Supplements - on a budget?

[AbcSimples]

Ok so im no millionaire and if buying high end supplements it will cost a small fortune.

So currently i use whey protein i usually flit between bulkonline and my protien to see who has the offer of the day. I usually get 2.5kg for around £20. And creatine, think was £10 for a small bag. I also take tesco multi vit and cod liver oil, on offer 3 for 2.

Now next question is Pre work out, i would like some, but not paying £30 for a small tub.. so is there a cheaper alternative? I do understand this is not necessary to feel it would give me a boost? - currently i make up cold black coffee, sugar and creatine in a drinks bottle :P

- I feel my diet is good i eat 2x pieces of fish 4 days a week. I eat lots of veg and fruit. I eat cottage cheese 1 hour before bed.

- I do suffer from fatigue at times, and i do struggle with sore legs the day after leg day :P

[faipdeooiad]

Instant Coffee - about £3 for 100 servings.

You're already doing this, if it's Working, why change?

[showjo1josh]

Pre workout is only needed if you feel like you don't have enough energy in the gym. If you need alittle more energy you could always pick up some cheap caffeine pills and that would work.

[NurseGray]

Pre workout is only needed if you feel like you don't have enough energy in the gym. If you need alittle more energy you could always pick up some cheap caffeine pills and that would work.

I agree with this caffeine pills are a great alternative if you are on a strict budget.

[mtownballer20]

Stick to the basics: multi, fish oil, creatine, protein, [preworkout if needed] - cheap and effective group of supplements.

Not needed, but can be beneficial.

[italianplaya30]

Stick to the basics: multi, fish oil, creatine, protein, [preworkout if needed] - cheap and effective group of supplements.

Not needed, but can be beneficial.

i agree with this...if your a beginner, i would recommend against using supplements aside from a good whey protein for at least a year after focusing on the basics

[TrainerTone]

I believe you need to get your diet in check. Eating 2 pieces of fish 4x a week doesn't mean you have a good diet. What else do you eat? What is your TDEE? Are you hitting your macros? I'd worry about all of this before supplements

[KwayZee]

Stick to the basics: multi, fish oil, creatine, protein, [preworkout if needed] - cheap and effective group of supplements.

Not needed, but can be beneficial.

I agree with this.

I'd honestly just grab some caffeine tabs if you're on a budget.

[G Diesel]

On a tight budget, there's no doubt that instant coffee (mixed in diet coke?) with 5g of creatine mono will do the job nicely.

Peace, G

[Tyler2106]

Stick to the basics: multi, fish oil, creatine, protein, [preworkout if needed] - cheap and effective group of supplements.

Not needed, but can be beneficial.

Yes to this minus the protein. You don't need to supplement with protein powder if you're hitting your protein needs from whole foods.

[wishiwasdivin]

I believe you need to get your diet in check. Eating 2 pieces of fish 4x a week doesn't mean you have a good diet. What else do you eat? What is your TDEE? Are you hitting your macros? I'd worry about all of this before supplements

I agree with this ^

OP, being on a tight budget I would make sure you have the your diet nailed down first before supplements.

TDEE Calculator

Calculating Calories and Macronutrients

Nutrition

Then after you've made sure that's all spot on you can look at adding some basic supplements that will fit into your budget.

[hossjob]

i agree with this...if your a beginner, i would recommend against using supplements aside from a good whey protein for at least a year after focusing on the basics

Excellent advice. If you have a hard time EATING your required protein get a good high quaility protein product like EFX NF Pro. If you seem to get fatigued during workouts you coudl use an intra workout carb like karbolyn or if you have a hard time eating enough carbs use it like you would use protein. Other than that, be consistent with diet and training for at least 6 months. After that and after you've plateaued, try adding some creatine ro a pre workout. You don't need a lot. You should be able to get by for <$100/month easily.

[SkyFlight23]

Instant Coffee - about £3 for 100 servings.

You're already doing this, if it's Working, why change?

I'm going to second whoever keeps mentioning coffee.

[xR1pp3Rx]

a lot of people love stimul8 because they don't have to use much to get charged up and often can stretch a "small tub" a couple months.. but there is nothing wrong with a cup of joe either.