Couple of questions from the new guy

[Violander]

Hi, so I've been 'training' for about 10 months now. Mostly cutting with some gym sessions and now that I decided to bulk, I also decided to spend a couple of bucks on supplements.

So far I got the basic: Optimum Whey Protein, fish oils and multivitamins.

My questions

1. I plan to get Muscle Pharm Combat as a post workout. Is it better than the normal Optimum Whey protein (since it's a blend). Should I get Muscle Pharm Combat or Re-Con?

2. If I take Muscle Pharm Assault as a pre-workout, which has 5g creatine - that's enough creatine for one day, correct? Should I bother taking creatine on off gym days? (I currently go to gym 4 days a week, 2 other days are cardio and 1 rest day).

3. Mixing protein after workout - what do you go with? For the past week (first week on protein) I've been doing it with water. But I have also read in more than one place than you should, ideally have 2:1 carb/protein in your post workout shake. So would it be better to mix it with some Lucozade or something like that?

Thanks for your help and opinions!!

[mtownballer20]

2. 5 grams is enough creatine daily. I would pick up some bulk creatine mono for off days.
1/3. Protein timing doesn't matter as long as you hit your needed amount for the day.

[j1zip]

2. 5 grams is enough creatine daily. I would pick up some bulk creatine mono for off days.
1/3. Protein timing doesn't matter as long as you hit your needed amount for the day.

^this^
Protein is protein the difference in performance is so minimal between brands and types that you would never notice. The only real differences are taste, mixability, price and how it effects your stomach. Cheap proteins like Body Fortress hurt my stomach on occasion and mix like chit. Combat Powder Vanilla and Cookies & Cream are excellent! ON protein powder is ok in my opion.

If your really serious learn about nutrition and macros. It will make more of an impact then any supplement.

[Swollberg]

2. 5 grams is enough creatine daily. I would pick up some bulk creatine mono for off days.
1/3. Protein timing doesn't matter as long as you hit your needed amount for the day.

This..

Also the post workout shake is complete broscience. The protein to carb ratio doesn't matter unless you were in a fasted state beforehand. Chances are if you ate 2-4 hours before training your body will still have increased muscle protein synthesis greater than what a post workout shake would have done for you. Alan Aragon has research on meal timing, in which the above is stated.

[Violander]

^this^
Protein is protein the difference in performance is so minimal between brands and types that you would never notice. The only real differences are taste, mixability, price and how it effects your stomach. Cheap proteins like Body Fortress hurt my stomach on occasion and mix like chit. Combat Powder Vanilla and Cookies & Cream are excellent! ON protein powder is ok in my opion.

If your really serious learn about nutrition and macros. It will make more of an impact then any supplement.

Oh I have. I am only new to the 'supplement' section

I completely understand that nutrition and program are still key to success. I see supplements only as a little hand in helping me reach macros, for instance.

I am going with a normal 40/40/20 split and try to take 1.3-1.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight. However for various reasons (primarily me having on a mini fridge) I find it hard to reach those macros without some help.

So I decided to go for protein at first, but after reading a bit on supplements I was introduced into thing like BCAA and Glutamine, and now I'm considering other thing.

My 'to be decided' thing now is this: Which post-workout to take? The choice lies between Muscle Pharm Recon (BCAA blend) and Muscle Pharm Combat (protein blend). Which would you guys recommend if you could only chose one? Primarily goal being muscle and strength gain.

[xxx_jfb_xxx]

Hi, so I've been 'training' for about 10 months now. Mostly cutting with some gym sessions and now that I decided to bulk, I also decided to spend a couple of bucks on supplements.

So far I got the basic: Optimum Whey Protein, fish oils and multivitamins.

My questions

1. I plan to get Muscle Pharm Combat as a post workout. Is it better than the normal Optimum Whey protein (since it's a blend). Should I get Muscle Pharm Combat or Re-Con?

2. If I take Muscle Pharm Assault as a pre-workout, which has 5g creatine - that's enough creatine for one day, correct? Should I bother taking creatine on off gym days? (I currently go to gym 4 days a week, 2 other days are cardio and 1 rest day).

3. Mixing protein after workout - what do you go with? For the past week (first week on protein) I've been doing it with water. But I have also read in more than one place than you should, ideally have 2:1 carb/protein in your post workout shake. So would it be better to mix it with some Lucozade or something like that?

Thanks for your help and opinions!!

1 - Go with whatever protein you want. Blends don't really matter...it's up to what you enjoy. I personally enjoy the taste of Phase 8, so I buy Phase 8. Casein is a little heavier, whey liquifies easier imo... It doesn't matter which you pick. Just pick one that you like.

2 - Take 5 grams on off days as well. 3 grams - 5 grams total. Creatine Monohydrate is cheap for your off days.

3 - If you feel like you need some fast acting sugars or extra BCAAs or whatever, that is entirely up to you. Listen to your body. Some days after workouts I am good to go with just water otherwise I mix my protein with some apple juice & strawberries to get some sugar.