We get calls from first timers all the time. Many want to BUILD MUSCLE AND LOSE FAT and are unsure and confused about what to take. I think we supplement vets can empathize with that. I'd love input on what you think the best basic supplement starters are for those who want to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time…and why.

We have many supplements that will help with this, of course, but I’m going to list the first 3 that I would recommend for a beginner:

1. UMP or Muscle Provider protein powders. My personal favs are UMP vanilla and MP chocolate. It’s hard to go wrong with either of these choices. If the goal is building muscle, losing fat, increasing strength and recovery and having a more convenient way to get in your protein…both are great. You can’t find better quality (or better tasting) proteins anywhere else.

2. Glutamine Select powder. For first timers, tablets or pills can be overwhelming. Glutamine Select helps build muscle, increase strength, increase training endurance and helps with fat loss. Most people really like the taste too (like a cherry sweet tart)…bonus! It has more than 4 times the aminos than the most popular brands of Glutamine & BCAA’s products. Another interesting tid bit is that those who take BCAA’s are far more likely to lose extra belly fat than those who don’t.

3. Men: Mass (if they can take tablets). These are used to improve nitrogen retention, which is essential for muscle growth. They help fill in the holes of what your food is missing in aminos, help grow muscle, spare muscle in reduced calories states, increase strength and recovery, increase energy levels and give a better pump. Mass has 5 times the nitrogen content of any other amino acid available (remember…nitrogen = muscle growth).

Ladies: Muscularity. Muscularity comes in a capsule that is really easy to swallow. It contains both essential aminos to help with muscle building and/or retention, strength and recovery and fat loss. It also has insulin regulators that give it even more fat loss benefits.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rachel,

I totally agree w/ Rachel's recommendations.
If you are in figure/fitness, this is what I used to start with, then added in items closer to contest time:
UMP and MP to use at two of the meals/daily
Glutamine Select while training.
A combo of Lean Out, Ultra 40, and Muscle Mass Bcaa's at each of 5 meals.

Closer to contest time, around 6 weeks out (and this would depend on your condition/body fat levels at that time too) I add in:
Muscularity instead of Muscle Mass Bcaa's
GH Factor, 6 am and 6pm.
These help to get rid of some stubborn fat, usually in the thigh/tummy area!
Yes, a lot to swallow, but well worth it. I saw a huge difference in my 3rd thru 5th shows using this protocol.
In my current 'off season' I use the Muscle Synergy to help gain more muscle and go back to 6 meals a day.
Good luck to all, and remember, you do have to play around with what would be best for YOUR body, this does take time, and is never a substitute for clean eating!
Nadine

Awesome Nadine. Thanks for sharing. You're right...clean eating always has to be the starting point.

Just another note to those who choose to respond...Think of when you were a beginner. What got you results, without being too overwhelming? Basics that helped you ease into the lifestyle.

Id probably go with the supplements that give instant gratification.....plus protein powder.

I personally prefer Ultra Size because you can cook with it.

Then id recommend Creatine Select, immediate increase in strength and muscle fullness.

Then add Muscle Synergy.

I find that those that get results fast are more inclined to stick with it. Then Id introduce Ultra 40. I can immediatley feel my energy go up when taking these.

Just my two cents....

Those are great Jason. Yes, seeing results quickly can help someone stay motivated and press forward.

Keep'em coming guys. Share for 1st timers.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rachel,

Don't forget to post your recommendations for 1st time supplement users friends.

Old school = the best school . BARE BONES!!This is all a first timer needs.

1. Ultra 40's: support endocrine function with all the B-Vitamins, and increase bioavailability of protien in whole food, + 2 grams of protein per tablet!

2. Mass Aminos: This added to Ultra 40's is a powerful anabolic with every meal! Double your blood nitrogen levels, stoke your body's protein synthesis, increase growth hormone and testosterone production the legal way.

3. Ultimate Muscle Protien: The most COMPLETE of the Beverly proteins (in my opinion), with the added free form aminos Glutamine, Arginine, and extra BCAA's! This protein is Anabolic AND Anti-catabolic all at the same time. Scoop for scoop, this protien is UNMATCHED.

I would have to stand by what I initially stated in the article Beverly did on me all those years ago in the NNN.

Mass Amino's
Muscle Provider
Ultra 40 Liver

At the time, I was not new to competing, but was a first time Beverly user. Results in lean mass, strength, and fat loss were almost immediate. Back then I never realized the importance of a quality protein supplement, even though I was consuming a lot of protein.

This is my go-to stack. It gives me confidence, takes away all the second guessing (and how many of us second guess almost everything leading into a show!) and provides results you can see and feel.

I also use unorthodox methods of using Beverly supps, but I've taken upwards of 50 Mass Amino's during training sessions, and have almost always reached my best ever conditioning and muscularity for my shows. I've competed in over 80 shows

Muscle Provider is unparalleled as a protein source. I can drink it all day long and sometimes I keep a 32 oz bottle in the fridge with 6 scoops MP with a little bit of heavy cream. Hmmm, I think I'll do this today