What are the best supplements?

I think you’re on the right track. Super greens, Biotests superfood, juice plus, everyone should take some type of fruit/veggies supplement. It’s just too hard to get in as much as needed to really reap benefits. I’ve heard reccomendations of 1lb of veggies for every 50lbs of bodyweight a day. Yeah, right! I’ll eat them with every meal, and take a supplement to fill the rest.

Why cod liver oil instead of fish oil? I’ve found that carlson’s fish oil has a much higher epa/dha ratio. I would definately look into switching that if I were you.

Protein is a MUST. It makes it easier to get in the necessary protein without stuffing chicken in your face all day. Creatine is AWESOME, but you can still get strong without it. It does help.

One thing I try to take alot of in addition is BCAA’s or EAA’s. I currently take about 25g’s of a 4:1:1 blend of BCAA mixed in gatorade powder during my workout. Gatorade powder gives you the carbs without the high fructose syrup you get in bottled gatorade. That’s really the only addition I’d add.

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Hey you should test yourself and ask if they are right for you.
I did a test for you and the greens and the whey you did not test well for your body.
how do you do it.
hold you thumb and pinky together. Now pull with your index finger trying to release you thumb and pinky apart. first of all test this to see that you can not do it. Then hold the supplement in your lap. if you can stay strong its good for you if you go week then its not right for you.

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I take a little wheyprotein twice a week, when I do my powertraining.

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Hey Elliot:

While I agree with whole foods such as Living Fuel (which I personally use as well) and EFA are cornerstone nutritional support, I hope you don’t mind if I give some additional feedback based on my scientific research. I have had the opportunity to consult and assess key biological factors of performance via lab testing with elite athletes all around the country.

We have found that when evaluating core performance factors such as essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin D, iron and mineral status and hormones including a few others that the most commonly deficient nutrient that may also be the most important of all is Vitamin D as it has profound effects not only on health but performance and recovery. The East Germans and Russians in the 50’s, especially, the power lifters were big into sun lamps!

Essential fats are critical but new research is showing that the Vitamin A in cod liver oil inhibits the immune benefits of vitamin D! Check out the D Council newsletter for references to new studies. http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/vitamin-d-vitamin-a-and-cancer.shtml

And lastly, we have found that while protein powders make nice meal replacement options, athletes who rely on whey protein frequently are essential amino acid deficient. Recent studies such as this
http://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/Abstract/2010/02000/Essential_Amino_Acids_for_Muscle_Protein_Accretion.12.aspx are showing that a synergistic use of essential amino acid in the AM and prior to workouts with BCAA formulas after are more effective and physiologically utilizied for anabolic gains.

It really is all in the fine tuning. If anyone is interested, these testing protocols are now available for all athletes at http://www.bioletics.com.

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Frank Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 4:26 pm

@DR. Rick-

Living in Florida, I imagine Elliot has no need for extra vitamin D (at least not if he spends as much time outside as I think he does).

Otherwise, love your input.

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This supplement is the best thing I found and that’s why over 300 professional athletes use it and not one of them are paid to. As far as repair, recovery, and performance, there is nothing even close when you dig deep into the science and research put forth. Go to http://www.thewizardofwealth.com and get a free sample
To your health.

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I’m using Gasparis 5 lb. Whey because they throw in 280 gms of their NO product free. It’s tasty orange. To help with fruit uptake, blend 12oz non-fat milk, 2 scoops whey, 2 bananas. Eat fruit before your meal not after.

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Eat whole, healthy, natural food and ditch the suplements. Live simple, but TRUE. Be Happy.

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hisham Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 5:38 pm

i totally agree. u need 5 things:
1,2-protein&fat:eggs(raw is the best)-whole milk-chicken-fish-beef
3-carbs:whole milk–veggies–fruits
4,5-vitamins&minerals:if 1,2,3 r natural u’ll get those from them.

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Protein and creatine (cycled of course) are 2 staples in my diet. Raw eggs man? You must have a cast iron stomache. Anyways, most supplements out there are
hype anyways and it seems you have weeded out the hype and got the basics down. I agree with Blake on the addition of BCAA’s especially during work outs
mixed with gatorade. I usually feel quicker recovery from workouts when using
that combination.

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leanhybr Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 11:15 pm

Thanks for the tip Marc…..I’ll give it a shot – MIKE

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Hey brother have you tried “The Warrior Diet”? It’s a book by Ori Hofmekler. It has some great information on how humans are meant to eat. It’s definitely worth a read. If you want more information or a summary just e-mail me and I’ll be happy to tell you.

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leanhybr Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 11:16 pm

We actually wrote a review about it in The Warrior Physique. If you haven’t seen it you can download it at the top of the page in the middle box. Ori Rules! – MIKE

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hisham Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 5:44 pm

i think Eat-Stop-Eat works better than the warrior diet, but with the same principles except that u only have to fast 2 days a week.
i tried both, and both gave me good results, but on ESE my energy level during the day were way higher!

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I like the idea of supergreens, to get your vitamins and minerals instead of getting them in pill form. This is something I want to try.

Is cod liver oil better than whatever regular fish oil is? I get the GNC brand and come to think of it I have no idea what kind of fish they come from. Hm…

I also take glucosamine and chondroitin for my joints.

For protein, I try to get a whey/casein mix because it tends to keep me fuller for longer. But then again I’m a 130# female not looking to bulk up.

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Whey is a must for all kinds of training and even for loosing weight. I take it everyday.
I also used Hypergain Creatine and -speaking only for myself- I can say that creatine is useful only if you train really hard, otherwise it only causes little levels of pump affect.
My mother used to give me liver oil in winters. Maybe I should consider starting..

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I take the natural ON whey! and also glutamine, sizeon, bcaa’s, animal pak multi, cytogainer………I have been strongly considering trying hypergain

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Everything on there appears good.

I eat veggies every morning with my eggs but one cannot get enough veggies so I am going to look in to the supergreen supplement. Other than that I use protein daily because I eat organic food and it is too spendy to buy tons of tuna/salmon so two times a day I will use some sort of protein. I recently switched from Optimum Whey after using it for a few months due to price and to switch it up. I just started with psyllium husk and it is definitely a great addition to my nutrition. Flax seed and fish oils are also essential for getting good, healthy fats in my opinion.

Great Stuff!

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Elliot,

it sounds great to me. you have given me some more suppliments that i should try out thank you.

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Couple of months back I started bookending my workouts with 5g of both creatine and glutamine. I’m still on those same bottles and I don’t see much difference.
However, just started taking a Tribulus and ZMA combo at night-and that HAS made a difference. My strength went up the very first week, and I’m about 3 pounds heavier in just about 3 weeks of taking it -without any major change to my diet whatsoever.

No protein powders, I’ve done those and didn’t think the money versus results ratio was worth it. Mostly chicken, egg whites and good old fashioned milk make up my daily intake.

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Hey Elliot.

Living Fuel is definitely a good choice. Good brand.
There are mixed opinions on Cod Liver Oil, mainly due to how it’s processed and the heat often damages the oil. It’s gotten bad press lately from the lawsuit and the supposedly toxins in the top brands.
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14501591?nclick_check=1

I personally don’t use whey protein but have used SunWarrior protein which has gotten really good press lately, a lot of athletes have used it with great results. Check it out if you haven’t already.
http://www.sunwarrior.com

And psyllium husk is always good

Keep up the kick-ass work.

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Forgot one thing…I’ve used Cod Liver all my life, as I’m Icelandic haha! Haven’t used it lately though.

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Being a hunter I have to recomment venison! It has the highest protein% of all meats on the planet. This along with usually low fat and lots of different minerals makes it perfect for building lean mass.

I also have a suggestion for a post. how many % of the tyre´s weight du you have to deadlift when you are going to flip it? Money is no problem since they are free, but some of us have limitet storage space and want to know which ones to pick based on how much you deadlift since it might be inconvenient to start flipping in the tyre shop.

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Hey Elliot

love the hybrid muscle plan…I’ve been using it in conjunction with Zach Even-Esh’s ancient training methods and I’m becoming a beast. Anyway, the best supplements I have taken were HMB (first year and a half of lifting), Jack3D from USP labs, wheybolic 60 with leucine, and Terestris tribulis (only take if intensity is an issue (took during rugby season on a heavy college class load).

Best of luck

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I drink my protein shakes daily,i also take my creatine,liver cap.,ameno acid cap. I eat alot of eggs daily,along with whole protein and some fruits,veg. Every 6 weeks i change my workout

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That whey protein is one of the best out there in my opinion. If your looking for another excellent casein protein I would suggest mytofusion. I do a scoop of whey when I get up then a scoop of casein while im at school about 3 hrs before the gym then another whey immediatley after I finish followed by a scoop of casein before I go to bed to keep my amino acid levels high. For creatine a really good one that I noticed is I Super Gain or Super Pump or something like that it is great.

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Love the green stuff you are taking. Surely you used that for your Hulk film?
Anyway, I take a good protein with at least 20 grams not more than 30 g because you are not going to metabolise it anyway before it hits the way out. I try to use a protein thats low or no soy and no sucralose. I have found three prety good ones, NOW , Jay Robb, & I think the Pro Blend is good. I also make sure I get a good multi vitamin….I have been experiementing with that one, not sure I have found a good for me. I think I am about to look for a liquid one for better absorption. I take a Krill oil only because its seems to be stronger and you only have to take one tab. I take red yeast rice for keeping the cholesterol down, it really works well. I also take a digestive enzymes to help break down the food I eat, but I dont have a gall bladder either so I am not sure if everyone would benefit from that. I take hypergain creatine before I workout.

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Just too add my two cents, instead of just the BCAAs that Blake mentioned, Body Tech has a great amino acid supp with 19 out of 20 of the acids some that make creatine and also some that are good for your joints. It has also been shown that amino acids build leaner muscle than protein although you shouldn’t rid of the protein

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My friends and a whole bunch of people I know are using the EXACT same Whey Protein as you, Gold Standard, they say the powder is so hardcorely smashed that your body takes up a lot more protein than any other protein powder. So I would recommend that you carry on using it.
I use it, and I give it 2 thumbs up!

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Your choices are good but I think one of the biggest factors in using any supplements is just like your workouts themselves…variety
We need to keep out bodies full of all it needs but anything above and beyond that, as in training, needs to be used for a period of time and then altered so that our bodies don’t get lazy and stop improving.

The supergreens are something I will look into using for sure.. I’m not interested into increasing my size so there is no need for the creatine..
I use the whey protein and fish oil..

Personally I try and cycle in Animal Pak “cuts” for a couple of months and then off.. I see some difference.

Oh !! I recently picked up a six pack of “Elations” an 8oz. bottle which contains
1500mg of Glucosamine HCI ..1200 mg of Chondroitin Sulfate and 6mg Boron ..it touts that it helps ease joint pain after only a week and it worked for me !!

I generally go to the gym after I work my overnight shift and I gotta tell you I am beat by them time I get there, I never seem to get enough sleep and at 56 I don’t bounce back as kids in their 20’s do.. my knees bother me when I do legs or spend too much time on the treadmill. I figured it was worth a shot getting the drink and to my surprise I felt a real difference after the third day !! I’m not pushing it, but I’ll keep buying it for sure.

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Buck Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 1:16 pm

Thank U brother. Will try the Elations. I am 55 in the same boat…

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Scivation XTEND!! Put your 6-8 scoops in a gallon jug of good ole’ H2O and drink all day! love their Solution 5 also!!

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I like the supplements you’re taking Elliott. I take a multivitamin too. What about Mike, what does he take? Same stuff as you or no?

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leanhybr Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 11:09 pm

What’s up Sam. I’ll take a video tomorrow and show you what my supplement cabinet looks like. I like what Elliott takes but I have a few tricks up my sleeve -Mike

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I have been cutting down on the stuff I take, daily, mostly because I’m becoming a cheapskate now that my credit cards are nearly paid off.

My routine looks, more or less, like this, with ZMA at bedtime on training days (T/Th/Sa/Su):

http://digitaldiscipline.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/theres-a-capsule-for-that/

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hisham Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 5:53 pm

hey Rafe, does ZMA really work?

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Brother:
It’s all good, I should follow your example. These have been my basics for years and in the last few years, I have been taking AS Research’s Hypergain.

I am at a point of taking less of everything and just trying to eat good healthy food. At 56 and working out for years, I have made many gains and don’t plan to stop but my philosophy has changed to a keep it simple routine: Protein, creatine, a good multi vitamin, fish oil, and a good diet plenty of lean protein, greens and whole gain carbs. I even make my own energy bars.

I really appreciate you shares though I don’t alway have time to digest them all. I think we all have been over supplementing so I am thinking more like a hunter and gatherer these days.

Best Regards to you and your family, Dano – Chicago

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You’re on the right track. I notice you aren’t so much on the “Big in a bottle” type supplements. It’s all about eating well, and supplementing with more real nutrition that gives you what your body really wants and needs.

The greens are good, you have enzymes, probiotics, and stuff in there your body really needs. You need that healthy digestive system.

You might want to research MSM (organic sulfur). Cheap supplement in powder form. I think its full importance is not really put out in the mainstream. It’s advertised more for joints, but sulfur is in every cell in the body to some degree, and I think in every living thing. In optimum world, where foods are grown in natural conditions, with natural rain water, and in great soil you might have a chance at getting enough of it. And, I have found that it may be beneficial in the “poop” game as well. I can tell you my fiber intake isn’t all that great, but I’m quite regular, unlike in my past. My understanding is that MSM helps your body get rid of toxins in the body, not a bad thing at all.

Troy

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Troy Reply:
March 27th, 2010 at 6:42 am

I’m taking 10 grams of MSM daily, so we aren’t talking about the smaller amounts in your typical supplements. Over time, I think I will know the full impact of the supplement. It may take a while to realize its full benefits, so I’ve read. I think it’s an important supplement, period. Joints, circulation, arteries, and so on.

Right now waste elimination seems to be one of the most consistent benefits. That is a lot right there. It also seems as though if I get ill or something, it just goes away without much of a big deal. Note that detox symptoms can make you feel like you are sick, so that’s something to note on my experience as well. If what I had was the flu earlier in the Winter season, it sure didn’t stop me from working out, it was quite mild. I had the sore joints and felt a little crappy, but I trucked right on through it, without having to quit lifting for a little while to get well.

I have my dad on a substantial dose as well. It seems his usual flu, pneumonia didn’t take hold this season. Minor stuff this season.

I recovered from a crappy start to the day. Not much sleep, felt horrible. I took an extra dose of the stuff today, and it seemed like it might be the thing that perked me right up.

Right now, for me, this is still an experiment with MSM. I’ve heard a lot of claims, even muscle growth. We know it’s good for joints. I’m going to continue on with the large dose, maybe larger soon. I would probably cap it at 20 grams because I think it might thin the blood above that, if I’m recalling the information accurately. Might not be that useful for most people to go above this anyway. I want to see where this road takes me after a year or so.

Troy

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Myself, I like the Muscle Milk chocolate flavored. Great taste & I’m a serious hardgainer. It has helped me gain 20lbs of mostly muscle. Of course I’ve busted my tail in the process as well!

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leanhybr Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 11:18 pm

Muscle Milk is delicious, do you notice anything from the MSM?

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hey elliott
this stuff looks pretty good, im definately gonna try some of that Living Fuel and i might have a go at psyllium Fibre just to switch it up..im using Benefibre atm its not bad

i reckon you should take a look at the Horleys Supplement range, they claim to be the purest protein on the p[lanet….im not one to judge if they are or not but i really like their ICE wHEY product check it out

peace

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That looks great!
The only thing I might add is evening primrose oil to get some healthy omega 6s in.

I was wondering if you could post your typical meal plan? I know Mike did but I don’t think I have ever seen yours

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Try some FOODFIGHT. Superfood green drink, no fillers! Add it to a protein shake or give a boost before and after workouts. It’s loaded with aminos, lots of MMA fighters use it.

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I am very fond of taking Nutrlite Daily and Great Ayrvedic Product like Badam Pack and Amrit Rasayan for my Vitamines & minerals cover and fish Oil pills and Horlics Protein Powder,besides I go for some ayrvedic product like silagit ,this gives me a lot of energy in 54 yrs. I can play Table Tennis for 2 to 3 Hrs together . Bur Muscle in my body not developing ,suggest your comment also,since I am coming from remotest village of Northeastern corner of India Regards ,Samir Bhowmik

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I ordered the Hyper Gain, Nitrobol and Betabolic. I’ll document my training and suppliment use, and see if it was worth it. The betabolic comes with a 120 day money back guarantee, so if it doesnt work, I’m covered.

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I’d get some different whey. I like isopure.

Haven’t tried Hypergain. The only one I consider worthy of trying so far is cellmass.

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Hola Eliott,

You once advised on a video that people should join the Weston A. Price foundation because people should have an all natural “caveman” diet and I have to say that was the first time I heard a coach recommending this. I was impressed. I eat this way. I am no veggie, I eat meat, fruit and vegetables. Trying not to eat anything processed. I believe you are a real coach, not only physical but psychological too.

If I were to recommend something to you, I would tell you that instead of a “greens supplement” eat real greens, you sure most know that when you cook food, it loses all it’s living properties such as enzymes and most vitamins, and also, vitamins are not meant to be eaten alone like vitaminic supplements, for example, vitamin C either made artificially from coal or “natural” from fruit, is dead. Vitamin C should be like the squat, a complex vitamin, not an isolated vitamin. Surrounded by enzymes, co-enzymes, minerals and most of all, alive! taken from a living fruit or vegetable.

Instead of whey, try raw milk and drink plenty of it. If you cannot find raw milk, being illegal in the US, try KEFIR, it brings back the natural in processed pasteurized milk. It is living whey! and as an added bonus, try blending some kefir grains into the kefir milk, it will replenish your gut bacteria and you will no longer need the psyllium husks, they are good but if you use them too much, you will have a lazy intestine, also you will never ever get sick, since you will have a powerfull immune system.

I have learned a lot from you and this is my oportunity to give something back. Maybe you already read the TAO by Daniel Reed, if you haven’t, I highely recommend it.

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Enrique Alvarez Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 11:00 pm

By the way, if you are in a hurry in the mornings as you said, make a real vegetable juice with a food processor. It doesn’t take long to do or to drink.

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Hey Elliott….I posted what supplements I’m taking as well. Go take a look. http://leanhybridmuscle.com/access/favorite-supplement.html

Also somebody posted a link to http://www.thetruthaboutsupplements.net Have you heard anything about it? – MIKE

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hey also could someone give us some info on how to cycle wiht creatine? like would i stop taking it on my deload or increase the doasge or what? i have basically no idea all i know is that creatine helps my performance a SHITLOAD

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Currently I am taking Muscle Milk protien shake( about 3-4 times a day), this is the best protien shake that i have tasted that mixes with water. Just started Hypergain creatine love it works really well. 6 1000 mg. fish oil tablets per day.
All Natural multi vitamen. 2 cinnimon pills( helps body keep suger in check)
2 red rice yeast( helps keep cholestrol in check) And finally 500mg magnesium.
I take these daily except on weekends. I only take hypergain and protien shake on weekends.

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i thinh 100% gold is the best protein you can get i started using it last summer after a mate put me on to it and it did what i wonted it to and more. If your not sure yoyr stack is doing what you would like just change 1 or 2 things use the mirror and what what you lifting as your tester if you start getting fat/weak change back if you get bigger and in better shape tells us all what you did

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Presently using optimum protein. Very concerned about the “natural & artificial flavoring” they use as ingredients. Been reading up on the toxic effects aspartame has in the body. Google it & see for yourself. Really bad stuff w/ deleterious consequences to the body. What say U?…Thanks much…Buck

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leanhybr Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:57 pm

Ya I totally agree. Artificial sweeteners are pretty bad for you and your body can’t get rid of them. A criticalbench sponsored powerlifter Brian Carroll recommened proteinfactory.com where you can build your own protein without the artificial sweeteners and fillers. Haven’t ordered there yet myself but thought I’d share. – MIKE

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A good range Elliot. agree with the comments about BCAA. Perhaps the cod liver oil is OK for the winter months, but a switch to fish oil in the other six months can be beneficial – it’s a little lighter and is absorbed better in the warmer period of the year.

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leanhybr Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 7:55 pm

We have warm weather all year round here in FL

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I agree with the Gold Standard Protein. Have used that for a while and love it (especially the vanilla in some oatmeal =D ). I recently started using Sun Warrior Protein. I have noticed it doesn’t dissolve quite as well but it still tastes good. I’m only a couple weeks into my first bucket and it seems to be working so far, I have lost 10lbs while gaining in strength (doing a cutting diet to reach 6% BF by April 6.) This is pretty much the only time I can remember my strength going up while losing weight. Not really using anything else at the moment. As far as creatine goes, I have used it but never noticed results, I think I am going to try that hypergain as soon as school gets out. Has anyone else had problems with regular creatine but was pleased with hypergain?

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Elliott,

I would agree that fish oil and optimum nutrition whey is a must. I cycle on and off of creatine to see what results I get and quite frankly have not seen any changes in strength however, there is a huge difference in recovery time when using creatine. The creatine I like best is apex max you can find this at myapexfitness.com or another preferred is six star creatine which can be found at almost any supplement location. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you!

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for right now i only use protien i also believe that alot of the supplement have been about hype and not really in the interest/safety of the consumers have alot of the experts dissing each others opinion on the products and how they work or don’t work there is even a website that says all you have to do is drink 3 glasses of milk = a protien shake and you don’t need all of the other stuff because most of the body builders are taking steroids and are not being honest with the public- making us think that “if you work hard enough you can look like this. but don’t mention the real truth because its aboiut the $$….

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my protein shake is basically: 1 liter of whole milk+ (3-4)whole eggs+ 2 spoons of honey.
i drink one when i wake up, one b4 workout, and one after workout.
the only supplement i ever used was whey protein, but i don’ use it anymore. i’m going all natural.

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Hi there Elliott,

I read your post and was wondering would the pysullium husks (fiber) not absorb all the fat u consume with the protein?

I like the idea of adding fiber and hate the taste, but never considered it with choc protein.

I currently use Glutamine, Creatine, Hydrolyzed whey post w/o, protein blend in the evening such as myofusion tastes great and they’re products really work well and Udos oil blend for EFA’s along with a good multi.

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Hey Elliot,
I’am 57 and I take a Glucosamine and Chondroitin with MSM. Either Osteo Bi-Flex or Flex-a-Min usually. But for my money, I think Flex-a-Min is better. It has Vit D in it and I can feel the difference. I have stopped taking it from time to time to see if it is all in my head. I feel a definite improvement when I am taking it. Yes there are many out there, for more money, but I buy them when they are on sale.
Also when I take my Creatine, I mix in Beta-Alanine with it. Have you or Mike ever tried it.
Please give me your feed-back.

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joe Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 4:00 pm

I recently switched over to Hyper-Gain for my Creatine. I will let you know how it goes. Only been about 5 days on this stuff.

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As usual no bull information – thanks – I use 3 out of the 5 in your review!
Belinda

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I’m on the living fuel greens–been on it for 2 years and it has changed the composition of my immune system and cells (cuts or scrapes healing crazy fast). I can write more, but don’t want to bore you. Huge advocate of Living Fuel Greens.

Kathleen

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Maybe some Nos and glutamate

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USE PROGRADE!

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Hi is there any product to buy in Canada?

Thank you

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