As I post about my NPC Bikini progress, people often ask me what supplements I am using and why. (Note: I am doing a drug tested competition.)
I currently use quite a few products from powders to pills so I want to give you a peek into just my favorite ones (plus which brands I prefer) and why they are necessary for my training. **Disclosure: If you click through and purchase any of the items I recommend, I could be compensated a small amount. As usual, I keep it real! My full disclosure policy can be read here.**
Before we dive in, I want to stress a few things…
What I use to supplement my fitness is based on my goals and my nutritional needs. Although my supplements have great benefits, they might not be a good fit for you or your goals. Always ask your doctor, nutritionist and personal trainer before you start using supplements that you see other people promoting.
Supplements are called “supplements” for a reason. You should not be eating garbage all day and then expect a miracle pill/powder or anything to make you look great. That’s unhealthy and it makes me cringe. The goal here is to get your nutrition on point and then supplement to enhance your results.
End rant.
Now the fun part!
Protein
Rebuilt Mass
The Rebuilt Mass supplement is designed for quite a few things from preventing muscle breakdown while adding intense cardio, boosting muscle recovery to regulating water levels. I use the Strawberry flavor
100% Whey Protein Powder
Whey isolate is designed to dissolve easily in water and digest quickly to feed muscles fast. I am using Dymatize Iso Whey
100% Casein Protein Powder
Unlike whey, 100% Casein protein powder is digested over a period of about eight hours. I use this before bed so that my muscles are fed overnight to promote recovery and build lean mass while preventing muscle breakdown from being in a fasted state. My favorite way to eat it is as pudding! Just add enough water to get the pudding consistency you want and chow down! I am currently using Body Tech (Vitamin Shoppe brand) but Optimum Nutrition could be another good option.
Fats
CLA
Linoleic Acid belongs to the omega family of fatty acids, which perform vital functions in the body and are necessary for optimal health. The conjugated form is a combo of different forms of Linoleic Acids that occur in nature. CLA can help to enhance muscle growth and reduce body fat. My diet is LOADED with healthy fats right now to assist my body in using fat for fuel especially when my nutrition goes through calorie/carb deficits.
>>> The Many Benefits of CLA Supplementation
Vitamins
ZMA
This is my favorite supplement of all time. ZMA is a zinc, magnesium and Vitamin B6 supplement which helps to enhance REM sleep. I take this right before bed on an empty stomach and sleep soooooo hard. We know that sleep is essential for muscle repair and growth, so this is key. In addition, zinc has been found to be critical for muscle recovery and growth. Magnesium is also an essential mineral important for healthy function of the cardiovascular system, and metabolism. Vitamin B6 aids in the utilization of these minerals in the body. Stacking these minerals together can help to enhance muscle size, muscle strength and fat loss. Winning!
Pre/Post Workout Recovery
Beta Alanine
Beta-A is found in most pre-workouts like C4 and Neurocore. It is a non-essential amino acid that helps delay muscle fatigue by regulating acid buildup during intense workouts. I do not use a pre-workout, but I take one pill pre and post workout to help with acid buildup. I notice a big difference in muscle soreness from using this. I am rarely sore even with triple workout days!
BCAAs
Branched Chain Amino Acids are essential nutrients naturally found in food. BCAAs can help to increase muscle retention and maximize fat loss by increasing the rate of protein synthesis and increase the body’s capacity for protein synthesis. So instead of just ingesting more protein, BCAAs actually enhance the protein digestion. They can also help to reduce the amount of Serotonin produced during exercise which helps to decrease the perception of fatigue. Along with using Beta-Alanine, I 100% attribute the lack of soreness to these supplements.
>>> BCAAs: The Many Benefits of Amino Acids
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L Carnitineis an amino acid that helps the body metabolize fats to produce energy. It is important for heart, and brain function as well as muscle movement.
Again, let me stress that just because I am using these supplements means that YOU should!
**Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the 3iArt Waterproof Phone Case. I was compensated and given a free phone case in exchange for my honest review. You can read more of my disclosure statement here.**
My phone is my lifeline. As a blogger and online influencer, I rely on my phone all day long to post on social media, check in with clients, take and edit photos, schedule my day and more.
Quinn loves playing with my phone and we have had a few close calls to me
having a water logged phone
completely losing my shit and being a wreck for probably all of eternity.
While I was showering she decided to brush her teeth and put my phone to rest IN the sink.
While we were at the pool she almost spilled her entire water bottle on it.
While splashing in the backyard she almost took it in the pool with her.
While watering the garden she almost sprayed it with the hose on full blast.
Heart-UH-tack. (This is where I need to share a picture of all my new grey hair, but I will spare you from seeing that.)
I recently got the 3iArt Waterproof Case that we can start using to protect my phone from as many accidents as possible. I have always been a case-hater, but honestly, phones are just too expensive to mess with these days. It’s worth it to just use a case!
I tested it out LIVE on Periscope and here is what happened…
A few of the features that I love are:
love that you can fully submerge this case. This would have been perfect to have when Rob and I toured caves in Belize on our honeymoon. We were too cheap to buy a waterproof camera and had a friend take pictures with hers. Once we got back to the cruise ship, her camera batteries ended up exploding and she lost all of the pictures! I will definitely be packing it on future vacations so I can have an underwater camera.
This case will also be my best friend on Wednesdays during my Epsom Salt soaks so I can read books on my phone and not ruin my phone by dropping it in the tub.
This would be a great gift for anyone who likes to be outdoors or couple who is going to be vacationing (honeymoon!) I even highly recommend it for parents because kids love to destroy our expensive things, right?! Use code N573D5JK for 20% off your order!
The post What Supplements I Use for Bikini Competition Training + Benefits appeared first on Variety by Vashti.