Current Supplements I’m Using and Why

If you don’t have your training and nutrition under control, don’t worry about supplements. This is the main reason I rarely write or post about them. The average person eats like shit, doesn’t sleep enough, and haphazardly works out, yet always want to talk about supplements. Don’t be that guy.

It’s also important to recognize that supplements are just there to help you fill gaps you might be missing in your diet/lifestyle; they are not magic. They don’t burn fat. They don’t add slabs of muscle to your frame. They are pieces to the puzzle.

Lastly, these are just supplements I am using personally. However, I do recommend most, if not all of them to my clients.

Whey Protein

I’m going to skip going into much detail here, but whey protein is a well-absorbed, extra protein source that allows me to hit my daily protein numbers much easier than having 100 chicken breasts. Whey is safe, effective, and has been studied extensively. I’m currently using Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey (chocolate peanut butter). I like this powder because it’s low calorie, low fat, high protein, tastes good, and is reasonably priced since I use it so frequently. I will usually have 2 scoops post-workout and potentially 1 scoop later if I’m on the run.

For more information on how much protein you need and different powders – Read Here

Creatine

Poor creatine. Creatine went through a media mud-slinging a few years ago for no real reason. In case you didn’t already know, the media loves sensationalism and click-bait bullshit. There are endless amounts of studies on creatine and there are no safety concerns. As a matter of fact, creatine is naturally occurring in certain foods, like steak and seafood. Creatine is proven to help increase strength and power output. When combined with proper resistance training, this can also lead to increases in muscle mass. There are also some studies that show a potential cognitive benefit to creatine.

I’m currently using 5mg of pure creatine monohydrate powder each day.

Athletic Greens

I’m on my first month of using this product, but I like it so far and know I wouldn’t be able to hit all of the included vitamins and minerals on my own. The ingredient list is long and extensive, so you can go to their website to check it out, but I haven’t come across another greens powder with a profile like this. It saves me from having to buy fringe supplements that I’d like, but wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to go and consistently buy (probiotics, selenium, magnesium, milk thistle, ALA, etc.).

I got the yearly subscription and use 1 scoop everyday.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the most essential micronutrients, and for those of us who live in the northeast, often one we are severely lacking. The benefits are almost endless – immune health, bone health, improved insulin sensitivity, cognitive function, and potentially even battling covid-19. There might also be a correlation between Vitamin D and men’s testosterone levels. Regardless, it’s safe and offers numerous benefits. I prefer using a liquid form and it is beneficial to have Vit K and fat for better absorption.

I’m currently using Nusava Vitamin D blend with added K2 and Omega 3’s, MCT oil.

Vitamin C and Zinc

Vitamin C is cheap, safe, and has some proven immune function benefits (potentially reducing the length or severity of a cold for example). Zinc is another safe, cheap supplement that can help with the immune system. Athletes often use it as you lose zinc while you sweat.

I don’t have a favorite brand here. At the moment just taking two random ones.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Curcumin is found within Turmeric and is a potent anti-oxidant that offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Other studies have shown a potential benefit for arthritis, anxiety, and HDL cholesterol.

I’m currently using MyKind Organic Extra Strength Turmeric once a day.