein powder sources? -
These are good recommendations. Does Biotest compensate you in some way?
-
I think he gets Biotest for free. To those questioning no multi-vitamins: Nate's post on what he eats every day pretty much shows where he gets his vitamins from, fruits and veggies. Real food > pills.
-
Thanks for the comments guys!
A few notes:
1. I do take a multivitamin, Vitamin D, Benefiber, a digestive enzyme, Z12, and melatonin. I just wanted to highlight my "main" supplements.
2. As you can tell from reading my "about" and looking over at the right at my "day job", yes, I do have a relationship with Biotest. The interesting thing is that I've been taking their products for the past 6 years -- way before they were nice enough to print my articles. :)
-Nate -
@Nate
Are you doing the complete Anaconda protocol and if so how is that new 25 pounds of muscle? I hear its like putting on a suit of armor when you make gains that quickly, it must be tiring! But seriously, how are the gains coming along? -
How much Vitamin D do you take Nate?
-
Nate Bruddah, that is a hooked up Supplement cabinet!
NICE!
I'm using protein, pre and post workout from GI Nutrition.
I had SPIKE when I trained at the EFS compound and it DID amp me up.
I also drank it before driving some looong hours on the road and I was grateful, ha ha
My preference, like you, is real food!
PEACE!
--Z-- -
Nate,
just ordered Anaconda, Surge, Finibars, Flameout, Z-12 and Alpha Male and started the super accumulation program this morning. We'll see how it goes with the help of the supps.
I'm all about real nutrition but when you're doing 9 training sessions a week it's tough to go hard and recover right without proper supplementation. I'll keep you posted.
On another note, I've got some college athletes and a MLB player going on this program too and they're worried about taking some supps because of the regulations and all the banned shit on the NCAA and MLB list. Are they good to go with things such as Anaconda, Alpha Male, etc?
Luka -
I'm taking some glucose mixed with water (and sometimes a little whey) for pre-workout, whey and creatine for post (although I didn't start with the creatine yet), some fish oil capsules and a weight gainer for school. Yes I know lots and lots of bad sugar, but I'm a student and I live 1 hour away from the university, I can't manage to always make me a sandwich for between breakfast and lunch so I just get some extra 600 kcal there!
-
Concentrated Vietnamese Goat Liver? Haha! I stack that with my Dessicated Wolverine Pituitary Gland Extract.
-
Good stuff man! i almost cried when i saw anaconda and mag-10 available. the price doesnt bother me at all. if you are serious about your training and nutrition, $350 isnt that bad. for me at this time, im not going to buy it tho. i have only been serious about training for about 4 years now and still working on building a bullet-proof foundation before i blow it up.
thanks for the post -
My current protocol is:
-90 2caps Alpha-GPC
-45 1 FiniBar
-30 2scoops Surge Workout Fuel
-15 1 Scoop Surge Recovery
During 1 Scoop Surge Recovery
10 After 1scoop of Whey Protein
60min later a solid meal
I also use a multi-V, Vitamin D, Green SuperFood and 2caps of FlameOut a day.
What do you think of my protocol Nate? For building muscle as fast as possible. -
Nate kickass cabinet, I got to keep mine out of the open. My friends are always looking for a way to prove I must be taking steroids, too bad im just an animal in the gym and the kitchen
I am using
- a pre/post protein supplement by optimum nutrition
-CLA
-Green Tea
-Creatine
-Fish+Krill Oils
-Multi
-Pro/grade Greens +
Thats it, there's my secret formula. I am definitely going to give Surge and Metabolic Drive a shot and even might t go all the way with the Anaconda. Heard nothing besides good things.
Oh yea I preach this all the time but who cares, WATER. Drink it
Chris -
Thanks for the comments guys!
@ Boxtavious
Things have been going well so far. I'm honestly not sure how much muscle I've gained so far - the scale weight has gone up a few pounds, though. What I'm noticing more is my body composition. I'm leaner than ever, have broader shoulders, and my chest and arms are finally getting a little bigger. Anyway, I'm not sure if I want to put on 25 pounds of muscle. I'll be happy with a few more, but I'm mainly going for enhanced recovery and badass training sessions.
@ Brandon
I take around 5,000 IUs per day.
@ Zach and Bret
Thanks for showing up and posting guys! Makes me feel cool.
@ Luka
Awesome; good luck with the protocol. As far as MLB and NCAA standards you should be fine with everything. (Except maybe Alpha Male. Not sure about that one.)
@ Rudy
Looks pretty solid. Still, if you can get Anaconda I'd highly recommend it.
@ Chris
It's quite sad that most people consider water a "supplement" isn't it? I mean, it's not like it's necessary to LIVE or anything...
-Nate -
hey nothing wrong with being on the payroll, i would do the same thing and if their products were cheaper i would probably buy them (i'd like to try surge at some point). i'm sure the entire anaconda line of products (and probably most basic biotest supplements...i've only used Spike) is solid and effective, but YOWZA, does that company have some of these kids hook, line, and sinker. they do a great job at making their supplements seem ESSENTIAL. just throw the words "black ops" and "radical" in there, and it's game over.
don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with trying other stuff every now and again (ZMA, beta alanine, waxy maize, etc) to see what the hype is about and if it can work for you, but it becomes a problem when kids feel compelled to drop over three bills on a brand new product that's basically been promoted through rumors and the lone "i, bodybuilder" video. it's just foolish. to me there's no difference between that strategy and the "4 weeks to get jacked with acai" with how some of these people consume it. seriously, read that article objectively and try not to laugh at some of the language. same thing with the velocity diet and how ONLY biotest supplements will make it effective. crazy. it may be hard to believe, but people got in shape before biotest existed.
like you said at the start: real food and enough of it. whey, creatine, fish oil, multi.
i'll judge the anaconda protocol after it's been out for a while and i read some un-biased reviews. -
@ Patrick
Sounds good. Oh, one important thing: Anaconda helps intense training. Acai berry...well, I'm not really sure what the product does. Makes you a celebrity wannabe?
Thanks for the comment.
-Nate -
Nate,
I realize you can't exactly give away secrets or say anything pertaining to Biotest that is less then sterling and beyond hyperbolic, but I will throw this question out there anyway......
If lifter A has achieved a world-class physique/taken his physique to at or close to his own natural limits given his biomechanical and physiological "framework", then would the price tag for the Anaconda protocol truly be worth it even if money is not an issue?
Lifters have achieved amazing results long before this stuff was available, so while it may be able to accelerate gains and even push your threshold for gains further than you'd go without it, that doesn't seem like it would matter to the vast majority out there, and that includes those with a passion for training and building muscle.
The iron game is a "in it for the long haul" endeavor, so trading slower gains for more coin in one's pocket is not such a big deal. And I can't see any supplement protocol, no matter how masterfully crafted making the difference between a head-turning physique and a physique that blows that head-turning physique out of the water by miles.
So I can definitely see an elite bodybuilding competitor who takes to the competition stage and is looking for every last thousandth of a percentage point edge over his chief rivals wanting this stuff in his arsenal. But for a guy who just loves to hoist iron and wants to be very muscular and lean, I can't see the great need for it, price tag or no price tag.
During elite-level competition, I can absolutely see someone admitting that several hundred dollars is well worth it for any edge conferred, but were talking about 0.1 percent of the population here. So you could still be at a rather elite level of development without it.
On a lighter note (I think), have you received any hate mail from Alan Aragon lately? ;) -
Nate,
I also want to add that I have zero issues with your affiliation. After all, it is no crime to make a living and have associations with a company that sells products. And I also recognize that you clearly noted this wasn't for beginners or those happy with their current level. As such, I hope my post didn't come across as churlish and attempting to rain on anybody's parade. -
@ Rob
If money is not an issue and a high-level performer still wants to decrease his recovery time and supply his body with quality nutrients before, during, and after a workout then I think Anaconda is a great solution.
It's like saying you've had great results eating steak, you have money to spend on better organic grass-fed steak, but you don't see the benefit of buying it.
Can you stick with your regular steak? Sure. Is the grass-fed steak better? Probably. It all depends on what your goals are and what you're willing to do to get there. Like I said, if you're happy with your current level then you Anaconda would be overkill.
It's a very individual decision.
-Nate -
yea and again i agree with Rob, no shots as far as working for t-muscle. it's the same with eric cressey, john berardi, waterbury, etc. i think we all (most?..some?) understand that you're being paid by a company and to some extent you have to promote (or at least acknowledge) Biotest's existence and effectiveness of any of their products. comes with the territory. if you or eric or JB talk about protein, of course you'd mention MD, and will good reason. no problem there. i'll make my own judgement about cost-to-benefit of any product being talked about.
but it's up to the intelligent reader to decide what parts of an article are content, and what parts are advertising. this doesn't just pertain to you as a trainer, writer, and business as a whole, it pertains to anybody consuming fitness information. reading some of these comments on this post with people claiming to already have ordered tubs of this stuff at the expense of hundreds of dollars (on top of their regular supplement list), it's sort of unnerving that biotest says "jump" and kids say "how high?" i went through it when i was 19 when NO2 was popular and jumped on that bandwagon when i saw the ads in fitness magazines, so I understand where this is coming from especially for younger readers who don't yet have that filter. problem is most of them probably don't make $350 a week at a part-time high school or college job.
i also laughed at Rob's comment about Aragon, who will definitely provide a different perspective on supplements and marketing.
again nate, no shots, this is a criticism of the people consuming and judging the information. -
Nate,
I agree with you when you say, "...Flameout...the concentrated levels of DHA, EPA, and CLA are off the charts." But then you go on to say, "...compare the ingredient list of this fish oil to anything you could buy at Wal-Mart, GNC, or Costco. Not even close." If you read the ingredients of Flameout, it has safflower oil. I thought safflower oil was an Omega-6 fatty acid? Does the Omega-3's from the fish balance it out?
Flameout
Ingredients: Omega-3 fatty acids derived from molecularly distilled, super-concentrated fish oil; mixture of free-fatty acids derived from isomerized safflower oil.
(http://www.tmuscle.com/productInfo.do?id=910074) -
@ Ben
Safflower seed oil is an entirely different fatty acid than fish oil and can be used to complement your fatty acid requirements.
The omega 3's from fish oil are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. They serve as a potent ANTI-OXIDANT and have been shown to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) , improving overall cardiac health.
Along with all of that they can help with fat loss. How? Well like Nate explained they have super concentrated levels of EPA/DHA. Both of those have been linked to fat loss:
1. DHA has been shown to prevent the conversion of pre-adipocytes to adipocytes and mediate pre-adipocyte death (kill 'em before they become immortal fat cells). (
2. Fish oil has the ability to increase the clearance of chylomicrons and fats following a meal. This potentially can have a positive effect on substrate utilization.
3. Fish oil upregulates mitochondrial machinery and increases oxidation of fats within fat cells.
Now safflower oil, like you said, is an omega 6 fatty acid. Most omega-6 fatty acids are consumed in the diet from vegetable oils as linoleic acid (ALA's are Omega 3's) The main difference between omega 3 and 6 are the chemical composition and how they are converted to different molecules by the body. Omega 6's are the only fatty acids to contain CLA. CLA has been proven to promote fatloss:
Here's a cool description I found :"CLA's body-composition-altering effects are likely due to its ability to regulate the metabolism of fat through a fairly complex process having to do with our bodies' enzymes (namely, lipoprotein lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase)."
The long and short of it is that CLA appears to block fat uptake and then increase the speed of fat burning.
The only way to truly improve cardiac health and metabolism while promoting fatloss is to consume both omega 3's and omega 6's.
You can't get the benefits of EPA/DHA without consuming omega 3's and you can't get the benefits of CLA without taking omega 6's. Thats why flameout is awesome.
I'm not a rep, just a kid who has got down to 8% bf while strictly supplementing with omega 3 and 6's and protein.
Oh yea not to mention, safflower is a much better source of CLA. If you take 1 gram of Sunflower Oil, only about 40% of it will contain active CLA. So, in 1 gram (1,000 mg) of Sunflower oil CLA supplements, you only get 400 mg of CLA.
Safflower oil contains 80% CLA. So, in 1 gram (1,000 mg) of Safflower oil CLA supplements, you get 800 mg of CLA.
Looks like Biotest is making a pretty kickass product and not overcharging at all. You can't find the same quality in Walmart or Walgreens. Check the labels, there products won't contain concentrated levels of epa/dha and there omega 6's contain sunflower or a combination. I have never seen a store sell strictly safflower, that's why you gotta go online.
Jesus that took me 10 min, hope that helps man
Chris -
What are your thoughts on Surge Workout Fuel and do you just follow the recommended use from the TMUSCLE website.
-
Nate,
Besides Fish oil, Multivitamin and Whey protein I take
1) L - Arginine in the morning
2) Creatine before workout
3) ZMA at night
Should I add anything else to my current list? I am a real hardgainer consuming 4000 calories/day -
Hey Nate, I'm a long-time T-magger who "knows" you from way back when, but I just recently followed you here. Nice work with the site, very slick!
I'll be starting the full Anaconda protocol soon here using once per day workouts. I keep my daily carbs contained to breakfast and the postworkout period. I'm ~200lbs and wish to gain mucho lean muscleo.
Can you give me some decent postworkout whole food meal ideas? Also, how long should I wait before eating them. Should I still slam 40g of whey protein immediately after training?
Thanks Nate! -
Nate
I am a big fan of yours but lately all you seem to be doing is hawking biotest supplements. I know they pay you but come on man ease up a little, you are making it sound as if people cannot build muscle without the stuff. Other than that I really enjoy your new site and your articles for t-muscle -
I must admit....
...I do love to see supplement adds, commercials, I like to read the labels, love to read things like: "Pump your muscles, increase explosive force", etc...
I generally like the idea that I'm supplementing my diet.
...But speaking from personal experience, and being a professional athlete (track, 200m) for over 10 years, I gotta say,
"...Alpha-GPC
Double your growth-hormone production and get an automatic 14% increase in peak force during training..." --> Not even with steroids... :)
Cheers Nate.... -
Did anyone else notice that the flame out link has a lengthy write up stating that product sells for
$29.99 per 90 count, and the cost at the bottom of the page is $35.00? Just found that a little odd. -
@ Chris
Thanks for answering that, man!
Here's another article to check out about the role of Omega 6 fats and how they just may not be that horrible...
http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_nutrition/are_omega6_fats_really_that_bad
@ Josh
I haven't used Surge Workout Fuel for a month or so, but I used to do two scoops before training.
@ John
A big focus on food, my friend.
@ Paul
Thanks for the note! Honestly, after following the Anaconda protocol, my post-workout meal is usually 90 minutes or so after ending my workout. I usually have some protein and fat. I feel like my carbs have been "taken care of" earlier in the day and with the workout nutrition.
@ Clinton
Thanks for the note. I'm not sure what you mean by "lately all you seem to be doing is hawking Biotest supplements." If you take a look at my posts over the past, I don't know, year or so I don't really talk about them that often.
My "Three Lesser Known Supplements" even showcased Benefiber and digestive enzymes, and I've talked about Vitamin D and a multivitamin, all of which Biotest doesn't make.
When it comes down to it, I'm just trying to show people what I take and why. It just turns out I have total faith in Biotest products (and have been a customer of theirs for over 5 years -- way before I ever started writing for them.)
Thanks!
-Nate -
What's up Nate? Controversial post there, buddy! :)
First off, Biotest has some great supplements... no doubt ( I use their fish oils and need to order more today!).. but are they the end all be all... NO... and I know you're not saying that.... that's why you talk so much about whole foods and getting what you need from your diet.
Supplements do have a role though, as you said to supplement your existing nutrition regimen. I use them too, but I always keep in mind that whole foods are the better choice.
I believe whole foods are better than supplements 99% of the time, so instead of paying for tubs of sugar I use fruit. There’s no way anyone can convince me that processed sugar/dextrose/waxy maize is better than living fruit.
So, here’s my strategy:
10-15 Minutes Before Workout:
I mix about 8oz of Orange Juice with 1 scoop Optimum Nutrition’s Liquid Aminos and down that. Then I’ll make up my workout drink that I drink during the workout itself as described below.
During Workout:
To make this drink you’ll need a juicer. I prefer to make fresh juice from actual fruit. This way I’m getting all of the beneficial vitamins, nutrients, and living enzymes that are often destroyed in the pastuerization process when you buy juice from the store.
First, I’ll add a couple ice cubes and lil orange juice to an empty plastic container. Then I mix in 1 scoop Optimum Nutrition’s Liquid Aminos, 6grams Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA), 5 grams Creatine, 5 grams Glutamine. I’ll pre-mix that up by shaking the container, otherwise it clumps up. Then I’ll place the container under my juicer’s spout and juice 1/4 fresh pineapple, 1 apple or cup of grapes, 1 cup of cranberries. If there’s any space left I’ll add a little more orange juice to top it off.
Post-Workout Drink:
For this drink I like to make a fruit smoothie. I grab my blender and add 1 banana, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup frozen raspberries, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, probably 8oz or so orange juice (maybe more), 2-3 tablespoons plain yogurt, 1 scoop Natural Whey Protein, 6 grams BCAA, 5 grams Creatine, 5 grams glutamine, and 1 serving Nutrijoint forumula.
I blend this up and then I take my vitamins again: GNC Multivitamin, GNC 1000mg Vitamin C, GNC 400 IU Vitamin E, Carlson 2,000 IU Vitamin D, Biotest Flameout Fish Oils, and two GNC Super Digestive Enzymes.
Anyway, that's my peri-workout nutritional approach. Good post!
Brandon Cook
PS: You should send me some free Anaconda! =) -
A lot of good things have been talked about. I take a good fish oil and multivitamin. I also take an alkaline product called "Km" that tastes like A$$ but seems to really help with natural energy and I like to take it when I am watching my carbs to balance out my pH levels. As far as my workout nutrition goes. I take a couple of products that I would put up head to head with Biotest's Anaconda and Mag-10. I take a product called Tetra Pump pre workout and Peptopro intra workout. (Both can be found by clicking on my name as it will go to my website) . With Tetra Pump you are getting 22 grams of Casein Hydrolysate, 4 g of GPLC (Glycine Propionly-L-Carnitine), 4 g of Creapure Creatine Monohydrate and then some Dextrose and Date Powder. Great energy, great pump and really easy on the stomach. Intra workout i use PeptoPro which is Casein Hydrolysate as well and I usually use one serving. If you really wanna follow the peri-workout then an hour after workout you could use 1 more serving of PeptoPro. Upon waking I always have a serving of PeptoPro as well and sometime between breakfast and lunch. Anyway i enjoy reading all of your posts and Nate keep up the good work! I was in Beautiful Butte, MT for Thanksgiving and thought about headin to MUST but went to Butte's YMCA instead (not a good choice lol!!)
-
Hey Nate,
How would something like this look?
Half hour before the workout would be 1 scoop of surge workout fuel
10-15 min before 1 scoop of surge recovery
1 scoop of fuel during the workout
1 scoop of recovery+1 scoop of whey after the workout (within a few minutes) -
I have heard great things about DigestForce 2.0. What is your opinion on it? Also how many caps do you take everyday?
-
yo, i pretty much only take protein powder and multi vitamins, I've heard "blend" protein powders are good and will probably get one, but should i use a blend for my post workout (i have carbs too, this isnt the first workout site i've ever been on) , or is just whey better right after the workout?
thanks -
Why not eat a grilled chicken breast about an hour after your workout? That has around 40g of protein by itself and it's effin delicious.
-
@ Nate
Not too shabby.
@ Rudy
I like the product and take one with every meal (usually).
@ ahm
It doesn't matter that much. Still, if you've got a slower-release protein formula (like micellar casein), you may want to stick to whey isolate, hydrolysate, or even casein hydrolysate (like Anaconda).
@ Ryan
I usually eat a solid meal 90 minutes after.
-Nate -
So Nate would I be missing out on anything if I simply rolled with Finibars and Anaconda as my periworkout nutrition. I'm wondering how much I'll miss by not buying the Mag-10 protein.
Also are you following the Anaconda protocol to the letter?
-Matt -
I am in favor of eating real food because supplements are just aids. Although, when I am in rush or need help recovering they are helpful. Here is what I take currently and has worked for me and my athletes. I have been having an interesting discussion with some friends regarding out training a bad diet. Some people say no way, but I have seen it done. It all depends on each individual's body type and genetics. Although, I always emphasize it is not just the lean body we are after, but a healthy one as well. What do you all think? Great info Nate. It looks like the product has helped you and at the end of the day that is what matters.
Creatine
Multivitamin
Fish Oil
Protein Powder- As natural as possible -
Nate, did the recommendation of ~40g whey protein post-workout (before the +90 min. whole food meal) get thrown out with the Anaconda protocol. Or does that still stand.
On a related note, I've heard that David Barr doesn't recommend any shakes after training. He feels they actually decrease anabolism. What do you feel about that? You should interview that guy for an article.
Thanks! -
Where can I get "Concentrated Vietnamese Goat Liver"? :)
Fish oil all the way. Very important for cardiovascular system, joint and brain development.
I personally use different bee products - honey, pollen granules... - great sources for vitamins. -
LOL @ "Christian was about to commit suicide because he was so desperately over trained, but after only ONE dose of Anaconda Protocol, he was ready to insert his penis in every single female in the world"
C'moooooonnnnn!! Have you all looked at the ingredients of Anaconda? There's nothing new and/or exciting. It's just massive amounts of everything you should be taking anyways.
Sorry, Nate, didn't mean to take this out on your blog, but I needed to say it. My bad.
Anyways, I like your stack. I'm all about food myself. I don't take anything crazy for my supplements. Resveretrol and hydrolyzed casein protein are about as "exotic" as I get. -
What a good list. My favorite pills are fish oil and green tea. Both extremely good for your body and also good for speeding up the metabolism. I just discovered the green teas pills. They speed up your metbolism up to 40% and just research all the other great things green tea is good for your body and you will be hooked.
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Nate did you get your vit d tested? I'm getting mine done via www.grassrootshealth.net Its a vit d study and you get a vit d test every 6 months at a reasonable price. I just got my test back at 30ng/ml which is a little low. I want to bump it up to at least 50, so I'm taking 40,000 IU /week. I read on Poliquin's website that it is more effective if you take bigger doses twice a week, rather than every day so I am doing 20,000 IU on wed and sat. I'll retest in a month and adjust from there.
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Hey Nate,
Great Blog!
Wanted to invite you to take a look at my book, The Truth About Supplements, What They Don't Want You To Know... would love for you to check it out at http://www.thetruthaboutsupplements.com also there is a free chapter for you to download..
Let me know your thoughts! My email is [email protected]
Peace Out! -
Nate,
Do you recommend these for a division 1 college football athlete? Are they legal to take or are they banned by NCAA? -
Hey Mat,
You'll be fine, man.
-Nate -
thank you
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Nate
I found you off DeFrancos and wanted to ask you a few questions. I have my pro day at the end of the spring. I am not taking any supplements or protein right now. I am looking for someone to give me a start of what to take. I am persuing my goal to play in the NFL after my 2010 senior season at Northern Arizona University. I am in the top 50 in the NFL draft eligible prospects for 2011 safeties.There are many scouts from the NFL looking at me but I weigh 175. Thats terrible if I want to be a safety. I am planning to be around 190 the time season comes. I havent been serious the previous seasons about what I put into my body but I need to change that. If you have any advice please help me out.
Thank you -
@ Matt
You need calories and lots of 'em!
Check out this article: http://www.johnberardi.com/articles/nutrition/masseating_rl_1.htm
Also, I'd start supplementing with Surge Recovery during and after your workouts (and practices).
http://www.tmuscle.com/productInfo.do?id=459244
-Nate -
Matt,
I had that problem myself and Nate is absolutely right. You will have to start with a game plan and eat a lot more food. But you also do not want to gain too much fat. Muscle is what produces the best speed. Keep us up to date with your progress.
Best,
http://www.elitefts.com/documents/40yd_dash.htm -
Matt,
I had that problem myself and Nate is absolutely right. You will have to start with a game plan and eat a lot more food. But you also do not want to gain too much fat. Muscle is what produces the best speed. Keep us up to date with your progress.
Best,
http://www.elitefts.com/documents/40yd_dash.htm -
Matt,
I had that problem myself and Nate is absolutely right. You will have to start with a game plan and eat a lot more food. But you also do not want to gain too much fat. Muscle is what produces the best speed. Keep us up to date with your progress.
Best,
Read This
http://www.elitefts.com/documents/40yd_dash.htm -
I started using this supp called Glyco Peak from Inner Armour as an intra-workout supplement... and I dont fatigue at all in the gym! Ill hit the bag, hit the weights then do more cardio & its not a problem! Def a noticeable difference when I use it compared to when I dont use it! Alot of supps are bogus but this one is legit!!
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For me it is whey protein, creatine,multivitamin,fish oil and glycogen. Now I have almost stopped taking post workout whey and I'm not seeing any drastic changes.
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Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
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Nice blog. Great stuff too.
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andy 8:28pm Nov 29, 2009