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What Is Creatine Monohydrate? Here’s an overview

May 9th, 2013 No comments

For those of you who’ve been thinking about using products containing Creatine Monohydrate, or already use it but want to know more about it’s ingredients and uses, then listen up, you might just enjoy this bit of science!

Overview:

Creatine Monohydrate is primarily used by athletes such as  bodybuilders and sprinters, but it’s also ideal for those who want to improve their power, strength, speed and lean mass. Creatine Monohydrate has been proven to help improve power, strength and growth after being subjected to a number of studies. In addition, it has also been shown to reduce overall recovery time and recovery between intense bursts of exercise.

Read more…

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Supplementing a veggie diet with whey protein

August 15th, 2012 No comments

If you’ve given up an omnivorous existence either for health or ethical reasons, you’re not alone. Whereas vegetarianism was until fairly recently considered a tad eccentric in the UK, it’s now popular and lots of people have embraced this lifestyle choice.

Many people say they feel more energetic and healthier when they ditch the chicken dippers and reach for non-meaty alternatives. However, you might be struggling to maintain your physique and keep up your general levels of nutrients because of your new diet. This is where whey protein can come into its own.

A rounded diet

The important thing about diets is that they are rounded and contain at least some of everything the body needs. When all foods are on the menu, this is easy. However, when you take such a major element as meat out of the equation, it can be a little trickier.

You might be tempted to eat far more diary to counter your loss of meat-based protein. This can work, but it’s not good for your overall health. Dairy products can be fattening and it’s not advisable to consume too many of them on a regular basis.

The benefits of whey

Whey protein powder is made from pure, natural, high-quality protein derived from cow’s milk. It is a rich source of amino acids, which help to create healthy skin, nails and muscles. The products contain little fat, cholesterol and lactose, meaning you can avoid some of the pitfalls associated with cheese and so on.

Popular in the world of bodybuilding

It’s no wonder that bodybuilders love products like this. Whey protein powder is known for its ability to increase muscle mass speedily. It is digested quickly and it can open up the blood flow during a workout. This helps more nutrients to flow through the body, in turn repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue.

In addition, the powder can speed up recovery after injury and it helps people to adapt to high levels of exercise. As if that’s not enough, it can help to create healthy bones, support your immune system and help you control your weight.

The no fuss approach

Of course, before you start reaping the benefits of these fabulous products, you’ll need to get your hands on them. This is where we come in. Here at MonsterSupplements.com we offer a whole range of supplements that might be just what you’re after.

To benefit from them, all you have to do is take a look around our website, find versions that tick all of your boxes, place your order and then await delivery.

Meanwhile, if you’re after advice or more information about the bodybuilding supplements we supply, you can get in touch with our friendly and helpful team by phone. We’re on hand 24/7 to provide assistance. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re just finished a night shift, are calling on a break from your office job or anything else, you can get the information you need.  As well as stocking a huge variety of products, we like to think we’re number one when it comes to customer service.

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Brief Guide to Nutrition and Muscle Supplements

July 12th, 2012 No comments

If you are looking to improve muscle mass, lose body fat or improve your sport performance, you will need to compliment your diet with supplements. However, there is a wide range of nutrition and muscle supplements available these days so you must understand what each can do to help you achieve your goals.

The main areas with which you will need to be concerned are:

Protein (for lean muscle gain & fat loss)
As well as being integral to your health and ability to recover from injury, proteins are the fundamental building blocks of muscle tissue. Therefore, you will need to increase your intake of proteins if you want to build or maintain increased muscle tissue. Protein can also be very beneficial if you are looking to lose weight as it is difficult to turn into body fat. Protein supplements can either be used as low carbohydrate meals by themselves, added to normal meals to increase overall protein intake or taken before and after workouts to increase recovery.

Meal replacement powders (for improved daily nutrition)

If you live a busy life and eating a full nutritionally balanced meal is not always possible, you can turn take advantage of a meal replacement powder (MRP). These handy substitutes contain everything which a balanced meal should have (i.e. protein, carbohydrates and fats) and typically come complete with a full complement of vitamins and minerals as well. MRPs are not only a great way to replace one or more of your normal meals; they are also much easier to digest than eating whole foods every few hours.

Weight gainers (for mass and strength gains)
Weight gainers are vital if you have a particularly fast metabolism or burn up a lot of calories during your working day. As well as containing high energy blends of protein and carbohydrates, weight gainers also come complete with stacks of calories that will help you to pack on new mass. These types of supplements are ideal if you are naturally slim, are in the first few years of training to achieve a new size or have a demanding physical job. They are not overly necessary if you already have a certain degree of body fat (unless of course you are into power lifting or compete in strongman events).

Creative (for increases in size, strength and intensity)
In addition to increasing explosive strength and rapidly speeding up recovery, Creatine supplements also hydrate and volumize muscle cells to stimulate lean size gains. They are one of the most popular and well researched of all the muscle and nutrition supplements available today as they are naturally occurring substances that increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a fuel that is used by muscles as well as the brain and nerves. Because they are 100% natural, these supplements are completely safe, have virtually no negative side affects and are totally legal to use in competitive sports.

Remember, knowledge is power – so make sure you are as powerful as you can be.

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Adding whey protein to your summer smoothies

June 29th, 2012 No comments

With the sun shining and plenty of ripe fruits in the shops, you might feel inspired to get your food processor out and whip up a few delicious smoothies. These drinks really pack a punch. As well as satisfying your thirst, they can provide you with a hit of vitamins – and they taste great too, which is always a bonus.

There are plenty of combinations for you to test out and by heading online, you should be able to source the perfect recipes for you.

Adding whey protein

One way you can supercharge your refreshing beverages is to add a hit of whey protein. Speaking to the Huffington Post Canada recently, Jamba Juice chairman and chief executive officer Aaron Serruya noted that it takes hardly any effort to include the product in drinks. He also noted that it can be beneficial for people who workout.

He remarked: “Whey protein is the formulation preferred by athletes. Adding just ten grams of protein with essential amino acids helps build muscle and assist workout recovery. A great addition to a smoothie after a long run or playing outdoor sports.”

Avoiding repetition

To get the most from your smoothies, it’s a good idea to avoid too much repetition, he added. So, as well as adding protein powder, you might benefit from mixing up your other ingredients a little.

Mr Serruya remarked: “Adding fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries to your smoothie can make them healthier, but it can also get repetitive. Instead, mixing veggies (yes, you can hide the taste), flax seeds and even green tea are quick ways to keep your breakfast interesting and stay energised during the summer heat.”

Providing further advice, he noted: “Beets, carrots, broccoli, spinach and kale can all be added to a fruit smoothie to create unique (and tasty) flavour combinations.”

Saving time

Of course, you might not always have time to whip out your chopping board and start slicing and dicing. When you’re in a rush, it’s great to have more convenient options at your disposal. For example, you can stock up on delicious and time-saving protein shakes that take a matter of moments to make.

Here at Monster Supplements we offer a whole variety of these products and may have exactly what you’re looking for.

Ready to drink

For example, you may be keen to buy beverages from our ready-to-drink category. These are ideal if you’re on the go and need to stock up on energy and protein fast. You can take the products to work, to the gym or anywhere else and they can be a real life saver when you don’t have time to sit down and eat a meal.

So, to see all the products we have to offer, including our cheap protein supplements, just take a look around our website. We’ll deliver the items to your door free of charge. We can help make staying in shape easy and pleasurable. There’s never been a better time to source these health products.

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Do I really need bodybuilding supplements?

June 17th, 2012 No comments

Do I really need bodybuilding supplements? It’s a question that every bodybuilder has asked from time to time, particularly when they first start out in the arena. The fact of the matter is that, if you take your sport seriously, supplementing your diet with the right products will be vital. If you want to get as big as you possibly can then exercise and diet alone simply won’t cut it, and if you’re looking to compete then supplements will give you the competitive edge that’s so necessary. If you choose not to take supplements you simply won’t get the same gains as someone else, so it all comes down to what you’re looking to achieve—if you want superior gains then yes, you really do need supplements.

What can supplements do for me?

Different supplements can do different things, so it all depends on what your end goals are. Are you currently focusing on weight loss? Then see if a fat burner could speed things up a bit. Want explosive gains? Then make sure you’re getting a good amount of protein and consider adding a creatine supplement too. You can get supplements that can do anything and everything from increasing energy and boosting performance to reducing recovery time, boosting your immune system, increasing strength and enhancing lean muscle growth, and if you pick the right ones to suit your requirements you could see fantastic results.

What type of muscle supplements should I consider?

The problem can often come when you’re trying to decide which supplements you actually need, but for most bodybuilders these basic products should be at the top of the list:

•    Whey protein. Protein is essential in bodybuilding, and if you’re finding it hard to consume the necessary amount in your daily diet then a supplement is the only solution. It’s also easier to absorb so can get to work straight away, with a shake being ideal after a workout.
•   Glutamine. Glutamine is naturally found in the body but when you exercise intensely the stores can be depleted, and if you want to get great results it’s important you supplement your diet. Glutamine minimises muscle breakdown, improves recovery time and boosts your immune system, ultimately helping to boost your performance and ensure you see better results whilst keeping you healthy at the same time.
•    Creatine. This supplement can give you the boost you need to transform your workout, and if you go for the right products you can look forward to getting exceptional gains as well. It can boost energy, strength and performance as well as lean muscle mass, being the perfect option for bodybuilders that take things seriously.
•    Fish oil/essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are, as the name suggests, essential. They’re vital for normal functioning but in terms of fitness they become even more important—they boost blood circulation, are great for cardiovascular health and even maximise metabolic rate for even quicker fat loss, being a vital tool in any bodybuilder’s arsenal.

Of course, it doesn’t stop there—you should try to including everything from a multivitamin (your diet might not be that well-balanced if you’re on a strict regime) to protein and fat burners, and it’s essential to include supplements if you take your training seriously.

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Building Strong Muscles

December 20th, 2011 No comments

If you’re hoping to do some muscle building, you should definitely make a plan. There is nothing harder than trying to get stronger muscles without knowing what you are doing. Here are some tips for building stronger muscles.

1.    Start with the food you eat

Protein is muscle building. Whether you eat meat or not, you must get enough protein in your. This can come from meat, nuts, beans and pulses, whey protein, protein bars, or even cheese.

Besides getting enough protein, make sure that overall you have a healthy, balanced diet. Get plenty of fruit and vegetables, and take supplements if you need them.

2.    Start slowly

Your exercise regime should begin slowly, especially if you aren’t very fit. Talk to your doctor about losing weight or toning up, and find out what they recommend. If you think it might help, join a program like Weight Watchers or join a fitness group at your local gym.

3.    Take muscle supplements

Taking supplements alone will not help you build strong muscles. But if you combine them with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise and weight training, they can be a great aid to muscle building.

4.    Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is very important to your overall health, and you’ll need to drinking plenty of water to stay fit whether you want to get stronger or not.

To find great deals on supplements such as Reflex Nutrition and more, check out or main web page.

Make the Most of your Workouts with the Right Nutrition

October 21st, 2011 No comments

Protein ShakeThey say that a training regime is 30% exercise and 70% diet. This means that if you want to see results you need to place even more importance on proper nutrition than you might expect – people often think it’s the other way around, when in reality it’s the diet that’s key to success. Unless you eat properly you can never hope to make the most of your workouts and will often be left disappointed by the results, making optimum nutrition a vital consideration.

The specifics of your diet will always depend on the results you want to achieve, but as a general rule you’ll need to cut down on carbs (unless you’re bulking), reduce your fat and sugar intake and drastically increase the amount of protein you consume. Protein is the most important aspect in all of this, particularly if you want to see results in terms of muscle mass, so increasing your protein levels is a vital part of any training regime.

Improving your nutrition can often be done the natural way, but if you really want to make the most of your workouts then you might want to consider additional supplements as well. Things like creatine, bodybuilding supplements, fat burning tablets and protein shakes can help make sure you get the results that you’re looking for, with many helping to boost your performance whilst offering targeted results. They can be a fantastic way to make sure you’re getting the right levels of nutrition to meet your goals, so take a look around and see the type of options available and you’ll be making the most of your workouts before you know it.

Meal Planning

June 11th, 2010 No comments

Maintaining a clean and healthy diet is hard enough work as it is, but eating as a bodybuilder is a whole other ball game. You must eat at least every 3 hours, ensuring the correct amounts of nutrients are taken in at certain times of the day. In reality, being a bodybuilder requires an awful lot of dedication, motivation and planning. Here then is a guide to prepare you in order to avoid missing meals, rushing and cheating.
First of all, you must be sure enough that you are motivated to do this. It is impossible to make this work unless you are really focused and wanting to make this happen. This then requires an awful lot of dedication, willing to not have your favourite cake, willing to say no to MacDonald’s, not drinking alcohol and eating the right foods.
However, you must first be organized and make sure all of the correct food and supplements are in your house in order to ensure that you can achieve the perfect diet, where you won’t need to resort to cheating. Therefore what you need to do is write your plan out, add detail such as how many grams of pasta your eating a week, how many grams of chicken and so on. Then take this plan and buy this amount in every week, which leaves no chance of you not having the right food available. Now you have all of the right amounts of the right food in your kitchen, you now need to make sure it is prepared to take with you wherever you go.
Get yourself a small ‘cooler’ bag, big enough to fit let’s say 6 plastic containers in which all contain one meal. Then make it your duty wherever you are going to have this with you at all times, and when meal time strikes you simply take one portion and get your meal down. Also be sure to carry your meal replacements and a shaker with you wherever you are, which again will leave you with no excuse in missing a meal. When it comes to preparing the food, it is advisable to cook all of your meals the night before, pack them ready for morning, so any unforeseen circumstances in the morning don’t result in you failing to prepare your food for the day. However, if for instance your home for the day then by all means cook each meal fresh and enjoy it. But, whatever you do, do not miss a meal as this holds your progress back like nothing else.
When it comes to eating on the road, it requires much the same organization. However, you may be staying in a hotel with no cooking facilities. Well, this calls for a lot of meal replacements unfortunately and dry snacks such as wholemeal rice cakes buttered with almond butter, protein pancakes and of course protein flapjack bars. Now of course this is far from ideal, but it beats missing a meal and for a couple of days it will at least maintain your progress.
Here is a quick guide to preparing your food, the easiest way to ensure you don’t miss meals and what to use if your away from you home comforts.

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Magic Amino..

December 21st, 2009 No comments

L-Carnitine is one of the best supplements you can add to your diet. It bares many qualities which compliment the bodybuilder in and out of the gym. Read on to discover what exactly it can do for you and why you should be taking it.
So what is L-Carnitine? L-Carnitine is an essential Amino Acid which is produced naturally within your body, normally in quantities between 20-25g at any one time. Its job is to transport fatty acids to the mitochondria where they can be converted into energy. This energy is mainly used by large organs such as the heart and skeletal muscle.
You get your L-Carnitine from red meats; however you can always use more. By supplementing on this brilliant Amino Acid you can expect to benefit from the following. L-Carnitine has been shown to aid with fat loss. There is a very simple explanation for this. As it increases your body’s ability to transport more fatty acids to the mitochondria, less of these fats will be stored as body fat. In other words what L-Carnitine does is help turn the fats you consume into energy. It has also proven its ability to increase protein synthesis. This is a side effect anybody looking to add lean muscle mass would wish for, it doesn’t get any better. This will result in your body utilizing your protein intake more efficiently and in turn maximizing results for you. L-Carnitine is also known to improve blood flow. It manages this by preventing the restriction of your blood vessels. Obviously this improves blood flow to the muscles and will increase your ability to train harder due to a larger supply of oxygen in the working muscles. It will also help prevent DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) by allowing more nutrients to reach the muscle fibres which you have just torn to pieces in the gym. As you can see, anybody serious about their bodybuilding will be sure to have this in their system.
It is important that you know when to take this and for what reasons. The best time is straight in the morning with breakfast. By consuming it with your fats at meal time it will help burn more dietary fats. First thing in the morning will also mean it is helping with protein synthesis levels, in other words making you more anabolic which is very important this time of day. The next time should be at lunch time. This will keep you topped up and again when consumed with your dietary fats will benefit body fat burning. Before training is another great time, with increased blood flow and more efficient energy conversions there are only gains to be had. Finally, right after training is going to be of benefit to you. This is because you need everything you’re taking to reach the muscles.
There you have a brief explanation as to why this Amino Acid which is essential in more than one way should be on order.

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Fat Burning…

December 14th, 2009 No comments

When it comes to fat burning, many people have very little knowledge as to what actually works. Losing weight and shedding body fat are two very different things. In fact, in many cases people who have dropped their body fat and have achieved a lean physique without losing much of their body weight on the scales.
The more intense your cardio workout doesn’t necessarily mean the more body fat burnt. This is due to the fact if your heart rate rises above a certain level you are into your cardiovascular threshold, meaning that less body fat is being shed. Therefore if lowering your body fat percentage is a priority, then you need to do low intensity cardio such as power walking or very slow cycling, not jogging. The other benefit with this is the fact that your body won’t tuck into your hard earned muscle mass for fuel, but instead your body fat.
When it comes to making your cardio work, you have to focus on time keeping and making it a gradual process. For example, if you don’t do any cardio, to begin with, all you will need is about 10 minutes 4 times a week at the intensity above. Then review your progress all the time, and when the time comes where progress is slow, increase it to you 15 minutes 4 times a week and so on. Within a 12 week period you should be up to about 45 minutes a day 4 or 5 times a week; this is the most efficient way to burn body fat and maintain muscle mass. By doing 40 minutes straight away you are gaining nothing as you will end up having to do maybe 3 hours a day in order to keep the progression going, so start small and reap the rewards.
When it comes to your diet, don’t be silly and starve yourself or have a really low carbohydrate diet. Instead eat plenty of low G.I. carbohydrates through the day, weight lift in the evening, and then from there on in only have protein and high quality fats such as flaxseed oil until the morning. Of course you can have fibrous carbohydrates in the evening such as broccoli with your chicken or turkey. By doing this there is no danger of complex carbohydrates converting into body fat at night time. Also, by keeping up protein levels your blood sugar levels stay high which means less cravings and the need for that ‘sugar rush.’ The fats will force all calories consumed to be absorbed more slowly, which again aids fat loss and minimizes the chance of energy converting to body fat.
Now you have the basic fundamentals to go and burn off any unwanted body fat. Remember by building up your cardio gradually you will be sure to maintain a steady level of progress. Do too much at the start and you will end up hitting a plateau early on and burn out.

http://www.monstersupplements.com

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