This question comes from volume 1 of the Jimmy Smith Training Community Questions and Answers. To have Jimmy answer your question “Like” his fan page below then post a question on the Facebook page.

Question:

What would you recommend for supplements for gaining muscle & losing fat – the basics. I know what to do nutrition-wise & I know what workouts to do, but what supplements will help me take it up a notch?

[headline_tahoma_extra_large_left color="#000000"]Supplements for gaining muscle and losing fat [/headline_tahoma_extra_large_left]

 

Answer:

That’s a great question. When I first saw it I immediately thought of it as an advanced question in the sense that most people just assume that the supplements that they take produce results as opposed to wanting to know the best ways to take the best supplements as the right time for results. See the difference?

First allow me to plug my Jimmy’s recommend supplements section…

Now onto your direct answer. I’m going to assume that you have the basics covered and your taking your multi vitamin, fish oil and whey protein powder. What supplements can help you gain muscle and lose fat? Here’s what I would suggest without knowing anything about your metabolism and hormones (believe me, it matters a lot)..

[content_box_blue width="75%"]This is another great reason why we should interact on Facebook. I know the fitness activities of the person who asked this question so I can make specific recommendations for her.

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[headline_tahoma_medium_left color="#000000"]Rhodiola Rosea[/headline_tahoma_medium_left]

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• An adaptogen herb that helps with sleep disturbances, poor appetite and fatigue.
• Facilitates neurotransmitters in brain
• Best for acute stress response
• 300-600mg of extract standardized for 1% rosavin (if you get a higher concentration of rosavin let me know and we’ll adjust.)

Here’s my preferred Rhodiola

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[headline_tahoma_medium_left color="#000000"]SCHIZANDRA BERRY[/headline_tahoma_medium_left]

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• Improves glucose-6-phosphate and glutathione-reductase activity (your body will handle carbohydrate rich meals better without fat storage)

Here’s my favorite Schizandra berry

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[headline_tahoma_medium_left color="#000000"]Fish Oil[/headline_tahoma_medium_left]

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• Blocks sugar absorption
• Turns on carnitine enzymes
• Improves serotonin levels = decreased carbohydrate cravings and decreases depression
• 2-3g per feeding

My preferred Fish oil

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[headline_tahoma_medium_left color="#000000"]Fenugreek[/headline_tahoma_medium_left]

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• Detoxifies xenoestrogens
• Improves your bodies ability to handle carbohydrates post meal
• 2 capsules three times per day

My favorite Fenugreek

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[headline_tahoma_medium_left color="#000000"]R-ALA[/headline_tahoma_medium_left]

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• Increases tissue tolerance to carbohydrates
• Potent antioxidant that recycles vitamin C and vitamin E in the body
• Shuttles nutrients (creatine, aminos, etc) into the muscle cell at a faster rate

Click here for my favorite R-ALA

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[headline_tahoma_medium_left color="#000000"]Green Coffee Extract [/headline_tahoma_medium_left]

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• Reduces post meal blood sugar spike
• Increases the sensitivity of muscle cells

The BEST Green Coffee Extract On The Market

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As you can see, I’ve mostly been focusing on improving insulin sensitivity in the muscle cell and with good reason. If you keep your muscle tissue more insulin sensitive you can store more nutrients from both your vitamins and food in your muscle cell. This keeps your bodyfat low and encourages muscle growth. These are the best supplements for gaining muscle and losing fat when you use them as suggested. Good luck!

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