There is always a debate out there about whether or not to take supplements when working out. Some people swear by them, others subscribe to the theory that you can get everything your body needs through food. I fall somewhere in the middle. First and foremost I will only take supplements from sources I trust, like Beachbody. The supplement industry is not regulated by the federal government and as a result, a supplement does not have to do what it claims or contain what it claims to have in it. Think of how many times you have seen a commercial or infomercial with some powder or pill that claims to do whatever, only to disappear never to be heard from a few months later. The reality is there is no pill, powder, or shake that can block fat, block carbs, or give you ripped abs all by itself. The only role a supplement should have is to do what it says, supplement, not replace what you are getting through food.
The only supplements that I take on a regular basis are a multivitamin, a joint support, and an immune system booster. All from Beachbody. I do not take the recovery drink. After a workout, you need to consume simple carbs and protein, both of which you can get in a glass of chocolate milk. Which is far cheaper than any of the post-workout drinks and powders in the market. I also take shakeology as a meal replacement because it is the one thing you can do to get all the fruits and vegetables you need (and foods that you would have almost no shot at finding at a grocery store). If you want more information about it click the link on the left. I have never found things like creatine to be all that helpful to me. I know other people who have really been able to put muscle on with it. The bottom line is, do your research, and once you find a source that you consider reputable, decide wisely. Supplements can get very expensive, but if they work for you the cost will be worth it, but if not using them can amount to throwing money away.
