People always ask me what kind of supplements I take and what each of them do for me. So today I will write about every supplement I take, what it does, and why I like it.
Every morning I do the same ritual
I wake up, and spend my first 10 minutes in the bathroom. I wash my face, brush my teeth, and straighten my hair. After that I get a tall glass of water, and gather up my supplements.
Before I eat any breakfast I try to drink 2-3 tall glasses of water to get me going for the day.
Taking my supplements also helps me with drinking lots of water because I have difficulty swallowing and have to retry taking my pills a few times. haha I know, it’s sad.
Multivitamins
The first pill I take, is my Multivitamin ACTIVE I purchased from GNC. The amount I bought should last me about 90 days, and it was on sale for around $26.00. The pills are a bit on the bigger side, and the directions say take 2 a day.
I like to take a multivitamin because the vitamin replenishes my body of all the nutrients I lose while working out. These pills have a weird taste for a few seconds. Don’t be like me and chew on the pill. I have no idea why I thought you were supposed to chew vitamins, but I learned the hard way. They are G-R-O-S-S.
Coffee Bean Extract
The second pill I take is Coffee Bean Extract. I’m not totally sure if this has any real effect on helping my body but I figured I would use it up until my supply ended. The amount I bought should last me about 60 days, and I take 1 a day. This cost me about $15.00. Dr. Oz and my friends recommended me to take Coffee Bean Extract pills, but you have to make sure to buy the right kind, otherwise it wont take effect. I don’t think I bought the right kind, but didn’t really care at the time (for some weird reason.)
I probably won’t purchase coffee bean extract pills again. Coffee Bean Extract pills are supposed to release glucose in the body and increase the metabolic process in the liver. Basically they say it should help the process of weightloss. People tend to ask why not just drink regular coffee. This doesn’t have the same effect because coffee beans are roasted and this takes out the chlorogenic acid in them.
Magnesium
The third pill I take (but I’m not really sure if I’m supposed to take it anymore because I use a multivitamin) is calcium with magnesium. Should I be taking a seperate calcium with magnesium pill if I’m taking a multivitamin as well?
Taking calcium with magnesium is good for you because they have the strongest effect when they are taken together. This pill allows for your muscles to stay strong and lesseen the chance of muscle spasms, soreness, and experiencing fatigue. You can also get magnesium from different foods including pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, broccoli, and my favorite of all, green beans.
Whey Protein
The fourth supplement I take is whey protein. I buy my whey protein from Walmart (probably not the best idea, but it comes very cheap. Under $20 for a big jar of it. But I am probably getting what I paid for.
I usually take whey protein after my workout, to replenish my muscles and help build lean muscle. I don’t want to lose any of my muscle mass since I’m trying to gain and get toned up, so whey protein helps my muscles build, and recover. Whey protein makes me feel very full for a long amount of time as well because of all the protein in it. Once I’ve used up my currenty whey protein tubs I plan on trying other interesting flavors rather than my boring chocolate/strawberry.
C4
The fifth supplement I take is C4. C4 is a preworkout from Cellucor. The flavor I buy is pineapple and it is DELICIOUS. I take this 20-30 minutes before my workout. I instantly feel a boost in energy and as soon as I walk into the gym I’m ready to get crazy. This really helps during cardio/weight lifting. I also feel like I can go on for longer periods of time. 60 servings of C4 should last for about 2 months, and can range in price depending on where you get it. I buy mine for around $40-60.
CLA
The sixth supplement I take is CLA. CLA helps reduce your body from depositing fat and improves immune function. CLA is stimulant free and doesn’t make your heart beat like crazy like other fat burners. CLA is supposed to reduce body fat (not a lot) but improve lean muscle tone. The pills I buy are from GNC. They cost about $40.00 and the pills are sort of big in size. They are gel-like so very easy to swallow.
Tip #1: Get a Gold Card if you go to GNC. You save 20% (if I’m correct) the first week of every month. This really saves money in the long run if you buy supplements a lot.
Do you take supplements? What are your views on supplements?
If you have tried or take any of the supplements I mentioned please let me know your experience with them. If you have reccomendations for supplements let me know as well. I really appreciate it =)
As of right now I only take a multivitamin and it’s the same one on your picture up there. I like some of the other supplements you mentioned… I may have to go to GNC I would definately like to try something that helps the lean muscle after my workouts….good post
Thank you. If you have any recommendations feel free to share. =)
Right now I am on a supplement regimen as follows.
Morning: Serving of Cod Liver Oil
Pre workout: Muscle Pharm Assault (Muscle Pharm is a pretty lame name, but they make good products). Like C4 it helps give you a little boost.
Post Workout: Stronger Faster Healthier Whey Protein. This is probably the only supplement I would recommend to anyone other than cod liver oil (or fish oil).
Post Protein: Muscle Pharm Amino. This supplement replenishes electrolytes, similar to a gatorade, but no sugar or corn syrup. I have the Pink Lemonade flavor and it is awesome!
Before Bed on workout days: Muscle Pharm ZMA: This is mostly a melatonin supplement which helps me get to sleep faster. I workout close to bedtime and without this I’m usually awake two hours later than I want to be.
One recommendation would be to consider other whey protein brands. Like you said, you get what you pay for. The brand that I use is about 40$ and lasts about a month. Also rethink your multivitamin, most studies have shown they are ineffective. It might be useful to track your food for a month, week, or whatever. If you eat a healthy, clean diet you get most of the vitamins and minerals you need, except maybe calcium if you don’t drink/eat dairy or any milk imitator.
Oh and Bodybuilding.com has alot of sales (so does GNC) where you get buy 2 get 1. So if you find a supplement you like you can get some savings.
Thank you for the reply, so much useful information.
I have heard great things of Muscle Pharm. I need to look into their products. I need to look into the Muscle Pharm ZMA. I also work out at night and have trouble falling asleep afterwards. Thank you for all the helpfu tips.
i take supplements as well – a multivitamin, vitamin C, biotin, fish oil, B vitamins,and milk thistle.
i think they are a super important part of a person’s day and everyone needs at least a little something!
lesley recently posted…the time i got a new library card.
Definitely agreed. I need to get Fish Oil as well. I don’t know why I havent yet.
The reason I like C4 is the simple fact that it banned substance free.
I like C4 because it taste good, and gives me a clean feeling while I’m working out.