Trainer needs advice on nutrition and supplements.

[jonathan]

As everyone here probably knows I'm very ignorant when it comes to nutrition and supplements, mainly because of personal bias. That being said, I do wonder if I'm missing out on something with my lack of knowledge in this area.

I haven't been asked any nutritional questions yet, but as a general trainer is it enough to advise people solely on what not to eat (a lot harder than it sounds for some), or do I have to know what and how much they have to eat as well, according to their goals?

My own diet is rather reactive as in I actively avoid all excess sugar and fat but I don't actively plan my meals to support my training. I just eat a lot of lean meat, some vegetables to prevent constipation and some rice to round off. So far I've gained 10kg in almost a year since I started weight training, so I guess I'm doing something right, but is there more? I'm just training for myself to become stronger in general.

Ok, on to supplements. As mentioned above, I train to become stronger in general. Whatever I grow is frankly just a bonus to me. For my case, how can supplements help me in my training in the long term? Which are the ones that are useful in general? Or should I even bother at all?

Again, no one has asked me about supplements yet, but just for knowledge's sake, any general recommendations on things that I should know? No need to be too specific, maybe just a comprehensive beginner's guide or something. The word "supplement" is one big cloud in my head at the moment. From the threads here I only have some vague ideas like whey protein is the best, creatine is a miracle, omega 3 is good for the heart, glucosamine sulphate is good for the joints (this I totally agree from personal experience)...

[Univarse9]

ZMA for a good night's sleep... ;D

[Hardcore]

Jonathan said:

As everyone here probably knows I'm very ignorant when it comes to nutrition and supplements, mainly because of personal bias. That being said, I do wonder if I'm missing out on something with my lack of knowledge in this area.

I haven't been asked any nutritional questions yet, but as a general trainer is it enough to advise people solely on what not to eat (a lot harder than it sounds for some), or do I have to know what and how much they have to eat as well, according to their goals?

My own diet is rather reactive as in I actively avoid all excess sugar and fat but I don't actively plan my meals to support my training. I just eat a lot of lean meat, some vegetables to prevent constipation and some rice to round off. So far I've gained 10kg in almost a year since I started weight training, so I guess I'm doing something right, but is there more? I'm just training for myself to become stronger in general.

Ok, on to supplements. As mentioned above, I train to become stronger in general. Whatever I grow is frankly just a bonus to me. For my case, how can supplements help me in my training in the long term? Which are the ones that are useful in general? Or should I even bother at all?

Again, no one has asked me about supplements yet, but just for knowledge's sake, any general recommendations on things that I should know? No need to be too specific, maybe just a comprehensive beginner's guide or something. The word "supplement" is one big cloud in my head at the moment. From the threads here I only have some vague ideas like whey protein is the best, creatine is a miracle, omega 3 is good for the heart, glucosamine sulphate is good for the joints (this I totally agree from personal experience)...

To help somebody you have to know whts the person goals? is it bulk or cut? clean or dirty bulk? it varies from people to people

supplements are only useful if you push your training session to the limit.. taking in supplements by itself is not a miracle..

[jonathan]

Ok thanks.

I don't know, I just have this sudden feeling that I may be shortchanging myself due to lack of knowledge concerning nutrition and supplements. But I could be worrying about nothing.

[ultimate]

If I were you, I will add a good multivit and some fruits to the diet. I would also add some Whey and Creatine if I am training very hard.

[Oracle]

Jonathan said:

Ok thanks.

I don't know, I just have this sudden feeling that I may be shortchanging myself due to lack of knowledge concerning nutrition and supplements. But I could be worrying about nothing.

that makes two if u include me; i have zero knowledge on nutrition.. just know basic is whey and multi-vits.

[jonathan]

ultimate said:

If I were you, I will add a good multivit and some fruits to the diet. I would also add some Whey and Creatine if I am training very hard.

What's the multi-vitamin for?

[jonathan]

oracle said:

that makes two if u include me; i have zero knowledge on nutrition.. just know basic is whey and multi-vits.

Are you sure you know nothing? You've asked quite a number of questions on this or that supplement, I don't even know what to ask!

[ultimate]

Jonathan said:

What's the multi-vitamin for?

They contain anti-oxidants that neutralise the free radicals in your body, vitamins that catalysed energy production, minerals that produce testosterone, and some co-factored anti oxidants. Based on my research, I believe athletes do need more vitamins and minerals than a inactive person.

[Oracle]

Jonathan said:

Are you sure you know nothing? You've asked quite a number of questions on this or that supplement, I don't even know what to ask!

ah.. that is why i work as a *CON*sultant.

[irx]

EPA/DHA is great for general wellness. the benefits are too much to list here. do a search on ''fish oil'' or ''flax oil'' and the like.

[Hardcore]

oracle said:

ah.. that is why i work as a *CON*sultant.

haha... good one man..

[Everlast]

Jonathan said:

Ok thanks.

I don't know, I just have this sudden feeling that I may be shortchanging myself due to lack of knowledge concerning nutrition and supplements. But I could be worrying about nothing.

many bb websites have good beginner's articles on nutrition and supplements.