The 101 on Nutrition Supplements: Building Your Stack
Have you walked in to your local GNC or Vitamin Shoppe and immediately felt overwhelmed?
*raises hand*
There are SO many options and jargon thrown around the fitness and wellness industry when it comes to sports nutrition supplements. It’s also difficult to discern what you actually need and how to effectively use supplements as TikTok pseudoinfluencers tout the latest trend.
Common questions I receive from clients include:
What brands should I trust?
What is the purpose and the benefits of supplements?
How to incorporate them into their every day nutrition goals.
What in the hell is a BCAA and how is it different from an EAA?
(Answer: Both are amino acids, the building blocks of protein and will help with building and repairing muscle. Via Vitamin Shoppe: Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are better suited for people who meet their total daily protein needs, while Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) are best for those who typically fall short.)
Let me stress: Supplements are just that. They are an aid to supplement - not replace - basic nutritional needs to help reach your goals and make your workouts and recovery more efficient and effective. Always prioritize natural, whole foods (e.g., fruits, veggies, meats - with minimal or no additives!) and use supplements as a little “push” to get you to the next level.
Do your research! Read ingredients, read reviews, and educate yourself to understand what is in a product, why the product is useful, how it aligns with your goals, and recommendations for optimal use. I will dive deeper into the variety of supplements in future posts.
I’m extremely fortunate to work with MuscleTech, industry innovators and global leaders in sports nutrition, who offer a wide variety of high quality, cutting edge supplements that are thoroughly researched and backed by science. Not all supplements are the same and I’m very particular what I put into my body. I only use brands I trust with my health and to advance my goals. MuscleTech has been a game changer.
I keep my supplement stack simple and straightforward:
EUPHORiQ Pre-Workout, Boogieman Punch
I knock out a workout first thing in the morning so the extra boost of energy and focus is an absolute priority. EUPHORiQ definitely lives up to its name and helps me stay “in the zone” and maintain my mind-muscle connection so every lift, every set is meaningful (not to mention, the muscle pump! Whoa!). Best of all, this is caffeine-free and unlike other brands, you genuinely can’t tell the difference. All the tingly, beta-alanine feels!
Platinum 100% EAA+, Fruit Punch
Training as an athlete means long, intense sessions in the gym most days of the week. The hours between workouts and rest days are essential to help repair muscles and prevent injury. I drink EAAs post-workout with my high protein post-workout meal to assist with recovery (…and damn. Does it taste good.).
Nitro Tech 100% Whey Gold, Churros
I LOVE a good protein powder. When you find the right protein, it’s extremely flavorful and versatile and can be incorporated into your run-of-the-mill shake, baked goods, homemade ice cream, or my latest love - protein oats and chia seed pudding. I also appreciate this protein absorbs and digests quickly so you’re less likely to feel the “protein bloat.” Not to mention, the macros are phenomenal for a product that should feel like a guilty pleasure.
MuscleTech is currently running an AMAZING promotion this month: Pick four products and build your own custom stack for 35% off your entire purchase. This gives you the most bang for your buck.
If you only want to purchase one or two items, use my link or my discount code KOURY to get 15% off your next purchase. And make sure you SAVE the link because friends, this isn’t a one-time discount. You can see some coins and use this forever and ever. <3