At the start of the transformation, I provided the meal and supplement plan as outlined by Kris Gethin. However, as the weeks went by, Kris began sharing additional nuggets of information related to supplements and when to take them. This post attempts to share what I know.
Pre-Cardio Supplements
- Green Tea
- Yohimbe
- L-Carnitine
- Black Coffee
Purpose: The purpose of this supplement stack is to help maximize your fat burning activities. By doing cardio immediately after waking up in the morning, the activity will produce greater results since your body has been fasting all night long. To support your cardio session, the body will tap into fat reserves, which is exactly what we want.
Timing: The recommended time to take this stack on an empty stomach at least an hour before cardio.
Observation: Thanks to the amount of caffeine I'm consuming in this stack, I definitely feel the surge of energy in the morning. Outside of that, I cannot tell you how effective or ineffective the other products are, but I have been losing weight and dropping inches. Is that caused by my increased activity level, supplements, or all the above? For now, I am going to continue taking them because I am seeing results and that right now is all that matters.
Pre-Workout Supplements
- Green Tea
- Glutamine
- Creatine
- Carbohydrate
Purpose: The purpose of this stack is to prepare your body for a rigorous session in the gym.
Timing: This stack should be taken at least an hour before your workout. Also, consider eating a meal before the session as you will need the energy to make it through weight training.
Observation: The caffeine definitely helps in the afternoon/evening as it helps kickstart the workout. The creatine, carbs, and glutamine are helpful in getting through the session. After the first week, I haven't really experienced the soreness or down time I'd normally have during such a grueling working. I give credit here.
Post-Workout Supplements
- Whey Isolate Protein
- Glutamine
- Creatine
- Carbohydrate
Timing: This stack should be consumed within 10 minutes of your weight training, but before the second cardio session.
Observation: I believe this stack has helped refuel my body. I can't say that I feel any different afterwards, but muscle soreness hasn't been a problem. Is that just the way it is or is it affected by these supplements? I'm not sure, but I am getting stronger and recovery seems to be shorter.
Closing Thoughts
Prior to this latest transformation, I was adamantly against taking so many supplements. One, I didn't understand them and two, I didn't want to hurt myself taking the wrong stuff.
In following Kris' advice and leadership, I haven't experienced any negative side effects. I have plenty of energy, I'm losing weight, and getting stronger in the process.
The only other concern that affected my decision in the past was how expensive this stuff can be. During my first visit to GNC, I've spent over $120 acquiring the essentials. When you add six meals a day, plus supplements, and other related costs, it's not the cheapest endeavor. However, I asked myself, "Is it worth it?" Do I want to continue carrying around excess weight? Do I want to continue paying for blood pressure medication? Do I want to maintain this on-going risk of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes? The answer to all three questions is, "NO!"
Pay it now or pay it later, but one way we're going to pay. I just choose to sacrifice my money for improved health, vitality, and an overall success story today, not tomorrow.
Feedback
I would love to hear your story, answer any questions about my experience, or discuss the subject of supplements. Feel free to leave me a comment in the section below.
Until next time...
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