hahaha I understand that
It’s not that I necessarily “see” extra progress with my supplement plan, but I can feel when it’s off. If I skip the nighttime Mag-10, I get more intense DOMS that sets in sooner (like, tender-to-the-touch muscle soreness starting the day after lifting vs soreness only when I stretch a muscle that sets in 48 hours later). Also, during the session, when I’ve played around with dosing, there’s less pep in my step between sets and at the end of my session, compared to feeling 100% straight through.
I think it’s a safe bet that the majority of competitors keep some type of protein powder in their plan the majority of the time leading up to a show. I’m pretty sure @robstein was including Metabolic Drive up until about one week before his most recent contest.
@Chris_Colucci thanks for the tag! Yep, I used Metabolic Drive every day of the entire prep up until a week out with no problems. I did cut dairy out of the diet, but kept the Metabolic Drive and had no issues. A little dash in my morning coffee, a full scoop in my pre-workout meal and sometimes a full scoop before bed depending on which day it was in the cycle.
Just my .02, the most important thing to consider when regarding protein powder is proven quality and company reputation. Like anything else, you get what you pay for, so if you’re not careful, there’s literally no way to know what’s in your protein powder.
Regarding protein powder vs Whole Foods - I also prefer Whole Foods because they’re more filling and can’t be beat in terms of nutrients. However, protein powder makes it much easier to meet my numbers, saves money, tastes great and there’s nothing wrong it at all, provided you’re getting good quality protein. If someone you admire in the sport advocates against it, or you don’t want to use it, obviously it’s your choice, just realize 99.999% of bodybuilders and physique athletes do use protein powders to supplement their nutrition. And again, there’s nothing wrong with using it provided most of your nutrition comes from clean, Whole Foods.
I’ve never heard of protein powder side effects unless you have a pre existing dairy/lactose issue, or are getting suspect protein. Whey Isolate is also typically lactose free, although the lactose content of most protein powder is pretty negligible anyway.
what are your thoughts on the quality of protein 1st phorm sells I live in st.louis so all of the supplement stores are owned by them and they’ve been the company I’ve been using.