Clean Eating and supplements- Help!

GIRL1983

I am headed back to the gym and trying to eat clean but I am a little confused about all the people who say they eat clean and lift heavy- they seem to also take supplements and drink protein shakes. Will protein shakes or supplements help me achieve my goal of building muscle or should I be trying to get everything I need from diet? HELP!!

JustSomeEm

Hey - I love your avatar!

I know an bunch of lifters who use protein shakes, but I have no idea if they're necessary or not. I know you can probably get what you need via diet alone, but shakes help. So I guess I'm bumping for someone who is actually experienced with this stuff to give you an answer.

Good luck!

sheldonklein

Many think it's important to consume protein as soon as possible after exercising. I do it, although i'm really not knowledgeable enough to say that you should. Supplements are an easy way of doing it; easier than carrying a chicken breast in your gym bag. Other than convenience, there's nothing magic about a supplement.

PatsyFitzpatrick

I think you should post over in the fitness feed. There are a lot of lifters and trainers on there who can answer this great question. I wonder the same, To me I see only the high calories in the Whey protein so I am skeptic.

ndj1979

need more information ….

what is your age/height/gender/current weight?
how long have you been dieting for?
how many calories a day do you eat right now?
are you on a current work out program?

eating clean and gaining muscle have nothing to do with each other. Also, eating "clean" (whatever that is) and trying to gain muscle is nearly impossible as you can't bulk on chicken and rice all day, every day.

ndj1979

sheldonklein wrote: »

Many think it's important to consume protein as soon as possible after exercising. I do it, although i'm really not knowledgeable enough to say that you should. Supplements are an easy way of doing it; easier than carrying a chicken breast in your gym bag. Other than convenience, there's nothing magic about a supplement.

unless you a performance athlete or bodybuilder meal/protein timing is irrelevant.

ninerbuff

Most people who are just trying to get fit and lose a little weight don't need to spend extra money on shakes and supplements.
If you're lacking in protein, then by all means include a shake to help you achieve optimal levels, but other than that, supplements are more likely to be a waste of money if you're eating right to begin with. Eating more nutrient dense foods will eliminate the need to use supplements.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition