I am looking at Thib’s “Refined Physique” to try to cut back some of my body fat. Being that I am in the planning stage, I am trying to figure out my supplements that I am going to be taking and how to count them into my overall calories.
Thib recommends Glutamine, Creatine, BCAA’s, Glycine, and Leucine for pre, peri, and post-work out. Looking at Trueprotein.com, Glutamine and BCAA’s provide 20 calories per 5 grams (showing it as a protein (which makes sense being that protein is Amino Acids)). My question is whether or not to count them towards my protein totals (and in turn, my total caloric intake) or if I should just ignore the calories?
Given the very marginal calories we are talking about, and the fact that they are amino acids (protein) which is not likely to get stored as fat, I would say do not worry about it.
It’s funny because I am doing the same program starting today and was thinking about the same thing. While they are not a ton, I might work them into my log on myfoodiary.com anyway. I do agree with Moon Knight, though - it is really not a make or break thing.
[quote]schultzie wrote:
its protein anyways so i wouldn’t worry [/quote]
I used to think the same thing, but the one thing that concerns me is from Thib’s article is in re: to having too much protein and the body adapting to use it for fuel instead of fat during a low carb period. That being said, it is not something I am going to get too worked up about… but something to consider for fine tuning maybe at some point.
Since you’re dieting, you’re hypocaloric which means that at least some of the amino’s will be converted to glucose for fuel. There are too many variable to know the percentage though. I would just add half their calories into your food log and not overthink it too much.
I take a ton of BCAA’s, especially when my calories are lower, and I don’t count them.
I can use a pre-BCAA supplementation level of calories for dieting down, and don’t noticed a problem dropping fat with the additional BCAA’s (I think I worded that right). If anything, I think my body composition improves faster - less fat, more muscle.
I haven’t been counting the calories from any of the amino acids while doing his program. I also didn’t count the grams of BCAA, glutamine, etc as protein.
Sounds like a good question to ask CT in his locker room.
Are we really discussing such a small amount of calories? 20 calories everyday over the course of a month is only 600 calories…or about 1/6 of a pound…
If someone is deep into a contest prep then by all means add up the calories but for the average Joe trying to get lean it gets a little obsessive compulsive in my mind. Someone better be never missing a meal or eating a bit of junk if they feel the need to worry about BCAA calories.