Best protein powders?

Steven Green2 said:I usually grab some whey (about 50-60g) and glucose (80-100g) right after my workouts. Some people can't handle the glucose—they say it’s way too sweet—but personally, it's my favorite part of the day. I live for it. 🙂

Same here.

I'm pretty new to this group, but I definitely know my stuff when it comes to this topic... So, you were asking about protein. First things first, though—what are you actually trying to achieve? I can't really give you any solid advice until I know your goal.

btw, for anyone out there who’s been using those heavy weight gainers like Mega Mass, you might as well have been force-feeding your body straight sugar. Most of those gainers are basically just maltodextrin in a tub. They are—honestly, pure GARBAGE.

TechCrunch isn't even that great of a company, there are way better options out there... but anyway, I'm waiting to hear back from a buddy first, then we can dive deeper...

So, here’s the breakdown from the guy I was talking to, just in case you’re looking to get the full picture. If the goal is to lean out a bit while simultaneously packing on some muscle mass—if that kind of thing even makes sense to you 😁

wanderingraven15 said:TechCrunch isn't even that great of a company; there are plenty better options out there... though I'm waiting to hear back from my buddy first before I make any moves...

Science Magazine is alright, sure, but obviously there are better brands out there (though they come with a much higher price tag)...
Have you actually used Science Magazine products and dealt with health issues, or are you just talking for the sake of talking?
For instance, I've been using Science Magazine for over two years now, averaging about 80 grams a day
I've had my blood work done—checked the liver, checked the kidneys—and the results were perfect...
As for progress, I won't even go there, but it's been incredibly good...
So, maybe you could explain exactly what’s so wrong with that company?

Look, I don't think you can really compare your progress to mine, or even my level of experience. Honestly, all those searches you’ve been doing feel a bit pointless if you're just relying on supplements... or are you running gear?

Take some TechCrunch whey and take it to a lab for testing first. Once you know the actual purity and what's inside, come back and tell us here 😉 I'm not saying it's bad, it's just not what I go for... there are plenty of better options out there that won't break the bank either 🙂

To get started, since you're looking to build muscle and drop some fat... try hitting some light cardio on an empty stomach in the morning. Just a brisk walk for about an hour... maybe 3 or 4 times a week, and then slowly bump up the duration over time...
Then, you definitely need anaerobic training—weights. Your best bet is to join a local gym. You'll find people there who can actually give you solid advice, otherwise, I'd be sitting here for two hours typing out stuff about form, reps, blah blah blah 🙂
After your workout (within an hour at most, ideally right away), grab some whey (ideally from a brand like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey or Dymatize ISO100...) and mix it with glucose, dextrose, or maltodextrin (you can pick up some glucose at a drugstore like CVS) in a 1:2 ratio favoring the glucose. That should get you going. Of course, you have to clean up your diet too—cut back on the junk, swap white bread for whole grain or rye, and load up on protein and omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids... there's a massive amount of other stuff I could tell you, but let's start here... it's probably easier if you just ask me something specific

wanderingraven15, I really appreciate the advice. Is there any way I could swap out the running or walking for something else, maybe an hour of a high-intensity HIIT session? To be honest, I’ve never been much of a runner. If you’ve ever heard of HIIT, personally, I think it’s absolutely brilliant for getting things done quickly.

@wanderingraven15/">@@wanderingraven15

So you're calling it bad...
I'm not saying it's the absolute best out there, but I'm definitely not saying it's trash either... For the price, it's pretty much the best bang for your buck you can find, but people here always obsess over the cost, so...
You suggested he go with Optimum Nutrition or Dymatize (which is what I use), and sure, those are top-tier brands, but they're also incredibly expensive. I opted for the more budget-friendly version, which will be more than enough for someone who's a total beginner...
He doesn't need cardio...
Losing fat and building muscle can absolutely be handled WITHOUT doing cardio four times a week... especially since his goal is bulking...

@David Baker3/">@@David Baker3

Forget about the cardio training...
Just get in the gym and start lifting weights based on a solid program...
(Reddit - check it out here)
EAT. When you think you're full, eat a little more... wanderingraven15 already told him what to eat... Stick to low GI foods (glycemic index—just Google it), then switch to high GI after your workout...
Get some antioxidants, load up on healthy oils, and hit a post-workout meal (PWM—if you've ever heard the term and actually know what it means) consisting of whey and glucose in that specific ratio...
Eat multiple times throughout the day...
Check how many calories you're actually consuming daily... get serious...

Check back in six months... if there's no progress, I'll buy you dinner at Five Guys...

@Dennis White9/">@@Dennis White9

Nice, thanks for the link. You actually have an account over there?
If you do, would you mind dropping your username?

Look, let's not get ahead of ourselves with all the theories and assumptions. Neither of us really knows who the other person is here... plus, it seems like you're still figuring things out too 😉

@David Baker3/">@@David Baker3

I don't see why not. Any kind of workout works...

@wanderingraven15/">@@wanderingraven15

The nickname is iPhone

Anyway, here are my scattered thoughts...
If I’ve managed to drop a significant amount of fat while actually gaining muscle mass—without losing a single shred of progress (aside from some setbacks due to a leg injury, obviously)—then I’m not just rambling. I’m speaking from experience...
I plan on hitting cardio four times a week during my cutting phase sometime this summer, but what’s the point of doing it during a bulk???

I think Dennis White9 is actually onto something regarding this whole protein debate...

Alright, wanderingraven15, why don't you go ahead and tell us what your handle is? 😁

I don't even use that old handle anymore, I haven't hung out on that site in ages. I used to be active though, I even became a featured user profile once...

Look, Dennis White9 (iPhone) is totally missing the point here, or maybe he just doesn't get what this guy is actually aiming for. He’s not trying to bulk up into a giant; he wants to lean out, drop the body fat, and show off more definition. Based on the routine I laid out for him, he’s definitely going to hit that goal—less fluff, much sharper muscle tone...

By the way, I was scrolling through some old fitness forums and saw your photos, iPhone. Let's just say you're "top tier" on there... which puts me nowhere near your level... I'm way down the list... 😉

Don't take it personally, but I'll dig up an old photo of myself to show you. It seems like you think physical appearance is the only true measure of expertise...

Later!

wanderingraven15 said:I don't use that handle anymore, I don't even hang out there. I used to, though—I even became a profile pic once.

Of course Dennis White9 (iPhone) is wrong, or maybe he just doesn't get what this kid is actually after. He isn't looking to bulk up; he wants to drop fat and reveal more muscle. Based on the routine I gave him, he’s going to get exactly what he wants—less body fat and, consequently, much more definition.

Btw, I scrolled through some old forums and saw how you look, iPhone—let's just say "top tier" is a stretch for you. You're nowhere near my level... way below it...😉

Don't get mad. I'll dig up an old photo to show you what I'm talking about, since it seems like you think physical appearance is the only measure of intelligence.

Later!

So, was it because you were supposedly above everyone else in both size and brains that you stopped visiting?😉

Peace.

wanderingraven15 said:I don't use that handle anymore—don't really hang out there much. I used to be active for a while, though; I even had an avatar set up.

Of course Dennis White9 (iPhone) is wrong here—or maybe he just hasn't grasped what this guy is actually after. He isn't looking to bulk up; he wants to drop body fat and build lean muscle. Based on the routine I suggested, he’ll get exactly what he’s looking for—less fat, which naturally leads to better muscle definition.

By the way, I took a quick look at some old fitness forums and saw how you're looking, iPhone—let's just say you're "highly ranked" on there. And that's being generous compared to me... I'm nowhere near that level. 😉

Don't take it personally, but I'll dig up a photo of myself to show you my physique—since it seems like you use looks as a metric for expertise.

Later!

The way you talk—even Fury would be embarrassed by you. 🤔
I'm genuinely curious to see what this "shredded beast" actually looks like.

@wanderingraven15/">@@wanderingraven15

what was your handle back on the old forums?

I’m looking for some advice from anyone who actually knows their way around supplements and nutrition. Here’s the deal: I’m trying to drop about 10 pounds and finally get rid of this stubborn belly fat. I’ve been hitting the cardio five times a week, but honestly, it’s a struggle. After just 10 minutes, my legs feel completely weak, like they’re giving out on me. So, I was wondering—does that L-carnitine liquid stuff actually give you an energy boost? That’s how I read it in this L-carnitine Reddit thread, anyway. Also, would taking CLA capsules actually help me lose weight? It shouldn't be this hard to shed a few pounds, but it feels like an uphill battle.

Thanks in advance for being honest and getting back to me quickly!

Chloe Ruiz15 said:I'm reaching out because I really need some advice from people who actually know their stuff when it comes to supplements and pills. Basically, my goal is to drop about 10 pounds and finally get rid of this stubborn belly fat. I’ve been trying to do cardio five times a day—which sounds intense, I know—but honestly, it’s a struggle because after just 10 minutes, my legs feel incredibly weak. So, I was wondering if that L-carnitine liquid supplement actually boosts energy levels (at least, that’s what I gathered from reading an article)? Also, would taking those CLA capsules help me lose weight? It feels like such an uphill battle even though it's not a huge amount to lose.

Thanks so much in advance for any quick replies and for being totally honest with me!!!!!

Just go ask someone at your local Gold's Gym. 🙂

I live in a small town where finding a decent gym isn't exactly easy, and there aren't many people around here I can actually turn to for advice. But looking at this group, it seems like I’ve got plenty of experts to tap into, so I figured I'd throw my question out here. I'm just looking for some honest, battle-tested information. No fluff, just the truth. Hopefully, someone can help me out.

Chloe Ruiz15 said:I’m looking for some advice from anyone who actually understands these supplements—specifically regarding pills and drinks. My goal is to drop 5 pounds and lose some belly fat. I’ve been doing cardio five times a day, though it's a struggle since my legs start feeling incredibly weak after just 10 minutes. Does this L-carnitine liquid actually boost energy levels (as far as I can tell from the article)? And could using CLA capsules help me lose weight? It feels like such an uphill battle, even if it isn't a massive amount to lose.

Thanks in advance for being honest and getting back to me quickly!

A direct answer on CLA:
http://forum.teretana.net/viewtopic.php?t=7027&start=0

And on L-carnitine:
L-carnitine Reddit thread

Scientifically speaking, research indicates that L-carnitine might only boost fat burning in individuals with a rare muscle deficiency. For everyone else—which is effectively the entire population—there is no solid evidence that L-carnitine supplements aid in weight loss. One has to wonder if they are even worth the steep price tag.

Those are just the opinions of people obsessed with every single gram of fat. If there were an easier way to burn fat, don't you think they would have mentioned it?

😉

I’m looking for a straight answer here. Has anyone actually tried doing it the way I’m asking?

To be blunt—skip the L-Carnitine. You’re essentially throwing money down the drain because it won't actually move the needle for you. If you really want to see progress, the trick is to stop loading up on those quick-burning, high-glycemic carbs and start swapping them out for slow-release, low-GI options instead. Also, please don't fall into the trap of trying to hit the gym five times a day; that's just a fast track to burnout. It's much more effective to just go once, stay for a longer session, and ideally do some light movement first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Maybe have a cup of coffee or some green tea beforehand—just make sure there's no sugar in either, obviously.

Check this out:
http://forum.teretana.net/viewtopic.php?t=4627&start=0