Supplements

**Before you try any supplements, it’s important that you check with your doctor first**

I strongly believe that the foundation to achieving health and fitness goes is through nutrition. In my opinion results come from 80% diet and 20% intense workout. That being said, Supplements are the icing on the cake.  They should only be used after you have gotten a firm grip on your caloric intake and diet ratios.

Q: What supplements do you take?

A: Supplements that I use and recommend are Shakeology, P90X Whey Protein, P90X Recovery Formula, P90X Multivitamin, Core Omega 3, Creatine (on and off), E&E Energy and Endurance Pre-Workout, and glutamine. You should take a protein powder 1-3 times per day depending on your protein goals.  You can take it in the morning, as a snack/postworkout or before you go to bed.  Take the P90X recovery drink immediately post workout.  The Multivitamins and Omega 3s can be taking in the morning.  Glutamine can put mixed with your Protein shake or Recovery drink.  Creatine can be taken post workout.  Take E&E 30-45 mins pre-workout.  I recently have started taking Shakeology and I am hooked!  It is by far my favorite supplement.  I take this is a meal replacement/snack and instead of my multivitamin.

Q: What is Shakeology?

A: Shakeology is probably the most popular supplement that Beachbody has to offer, and it acts as a meal replacement. They taste excellent, and are loaded with antioxidents, probiotics, and vitamins, to name a few.  Learn more about Shakeology by clicking here.

Q: What is the Recovery Formula?

A: As you know, when you workout you are tearing your muscles. Immediately after you’re done with your training for the day, those muscles you used go into “recovery” mode and start rebuilding. In order to rebuild properly, they need protein and carbohydrates to carry that protein. They “feed” your muscles and allow them to make a better recovery and get stronger! It’s good to take this after both cardio and resistance workouts.

Q: What is whey protein?

A: Find out about Whey Protein Here.

Q: Should I take creatine?

A: Creatine helps with muscle strength and endurance. It is found in steak, meats, and cheeses but you usually have to supplement in order to get the full benefit.  It is up to you whether or not you want to take creatine.  I would recommend for those looking to gain muscle mass during an intense program like P90X.  If you are looking to get tone/cut and drop lots of body fat you won’t need it.

Q: What do you think about the P90X Protein Bars?

A: The P90X Protein Bars are great for pre or post workout nutrition.  They taste great and provide enough energy to get you through your workout or are great as a post workout snack.

Q: Should I take a pre-workout supplement like E&E Pre-Workout or (NO-Xplode, Jack3d, Xpand Xtreme Pump, Assault) before every workout, or just the resistance workouts?

A: I take E&E Pre-Workout before my resistance days or highly intense cardio days only.  I do not take it before Yoga.  I would also stay away from any pre-workout that contains DMAA (1,3-Dimethylamylamine).  It is a supplement that has come under lots of speculations when it comes to safety.  It is also now banned by most professional organizations.  I also like E&E because it is not filled with artificial sweetener, coloring, preservatives or DMAA (1,3-Dimethylamylamine).

Q: Will E&E Pre-Workout affect my sleep?

A: Whether or not it affects your sleep patterns depends on how your body reacts to the supplement.  Personally I can’t take it past 7pm otherwise I have trouble sleeping.  Make sure you test your tolerance by taking a half serving if you workout at night.