Are You Taking The Correct Supplements?

          I have gathered a list of supplements that I use frequently to help me prepare for my Bikini competitions, get the most out of my workouts, and help recover from all the hard work in the gym. I do not use all of them year round and will often cycle some of the supplements to help avoid plateaus in my training.


Protein:
Protein is by far the most important supplement that you can add to your nutrition. It helps repair muscle damage from your workouts and digests slowly so a little bit of protein can hold you over for a long time. Protein helps you to maintain lean muscle and if you do not take enough you may burn muscle. I use ON (Optimum Nutrition). I switch up between PRO Complex Natural Vanilla and Hydro Whey. I like to cycle them because the Hydro Whey has artificial sugar (low calories and carbs) and I believe that it could be harmful if taken too often ( I am talking about 2-3 per day for months at a time). The Pro Complex has natural sugar so it has more carbs and calories but is easier on my system. I also take a Casein Protein (chocolate) before bed because it digests much slower than whey. I tend to blend my protein in the morning with half water and half sugar free almond milk and some fruit. I blend my other shakes with just water.

Pre Workout Drink:
Amino Energy Concord Grape: I love this stuff! There is no crash after and tastes amazing. It reminds me of those purple Popsicles I had when I was a kid. I take any where between 2-4 scoops about 15 -20 minutes before my workout. On a cardio day I do not add a lot of water because I hate doing cardio with a ton of liquid in my stomach. I love this stuff because it has natural energizing agents like green tea extracts. It also has muscle building BCAA's and arginine. It is only 10 calories per serving!

Vitamins:
It is important to make sure that you are getting all of your vitamins in especially when you are on a strict caloric diet. I use the Opti-Women Multivitamins. They help with energy, immunity, performance, and overall vivacity. I also take Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-6,and Fish Oil. I take these every day year round.

Creatine:
I really only take this while mass building. Creatine HCL gives you that extra strength for your workouts which promotes strength and mass gains. However it can make you bloat and retain water so I stop using it when I switch over to cutting body fat and leaning out.

GABA:
Gaba helps with recovery and deeper sleep. I love taking this at night before bed after a really intense workout. I feel a big difference the next day as far as muscle soreness. I only take this when I feel like I really need it and damaged my muscles that day in hard workout.

Topical Magnesium: Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil
This spray helps promote recovery by naturally increasing DHEA levels. I take this every night before bed.

Collagen:
Collagen is a protein that helps support the elasticity of your skin, strengthens your nails, and helps promote shiny and healthy hair.


XOXO,

Abby

To read more check out:

"Beauty From The Inside Out"

"Supplements To Help Build a Bikini Body (video)"

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