I'm going to buy some protein supplements for the first time, I'm just working out the best place to do so.

I am thinking about using my protein: http://www.myprotein.com/uk/

Has anyone used this site and is it reliable?

Also what type of products do you usually get?

Very reputable supplier, heard great reviews too

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Leeds Pick up Lair. PM for info.

Ok so I've ordered my "bar oats and way", its a package of 18 bars.

" Each 88g bar contains a massive 22g of tapered release protein derived from Milk Protein and Whey Protein. "

"The premium quality ingredients in MyBar® Oats & Whey ensure you receive a tapered supply of protein and carbohydrates to help support lean growth, when taken alongside a structured training routine. MyBar® Oats & Whey provides an extremely convenient and tasty method of ensuring your protein intake remains high throughout the day, complimenting the nutritional needs of an active lifestyle."




What do you think?

I'm rolling with something similar to this: http://www.myprotein.com/uk/products/im ... ey_isolate

taking it only after workout, only has around 100kcal, so you can easily eat your normal meals, but this really gives the muscles the protein they need for recovery/building

Alright, first, no. Just no. You go to body building (com) to buy your supplements. Best supplement site on the internet. I have buying there for years. They will have everything you need. Second, say no to bars. There are too many protein bars out there that have bad stuff in them. Its hard to say what you need cause you haven't really stated your goals. For instance, I'm trying to drop some weight. So I buy Dymatize ISO-100. No fat, 1 carb, 24 grams of protein. My favorite protein source yet. So you need to be a little bit more specific and research some more.

I have been using My Protein for the past 3-4 years and am very happy with them.

They have the best value protein in Europe based on protein concentrate levels to price. At around 82% protein in standard Whey.


I'd advise three products (regardless of where you get them):

• 1. Whey Protein - feeds your muscle.
  2. Instant Oats - Carbs provide energy so you don't burn muscle during workouts, also needed to put on muscle mass.
  3. BCAA's - BCAA's are anti-catabolic so they prevent muscle being broken down for energy and; help synthesise proteins to the muscle and reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle strain - the next day feeling of "oh fuck i'm stiff!"

Here's an idea of what to do with them:

• 1. An hour before your workout have a Carb Shake to give you energy.
  2. Just before a workout out take your BCAA's - I take a few just after as well.
  3. After a workout you want to take a protein shake within about 15 minutes for maximum results - only mix it with water so it can be absorbed quicker.
  4. Take BCAA's before bed.

I'd saying getting a good body is about 70% nutrition and 30% gymming.
Of that 30% gymming, 70% is good form and 30% is the weight. (If you want to look ripped not just big)

If anyone has more knowledge on this than me, I've only been training for around 5 years, please do correct me.

Have you tried pre work outs like jack3d, N0explode, craze etc. They give you tonnes of energy, allowing you to lift heavier and do more reps. Myprotein doesn't sell pre workouts, I would recommend buying jack3d from amazon if you haven't taken them before. However for some people pre workouts simply don't work, if that is the case I would go with the Instant Oats.

I've never tried any pre-workout stuff; probably should as I do find I lose energy in a big way which is why i never try to stay too long in the gym.

I mainly use the oats as a source of carbs and don't really actually take them pre-workout although i probably should as well. I'm naturally skinny and have a very fast metabolism so I have to eat roughly 2:1 carbs to protein just to put on any weight - but that's just me.
I make sure to taper my carbs in the evenings though so I'm not just putting on fat.

What is the science behind pre-workout products? As in, what do they have in them that gets your blood pumping etc Shit loads of caffeine i'm guessing!

You are probably losing energy because the instant oats cause your insulin to spike so you have low blood glucose concentration towards the end of your work out, causing tiredness. I never spend more then an hour in the gym because it lowers your hormone levels. If you have low energy levels within half an hour of your workout I would cut down on the instant oats, if not I wouldn't worry too much. Pre workouts allow you to have a great workout every workout.
^^Slightly confused, are you currently bulking, cutting or maintaining ?

Caffeine is the most common ingredient in them, followed by 1-3,DMAA which causes vasodilation. There is many different chemicals in them I could go on for days listing them.

If you have any heart, liver or kidneys conditions DO NOT TAKE ANY PRE WORKOUTS. You could cause serious damage to your body if you do.

I would recommend trying them out, the first time I took them I had my best workout to date. If you decide to get them make sure you cycle them 2 months on 1 month off as you become tolerant to them. If you drive to the gym be careful the first time you take as it makes you feel slightly drunk and high at the same time.

Would recommend jack3d as a starter as it is cheap and one of the best http://www.amazon.co.uk/USP-Labs-Bubble ... 056&sr=8-2

Had no idea about the instant oats/insulin spike thing thanks, I don't know too much about that part of the nutrition side but I really should.
Trying to bulk at the moment, have been weighing about 10.5 stone for ages and want to get up to 11 or 11.5. I've been tapering my carbs because I didn't want it to put on fat but if bulking should I just eat shit loads regardless?

Thanks for the information on the pre-workout stuff; will definitely check out jack3d.
Feel slightly worried about taking them but sure it's all gravy!

Jack3d is really good. The only thing that I hate about pre workout is that you crash most of the time afterwards.

I use Herbalife 24. Out of all the different kinds and brands of protein that I have tried, this is the healthiest and best tasting. Its kinda spendy though. Look it up if anyone is interested.

Random fact: The L.A. Galaxy and F.C. Barcelona use it.

If you are bulking you should aim to put on fat as this shows you are having a calorie surplus. You aren't going to put on much muscle if you aren't in surplus as you will being using protein from your muscles and diet for energy. Myself I have being lifting weights on and off for 2 years. The last 8 months I have consistently gone to the gym, when I started I was 68kg with 8/9% body fat now I am 75kg 11/12% body fat with big strength gains.

You need to take in more calories this is evident, I recommend having 6 meals a day and increasing the amounts carbs you take in mostly. Try and avoid stuffing yourself within an hour of you going to sleep as you will feel very bloated and slightly sick in the morning. You can get away with this if you work out in the evening.

Implement more fast digestive carbs in your diet like white bread, white rice etc. Be wary of having too many fast digestive carbs in one meal as initially it will give a slight energy burst but an hour after the meal you will have low energy levels due to a insulin spike especially before you workout. However you can spike the shit out of your insulin levels after your workout as your muscles need to replace their glycogen stores.

Every meal should contain a good quality protein source, beef, chicken, fish etc. Your evening meal should have more protein in it due to your body repairing your muscles whilst you sleep. Also try an eat your food faster as it takes time for your stomach to register its full so you can take in more food.

If you start to gain a lot of weight quickly scale back the amount you take in. Weigh yourself everyday the same time so you can track your progress.

Sorry for the long post, there is so many factors associated with dieting and it can get very complex but to keep it simple just aim to take in more calories then your body needs= equals weight gain. The opposite for losing weight.

I don't consider myself a weight lifting guru I just have done a lot of research into this topic if I have made a mistake or you disagree please correct me. Look forward to your pre work out try out.

Eyrie.