Be yourself, show your determination and results will come.
The topic of supplements is quite misunderstood and a lot of misconceptions gravitate around it. So let’s try and clarify the issue.
Firstly, is important to define the term and specify what we’re referring to. Dietary supplements are defined as products taken orally that contain one or more ingredients (such as vitamins or amino acids) and they are intended to supplement one’s diet and are not considered food.
Clearly, and the terminology says it all, they are intended to integrate your nutrition plan.
Remember that to achieve muscle growth and volume of the muscular tissues, there is no shortcut!
Following a complete and well-balanced nutrition together with a thought-out exercise program is essential and none of the supplements are intended to substitute this regime.
Nonetheless, they certainly have some use and could be helpful in maximizing the results. For example, creatine and protein-based supplements are likely the most effective choices for muscle gain, integrating the benefits coming from eating enough daily calories and nutrients. Omega-3 Fish Oil and vitamins are instrumental in the recovering process and in the healing of the muscles.
The overwhelming quantity of information on the topic makes it difficult to find reliable and unique rules regarding the topic, and many of the sources are certainly biased.
Moreover, the range of products and categories is endless: creatine, whey protein, BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine), L-Glutamine, Omega-3 Fish Oil, vitamin/mineral supplement, vitamin D and K2, beta-alanine, magnesium and many more.
What we can say for sure is that they are not necessary, and they provide a merely 3% of the muscle gain, leaving the 97% to diet and exercise.
Unfortunately, another point against these supplements is that they can be quite expensive if taken regularly (as advised to see the effects ).
In conclusion, our professional advice is to consider twice about going down this road. If you’re reading this blog most probably you’re tight on money or you have some instinct about saving, so we can tell you that all your goals are achievable without any kind of integrators. If instead you’re stubborn (as most of us are) my advice is to concentrate your money on Whey Protein and BCAAs, because they provide a good value for money and you can quickly see results.
If you have any doubts about the assumption of supplements and about what’s recommended, shortly you’ll find a new post our team is working on.
Remember: consistency is the challenge and motivation is the solution! Keep up the good work and share with us your doubts and topics you would like us to cover.
Until next time…
Marco Sandri, Freelancer and Fitness Enthusiast
Budget Fitness 