When do supplements become necessary?

As it's my first post I am not trying to start a flame war, troll or upset anyone. I am just wondering if I or anyone else in my situation should buy supplements. Everyone I know that is really into working out loves their supplements and I know people who easily spend a few hundred dollars if not more a month on the stuff. It's their primary hobby/sport, they are totally into it and their body is what dough is to a baker or paint is to an artist.

However, I'm not really that into it. I want to look good, and I'd love to look like an underwear model, but I have no desire to get huge or spend every waking moment in the gym or thinking about the gym. Like I said, it's more of a casual interest to me.

Right now I go to the gym about 4 times a week, I'm in reasonably good shape, body fat pretty low and I have a good diet. However, I'm finding it hard to make gains and I haven't seen much improvement in the mirror. I've decided to switch up my routine. At what point do you know you need to start taking supplements? Right now I don't even eat extra protein or anything. I'm just wondering if I have some kind of nutrient deficiency or if I need to start taking supplements. Is it possible to look reasonably good and not take them or am I just kidding myself here?

Age? Height? Weight? Goals (other than looking like an underwear model)? Diet? Have you used any supplements in the past? Gym splits? (other than 4 days a week).

This should help us help you

You don't [i]need[/i] supplements, they can be used to fill a deficiency somewhere in your diet / to enhance your performance / body composition.

Example, if you eat everything on the food pyramid you should be eating then you most likely do not need a multivitamin. If you diet is not 100% spot on, micronutrient insurance like a multivitamin can be beneficial.

[QUOTE=Trans_Isomer;866230461]You don't [i]need[/i] supplements, they can be used to fill a deficiency somewhere in your diet / to enhance your performance / body composition.

Example, if you eat everything on the food pyramid you should be eating then you most likely do not need a multivitamin. If you diet is not 100% spot on, micronutrient insurance like a multivitamin can be beneficial.[/QUOTE]

This right hurr.

[QUOTE=badmajon;866201461]As it's my first post I am not trying to start a flame war, troll or upset anyone. I am just wondering if I or anyone else in my situation should buy supplements. Everyone I know that is really into working out loves their supplements and I know people who easily spend a few hundred dollars if not more a month on the stuff. It's their primary hobby/sport, they are totally into it and their body is what dough is to a baker or paint is to an artist.

However, I'm not really that into it. I want to look good, and I'd love to look like an underwear model, but I have no desire to get huge or spend every waking moment in the gym or thinking about the gym. Like I said, it's more of a casual interest to me.

Right now I go to the gym about 4 times a week, I'm in reasonably good shape, body fat pretty low and I have a good diet. However, I'm finding it hard to make gains and I haven't seen much improvement in the mirror. I've decided to switch up my routine. At what point do you know you need to start taking supplements? Right now I don't even eat extra protein or anything. I'm just wondering if I have some kind of nutrient deficiency or if I need to start taking supplements. Is it possible to look reasonably good and not take them or am I just kidding myself here?[/QUOTE]

There's only a few supplements that you "need", and I use that term loosely. I'd advise you to invest in a good multivitamin like NOW ADAM, and a 20g protein shake for before and after workouts. (Dymatize Natural Protein Isolate). Also, you should be taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement. If you want to take it a step further, and you are on an intense workout regimen, you could use micronized creatine in the morning and pwo, and casein before you go to bed.

good question

[QUOTE=Rayski1;866259661]There's only a few supplements that you "need", and I use that term loosely. I'd advise you to invest in a good multivitamin like NOW ADAM, and a 20g protein shake for before and after workouts. (Dymatize Natural Protein Isolate). Also, you should be taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement. If you want to take it a step further, and you are on an intense workout regimen, you could use micronized creatine in the morning and pwo, and casein before you go to bed.[/QUOTE]

-No need for a multivitamin
-No need for a protein supplement, it is entirely plausible to get enough from food.
-No need for a shake before workout
-No need for a shake post workout
-No need for casein before bed
-No need for creatine in the morning AND pre workout
-Could potentially get Omega 3 from a diet rich in fish

So, you don't NEED any supplements, ever, really.