Supplementing Your Supple Body's Needs

It was entirely coincidental that David commented on my last post that he was curious about my take on supplements. Earlier in the day I was thinking about posting my recipe for the tasty smoothie I was about to enjoy, and it contains supplemental protein powder. That's about as far as I get these days in terms of supplementation. Essentially, I'm a purist who dabbles in a bit of extra protein now and then.

I am very likely in the minority on this topic as most gym-bound guys are as much into lifting pills, powders, and protein drinks as they are into weights. It's true that there are a lot of good supplements out there but it's also true that "real food" can provide a lot of, if not all, that you need to build muscle and increase energy. The thing a lot of people forget is that supplements are meant to be "supplemental" and not the main part of a diet.

I stopped using energy inducing supplements because I got on the Ripped Fuel band wagon before they went ephedra-free. This was when I first started the Body for Life plan (which, by the way - totally changed my life forever). I was enamored with the packaging, who doesn't want to be ripped?! Leaner, meaner, stronger, faster, better. Who could say no to that!? I loved the rush they gave me - it was like a really hardcore venti quad Americano from Starbucks times ten for me. However, if I took them at any time other than before an intense workout I was a crazy, irritable maniac on speed.

Recently I tried the nitric oxide inducers (like NO-Xplode, NO-S Extreme Lean, etc.) but I found it led to little to no improvements in my performance. If you have a strong cardio plan - your L-arganine recruitment is probably at optimum levels so these things really just provide excess that is wasted. I like just having a good bout of caffeine or sugar-free Red Bull before a long workout, and LOTS of water.

I never got into Creatine because if you're not working seriously to BUILD larger muscles it can easily become a huge cess pool of fatty mass of yuck. I just never had that as a goal for myself or for the guys with whom I want to make out. For me, and the boys I like - it's lean, mean, figthin' machines with good chests, nice arms, hot calves, and a taut, hot ass. Veins that show just a little bit, and tattoos, well then you got me wickedly excited.

That all being said, I am a huge fan of protein powders - they are a convenient source for supplementing your daily diet with some extra needed protein, and other essential nutrients and BCAA (amino acid packs of fun). The powders are quick, easy, and there is enough competition out there that the taste keeps on improving. I was a Myoplex boy for a long time, getting hooked on it through Body for Life, but then I got turned on to Isopure because it's carb-free, more pure (literally), and packs in a little more protein. Yum. However for all you New Yorkers, Juice Generation offers up a Shazaam! for a hefty $7.55 that includes a Myoplex packet, rasperries, and water. You can switch it up to use blueberries too but I don't like how that one tastes.

Yeah, Myoplex has some carbs and a few grams of fat - but the nutrients it provides allow it to serve as a healthy meal replacement. I'm into that because I like efficiency. Then again, when I first felt like I was getting into great shape - I was eating six chicken breast a day. If you're that desperate for optimum proteins, egg whites are the very top of the list.

All in all - supplementation is something worth investigating (that link is a comprehensive site that provides information and reviews on nearly all supplements). Furthermore, I strongly urge people to educate themselves about what goes into their body. Google is your friend, so use it like you bastards use all of your friends. Haha, ok that was a bad joke - but for some of you it's probably true. If you're a serious hardcore bodybuilder you're probably going to have to look into supplements but there are better options out there and always, always, start gradually. When in doubt, don't put it in your mouth guys. And that, my friends, is an important safety message that you should carry with you to the bars, and your bedrooms.

My Smoothie of the Moment: The Razz-PiZazz-a-Berry Banger

• Get a sturdy blender.
• Add 8 oz. of lite orange juice (with added calcium too)
• Add a handfull of frozen or fresh raspberries (I like frozen because it makes the drink frosty)
• Add 4-5 frozen or fresh strawberries
• Mix in 1.5 scoops of whey protein powder (I use EAS Vanilla Whey - with BCAA enhancement)
• Add 3-4 icecubes.
• Hit the liquefy button and watch the magic happen.

Once it is swirling down like a flushed toilet, it's ready to drink. In all liklihood it is going to grow into a creamy delight. It has around 300 calories so be prepared to work some of that off right away. This is a pre-workout smoothie. It has about 35 grams of protein and it seriously tastes amazing. Raspberries are a superfood so eat them with delight. You can use regular whey protein, but the Vanilla flavor gives this drink a "creamsicle" effect. Enjoy!