What supps are you guys using ?

[Dom]

That's exactly what I'm looking at. The MyWellness Superior Whey has a pretty good protein/carbs/sugar ratio (25g/3.5g/2.2g) as does the USN BlueLab (22.3g/2.8g/.8g). The low sugar of the BlueLab is appealing, though, but you get only 2kg for R800 compared to 3.3kg of Superior Whey for R830.

I recall that I did look at this quite thoroughly when I went from buying retail to online - the value component is also quite important for me.

This is just my opinion - Evolve is my champion in this regard.

 

[AthanC]

Given the fact that all workout supplements are not regulated it is literally a matter of "if the shoe fits" cause we can't know for sure. I came across on Reddit a while back where a team of people took it upon them to actually measure the protein contents on supplements against the tables and it is quite shocking. Unfortunately not any products from South Africa. But you can get an idea of how they work. Personally I buy whatever I find on a special and it is value for Money. I drink it once a day more as a treat than anything else I make sure take my protein intake from food. If I can't have a meal for whatever reason I will throw a second shake with some fruits oats peanut butter honey and soy milk (unsweetened) in the nutribullet as a meal replacement.

Reddit protein experiment

Sheet1 Sample ID,Submitter,Brand,Product,Solubility (1-5),Serving Size,Protein per Serv,Read #1,Read #2,Read #3,Claimed % Protein,Measured % Protein,Measured/Claimed,Am I concerned with this brand? 3,Physicistjedi,Optimum Nutrition,Performance Whey,3,39,22,52.76,49.07,51.7,56.41,51.18,0.91,No 13...

docs.google.com

 

[dainluke]

I usually just experiment and if I get fat then I know the nutrient content is off. I'm either slightly below or level with maintenance calories and I usually adjust depending on the type of daily expenditure a particular day observed. Basically if whatever whey I use is fudged then I will know kinda easily. Thus far PSN and SSA have served me just fine. I refuse to buy NPL and USN with their whacky prices. NT lost me as a customer after 3 horrific tubs of whey they sold in late 2020. Bad sample batch and I bought it off a friend to help him out. Shit is so volatile not even I can stomach it half the time.

 

[AthanC]

PSN I haven never looked at it. Thanks for the feedback I will definitely try it on.

 

[Dom]

PSN I haven never looked at it. Thanks for the feedback I will definitely try it on.

I like Evolve Nutrition for the reason you mentioned - I don't eat enough overall (no full control over my full food intake) but it helps post-workout.

Long term plan is to get to a point where supplementation isn't needed.

 

[dA_k1D]

Jis I had a bad experience with PSN protein...it was on sale on Takealot, ordered 3 different flavours...I've never tasted something so bad, it was like russia and america had a chemical warfare inside those packets

My wife actually got sick after that, i left a review on takelot but they said they can't post such a vulgar review

 

[Dom]

Jis I had a bad experience with PSN protein...it was on sale on Takealot, ordered 3 different flavours...I've never tasted something so bad, it was like russia and america had a chemical warfare inside those packets

My wife actually got sick after that, i left a review on takelot but they said they can't post such a vulgar review

That is honestly not on!!

 

[dA_k1D]

That is honestly not on!!

Yeah dude, I suspect it was very old stock that they tried selling, but yeah it completely put me off that brand

USN has a interesting release, called Hydro Weigh protein, it's a mix between plant based protein and normal dairy protein, tastes very good, it's a good price (I paid R540 for a 2kg) and no bloated stomach or stinky farts

 

[Dom]

Yeah dude, I suspect it was very old stock that they tried selling, but yeah it completely put me off that brand

USN has a interesting release, called Hydro Weigh protein, it's a mix between plant based protein and normal dairy protein, tastes very good, it's a good price (I paid R540 for a 2kg) and no bloated stomach or stinky farts

I don't doubt it - a lot of places mess around with selling stuff after the expiry date (at a discount of course).

That is quite a nice combo - I hear that they are quite good but nothing locally.

Have been trusting Supplement World for a while as their review system is quite robust + used by a lot of people.

 

[orange_jo0se]

Tik

 

[Dom]

Tik

Got a pro here.

 

[AthanC]

That is one of

I don't doubt it - a lot of places mess around with selling stuff after the expiry date (at a discount of course).

That is quite a nice combo - I hear that they are quite good but nothing locally.

Have been trusting Supplement World for a while as their review system is quite robust + used by a lot of people.

I am with you 100%. I don't believe there is a single person that uses protein shakes as supplement that hasn't come across a bad batch including myself. I just return them after one scoop.

The list can be endless of good and bad products out there. Unfortunately the good ones you have to have deep pockets despite the fact that they don't have necessarily better protein content. Usually where you score is with BCAA's Creatine content glutamine and other small things. What I suggest is each one posts his opinion - review of what they have tried and we can educate each other and learn from our mistakes.

for instance

PRIMAL protein from dischem swiss chocolate they worst thing I have ever tasted in my life to the point it made me it gag.
Went back and returned it and it just so happened that DIschem had the buy 2 + 1 Free special on supplements. Got Myself the USN Anabolic with Creatine Tex and Bar One Flavor. Best tasting shakes I had so far to the point I get addicted and they have been working well for me so far. No side effects keep hunger in check and it has actually helped with my weight loss. In the 3 months I have gone from 115kg with 31% body fat to 115kg with 23% Body fat ( I am 189cm for argument sakes ). So the conversion from fat to muscle is working for me. I have been more strict with my diet with the help of the shakes as I feel they control my cravings much better.

 

[dainluke]

Jis I had a bad experience with PSN protein...it was on sale on Takealot, ordered 3 different flavours...I've never tasted something so bad, it was like russia and america had a chemical warfare inside those packets

My wife actually got sick after that, i left a review on takelot but they said they can't post such a vulgar review

Which flavours? I've tried Truffle, Salted Caramel and Caramel Cinnamon. Truffle is good, Salted Caramel is decent and Truffle is mediocre. I've never received a bad batch though. A buddy of mine who's quite picky tried Truffle and he's happy with it. I did see some of their flavors aren't great, but it's kinda always like that.

I once had Warrior Whey from Dischem and I thought it was great. Also came with interesting packaging.

The SSA stuff is also good but some of their flavours are overly chemically sweetened and aren't for everybody.

USN and NPL usually have the most consistency but their current prices are so bad that I'm just sticking to SSA that a local store in Stellies stocks for cheap (thank fuck) and PSN's tried and tested flavours (just check the star rating and read reviews).

Believe me when I say I have a strong stomach. I've eaten off chicken and off vegetables before to not waste my grandma's cooking. The NT whey batch I have here at my place will put some people out. It's literally so bad that you'd catch me making faces drinking it. I've also had bad batches of Pepsi Max and Coke Zero before. It's to be expected from this sort of stuff as they all use sweeteners and colorants and they buy this stuff by the truckload (literally).

 

[vylint]

Yeah dude, I suspect it was very old stock that they tried selling, but yeah it completely put me off that brand

USN has a interesting release, called Hydro Weigh protein, it's a mix between plant based protein and normal dairy protein, tastes very good, it's a good price (I paid R540 for a 2kg) and no bloated stomach or stinky farts

I'm using the USN Hydro Tech Whey Protein, chocolate cookie dough flavour (only because it has lowest carbs I believe) and it tastes decent.

 

[Retribution116]

Gents! Could use some advice on what supplements to get.

I started Gym about a week ago, bought some Metabolic Mass gainer from DisChem as reccomended by the guy that was helping me. Problem is I had to use 6 scoops to 500/600ml of water or milk as indicated by the tub, and ended up finishing it in a week since that thing was only half full?? 🤔

Anyway, I'm a fairly skinny guy looking to build some mass and muscle, any suggestions on what I should get and look out for? Anything that will help put some meat on my bones that I can turn into muscle.

Any meal reccomendations would also be appreciated! (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner and in-between)

 

[SteveIndeed]

Gents! Could use some advice on what supplements to get.

I started Gym about a week ago, bought some Metabolic Mass gainer from DisChem as reccomended by the guy that was helping me. Problem is I had to use 6 scoops to 500/600ml of water or milk as indicated by the tub, and ended up finishing it in a week since that thing was only half full?? 🤔

Anyway, I'm a fairly skinny guy looking to build some mass and muscle, any suggestions on what I should get and look out for? Anything that will help put some meat on my bones that I can turn into muscle.

Any meal reccomendations would also be appreciated! (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner and in-between)

Don't bother with supplements until your diet is under control. Supplements are exactly that; they do not replace your diet, they only add to it. Rather spend your money on creating/obtaining a good diet plan and the food that is listed in that plan. Aim for things like lean beef mince, lean chicken breasts, egg whites (the yolk is fatty but have a full egg every so often, if you can find them), etc. You want something that's high in protein but low in fat and reasonable when it comes to carbs. That ratio (protein/fat/carbs) is crucial to your gains.

 

[Retribution116]

Don't bother with supplements until your diet is under control. Supplements are exactly that; they do not replace your diet, they only add to it. Rather spend your money on creating/obtaining a good diet plan and the food that is listed in that plan. Aim for things like lean beef mince, lean chicken breasts, egg whites (the yolk is fatty but have a full egg every so often, if you can find them), etc. You want something that's high in protein but low in fat and reasonable when it comes to carbs. That ratio (protein/fat/carbs) is crucial to your gains.

This is great advice, thanks man!

Will look at getting better meals overall for during the day. And once I can get the proper diet going, what supps would you reccomend?

 

[NemoXX7]

I eat whatever my mom is making for dinner

 

[Retribution116]

I eat whatever my mom is making for dinner

Sorry neh, I do too, but I might need to change that if I want to gain more weight and muscle.

 

[5hadow17]

Will look at getting better meals overall for during the day. And once I can get the proper diet going, what supps would you reccomend?

I'd look at whey and creatine. Mass gainers are mostly carbs, which you can get plenty of from meals

 

[Retribution116]

I'd look at whey and creatine. Mass gainers are mostly carbs, which you can get plenty of from meals

Thanks man, I'll have a look at what I can get

 

[Dom]

Thanks man, I'll have a look at what I can get

Check out Evolve (from Supplement World)

 

[Retribution116]

Check out Evolve (from Supplement World)

I'll have a look at what they have, really motivated on getting myself into shape

 

[SteveIndeed]

This is great advice, thanks man!

Will look at getting better meals overall for during the day. And once I can get the proper diet going, what supps would you reccomend?

A pleasure. You need to eat plenty before you start worrying about supplementing your diet.

I wholeheartedly endorse a good whey (careful of some brands and the issue of protein-spiking - read up on it) and a good creatine, as others have suggested. Try to stay away from pre-workout as it can become 'addictive'. You might find that you struggle to train without pre as hard as you train with pre.

Also, look at a good magnesium supplement as that will help your recovery time.

 

[Retribution116]

A pleasure.

I wholeheartedly endorse a good whey (careful of some brands and the issue of protein-spiking - read up on it) and a good creatine, as others have suggested. Try to stay away from pre-workout as it can become 'addictive'. You might find that you struggle to train without pre as hard as you train with pre.

Also, look at a good magnesium supplement as that will help your recovery time.

Awesome advice, thanks man!

Side question, do you mix the whey and the creatine together in a shake?

I think one of the main things I should worry about right now is my diet, need to figure out what to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

[SteveIndeed]

Awesome advice, thanks man!

Side question, do you mix the whey and the creatine together in a shake?

I think one of the main things I should worry about right now is my diet, need to figure out what to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I mix them purely for the sake of convenience.

If you're not sure where to start with your diet, think of using a frozen-meal prep service. I use Fitfoodz also because it's convenient and helps me hit my macros. There are many other options out there, though. Once you've got the hang of eating, you can simply start making your own chow at home roughly in line with what the frozen meals contain. It'll be cheaper in the long run and you'll stay committed to the process because you'll be putting all the effort and money in for meal prep so you won't want it to go to waste.

 

[Retribution116]

I mix them purely for the sake of convenience.

If you're not sure where to start with your diet, think of using a frozen-meal prep service. I use Fitfoodz also because it's convenient and helps me hit my macros. There are many other options out there, though. Once you've got the hang of eating, you can simply start making your own chow at home roughly in line with what the frozen meals contain. It'll be cheaper in the long run and you'll stay committed to the process because you'll be putting all the effort and money in for meal prep so you won't want it to go to waste.

I had a look and I see what you mean, these are really cool.

Just a bit on the expensive side for me, don't have too much dough to spend on that kind of stuff..😅

Think I might just need to prep my own meals, I'll just have to figure out exactly what I need to look at getting first.

 

[brakpanpolisie]

A pleasure. You need to eat plenty before you start worrying about supplementing your diet.

I wholeheartedly endorse a good whey (careful of some brands and the issue of protein-spiking - read up on it) and a good creatine, as others have suggested. Try to stay away from pre-workout as it can become 'addictive'. You might find that you struggle to train without pre as hard as you train with pre.

Also, look at a good magnesium supplement as that will help your recovery time.

Do you have a brand of whey you can recommend?
This egg business has thrown a bit of a spanner in my breakfast

Whats the opinion on non fitness whey or protein additions to your diet?
Say like these :

Yeast Powder, Nutritional 200g – Health Connection Wholefoods

health-connection.co.za

Soya Protein Isolate (Just Soy) 500g – Health Connection Wholefoods

health-connection.co.za

I'm just very wary of the crap that is included with the more mainstream supplements

 

[brakpanpolisie]

I had a look and I see what you mean, these are really cool.

Just a bit on the expensive side for me, don't have too much dough to spend on that kind of stuff..😅

Think I might just need to prep my own meals, I'll just have to figure out exactly what I need to look at getting first.

Hey man
Two things / sites that helped me immensely with the whole food business is Budget Bytes and JEFF Fitness.
Budget Bytes has got a ton of meal prep recipes, what is nice is that the recipes are short and sweet, they give you the nutrional value + a more or less budget amount per meal.
JEFF Fitness is an online gym and part of the whole thing is you can access meal plans with your subscription. That helped me just make sense of everything for the first few months....

 

[SteveIndeed]

I had a look and I see what you mean, these are really cool.

Just a bit on the expensive side for me, don't have too much dough to spend on that kind of stuff..😅

Think I might just need to prep my own meals, I'll just have to figure out exactly what I need to look at getting first.

If you can, save up for at least one box of meals from a meal prep service to see how they're made up. It was an eye-opener for me.

Otherwise, you can't really go wrong with the good old mince and brown rice, chicken and beans...

Good luck!