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AR15.COM
8/24/2010 6:10:24 PM EDT
Since starting crossfit this month I've been thinking more and more about taking some kind of supplements. I know next to nothing about supplements and there seems to be a ton out there with both good and bad reviews. I have next to no idea of what ones to chose from although I was thinking about creatine and some kind of protein. Is there anything I should add to that list? What kind of stuff should I take before and after workouts?
8/24/2010 6:16:03 PM EDT
[#1]
Tuna + Water
8/24/2010 6:19:31 PM EDT
[#2]



Quoted:


Tuna + Water


+ Good Multivitamin.



Creatine and Protein, anything else will show you little return on your investment.



 
8/24/2010 6:36:23 PM EDT
[#3]
Whats tuna do, is that just protein? Why not just take more protein instead?
8/24/2010 6:40:14 PM EDT
[#4]
If you're beginning, I suggest you keep to the basics.  You'll gain a lot of ground with a simple protein shake and workout drink and fish oil.  Just eat right and eat enough.  

I use Surge Recovery for pre and during workout.  I use Metabolic Drive protein after and at other times.  

8/25/2010 8:33:56 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Whats tuna do, is that just protein? Why not just take more protein instead?


It makes your pee smell funny.(Insert dorky smiley that I can't on mobile) I have always been a nbeliever that natural forms of protein are "better" than the pure protein stuff because they end up being more time-release. That and you are actually eating, which helps fill you up. Just a philosophy.I always liked the protein crap as a true supplement for the times when it was not possible to eats the quatities of protein I wanted/needed when I wanted/needed.  Right after a workout, I want to slam a protein drink, because I didn't want to eat right beforehand, and I want it right then and there, not an hoour later when I'd get home and make something. I'm going to have one today here @ work because it's not practical to have tuna/chicken/whatever in the van w/ me today. Protein supps are good gap fillers, but don't create gaps just to use them.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
8/26/2010 9:21:30 AM EDT
[#6]
+1 for Whey and water.


Fully hydrate before your workout, maybe take a 1/2 serving of whey before.  Then a full serving of the whey after.

Optimum Nutrition is a good brand.  Get it at Vitamin Shoppe or bodybuilding .com.

If you want to step it up after that, come back and ask.
8/26/2010 2:43:11 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Since starting crossfit this month I've been thinking more and more about taking some kind of supplements. I know next to nothing about supplements and there seems to be a ton out there with both good and bad reviews. I have next to no idea of what ones to chose from although I was thinking about creatine and some kind of protein. Is there anything I should add to that list? What kind of stuff should I take before and after workouts?


What do you believe that you are missing from your diet?  

What of the missing item(s) could you not get from eating real food?

8/26/2010 7:27:29 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since starting crossfit this month I've been thinking more and more about taking some kind of supplements. I know next to nothing about supplements and there seems to be a ton out there with both good and bad reviews. I have next to no idea of what ones to chose from although I was thinking about creatine and some kind of protein. Is there anything I should add to that list? What kind of stuff should I take before and after workouts?


What do you believe that you are missing from your diet?  

What of the missing item(s) could you not get from eating real food?



I doubt I get much protein threw regular eating, I'm not on a diet, pretty much anything I find in the refrigerator is fair game anytime of day. So basically I eat everything, and most of the time it's not too healthy I don't really eat a hole lot anymore so I have cut down on how much I eat. I suppose if I commit myself to cooking I could eat pretty well, but that's probably never going to happen with me.
8/26/2010 8:11:13 PM EDT
[#9]
Diet first, then supplement. If you can not commit to a good diet, you are wasting your time and money with supplements. Supplements are great when your protein requirements surpass what you can reasonably eat, or for those off time when you need a quick protein recovery fix and you are away from home or off your eating schedule.

eating a shitty diet + tons of supplements = expensive piss
8/27/2010 7:52:51 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Diet first, then supplement. If you can not commit to a good diet, you are wasting your time and money with supplements.

<snip>

eating a shitty diet + tons of supplements = expensive piss



This.  I'm a supplement skeptic at best, though I do use sports nutrition products during long (<1 hour run/<2 hour bike) endurance workouts strictly to take in calories.  

Best case, supplements are just that - an addition to a healthy diet.  
8/27/2010 3:33:17 PM EDT
[#11]



Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:

Since starting crossfit this month I've been thinking more and more about taking some kind of supplements. I know next to nothing about supplements and there seems to be a ton out there with both good and bad reviews. I have next to no idea of what ones to chose from although I was thinking about creatine and some kind of protein. Is there anything I should add to that list? What kind of stuff should I take before and after workouts?




What do you believe that you are missing from your diet?  



What of the missing item(s) could you not get from eating real food?







I doubt I get much protein threw regular eating, I'm not on a diet, pretty much anything I find in the refrigerator is fair game anytime of day. So basically I eat everything, and most of the time it's not too healthy I don't really eat a hole lot anymore so I have cut down on how much I eat. I suppose if I commit myself to cooking I could eat pretty well, but that's probably never going to happen with me.


Are you in control of what gets put in the fridge? Food is the best tasting and cheapest protein you'll find. Start there, then supplement if/where needed.



 
8/29/2010 8:08:36 AM EDT
[#12]
I'm not in the same boat as the OP, but I also have questions about supplements.  On the interwebs, you can find anything about anything but researching supplements is confusing at best.  Is there an independent site or organization that gives reliable information on supplements?  As the poster above said, tuna is one of the most convenient sources you can find, and as a bonus it comes in its own dish!  I'll have a protein bar after a workout because I have just enough time to exercise and get into uniform before hitting the road.  I've been running for four years after not working out for about ten, and I've started CF at home.  Now I'm hitting the gym twice a week to go heavier, and want to use supplements if they are appropriate, as my job and schedule make it hell to prepare good food four to six days in a row during my work weeks.

Can we get a supplement sticky?  Maybe one where members post their personal experiences with supplements?  For some strange reason, I put more weight in ARFCOM members than other internet personalities....the bond of the black rifle and all
8/29/2010 8:24:16 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
I'm not in the same boat as the OP, but I also have questions about supplements.  On the interwebs, you can find anything about anything but researching supplements is confusing at best.  Is there an independent site or organization that gives reliable information on supplements?  As the poster above said, tuna is one of the most convenient sources you can find, and as a bonus it comes in its own dish!  I'll have a protein bar after a workout because I have just enough time to exercise and get into uniform before hitting the road.  I've been running for four years after not working out for about ten, and I've started CF at home.  Now I'm hitting the gym twice a week to go heavier, and want to use supplements if they are appropriate, as my job and schedule make it hell to prepare good food four to six days in a row during my work weeks.

Can we get a supplement sticky?  Maybe one where members post their personal experiences with supplements?  For some strange reason, I put more weight in ARFCOM members than other internet personalities....the bond of the black rifle and all


No real independent unbiased organizations for supplement tracking that i know of. There are many sites that present themselves that way, but are in fact just whoring some pill. Now, lifting/bodybuilding forums can be better, but of course there are idiots there, just like everywhere else. It is a good start though.

What most everyone seems to agree on:

-Protein Shakes are ok, although eating is better than supplementing
-a basic multi-vitamin is a good idea
-creatine is a decent supplement for strength training  (although there is little agreement on brand, mixing, loading, cycling, or when to take it)  
-Fish oil or flax oil are good fat sources (if you dont eat enough fat in your diet, so most need not worry)

beyond that, the whole industry is a bit of a clusterfuck and consensus is rare.

The best approach to take is to think of supplements in a minimal way. Only supplement what you can not eat. Avoid products that make unrealistic claims. Dont waste money on new and scientifically improved versions of basic supplements(like creatine with rapid delivery system, or magic protein powder that turns your farts into rainbows).
8/30/2010 8:06:45 AM EDT
[#14]
Food
Water
multi vitamin
rest

If you want add a protein shake with a simple carb post work out.

Thats it.