5 Supplements to help in your fat loss goals

I'll start by saying this and the people who already know me and have been reading my blogs know this too. Supplements always come second to a proper nutritional regimen and proper exercise protocol. No supplements will ever replace these two or outweigh these two important components.

In my decade of training ( I know 10 years now doing this straight) I've probably tried a few good supplements and a few that were all propaganda/marketing crap. I saw a few good ones because in all due honesty there's no magic pill out there that will do the work for you. Some of you may think though " Hey Alex, what about anabolic steroids or HGH or Thyroid meds like T3 and T4? I have even hear Clenbuterol is good to lose fat" Once again for the ones that know me well you know by now that I don't encourage these substances; 1.) some of these are illegal 2.) They are dangerous and finally 3.) I don't care what you take you will never get down to single digit bodyfat by thinking these substances will get you to the point you want to be without hard work and sacrifice inside and outside both the kitchen and gym.

So let's talk about 5 supplements that I have used and always go back too when trying to shed some bodyfat and keep my performance inside the gym. Some of these you guys have heard a ton about already and maybe some of you haven't but that's why you are reading this.

1.) Caffeine - Ahhh! the universal stimulant! Caffeine simply works by increasing up your body’s metabolic rate such that you burn more calories. But be careful too much caffeine daily can defineily have it's side effects. I personally look to use caffeine products that use natural sources and not the typical Caffeine Anhydrous which is synthetically made. Optimum Nutrition's product like Amino Energy derive their caffeine from green coffee extract and so and it doesn't make me crash later as bad. Have you ever looked at the source of caffeine you've bene using? Common doses are 200-600mg daily. I would also reccomend to get off of it once in a while so you don't build a tolerance to it and have to use more and more for the same effects.

2.) L-Tyrosine - I'll start by stating that in high amounts this is NOT a good amino acid to be supplementing. But at a good 200-600mg daily it can help in several ways. Have you ever noticed this product on energy drinks? Many contain it for a good reason. The simplest way to explain how L-Tyrosine can help is by stating that it helps keep your thyroids in check and can increase your metabolism by having healthy thyroids. Many of us competing and taking so many stimulants can jack up naturally our thyrois and adrenal glands so supplementing Tyrosine helps maintain to certain level your balance. Finally, it is part of the building blocks of the hormones/neurotransmitters including: dopamine, dihydroxyphenyalanine (DOPA), norepinephrine, and epinephrine, in the central and peripheral nervous system and adrenal medulla, and thyroxine and triiodothyronine by the thyroid gland.

3.) L- Carnitine - this one in particular I was having second doubts on adding here to the list. But I have used and learned how to use it efficientely. First off, this amino acid can't be taken on itself. I highly recommend you take it with your breakfast or a carb containing meal as it won't be as efficient if it does not enter your muscle tissue. L-Carnitine is confused as a fat burner and it's not. It's a fat transporter. What does this mean? it means that if that fat isn’t burned for fuel, it’ll remain in the blood stream and end up getting stored again. L-Carnitine It helps transport the released fat into your cell's mitochondria, where will be burned. A good 1g to 3g daily will do well.

4.) Cinnamon extract - You mean like the spice? Yep! In fact it's probably cheaper to use the real thing than buying a supplement made of it. In addition to focusing on calories, another trick to aiding fat loss is keeping insulin levels low. Add it to your oats in the AM or even in your post workout shake. This spice which can be bought as a supplement helps with insulin control. Insuline has MAJOR roles in fat and muscle gain / loss. It will help you keep your insulin controls steady, specially after a workout and benefit you on the long run.

5.) Forskolin - You want something that will help you burn fat and also help you raise natural testosterone? Well here you go! Forskolin is an herbal extract from Coleus forskohlii, a plant belonging to the mint family. Forskolin boosts fat loss by activating an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. This enzyme triggers a chain of events including activation of the hormone-sensitive lipoprotein lipase, which allows fat stored in fat cells to be broken down for use as fuel. Now...Dr. OZ kinda screwed this one on TV telling millions of viewers it was once again a magic pill, but it's not. Taking about 30-50mg 3x/ day with food will do the job

Once again guys! These 5 supplements listed above aren't miracle workers, but they are things I personally add to my regimen in order to give me that extra fat burning kick. After all even if combined all of the above give me only a 10% advantage, hell I'll take it! CRUCIAL though, make sure you always check with your doctor if you are allergic to any of the supplements above and also be sure to drink A LOT of water while on them.

#training #motivation #fatloss #supplements #carnitine #cardio #caffeine #sixpack #6pack