Workout supplements. There are so many options out there it can be overwhelming! But, don’t worry. You have access to a sports nutrition nerd who can guide you to the best products on the market. Yes, I am that nerd. I’m passionate about educating people on the power of sports nutrition and how the workout supplements you take can help you meet your health and fitness goals.
So, let’s break down a few products, and I’ll tell you what I’ve found to be the best on the market as of today.
Pre-Workout Supplement
Transparent Labs Bulk Pre-Workout is one of the most complete pre-workout formulas that I have ever used or seen. It is a clinically dosed blend of amino acids and nervous system stimulants. It offers the best potential for driving an individual through a difficult training session. Sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it? There’s a caffeine-free version for you. It’s the same formula, but it replaces the caffeine with creatine hydrochloride. This is my favorite version of the product. With creatine and other focus driving ingredients (L-Dopa, L-Norvaline, and Choline) it offers the same benefits without stimulants. This allows those who workout later in the day to have a great training session without the risk of being too awake after their training session. As a bonus, this product is “all natural.” Meaning no artificial anything, including sweeteners. And yet, it still tastes great and works so well.
Intra-Workout Supplement
My favorite product in the sports nutrition market? NutraBio Intra Blast Amino acid and Recovery Powder. This product has everything. Essential amino acids (BCAAs) in high amounts, electrolytes, strength and growth hormone potentiators without the use of creatine, and a healthy dose of the amino acid Glutamine to help the BCAAs stimulate quicker recovery. My favorite version of this product is the all-natural Intra. This one features zero artificial ingredients. This also offers a mild insulin boosting agent that may help increase the speed at which the nutrients shuttle into muscle cells. And at only 5g of sugar per serving, it is still low enough to not warrant any worry for those watching carbohydrates.
Creatine Supplement
Which product takes the “W” in this workout supplements category? Creatine Glycerol Phosphate by Metabolic Nutrition. There is little evidence that binding creatine to a phosphate group actually leads to quicker or more muscle gains. But, there is good evidence that this particular formula which contains other minerals and vitamins absorbs better and with less gastrointestinal distress than standard creatine monohydrate. There is enough evidence for me to support taking this type of creatine over basic monohydrate. And it is still cheaper in most cases than the hydrochloride or “buffered” forms that seem to be the most popular.
To read more about this supplement superpower, click here.
Protein Supplement
With a lot of protein supplements out there to choose from, which one is our favorite? Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate. There are many reasons this protein stands out, starting with quality. There is not an overwhelming amount of evidence (yet) suggesting that grass-fed variations are better for muscle growth than the standard wheys. But, I will always choose quality in my workout supplements.
Then there is the type of whey they use which is concentrate. Most companies have pursued rapidly absorbing protein formulations (isolates and hydrolysates). But, more and more emerging research coupled with most people’s poor intestinal absorption capacity has led to a few companies sticking with the slower and more nutrient dense version of whey called concentrate. This type tends to keep particular constituents like colostrum, immunoglobulins and lactoglobulins. These help to feed the gastrointestinal tract and may influence immune function. Furthermore, slowing down the speed at which the protein digests may aid in absorption and decrease gastrointestinal distress. And last, it tastes good! And does not use anything artificial, including sweeteners. 1 gram of naturally occurring sugar and some stevia is all this product contains. And it still tastes better than 90% of the protein supplements I have used in my almost 15 years of training.
There is not an overwhelming amount of evidence (yet) suggesting that grass-fed variations are better for muscle growth than the standard wheys. But, I will always choose quality in my workout supplements. Share on XWondering about the timing of protein intake and how it benefits your body the best during workouts? Click here to read more!
Want to Learn More About Sports Nutrition?
Please feel free to schedule a consultation with me. I’d be happy to help you learn more about how to meet your health and fitness goals through diet, exercise and sports nutrition products. It’s tough to sort through all the protocols available to find the one that will work best for you. I’m happy to partner with you on your journey.
