Do I need supplements?

[amyoz]

I train about 5 days a week, mixture of cardio and weights.
My goal is basically to refuel my body and be healthy.
I usually have protein shakes, just wondering if it is just excess calories I don't need or if my body truly needs it?
I do not have nearly enough protein in normal foods...

[RosieCheeScott]

I train about 5 days a week, mixture of cardio and weights.
My goal is basically to refuel my body and be healthy.
I usually have protein shakes, just wondering if it is just excess calories I don't need or if my body truly needs it?
I do not have nearly enough protein in normal foods...

If you are doing resistance training and cardio, I would recommend that you use the STAPLES:
* Creatine (helps with recovery from anaerobic exercise - i.e. weights)
* Multivitamin (for general health, especially if you do not get enough from your diet)
* Good Fats (helps with metabolism and other important physiological needs, such as hormone synthesis, etc.)
* Protein Powder (especially if you are NOT getting enough in your diet!)
* BCAA's (helps with recovery)

In saying that, I would make sure that your DIET is targeted at whatever goal you're wanting to achieve for your body (and for health, in general). Protein shakes are fine (no, they're NOT excess calories if you're training hard), but they should really only be used for convenience or post-training, etc., and not as a substitute for REAL food.

[amyoz]

If you are doing resistance training and cardio, I would recommend that you use the STAPLES:
* Creatine (helps with recovery from anaerobic exercise - i.e. weights)
* Multivitamin (for general health, especially if you do not get enough from your diet)
* Good Fats (helps with metabolism and other important physiological needs, such as hormone synthesis, etc.)
* Protein Powder (especially if you are NOT getting enough in your diet!)
* BCAA's (helps with recovery)

In saying that, I would make sure that your DIET is targeted at whatever goal you're wanting to achieve for your body (and for health, in general). Protein shakes are fine (no, they're NOT excess calories if you're training hard), but they should really only be used for convenience or post-training, etc., and not as a substitute for REAL food.

Thanks, at the moment I take a Multi and a Omega 3.
I will get protein powder. I find it helps me stay fuller for longer. I have been having Horleys Carb less Protein bars after weights.
Any recommendations? I am in Australia, see you are in NZ. Any local brands? What are your thoughts on Horley's?

THANKS

[humblegenius]

Just remember that supplements are to fill the void that your diet cannot fulfill. They are not meant to replace meals.

As for being in Oz, which part of Oz are you from?

[amyoz]

I am in Sydney.

[humblegenius]

I am in Sydney.

Check your private messages inbox.

Sydney, great place to visit, I dont think I could handle living there though, way to everything for me. I like the simpler life.

[freebirdmac]

What do your cals and macros look like? You don't need supplements. You can get everything from food. However schedules, food dislikes, etc can make that difficult. Supplements should not be your primary source of anything, including protein.

[RosieCheeScott]

Thanks, at the moment I take a Multi and a Omega 3.
I will get protein powder. I find it helps me stay fuller for longer. I have been having Horleys Carb less Protein bars after weights.
Any recommendations? I am in Australia, see you are in NZ. Any local brands? What are your thoughts on Horley's?

THANKS

I would recommend something BETTER than a protein bar, like say an actual MEAL (or a protein/fruit shake and then a real meal 30 minutes later) after your resistance sessions. Most protein bars are full of other ****e that you don't need.

And I would add in creatine and either flaxseed or fish oils as well.

Personally I use Leppin Sport Pro 4, because it suits my requirements. However, everyone has their likes and dislikes, and products should be selected based on how well they fit your needs.

Just remember that supplements are to fill the void that your diet cannot fulfill. They are not meant to replace meals...

That's right. Supplements should be just that: Supplementing an already good diet and training.

[ifbbprobetsy]

If you arent' getting enough protein in your regular food then YES you need to supplement with a good whey protein powder. Regular food obviously is the first choice.
I am currently using Whey Sensible for my contest prep. It is made by PGN and I love it. I am doing a transformation blog too http://www.fitnessprobetsymcnallytra...n.blogspot.com

Best of luck to you
Betsy