Thanks to those who helped with BCAA alternatives, I’ll look into them. I have changed the title of this thread, as my initial question was answered, and my second question (5th post in thread) is somewhat unrelated, and I didn’t want to create another thread.
I’m really bad with taking tablets, and on my current regime, I am popping like 30-40 a day, and I’m constantly close to puking!
The worst days are when I have to take 18 BCAA tablets, it is just too much.
I was wondering, is it possible to purchase a more concentrated form of BCAA? If not, how about liquid BCAA’s? What about throwing the tablets in some water, or in my shake - will they dissolve? Is there any breakdown if left in a fluid for too long?
Just trying to make my BCAA’s a little less of a struggle to ingest!
Also, don’t wanna make a new topic - are there any rules with regards to BCAA, Glutamine, Creatine and protein intake? Can I take them all at the same time, or should I seperate them out?
I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that BCAA’s use the same receptors as another supplement, and shouldn’t be taken at the same time, but I can’t remember which one…
Superior Nutraceuticals powder has 15g per serving, 66 servings, for $36. However it is not flavored. In my opinion though, it doesn’t taste all that bad and they do send you a small container of citric acid to help mask the flavor.
I use the Biotest BCAA tabs but when I take BCAA’s to the gym I want it in powder form.
What I do is mix ICE BCAA Fruit Punch Flavor with a non flavored branch like Optimum Nutrition. ICE masks the crappy flavor of the non flavored powder.
Ok, if you don’t mind - I was actually curious if there was anything I could cut back on.
Upon waking:
Vit C Tablet (1000mg) (1 more in afternoon)
2 HOT-ROX (2 more in afternoon)
1 Alpha Male (1 more in afternoon, 5/2 weekly cycle)
Creatine (5g)
Multivit with priobotics
BETA-7 (2 tablets) (2 more 2 more times in the day)
Then I immediately have a shake with protein, fiber plus, oats and sometimes some kind of spinach (sounds horrible, but its ok!)
I will also consume about 10-12g of fish oil throughout the day, with meals (starting with second meal of day)
Workout:
6 BCAA’s before
Creatine before (on non workout days, ill just take 5g in the afternoon)
6 BCAA’s during
Surge after
6 BCAA’s after
Since starting this regime, I feel great and my workouts have been much better than in the past.
I’m currently trying to increase my strength, while cutting some fat (currently ~15%, wanna get down to 10ish%). Not really looking to gain mass, altho I’m not adverse to any gains.
I haven’t no, but I think they’re all fairly benign supplements, with the exception of the Alpha Male and HOT-ROX.
HOT-ROX, I have taken before, with no issues, so I’m not too concerned about that. The Alpha Male, I guess I am slightly curious about, hence my asking if anyone has any comments about my regimen as a whole.
Why I taking what I am:
BCAA’s -
Known to aid in muscle repair etc.
Beta-7/Creatine -
To enhance my endurance and work capacity, both for lifting and basketball.
HOT-ROX -
To cut fat and keep my metabolism up with my low cal diet.
Fish Oils -
To protect against inflammation and aches and pains
Multi Vit -
To cover any holes in my diet
Vit C -
Cortisol lowering effects
Alpha Male -
To give myself a general boost, as I am doing a fair bit of training (lifting combined with bball is quite draining)
It does add up to a fair bit of supplementation, and I am slightly concerned whether this may have a detrimental effect on my health, especially with regards to my liver and kidney functions.
I am making sure to drink plenty of water, and am not smoking or drinking anymore.
Damn! I just typed out a whole post outling why I am taking what I am, and lost it.
Let me just say this, I am taking all the supplements for their known effects, and I consider all of them, except for the Alpha Male, a staple for my goals right now.
The Alpha Male is to give me a boost, as my training is quite intense, as I am lifting and playing ball during the week.
I am slightly concerned about the effect on my body of taking so many supplements at once, especially with regards to my liver and kidneys.
I am making sure to drink plenty of water, and I don’t drink or smoke.
I have both Biotest and EXTREME FORMULATIONS ICE BCAA, the ICE wildberry lemonade or whatever taste excellent. I havent eaten the powder then just washed it down because it taste so good.
I still don’t think Surge and HOT-ROX should be used simultaneously in a cutting phase. All fat-burners work extremely better on a low-carb diet, and can possibly work against you when taken on a high-carb diet.
You should use CT’s supplementation protocols for PWO nutrition.
Thanks for that bit of advice - I did a search and opinion seems a little mixed on the matter.
The general consensus seems to be that as long as you don’t exceed your total carb intake for the day, then Surge should be ok.
Nevertheless, from now on, I may only use half a serving of Surge, perhaps with a little whey mixed in and add some glutamine to ensure glycogen repenishment.
I may add extra BCAA’s too, can I throw the tablets in a shake? There’s no problem with denaturing?