How’s it going my eroids family? Hope everyone had fun during the holidays and enjoyed the much needed time off from work. Lately, I have been getting a few questions regarding whether or not I take any supplements on my quest to my dream physique. Are they pointless? Are they overrated? What do I recommend? Well, hopefully a lot of your questions will be answered in this post!
The truth is…. of course I use them, but only a select few. I’m not the type to go out and buy the latest and greatest supplement that comes out on the market. I like to do my research. Find out why I need this particular supplement. In my eyes the key to any well thought out supplement plan is ensuring that the body is receiving everything it needs to maintain proper metabolic function, make sure certain recovery is optimal, and ensure hormone levels are supported and optimized. Here is my normal day to day regimen…
Morning:
First thing in the morning (after the bathroom of course) I drink a big glass of water. Sometimes if I feel up to it, I will even squeeze some lemon into my water. This is a great way to naturally increase energy and vitality while alkalinizing your body. Getting a good amount of water first thing in the morning really helps lighten the load of water intake for the rest of the day. Us “everyday gallon of water carriers” understand that good ol H2O is very energizing and hydration is very highly correlated with strength, so don’t neglect it. The next thing I do is make sure that I get in some amino acids. This is a great time to get in BCAA, or essential amino acids because they are absorbed faster than food and will start fueling the muscles right away. Since it is cheap I also like to take 1000mg vitamin C and about 100-200mg Siberian ginseng in the morning because combined they can help drastically reduce serum cortisol levels.
Around Workout:
Pre workout: I don’t take any supplement company pre workout drinks unless a friend wants me to try something for him (he owns a supplement store). I don’t normally take pre workout at all, but when I do I prefer Dos Equis! Just kidding guys, but when I do I normally just make my own which normally consists of Zinc, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Live Cell Probiotic, Arginine, BCAA, Glutamine.
Intra workout: I believe intra workout is one of the overlooked aspects of supplementation. If you are doing a real workout then you need the fuel to get all the way through it. About 30 minutes into my workout I start sipping on a concoction I make which consists of vitargo or dextrose, BCAA, glutamine, and vitamin C.
Post workout: Post workout is very important as well. Right after I train, I consume protein isolate, BCAA, glutamine, and vitamin C.
There have been “studies” floating around the past couple years dismissing intra and post workout nutrition. If you want to break through your muscle-building limits, you must utilize this opportunity. As soon as you start exercising, your body starts to change its hormonal chemistry.
1) Growth hormone is released in response to presence of lactic acid.
2) Cortisol is released in response to “injury” to muscle tissue.
3) Serotonin is released in response to exercise.
4) Testosterone is increased due to intense exercise (but falls shortly after)
These are the 4 most important factors to manipulate, in order to build muscle.
Before Bed:
I usually train at night and just have enough time for my post workout shake and post workout meal, then hit the sheets. With that said I may consume one more shake but it is definitely not needed but it helps with that late night sweet tooth we all seem to get at the worst time. First I warm up some almond milk, and then add 2 scoops chocolate whey, 2 tablespoons greek yogurt, ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, 10g glutamine. And that’s it! In the end it tastes like hot cocoa and is great for this time of year as well!

Supplements are NOT required to ensure muscle growth. They simply allow you to recover faster and allow your body to remain healthy all the time. I really hope this helps everyone that has had questions. I didn’t mean to get all Martha Stuart on you in in the end! If you have any further questions feel free to ask me or message me. I’m not like a lot of other people on here. There is an “Open Door Policy” where I’m from. There is no such thing as a stupid question.
Focus, Persist, Grow!