Supplements I Can't Live Without!

Many people are in the dark about supplements. I learned many years ago that foods in no way, shape, or form just can't give us everything we need to nourish our bodies, no matter how hard we want them to. I am very big on supplements, thanks to Jim Fejio of Daniel Chapter One for teaching me about them and how important they are. He taught me how to apply supplements and how they can improve health and enhance performance at the same time!

Supplements are essential for health and also to increase performance for sports and everyday life. This blog is about the supplements that help increase performance, build muscle, burn fat, and increase endurance. In other words - the supplement that will help make you a better athlete.

In the last 15 years, I have not only been researching everything that hits the market, but actually trying most of them myself. If I feel they work, I present them to my clients to try. I make no money from them nor do I sell supplements. I use what works, what I like, and I share with others.

Here are some of my top picks for quality and performance so you don't waste time and money. (I've already done that.)

From left to right in the pic above: (Yes, these are mine and I use them all!)

1. Liquid amino from AAEFX: This is an amino formula made from beef. It's the closest amino profile to human muscle tissue. It's a complete animal protein and contains glycerol, which helps keep you hydrated. It has a great taste to it (like chocolate syrup) and can be used any time you need to add aminos or protein. It can be used as a food source in a pinch when you need protein. Just add some carbs or fats depending on the diet you are on and you have a complete meal.

2. Levrone Formula: This is a pre-workout Nitric Oxide blend to help push more blood and nutrients into the muscle. It was formulated by Kevin Levrone, IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, who is in the Pro Bodybuilding Hall of Fame, and has the most winning record in the history of the sport! It has no caffeine or stimulants and is perfect for people who train late or can't have the stims. You get great pump with it; more blood means more nutrients and that means more muscle! I was actually a part of the development of this formula when Kevin was making it. It went through many different variations before it became what it is today and this is one supplement you can use to get bigger, stronger, look better, and delay fatigue.

3. Crystal Light: The big gallon jug is Crystal Light. I use one packet and it tastes great. Some people worry about sweeteners, but when used in the small dose in the jug, it's totally harmless. You would have more issues from driving with the sunroof open and getting too much sun on your face than you'd have using the small amount of sweetener in this jug. When you are drinking upwards of two gallons a day, it can be hard to drink just plain water. The biggest mistake people make is not drinking enough water. Rule number one: Make sure you are constantly hydrating!

4. Super Pump MAX: By Gaspari Nutrition, this is their new pre-workout supplement. It has all the energy boosters, nitric blend, and focus blend. It also has caffeine in it for the days you just need a little pick up. Two scoops gets it done!

5. Myofusion: By Gaspari Nutrition also, this is the best tasting, best quality protein - hands down - for the price. It's a whey, egg and casein mix you can get for $44.95 for 5 lb on bodybuilding.com. Give it a try whenever you need to add protein and you will be hooked on the taste! The mix of protein sources make this product one of the best in the entire field of protein powders.

6. Ephedrine:: YES the feared EVIL EPHEDRINE! I've used this for years, as have many other people who wanted to burn fat and get a little boost during their workouts. A few people took too much and it was banned. Look up the stats; more people get hurt from aspirin, Tylenol, even WATER than from Ephedrine. I'm not sure why it was such a big deal, but I think it's because a teenager took a handful for a football game and that one tragedy gave EPHEDRINE its evil reputation. Used responsibly, it's not more dangerous than any other vitamin or caffeine supplement on the market. Those who have and continue to use it, know it works!

7. Glutamine: I could go on and on all day long so here is a link to check out if you want to know more about L-Glutamine. Glutamine helps keep proper immune function and is something everyone should take daily!

8. Asprin: Everyone should take an aspirin every day as a healthy regimen for your heart. It thins the blood and allows better circulation. Most people have had bad eating habits in the past and possibly still do. This leads to plaque build up and restricted blood flow, which could cause some serious issues. One aspirin a day is an easy way to reduce chances of heart issues. Also, it extends the life of the fat burning effects of the Ephedrine.

9. Figure Fuel: This one is designed especially for women and I had to throw it in here even though I don't personally use it. It helps increase metabolism, delay fatigue during workouts, and helps stop muscle loss. All good things! Also, there is a smoothie you can make with it that tastes great and has no calories in it. Win-Win situation!

10. Liver Aid: As we train and consume foods,environmental toxins take a toll on our bodies! Our liver filters out our blood and gets these toxins out. A good liver and kidney support formula is essential to keep these organs happy and functioning properly. Look for something with MILK THISTLE for the liver in it and CRANBERRY EXTRACT for the kidneys.

11. EVP: Ah, Haney Rambod's secret formula only used by Pro atheletes until recently. It has to be one of the best products out there, quality-wise, to stop muscle breakdown from workouts and start the recovery process. Its servings go by body weight, and I like to use it during the workout as well as before. It doesn't have any stimulants in it so it can be stacked with Ephedrine and caffeine pre-workout, although that's not how it was designed to be used. It's made by Evogen Nutrition.

So there you have it. Eleven supplements that are not a waste of money, do what they promise to do, won't harm you if you use them as intended, and may just make a difference in your everyday life for one reason or another.

Best of luck on your journey to building a better you!