Frequently Asked Questions
Supplementation


Question: In the program, you mention that it's good to drink some protein before going to sleep. Doesn´t that make you fat by taking in protein then going to sleep? Doesn't the protein just get stored as fat?
Answer:

The protein shake at night won't be enough calories to add any fat, to be honest. What it will do is help keep your body fed as you sleep. This is important when on the program because your body is being forced to keep up with the metabolic demands of the program. I can guarantee this won't add fat but will actually help you with your recovery.

Think of it this way... a single gram of protein contains 4 calories. If you take in a protein shake that contains 20 grams of protein, that's 80 calories (we'll round up to 100 calories, adding a few carbs or fat calories). Depending on your body's need for protein, let's say half of those calories are burned in the processing of the protein. That leaves you with 50 calories. Even if you store every single one of those calories as fat (VERY unlikely), a pound of fat contains 3500 calories. It would take 70 of those protein shakes to add a pound of pure fat to your body (assuming you did nothing to burn it off in the meantime).

You are MUCH better off giving your muscles the raw materials they need to rebuild and making sure that enough protein is available at the right times.

 

Question: Will a fat burner supplement help with the first phase of this program?
Answer:

To be honest, I'm not a big fan of fat burner type supplements. In my opinion, the slight increase in results you get with the majority of them aren't worth the side effects and problems with recovery. This program is designed to kick up your metabolism through training and nutritional changes. Your body really doesn't need pills to help with that process.

The side effects (such as jitters and sleeplessness) can interfere with your recovery from the training, which can lead to premature overtraining and burnout on the program. Coming off those pills can also result in rebound weight gain as your body can develop a sort of reliance on the stimulating effects of many of these pills.

Bottom line: I don't recommend fat burner pills to use with the program.

 

Question: In Dr. Berardi's meal plans instructions, he mentions Low Carb Grow from Biotest and Greens+. Where can I get these products?
Answer:

Low Carb Grow is actually a different product now - GROW Whey. It's offered only direct from the manufacturer at T-Nation.com. Please note, though the product is excellent, some of the content on the site of a "mature" nature. This link I have provided is a direct link straight to the order page, which contains more information the product.

Greens+ can be ordered directly from the company's website (http://www.greenspluscanada.com). There are other companies that make similar "greens" products that are available in most health food stores (including Barley Green, GNC's Maximum Greens Complete, etc.) if you prefer to just get some locally rather than through mail order. These will also work in place of the Greens+ product.

 

Question: The first question in how do you feel about supplementing with BCAA's. The second is do you take any supplements pre-workout, and if yes, what do you take. My last question is, what do you think of talking supplement during a workout in the 2nd-4th weeks. Supplements like glutamine, BCAA's, and Maltodextrin.
Answer:

BCAA's are excellent supplements as well. Sometimes, what I like to do is take those pretty much right before a workout. They digest quickly and are great for staying anabolic.

Pre-workout, I normally take the Hyper Gain creatine (any good creatine ethyl ester product will work here) as well as about 1000 mg of vitamin C. The creatine helps with energy levels and the C helps with soreness and keeping cortisol levels down.

During the workout, personally, I can't take anything. Just sits in my stomach and makes me feel like garbage. If you find you CAN take things during a workout, those 3 you mentioned would actually be quite good. Just sip it a little at a time so you don't get a ton in your stomach at once.

 


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